PODCAST · education
The Self in Sync
by theselfinsync
The Self in Sync is a podcast about concepts the pop psychology community loves to villainize and why they're more nuanced than we've been led to believe. I explore topics like perfectionism, rigidity, and black-and-white thinking—not to defend them blindly, but to examine when they help, when they hurt, and how to use them intentionally. If you've ever been told you're "too much" of something—too rigid, too perfectionistic, too in your head—this podcast is for you. Those traits aren't inherently bad, as pop psychologists often tout. It depends on how you use them. That said, this podcast isn't limited to criticizing pop psychology. Some episodes will be about books, art, philosophy--whatever rabbit hole I've fallen into that week. If it's something I find interesting, it's fair game.
Episodes
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Your FEELINGS are DATA: How I INTELLECTUALIZED My Way Out of Misery
Pop psychology says intellectualizing your feelings is a defense mechanism. I say it's a superpower. This week on The Self in Sync, I'm sharing how analyzing—not just feeling—my emotions pulled me out of my lowest point, and the practical techniques that can help you turn your feelings into data...
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Time Travel, AI, and…CHIIKAWA? (Where Overthinking Takes Me #1)
Three random thoughts. Three completely different places they led me. In this first official episode of my new series Where Overthinking Takes Me, I follow a thought about time travel, a walk where I found abandoned books, and a passage from a book about math that somehow reminded me of a cute...
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Where Overthinking Takes Me Intro: From NOTES APP to PODCAST!
Where Overthinking Takes Me is a new mini-series from The Self in Sync. Each episode follows a single thought, observation, or random idea and sees where it leads. From psychology to philosophy to whatever rabbit hole I've fallen into, these episodes explore hidden connections, ask unconventional...
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COMPLAINING: When It’s USEFUL, & When It’s a WASTE OF TIME
We've all been told that complaining is bad. But is it really that simple? In this episode, we unpack the difference between venting and complaining, when complaining can actually be useful, and when it becomes a waste of time. We also explore gossip, the "Yes, But" dynamic, and why some people…
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The HIDDEN FEARS & INHERITED BELIEFS That Keep You Stuck
We all face barriers on the path to our goals. Some are practical, like time, money, and health. But others are invisible and rooted in insecurity and anxiety. In this episode, we explore why these invisible barriers form, how they're passed down through families, and why our brains are wired to...
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OZEMPIC, AI SLOP, & FLOPS: Why the Journey & Outcome Matter
In this episode, we explore why people react so strongly when others achieve success with seemingly minimal effort from a psychological and philosophical perspective. We offer practical advice on how to navigate your own journey without getting caught up in useless comparisons. Music: The Flix/...
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The BEAUTY of BLACK & WHITE THINKING | Yes, I Said That! (Rigidity Unpacked #2)
In this episode, we challenge the common narrative that black and white thinking is purely a cognitive distortion. We explore situations where it can actually benefit you, from setting boundaries to making faster decisions. If you've ever been called "too rigid," this one's for you. Music: The...
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Where are Your Perceptions ACTUALLY Coming From?
In this episode, we discuss why our brains are wired to attach labels of "good" or "bad" to neutral things, how our perceptions make us all unique, and why it can be difficult to seek other perspectives different from our own. This is part one of a deeper conversation, so stay tuned for more!...
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Is That Really the ONLY Path You Can Take? (Rigidity Unpacked #1)
Why do we keep doing the same things even when they're clearly not working? In this first part of our two-part series on rigidity, we explore the hidden forces that keep individuals and entire systems stuck in unhelpful patterns. Tune in for a practical look at recognizing negative rigidity in…
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How to UTILIZE & BEAT Catastrophizing
Why does the same problem feel impossible when you're in the middle of it—and obvious once you're on the other side? In this episode, we discuss why your brain magnifies threats under stress, how a spinning top can teach you to wobble without falling, and a simple gratitude twist on the 54321...
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February 2026 Announcement: A New Direction
This is a quick announcement on where the podcast is headed. We will shift from exploring symmetry, harmony, and balance to building simple, flexible frameworks for productivity, decision-making, and resilience. Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Follow us on...
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Are You DIRECT or DIPLOMATIC When Giving Feedback?
Ever been told to use the "compliment sandwich"? It might be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we break down the three pitfalls of bad feedback and give you two frameworks—Direct and Diplomatic—to give criticism that is clear, respectful, and actually leads to improvement. *In this...
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Dealing With HATERS & DOUBTERS (Ideals to Action Series #3)
What do you do when someone tells you your ideal isn't achievable? We break down how to reframe your skills, strengthen your inner resolve, and turn skepticism into a strategic advantage for your journey! Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Follow us on...
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JUST DO IT! (Ideals to Action Series #2)
Struggling to start on a big goal? We break down the three core fears that hold you back—from doubting your problem-solving skills to fearing irreversible failure—and reframe them as manageable, "two-way door" risks. You'll learn practical tools like creating a "Superpower Inventory" and taking...
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Perfectionism Doesn't Have to be the Villain! (Ideals to Action Series #1)
Is perfectionism a paralyzing force or an empowering guide? In this episode, we reframe it as a positive tool for growth, showing you how to use your ideals as a compass to navigate the journey of constant improvement without burning out. Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of...
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Defining Symmetry, Harmony, & Balance
What do symmetry, harmony, and balance really mean for your life? Host Sara breaks down these essential concepts, from aligning your actions with your values to finding stability amidst chaos. Learn how to harmonize your inner self and master the art of dynamic balance to navigate life's...
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The Secret Code to a Better Life: Symmetry, Harmony, & Balance
Join hosts Sara & Chrissy as they explore the powerful, recurring themes of symmetry, harmony, and balance. Discover how these 3 principles form a system for understanding everything from your career to your mental health, helping you identify inefficiencies and make more strategic life…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Self in Sync is a podcast about concepts the pop psychology community loves to villainize and why they're more nuanced than we've been led to believe. I explore topics like perfectionism, rigidity, and black-and-white thinking—not to defend them blindly, but to examine when they help, when they hurt, and how to use them intentionally.
If you've ever been told you're "too much" of something—too rigid, too perfectionistic, too in your head—this podcast is for you. Those traits aren't inherently bad, as pop psychologists often tout. It depends on how you use them.
That said, this podcast isn't limited to criticizing pop psychology. Some episodes will be about books, art, philosophy--whatever rabbit hole I've fallen into that week. If it's something I find interesting, it's fair game.
HOSTED BY
theselfinsync
CATEGORIES
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