In this episode, my guest is Dr. Ethan Kross, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, director of the Emotion & Self-Control Laboratory, and author of the bestselling book Chatter. We discuss the purpose of the inner voice in your head and its impact on emotional well-being and motivation.

We also explore practical tools to manage negative internal chatter and eliminate intrusive thoughts. Topics include how music, exercise, mental distancing techniques, and expressive writing can help rescript your inner dialogue to be self-encouraging and effective in creating outward behavioral changes. Dr. Kross explains why venting to others is self-defeating and offers better alternatives. Throughout the episode, he provides research-supported, actionable protocols to help you shift your internal dialogue and accompanying emotional state, fostering greater happiness and resilience.

Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.

Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: protocolsbook.com

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Dr. Ethan Kross

00:02:45 Sponsors: ExpressVPN & Eight Sleep

00:05:38 Inner Voice & Benefits

00:10:33 Music & Emotions

00:15:09 Shifting Emotions, Emotional Congruency, Facial Expressions

00:20:25 Resistance to Shifting Emotion; Tool: Invisible Support, Affectionate Touch

00:27:16 Tool: Expressive Writing; Sensory Shifters

00:30:41 Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv

00:33:27 Inner Voice Benefits, Thinking vs. Writing, Tool: Journaling

00:44:01 Decision Making, Individualization; Tool: Exercise

00:50:24 “Chatter,” Trauma, Depression, Anxiety

00:54:37 Sponsor: Function

00:56:25 Tool: Combating Chatter, Mental Distancing; Distraction & Social Media

01:04:30 Tools: 2 AM Chatter Strategy, Mental Time Travel; Venting

01:13:41 Time, Chatter & Flow

01:18:01 Focusing on Present, Mental Time Travel

01:22:49 Texting, Social Media, Sharing Emotions

01:28:31 AI & Individualized Tools for Emotional Regulation

01:33:07 Imaginary Friend, Developing Inner Voice; Negative Emotions

01:40:20 Tool: Nature & Cognitive Restoration; Awe; Screens, Modifying Spaces

01:49:34 Cities vs. Nature, Organizing Space & Compensatory Control

01:56:00 Emotional Regulation & Shifters, Screens

02:01:19 Historical Approaches to Manage Emotions; Motivation & Mental Tools

02:10:12 Mechanical & Behavioral Interventions, Emotional Regulation

02:15:52 Tool: Stop Intrusive Voices; Anxiety

02:21:55 Assessing Risk & Consequence; Flow & Cognitive Engagement

02:31:02 “Cognitive Velocity”; Resetting

02:36:43 Transition States, Tool: Goal Pursuit & WOOP

02:43:59 Attention, Emotional Flexibility; Avoidance

02:54:15 Emotional Contagion

03:00:22 Validating Emotions, Wisdom; Shift Book

03:06:59 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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Success Starts with Your Thinking with Megan Hyatt Miller