1A

The Science Behind Talking To Yourself

Dec 18, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Professor Gary Lupian, an expert in self-talk, and Dr. Jessica Gold, a psychiatrist and author, dive into the fascinating world of talking to ourselves. They explore why self-dialogue is a common behavior and its surprising benefits for emotional regulation and memory enhancement. The conversation also highlights the difference between productive and harmful self-talk, and emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-compassion. Listeners learn how inner speech can aid in coping with grief and boost clarity in thought processes.

29:57

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Episode guests

Gary Lupian

Jessi Gold

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Self-talk serves as an effective tool for emotional regulation, problem-solving, and enhancing motivation, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Engaging in positive self-talk fosters self-compassion, allowing individuals to reframe negative thoughts and promote healthier inner narratives.

Deep dives

The Nature of Self-Talk

Self-talk encompasses various forms of internal dialogue, ranging from vocalizing thoughts out loud to engaging in inner speech. Most individuals report chatting with themselves, either silently or verbally, making it a common practice to process thoughts and emotions. Inner speech is considered an integral part of how many people think, facilitating problem-solving and decision-making. Some researchers suggest that this ability to articulate thoughts has roots in language development during childhood, leading to its internalization over time.

Intro

2min

The Power of Self-Talk

15min

The Power of Self-Talk

5min

Understanding and Transforming Self-Talk

3min

The Diversity of Inner Dialogue

7min

Exploring Inner Speech and Its Impact on Thought Processes

3min

Have you ever gotten into an impassioned argument in the shower with a sparring partner who... wasn't actually there?

How about replaying a dinner party conversation from weeks ago but this time, you know exactly what to say and you're saying it... to yourself?

Whether the dialogue is in our heads or said aloud, many of us talk to ourselves, even if we don't realize it. But oftentimes the habit is seen as strange — especially if there are others around.

We get into why so many of us talk to ourselves, and what the benefits of self-talk.

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