The One You Feed
Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni
Apr 1, 2025
Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and author, delves into the complexities of overthinking and anxiety. He discusses why our most pressing thoughts can keep us stuck, introducing the idea of a 'skull full of poison.' Mastroianni explains that real change stems from consistent action rather than sudden breakthroughs. He emphasizes understanding emotions as control signals and how happiness is shaped by our choices and environments. The conversation offers practical insights on breaking free from obsessive thinking and nurturing positive traits over detrimental ones.
57:24
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Anxiety often arises from focusing on seemingly important thoughts, which paradoxically keeps individuals trapped in a cycle of worry.
- Breaking free from negative thinking patterns requires active recognition and redirection toward more positive and constructive thoughts.
Deep dives
The Nature of Anxiety
Anxiety often manifests when individuals focus on things they consider worthy of their attention, creating a paradox where distress arises from seemingly justified concerns. This tendency can make it challenging to disengage from worry since it feels productive to consider potential problems. The realization that worrying excessively about important matters can lead to anxiety illustrates the struggle in breaking free from harmful thought patterns. Understanding the nature of anxiety as tied to meaningful thoughts can shift how people approach and cope with it.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
