Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

• 239 — You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day—Here’s How to Stay Mentally Strong in a World of Hidden Influence with Professor Rebecca Lemov

  Why would someone confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Or why would someone join a cult? Most of us think we’re too mentally strong to fall for brainwashing, but subtle forms of persuasion might already be shaping the way we think, feel, and act—without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with historian, professor, and author Rebecca Lemov to explore the psychology of brainwashing and how it shows up in modern life. From social media algorithms to toxic relationships, Rebecca explains how small, seemingly insignificant choices can shape the way we see ourselves and the world. Some of the things we talk about are: The psychology of brainwashing The modern day forces that shape our beliefs and emotions (like social media) How social media algorithms are designed to impact you The Facebook experiment that manipulated emotions and what that reveals about brainwashing and social media The privacy paradox: why we give up our data even when we know better How addiction and trauma make us more vulnerable to coercive tactics How you might be being brainwashed right now without even realizing it The role of gut instincts in protecting yourself from manipulation The signs that you're being brainwashed in everyday life Practical strategies to stay grounded, self-aware, and mentally strong in a world of hidden influence Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources RebeccaLemov.com Follow Rebecca on Instagram - @RebeccaLemov Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 238 — Stuck in a Rut? How to Break Free with DSD

  Do you ever feel stuck in a rut or frustrated that you keep falling back into the same old patterns that aren’t working? If so, this episode is for you. We often go through life on autopilot. We rely on routines that feel comfortable even when they aren't working for us. The good news is, you have the power to break free and the answer is as simple as DSD — "Do Something Different." Some of the things I talk about are: Why our brains love comfort zones — and how they keep us stuck The science behind psychological flexibility (and why it's so important) How small, intentional changes can rewire your brain How to apply DSD to your situation to create change The two biggest mistakes people make when trying to change — and how to avoid them Three simple steps to start practicing DSD today How to identify what's keeping you stuck and brainstorm creative solutions Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching via text — ⁠⁠Episode 238 Exercise⁠ ⁠ Get mental strength coaching via voice - Episode 238 Voice Exercise Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove - Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 237 — The Science of Laughter: How Humor Can Rewire Your Brain and Boost Mental Strength with Dr. Steven Sultanoff

  How often do you laugh? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. But laughter isn’t just enjoying a good joke. It is actually a powerful tool for building mental strength. I sit down with Dr. Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist and leading humor expert, to explore the science behind humor and why laughter is good for your health. Some of the things we talk about are: The difference between humor and laughter — and why it matters for your mental health How laughing can reduce pain and boost your immune system Why humor is one of the top qualities people look for in relationships (even more than a good sex life) How humor reduces depression and anxiety The science behind why we laugh when we’re nervous — and how it helps us cope How dark humor can be helpful during tough times How to use humor to build stronger relationships and reduce loneliness The surprising ways laughter can rewire your brain for resilience Why humor is a secret weapon for managing stress How to find more humor in everyday life — even when you’re feeling down Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources HumorMatters.com Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 236 — 10 Myths About Mental Health That Are Holding You Back

  What if most of the self-help advice you’ve been hearing might actually make things worse? Unfortunately, there's a lot of bad advice being shared on social media and in the news that could be downright destructive to your mental health. So today, I'm busting 10 of the biggest mental health myths and mindset. When you understand the truth about mental health, it's easier to prioritize your mindset and take care of your well-being. Some of the things I talk about are: Why your mental health is constantly fluctuating and what that means for you The difference between mental health and mental strength Why therapy isn’t just for people with “serious problems” How technology can both harm and help your mental health The surprising truth about socializing and solitude Why not all mental health conversations are helpful—and how to have better ones Mentally Strong App Want 24/7 mental strength coaching? Try Mentally Strong free for 7 days - ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• 235 — Trust Your Gut: The Science Behind Intuition and Better Decisions with Professor Laura Huang

  Do you trust your gut? Have you ever had a gut feeling about something but couldn't really explain why you felt it? Intuition is often misunderstood and sometimes, we're reluctant to listen to it because it doesn't seem to make sense. But intuition is a science-backed process that can help you make better decisions once you understand how to listen to it. In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Huang, a professor at Northeastern University, leading researcher on intuition, and author of the book You Already Know. We explore how to better understand your gut feelings so you can make better decisions. Some of the things we talk about today are: How to differentiate between your intuition and your feelings. The “intuiting process” and how to train your intuition like a muscle. The past experiences that shape your gut instincts. The practical strategies that will help you recognize your inner voice (including the toothbrush exercise). How to use intuition for big decisions, like career moves. How to use intuition for smaller decisions, like first impressions of the people you meet. Why intuition is a superpower that can make you mentally stronger. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources LauraHuang.com You Already Know Follow Laura on Instagram — ⁠⁠@proflaurahuang Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App - Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin