In this thought-provoking episode, host Samantha Cieslinski talks with Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard psychologist and pioneer of mindfulness research, about the ideas behind her newest book, The Mindful Body.

Dr. Langer redefines mindfulness as the simple act of noticing. She explains how our thoughts, beliefs, and even the language we use can directly impact our physical health. The conversation explores how imagination can influence biology, how labels like “prediabetic” affect outcomes, and how choice and control can reduce stress in measurable ways.

Samantha and Dr. Langer also discuss the pressure to make the “right” decisions, especially in motherhood, and how questioning rigid rules can open the door to more freedom. They unpack why uncertainty can be a strength, how behavior always makes sense in context, and what it means to live more fully in the present.

Whether you’re a parent, a health skeptic, or someone trying to live with more clarity, this episode offers real insight into how awareness can shift the way you move through the world.

Connect with Dr. Ellen Langer

Website: ellenlanger.me
Books: The Mindful Body and more
Instagram: @ellenjlanger

Connect with Samantha / The Running Wine Mom

Website: therunningwinemom.com
Instagram: @therunningwinemom_

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