In this episode, Adam Mastroianni explains why you can’t think your way out of overthinking. He unpacks why the thoughts that feel the most important are often the ones that keep us stuck. We also explore what it means to have a “skull full of poison,” how anxiety disguises itself as insight, and why real change isn’t about breakthroughs—it’s about repetition, action, and feeding the right wolf.

Key Takeaways:

[00:06:07] Anxiety and its misconceptions
[00:08:21] Overcoming obsessive thinking patterns
[00:16:25] State of psychology as science
[00:25:04] Building blocks of psychology
[00:27:06] Emotions as control system signals
[00:30:43] Basic vs. constructed emotions
[00:40:44] Context matters in psychology
[00:44:31] Mental heater and air conditioner.
[00:47:01] Happiness set points and variance
[00:50:42] Control systems and mental states
[00:54:11] Changing set points in life

If you enjoyed this conversation with Adam Mastroianni, check out these other episodes:

The Purpose of Emotions and Why We’re Not Wired for Happiness with Anders Hansen

How to Find Peace and Balance in Managing Anxiety with Sarah Wilson

For full show notes, click here!

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Episode 157 - Reflections on a Year as a Youth Hockey Director