Ever wrestled with the relentless voice in your head that magnifies every slip-up and whispers doubts at the worst possible moments? I had the privilege of sitting down with Ethan Kross, an acclaimed authority on controlling the conscious mind and the inner mechanisms that govern our self-talk. Together, we dissect the phenomenon of ‘chatter’, those pesky negative thought loops that can ambush our emotional equilibrium. With a blend of personal insights and evidence-based strategies, this episode will you with the arsenal you need to tame these internal foes and lead a more poised, positive life We start by dissecting some common misunderstandings, shedding light on the importance of balancing emotional expression with solution-focused problem-solving when engaging with our own or other’s personal or professional challenges. Also, learn how to navigate the intricate dance of giving and receiving support with the finesse that builds true connections and effective leadership.  Next, we delve into the advent of the digital age, which has woven social media so intimately into our lives that it’s become a double-edged sword; capable of slicing through our confidence or defending our sense of community. Later in our conversation, we navigate the intricacies of how these platforms can amplify our internal chatter or, conversely, serve as lifelines of support and understanding.  Finally, we explore the transformative role of your environment on your mental chatter as we discuss how external factors can become critical allies in your quest for tranquility. From the calming influence of nature to the orderliness of your living and working space, discover how your surroundings can contribute to a more harmonious inner life. Join us for this immersive episode and leave feeling empowered to optimize the emotional tools at your disposal for a life with less chatter and more clarity. What You’ll Learn: • The link between emotional and social pain • The pros and cons of social media in managing our inner monologue • The transformative role of rituals and structured behavior in managing our chatter • How to give and receive emotional support • The answers lie within – why we hold the key to our chatter Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Chatter (14:15) - Understanding the Impact of Social Media (25:45) – The Power of Rituals (30:01) – How to Effectively Give and Receive Support (33:07) – Our Environment Shapes Our Chatter (44:51) –On the Importance of Negative Emotions and the Perils of Toxic Positivity Key Topics Discussed: Self-Leadership, Self-Awareness, Negative Thought Spirals, Emotional Well-Being, Rituals, Emotional Expression, Inner Critic, Self-Talk, Mental Mastery, Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Mastery, Resilience, Personal Growth More of Ethan: Ethan Kross is a renowned expert on controlling the conscious mind, an award-winning professor, and a bestselling author at the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Psychology Department and Ross School of Business. He investigates how self-talk impacts health, performance, decisions, and relationships. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his PhD in Psychology from Columbia University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in social-affective neuroscience. Kross's research is widely published and has garnered significant media attention. He is the author of the national bestseller "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It," and resides in Ann Arbor with his family. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekross/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/craig-dowden/message