The Self in Sync
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.
New episodes every few weeks. Mini-episodes in between.
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow the pod on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Episodes
Feb 6, 2026
Feb 6, 2026
12 min
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
Jan 3, 2026
Jan 3, 2026
14 min
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 Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Nov 29, 2025
Nov 29, 2025
11 min
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 "staircase steps" to build the courage to begin, proving that your ideal is more powerful than your fear.
Source: https://medium.com/one-to-n/one-way-two-way-door-decisions-a0e29029e200
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Nov 1, 2025
Nov 1, 2025
10 min
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 www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
13 min
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 challenges.
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
3 min
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 decisions.
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync