In this insightful and uplifting episode, Dr. Robin Stern welcomes award-winning journalist Stacey Colino to explore a concept that feels more important than ever: emotional inflammation.

Stacey Colino is an award-winning writer specializing in health, psychology, and wellness. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Parade, and many other publications. She’s also the co-author of Emotional Inflammation, a compassionate guide to finding clarity and balance in an anxious, often overwhelming world.

If you’ve ever felt constantly on edge, like you’re living in a low-grade state of panic, or you can’t tell whether you’re simply stressed—or whether someone is quietly making you question your reality—you’re not alone. Stacey describes emotional inflammation as that chronic hum of anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion that seeps in from the relentless pressures and negativity around us. It’s the perfect breeding ground for gaslighting—whether it’s coming from others or from the inner voice that insists, “You’re overreacting,” or “It’s all in your head.”

In this conversation, Stacey shares:

• The four “reactor types” that shape how we respond to chronic stress and subtle emotional manipulation

• How to recognize when everyday stress tips into something more corrosive

• Why naming and understanding your triggers is the first step to defusing them

• Her powerful RESTORE framework—a step-by-step process to build resilience and regain your sense of agency

Stacey guides us through each part of RESTORE: Recognize what’s setting you off, Evaluate your reactions, Steady your body and mind, Think about healthier responses, Obey your values, Reclaim your power, and Engage in practices that nurture your well-being.

Robin and Stacey also connect the dots between emotional inflammation and the subtle gaslighting that can make us second-guess ourselves, doubt our perceptions, and feel perpetually unbalanced.

This episode is filled with validation, practical tools, and hope—so you can soothe your nervous system, set healthier boundaries, and stand firm in your truth.

Tune in to learn how to quiet the noise, trust your instincts, and restore your equilibrium.

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

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Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

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