In this book, Lisa Feldman Barrett presents a new neuroscientific explanation of emotions, overturning the widely held belief that emotions are automatic, universal, and hardwired in different brain regions. Instead, she argues that emotions are constructed in the moment through a unique interplay of brain, body, and culture. Barrett's theory, known as the 'Theory of Constructed Emotions,' suggests that emotions are highly individualized and vary by culture. The book explores how this new understanding has significant implications for fields such as psychology, medicine, law, parenting, and national security. Barrett uses clear, readable prose and practical examples to make her complex theories accessible to a broad audience.
In "No Two Alike," Judith Rich Harris delves into the intriguing question of why identical twins, despite sharing the same genes, often exhibit significant differences in personality and life outcomes. Harris explores various factors contributing to these variations, including genetic predispositions and environmental influences. The book examines the complex interplay between nature and nurture, challenging simplistic explanations of human development. It offers a nuanced perspective on the role of genetics and environment in shaping individual traits and behaviors. Harris's research and analysis provide valuable insights into the complexities of human individuality.
This book, written by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, explains how unconscious childhood experiences influence adult relationships. It suggests that people often choose partners who resemble their caregivers, hoping to resolve unfinished childhood issues. The authors provide a structured approach, including the 'Imago Dialogue,' to help couples communicate effectively, resolve power struggles, and heal early childhood wounds. The book combines behavioral science, depth psychology, social learning theory, Gestalt therapy, and interpersonal neuroscience to enhance closeness and fulfill relationships[2][3][5].
What are emotions? Why do we feel anything at all? And more importantly — can we actually get better at feeling?
In this episode, Drew and I dive headfirst into what might be the hardest question in all of psychology: what the actual f**k are emotions? We break down the biology, neuroscience, evolution, culture, and even language that shape how we feel — and why we often don’t understand what the hell is going on inside us. From ancient philosophy to brain scans, this is a deep (and occasionally weird) look into the emotional chaos that makes us human.
We unpack everything from the origins of emotional intelligence (spoiler: it might be BS) to the science of emotional regulation, attachment styles, and the sneaky ways your culture wires your emotional defaults. Along the way, we explore why some relationships make you feel like a better person while others drain the life out of you, and how trauma, genetics, and childhood with your ability to keep it together.
But this episode isn’t just about understanding emotions — it’s about learning how to work with them. And we give you a full emotional toolkit: a set of evidence-based tools to help you manage your emotions, build better relationships, feel more motivated, and yes — even feel more confident in yourself in the process.
We also put together a free companion guide for this episode with all the takeaways, references, and tools to help you get your sh*t together once and for all. Download it here: https://solvedpodcast.com/emotions
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Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction
0:04:47 Chapter 1: What Are Emotions?
0:14:04 The Emotional Brain
0:22:03 Neurotransmitters
0:34:25 Evolution of Emotions
0:39:53 How Life Experiences Shape Emotional Regulation
0:48:41 Conclusion on What are Emotions
0:49:45 Chapter 2: How Culture Influences Our Emotions
0:55:44 Vietnam Bike Story
1:00:05 Your Culture Trains You to Want Certain Feelings
1:06:00 Culture Decides Whether Suppression is a Superpower or a Liability
1:07:56 Paradox of Emotional Conformity
1:16:36 How Language Shapes What You Feel
1:29:23 Emotional Complexity
1:36:25 Your Emotions Are Social Currency
1:43:00 Conclusion to Culture defines our emotions
1:44:08 Chapter 3: Historical and Philosophical Traditions on Emotions
1:57:21 Modern Culture
1:59:00 Chapter 4: The Four Schools of Emotional Regulation
2:00:56 The Heart
2:08:55 The Head
2:18:37 The Soul
2:28:50 The Body
2:36:23 The Integrated Toolkit
2:48:25 Chapter 5: Brilliant or Bullshit: Emotional Intelligence
2:57:31 Chapter 6: Relationships and Emotional Regulation
3:09:54 Attachment Theory
3:27:29 Toxic Relationship
3:36:49 Building Emotional Compatibility
3:51:24 Conclusion Relationships
3:57:24 Chapter 7: 80/20
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