The Self in Sync

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 questions, and prove that overthinking isn't always a flaw.
Keywords: overthinking, curiosity, connections, philosophy, psychology, random ideas, analytical thinking
Intro & Outro Music: 12 Bar Blues Bass from Apple Loops
Follow the main podcast on Instagram: @theselfinsync

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 are more comfortable staying stuck than solving the problem. If you've ever been told to "stop complaining" and wondered if that's fair, then this one's for you.
Sources:
The Atlantic: You’re Probably Complaining the Wrong Way by Joe Pinsker
Association of Fundraising Professionals Blog: David Langiulli: Fundraising Leadership - Have You Heard? They're Ending Gossip. No Way! Way.
Medium: Games People Play: Why a 60-Year-Old Book Explains Modern Behavior Better Than Most New Ones
 
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
Disclaimer: We want to note that we are not licensed mental health or medical professionals. We're sharing perspectives and frameworks that we have personally found helpful on our own journeys. Our content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with your mental or physical health, please contact a qualified healthcare provider.

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 hold onto negative experiences. 
Sources:
Minute Earth YouTube: Five Crazy Bridges for Animals
Knight, Z. G. (2018). 'If I leave home, who will take care of mum?' Intergenerational transmission of parental trauma through projective identification. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 28(1), 69–73
Cohen, A. O., Matese, N. G., Filimontseva, A., Shen, X., Shi, T. C., Livne, E., & Hartley, C. A. (2019). Aversive learning strengthens episodic memory in both adolescents and adults. Learning & Memory, 26(7), 272–279.
Udry, J., & Barber, S. J. (2024). The illusory truth effect: A review of how repetition increases belief in misinformation. Current Opinion in Psychology, 56, 101829.
Psychology Today: Intergenerational Trauma
 
Check out our episode on catastrophizing:
The Self in Sync: How to UTILIZE & BEAT Catastrophizing
 
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
 
Disclaimer: We want to note that we are not licensed mental health or medical professionals. We're sharing perspectives and frameworks that we have personally found helpful on our own journeys. Our content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with your mental or physical health, please contact a qualified healthcare provider.
 
 

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/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
 
Sources: 
Your Greek Word on a Sunday: Athlete
Ancient Olympic Games: Amateur vs. Professional
Psychology Today: “You Didn’t Do Anything Wrong: Conquering a ‘Just World’ Fallacy
Rachel Cottam: Wheel of Privilege
Smithsonian: 7 Epic Fails Brought to You by the Genius Mind of Thomas Edison
 
Disclaimer: We want to note that we are not licensed mental health or medical professionals. We're sharing perspectives and frameworks that we have personally found helpful on our own journeys. Our content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with your mental or physical health, please contact a qualified healthcare provider.

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 Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
 
Sources: 
Black and White Thinking: Web MD
Schultz, T. Grant, T. (2021). Arbitration: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press
 
Check out our episodes on negative rigidity & catastrophizing:
Is That REALLY the Only Path You Can Take? (Rigidity Unpacked #1)
How to UTILIZE & BEAT Catastrophizing
 
Disclaimer: We want to note that we are not licensed mental health or medical professionals. We're sharing perspectives and frameworks that we have personally found helpful on our own journeys. Our content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with your mental or physical health, please contact a qualified healthcare provider.
 

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!
 
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
 
Sources:
Anything Flows: Episode #9 From Student to Teacher: Beginning My Yoga Instructor Journey
 
Disclaimer: We want to note that we are not licensed mental health or medical professionals. We're sharing perspectives and frameworks that we have personally found helpful on our own journeys. Our content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with your mental or physical health, please contact a qualified healthcare provider.

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 your own life and learning how to break free from it.
Part 2 will focus on the upside of rigidity—when standing your ground is actually a strength.
 
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
 
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
 
Source:
DeGrazia, D. (2002). Animal Rights: An Oxford Very Short Introduction [Kindle version]. Oxford University Press.

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 grounding technique to pull yourself back to the present.
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
Source:
Overheard by National Geographic: "Rats vs. Humans: A Love Story"
 
 

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 Instagram: @theselfinsync

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 episode, we discuss a personal anecdote shared publicly by Jason Bilyeu on the Design More, Despair Less Podcast (previously Design 30). We’re using it as a case study to explore feedback frameworks. Our critique is of the feedback method, not the individuals involved. All credit for the original story goes to Jason and his show.
Source:
Design More, Despair Less Ep. 30: Fake FAQs #1
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync