Have you ever found yourself stuck in a spiral of negative thoughts? That voice in your head can feel impossible to shut off. But what if you could learn to make it work for you instead of against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Kross, bestselling author of Chatter, to share science backed tools you can use the minute overthinking kicks in. We break down why negative self talk shows up, how to recognize it quickly, and practical ways to reset your brain in the moment. If you often replay conversations or second guess decisions, this conversation will help you quiet the noise and regain control.
Your inner voice helps you make sense of this messy thing called life. Share on X
Show Notes
- What is chatter (getting stuck in a negative though loop) and why do we experience it? (2:08)
- The four things your inner voice does: memory, simulating and planning, motivating and controlling yourself, making meaning out of your life. (5:13)
- What triggers negative thought loops? (12:07)
- Three steps to manage your chatter: label it, believe you can manage it (16:53)
- Why we have negative thoughts (19:19)
- The distance self-talk technique (24:51)
- The mental time travel technique (26:50)
- Perspective broadening technique (28:20)
- How to select your chatter “board of advisors” to break you out of negative thinking (29:54)
- How to help other people quiet their negative self-talk (32:16)
- Why you should focus outward- not inward- when you are struggling (35:39)
- Why performing a ritual can help mitigate chatter (37:59)
Resources / People Mentioned
- Chatter by Ethan Kross
- Emotion and Self Control Lab
- Man’s Search for True Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Recommended For You
Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:
- The Science-Backed Way to Navigate Change with Dr. Maya Shankar
- Mastering Emotional Intelligence with Behavioral Scientist Daniel Goleman
- Michael Gervais on How to Stop Worrying about What Other People Think of You
Thanks for checking out Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app and leave a rating or review.
