Episodes

  • The Hidden Trap of "Confidence Culture": Why Telling Women to "Believe in Yourself" Isn't Enough

    The Hidden Trap of "Confidence Culture": Why Telling Women to "Believe in Yourself" Isn't Enough
    Jun 3 2025
    In this eye-opening episode of the Reflective Mind Podcast, host Dr. Jennifer Reid sits down with two leading researchers who've uncovered a troubling trend in the messages women are receiving about confidence. Dr. Shani Orgad (London School of Economics) and Dr. Rosalind Gill (Goldsmiths University) discuss their recent book, Confidence Culture, and reveal how our culture's constant messaging to women about building confidence—from beauty brands hiring "confidence ambassadors" to workplace programs promising empowerment—may actually be making things worse. As Dr. Orgad explains, "Confidence culture really encourages women to see themselves as held back by a lack of self-confidence rather than by structural inequalities, by barriers that are social, cultural and by social injustices."What You'll Discover:* Why the proliferation of "love yourself" and "believe in yourself" messages represents both a culture and a cult* How confidence imperatives shift blame from structural inequalities to individual women* The stark differences between confidence messaging aimed at men versus women* Why vulnerability culture on platforms like LinkedIn creates new pressures for women* What a "climate of confidence" could look like as an alternativeThe Research: The authors analyzed hundreds of texts, advertisements, workplace guides, and social media campaigns to document how confidence messaging has become ubiquitous—and problematic. Their findings show that while men receive confidence coaching focused on "mastery" and "performance," women are told to work on deep psychological transformation, often framed as "acts of self-love."Why This MattersThis conversation offers a crucial reframe for anyone who's ever felt that despite all the "empowerment" messaging around them, something still feels off. Whether you're a woman navigating workplace dynamics, a parent concerned about messages your children receive, or simply someone interested in understanding how cultural narratives shape our lives, this episode provides both validation and a path forward.The answer isn't more confidence coaching—it's changing the conditions that undermine confidence in the first place.Key QuotesOn the Paradox of Confidence Culture:"Precisely at the time where precarity and inequality are really rife and on the rise... when women are being disproportionately affected and injured by all these societal ills and structural inequalities, at that very same time, they're encouraged to harness somehow their individual resources to survive with grit, with resilience, with confidence."— Dr. Shani OrgadOn the Core Problem:"Confidence culture encourages women to fix themselves rather than to fix the world."— Dr. Shani OrgadOn Gender Differences:"For men, working on becoming confident was framed as a concerted effort and often kind of a short-lived... confidence project complete. By contrast, for women, working on the self is often presented as an ongoing project... it's a never-ending, bottomless pit project."— Dr. Shani OrgadOn Moving Forward:"We don't think about this as just a personal responsibility to overcome, but we actually see it as socially produced, culturally produced, affecting us all... and we put our energy into working towards a society where everyone can feel confident."— Dr. Rosalind GillAbout the GuestsDr. Shani Orgad is Professor of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She's the author of five books, including Heading Home: Motherhood, Work, and the Failed Promise of Equality.Dr. Rosalind Gill is Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at Goldsmiths University of London. Her recent works include Gender in the Media, Mediated Intimacy, and Perfect: Feeling Judged on Social Media.Together, they co-authored Confidence Culture, a groundbreaking analysis of how modern society's confidence imperatives impact women and perpetuate inequality.Thanks for reading A Mind of Her Own and listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, ...
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    47 mins
  • "Cry When the Baby Cries" and Other Celebrations of Unhinged Mothering

    "Cry When the Baby Cries" and Other Celebrations of Unhinged Mothering
    May 21 2025
    In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks with cartoonist and author, Becky Barnicoat, about her graphic memoir, Cry When the Baby Cries, inspired by a massively popular cartoon she created for The New Yorker. Together they explore the messy, beautiful, and often isolating experience of modern motherhood—from IVF struggles and miscarriage to postpartum transformations and the bittersweet joy of watching children grow and change.On Drawing Her Graphic Memoir"The drawings that I did sort of started to kind of suggest a kind of wild, maybe slightly unhinged mother home alone with her baby... maybe refusing to conform to social expectations, maybe not being able to conform, you know, because of tiredness, because of mental distress and isolation."IVF and Fertility Struggles"I struggled to confide in anyone for a long time. The only person that knew was my husband and I felt so alone... I think I started to become really quite depressed and the way that that manifested for me was that the world started to feel unsafe and quite hostile."The Shock of New Parenthood"It's just one of the most kind of beautiful but painful experiences available."Postpartum Bodies and Society's Expectations"Kids and like bodies that have given birth are not very welcome in society. And I think that's a real shame and it's to all of our detriment."Becky Barnicoat is a cartoonist and writer for The New Yorker, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Grazia, BuzzFeed and more. Before becoming a full-time cartoonist, she spent 10 years working as an editor and writer at The Guardian. She is the author of the graphic memoir Cry When the Baby Cries, a darkly funny account of her first years as a parent. She lives in the UK.Warning: episode mentions sexual assault and graphic images of childbirthThanks for reading A Mind of Her Own and listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com
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    44 mins
  • "It's Wonderful AND It's Hard." Embracing the Beautiful Complexity of Motherhood

    "It's Wonderful AND It's Hard." Embracing the Beautiful Complexity of Motherhood
    Apr 16 2025
    "Mothering is a messy, interrupted experience." "It's not an 'or' situation…it's despairing AND it's light."In this introspective conversation, Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks with psychotherapist Dr. Margo Lowy about her book Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood. Dr. Lowy shares insights from her research and personal experience on maternal ambivalence, which she describes as "the mother's ability to hold together all her feelings and not disregard the difficult ones."Key Points:* Personal Journey* Dr. Lowy shares her experience with three children born across a span of 17 years.* She describes becoming less rigid and more able to "flow" with motherhood over time.* Her experience with secondary infertility highlights additional complexities in maternal emotions.* "What I want to normalize is for mums to let them know that they're not alone. We all have these feelings."* The Danger of Idealized Motherhood* Society expects mothers to be "fully selfless, fully caring, and really virtually on tap for our children."* This impossible standard undermines mothers' humanity and authenticity.* Children have an "antenna" for when parents are being genuine versus hiding feelings.* Motherhood as a Series of Losses* Each milestone brings both happiness and grief as children grow.* "Actually, mothering is a series of losses. It's an experience of expansion and contraction."* A mother's job is paradoxically "to be able to be left" by her child.* Creating Support Systems* Dr. Lowy advocates for creating spaces where mothers can share feelings without judgment.* The importance of surrounding yourself with people "that give you energy and that were kind of on my side and weren't judgy."* Social support is crucial during challenging periods like infertility.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Thank you for listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com
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    34 mins
  • "It's a Roller Coaster Ride!" Managing Parental Emotions with Dr. Alissa Jerud

    "It's a Roller Coaster Ride!" Managing Parental Emotions with Dr. Alissa Jerud
    Apr 8 2025
    Are you caught in a cycle of parental guilt, frustration, and overwhelm? In this important conversation, Dr. Jennifer Reid interviews clinical psychologist Dr. Alissa Jerud about her groundbreaking book Emotion Savvy Parenting. If you've ever found yourself yelling when you promised you wouldn't, or felt exhausted from constantly entertaining your children, this episode offers genuine relief. Dr. Jerud shares science-backed strategies for navigating the intense emotions of parenthood without letting them control your actions. Rather than offering unrealistic "perfect parent" advice, she provides practical tools that acknowledge the messy reality of raising children while honoring your own emotional needs. This conversation is essential listening for any parent who wants to break free from emotional reactivity and build more connected relationships with their children.Key PointsWhat is Emotion-Savvy Parenting?* Learning to feel strong emotions without letting them dictate your actions* Navigating the "roller coaster" of parenting emotions effectivelyPractical StrategiesStop Entertaining* Parents don't need to provide constant entertainment* Allow children to develop independent play skills* Benefits both parents (saves energy) and children (builds independence)The CARE Skills for Emotional Regulation* Cool with ice - Use cold to rapidly reduce heart rate* Activate your body - Brief exercise to discharge energy* Relax your muscles - Tense then release for effective relaxation* Exhale slowly - Focus on long exhales rather than deep breathsMindful Presence* Be fully present during calm moments with children* Simply observe children without judgment or intervention* Use routine moments (bath time, bedtime, car rides) for connectionExpert Insights* Exposure therapy breaks the habit of anxiety avoidance* DBT skills help with mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance* Control attempts typically backfire; acceptance is more effectiveQuote to Remember"Emotion savvy doesn't mean not ever feeling strong, unwanted emotions... But I want to help parents learn they can feel those feelings and not need to let those feelings dictate what they do or don't do."About Dr. Alissa JerudDr. Alissa Jerud, PhD is a mother of two, a licensed clinical psychologist, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the forthcoming book, Emotion-Savvy Parenting, a compassionate, science-informed guide for relating more skillfully to painful, unwanted emotions.In her private practice, Dr. Jerud specializes in highly effective, exposure-based treatments for anxiety-related disorders, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. She also trains other clinicians in exposure-based treatments and gives workshops on anxiety, stress, mental health, parenting, and social support to companies large and small.Thanks for listening! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work, and please share this post. It’s open for everyone!Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com
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    41 mins
  • "What Lights You Up?" Finding Your Purpose with Dr. Jordan Grumet

    "What Lights You Up?" Finding Your Purpose with Dr. Jordan Grumet
    Mar 26 2025
    In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks with Dr. Jordan Grumet, hospice physician, writer, and podcast host, as he shares his journey. At age 7, Dr. Grumet lost his father, an oncologist, to a brain aneurysm, and he became determined to become a doctor himself. However, despite achieving his goal, Dr. Grumet experienced burnout when he realized that becoming a doctor couldn't "cosmically make up" for his father's death.Drawing from his experiences as a hospice physician, he offers profound insights on distinguishing between meaning and purpose, overcoming burnout, and creating a life that genuinely "lights you up."Key Points* Meaning vs. Purpose:* Meaning: How we cognitively understand our past; the stories we tell ourselves* Purpose: Actions in the present and future that "light us up"* Finding Your Purpose: Look for "purpose anchors" - activities and experiences that energize and fulfill you* The Art of Subtraction: Remove elements from your life that don't bring joy to discover what remains that does* Generational Growth: Breaking cycles of expectation to model authenticity for the next generation* Achieving Impact: Dr. Grumet found that pursuing what truly energized him (writing and podcasting) ultimately allowed him to help more people than his medical practiceNotable Quotes"Purpose is about the present and future, and it's about actions. All it is is about things that light you up. If you're trying to get more out of purpose than that, then you really don't have a purpose problem. You have a meaning problem.""Happy people tend to tell themselves heroic stories about their past. They see their traumas, they see their difficulties, and they see that they heroically got through them.""You can't purpose your way to enough. That's a meaning problem. That's a going back and dealing with your childhood problem.""All you have control over, the one measly thing we can control is what activities are we involved with as time passes.""I've really spent a lot of time thinking about what winning the game when it comes to life looks like... winning the game is as you get older, from the day you're born to the day you die, basically you want to be looking at your calendar... and you want to add in as many purposeful, joyful things that light you up into those time slots of your life.""When people see you doing things authentic to you, you are giving them permission."About Dr. Jordan GrumetDr. Jordan Grumet is a physician, writer, and host of the popular Earn and Invest podcast. He currently serves as the Associate Medical Director at Unity Hospice. His latest book, The Purpose Code, shares key life lessons learned from working with individuals in their final months of life.Thanks for reading A Mind of Her Own and listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com
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    40 mins
  • BEYOND THE SCREEN: Rethinking How We Talk About Teens and Tech

    BEYOND THE SCREEN: Rethinking How We Talk About Teens and Tech
    Mar 20 2025
    In this timely discussion, Dr. Jennifer Reid listens in as Dr. Megan Moreno, Co-Medical Director for the AAP’s Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, challenges the outdated "addiction" narrative and reveals a transformative framework that empowers both parents and adolescents. Drawing from 15+ years of research at the intersection of technology and teen health, Dr. Moreno offers a refreshingly nuanced roadmap for families navigating the complex digital landscape—where the goal isn't to simply limit screen time, but to foster healthy, balanced relationships with technology in a world where screens are unavoidable.Key Points* Moving Beyond the "Addiction" Framework* Youth have grown weary of the addiction framework for social media use* The term "addiction" makes teens feel powerless* Focus instead on empowering conversations where teens feel they have control* Understanding Problematic Use* Three key aspects of problematic technology use:* Content: Repeatedly seeking harmful or inaccurate content* Crowding Out: When technology displaces important activities (sleep, relationships, schoolwork)* Relationship with Technology: Feeling anxious or unable to disconnect* The "Digital Native" Challenge* Today's adolescents are "digital natives" interacting with screens from a young age* Parents need to model healthy online-offline balance* Self-imposed limits can be effective role modeling* Identity Development Online* Teens use social media as part of identity development* They often "try out" new identities, hobbies, or friendships online* Multiple platforms allow teens to curate different aspects of their identity* Vulnerability Factors* Some teens are more vulnerable to negative effects of social media* Pre-existing mental health conditions can make online experiences more challenging* Strong offline support systems help mitigate negative online experiences* The Five C's Framework for Healthy Media Use* Child: Understanding each child's unique needs and characteristics* Content: Focusing on the quality and type of media being consumed* Calm: Building diverse tools for emotional regulation beyond screens* Crowding Out: Ensuring media doesn't displace essential activities like sleep* Communication: Maintaining open dialogue about technology use* Parental Guidance Approach* Parents can be curious learners alongside their teens* Focus on transferable skills: treating others well, maintaining safety, setting boundaries* Ask questions from a place of curiosity rather than judgmentResources Mentioned* American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan tool (or Google "AAP Family Media Plan")* Common Sense Media for app and game reviews* The five C's framework: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, Communication* American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental HealthGuest: Dr. Megan Moreno - Professor of Pediatrics and Affiliate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Academic Chief for the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Principal Investigator of the Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team. Dr. Moreno has authored over 200 research articles as well as written and edited several textbooks. She is particularly interested in incorporation of youth voice in research, dissemination of research to reach teens and families, and the impact of research on clinical practice and policy. Dr. Moreno currently serves as the Co-Medical Director for the AAP’s Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.Ongoing ResearchDr. Moreno mentioned a current study examining the impact of social media on adolescent brain development using functional MRI scans to better understand how teen brains process information from social media over time.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Thanks for reading A Mind of Her Own and listening to The Reflective Mind podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general ...
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    39 mins
  • APPstinence: Breaking Free from Social Media's Grip

    APPstinence: Breaking Free from Social Media's Grip
    Feb 25 2025
    In this eye-opening episode of The Reflective Mind Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks with Gabriela Nguyen, a 23-year-old Harvard graduate student and founder of APPstinence, a Gen Z-led organization advocating for social media-free lifestyles. After being "chronically online" for over a decade, Gabriela now uses a flip phone and has developed the 5D Method to help others break free from social media dependency.For those feeling trapped by social media's endless demands, Gabriela offers both practical steps and philosophical clarity. Her journey shows that opting out isn't about missing out—it's about reclaiming your attention, deepening your relationships, and choosing peace in a world designed to keep you engaged at all costs.The path to digital freedom isn't about moderation—it's about recognizing that sometimes the best way to win is to stop playing the game entirely.Key Insights:The Social Media Trap:"For years, I kept losing the battle with social media until I realized that the war was never justified." Gabriela describes how social media creates a "faux sense of importance" while constantly demanding our attention.The Real Cost: Social media doesn't just take our time—it fundamentally changes how we experience life. As Gabriela notes, "You exchange quality for quantity" in relationships, and the pressure of constant digital performance feels "like a job."The 5D Method 1. Decrease: Reduce screen time by removing apps from your phone and increase engagement with the real world 2. Deactivate: Start with the platform you use least and work your way up 3. Delete: Let the 30-day deactivation period pass, allowing accounts to be permanently deleted 4. Downgrade: Consider switching to a simpler phone that doesn't invite constant use 5. Depart: Notice the distance between yourself and the digital world as you reconnect with realityFinding Peace: "The agency that I wanted to employ was not going to come from hacking my algorithm the right way... It was the agency to just choose that I'm not going to engage in this fight at all."Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Thanks for reading A Mind of Her Own and listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com
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    45 mins
  • The Mindful Creator: Finding Your Creative Voice in a Busy World

    The Mindful Creator: Finding Your Creative Voice in a Busy World
    Feb 18 2025
    In this illuminating episode, Dr. Jennifer Reid speaks with Dr. Danah Henriksen, Associate Professor of Leadership and Innovation at Arizona State University and co-author of Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation, about the interconnections between creativity, mindfulness, and well-being. Dr. Henriksen shares valuable insights from her research and personal experience about nurturing creativity in both educational settings and daily life."Creativity is something that's fundamental and core to who we are as people. But we often do have to kind of fight with ourselves to make sure we're leaving some time for that."Understanding CreativityDr. Henriksen challenges the common misconception that creativity is limited to artistic pursuits or special talents. She emphasizes that creativity is accessible to everyone: "If you look across the breadth of most creativity studies, it's really something that we all have access to in different ways as human beings." Creativity in EducationDr. Henriksen discusses the tension between standardized testing requirements and fostering creativity in schools. She shares insights from her study of National Teacher of the Year award winners who successfully integrated creative approaches while achieving strong academic results.Nurturing Creativity in ChildrenFor parents looking to support creativity, Dr. Henriksen recommends:* Recognizing that children are naturally creative* Supporting their existing interests and creative passions* Praising the creative process rather than just the outcome* Providing diverse experiences and encouraging safe risk-taking* Fostering a growth mindset about mistakes and learningThe Mindfulness-Creativity ConnectionDr. Henriksen shares how mindfulness can enhance creativity, noting, "The ability to kind of suspend judgment... that ability of reframing or looking at things with fresh eyes is a really key part of creativity."Practical Takeaways* Make time for creative activities, even if they don't serve an obvious productive purpose* Practice mindful awareness to support creative thinking and overall well-being* View mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures* Consider creativity as essential to human nature rather than just a luxury* Be mindful of where you direct your attention in our distraction-filled worldInterested in purchasing Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation? Here’s a discount code for 30% off: ASPROMP8Dr. Danah Henriksen is an Associate Professor of Leadership & Innovation at Arizona State University. Her research focuses broadly on creativity in education, with individual threads of creativity work related to mindfulness and wellbeing, as well as areas of work on design or technology. She has contributed to multiple publications, including as a co-author of Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation with R. Keith Sawyer.Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInAlso check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Thanks for reading A Mind of Her Own and listening to The Reflective Mind Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com
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    39 mins
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