I'm thrilled to have on the podcast Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking.

Oliver is a writer for The Guardian. In his column titled, "This column will change your life", he explores ideas around social psychology, self-help culture, productivity, and the science of happiness.

The Antidote was one of those books that came at the right time in my life. I was struggling with insomnia, brought on by anxiety....brought on by feeling like I wasn't achieving enough every day. This book helped me feel a lot more at peace about the "glass half empty" personality I've always had. It explains powerful concepts from Buddhism, Stoicism, Eckhart Tolle, Alan Watts (and more) in his entertaining, accessible, and lovely writing style.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why traditional "positive thinking" doesn't work,
• The downside of goal-setting,
• Embracing uncertainty,
• Meditation,
• Whether thinking too much makes you depressed,
• The answers he's still looking for,
• and more!

You can find Oliver on his website and Twitter (let him know you liked this interview!) And of course, you should buy his wonderful book. Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Two acquaintances in the same week made similar comments to me out of nowhere: that they felt behind, like they weren't getting enough done in their work and businesses. It made me sad to hear that they were struggling and not feeling good about themselves.

I can totally relate to the feeling of underachievement. I felt inspired to try to help those of us who can never live up to our own expectations. In this episode, I talk about:

• How we compare ourselves to others on social media, even though we know it's not reality.
• How happiness can only be now--not the future.
• Never being content; always wanting "the other thing".
• How we should stop saying "I should...."
• ....And stop beating ourselves up.

Mentioned in this episode: Join The Haven, a community for HSPs. Registration is only available until April 28! It's only $1 for the first month and you can cancel anytime. Go to: highlysensitiveperson.net/haven

Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

In episode 59, I started a 3-episode series about the positive aspects of being a Highly Sensitive Person. I talked about people who are celebrated for their sensitivity, like artists and musicians.

In today's show, I'm discussing what I think are 6 not-so-well-known benefits of being highly sensitive. We've all heard that HSPs have lots of empathy and are good listeners and connect with animals and stuff like that, but I tried to find some benefits that were a bit more hidden.

Take a listen to find out what they are!

(The third--upcoming--episode in this series will be about benefits in the professional workplace (jobs, career, etc) for HSPs.)

Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

A popular misconception about Highly Sensitive people--to those who aren't very familiar with the trait--is that HSPs are always emotionally fragile and not mentally strong.

But this isn't true. You CAN be mentally strong and an HSP--it's all about your coping skills. That's why I'm excited to share with you Episode 61's guest, Amy Morin, who is an expert on mental strength. Amy is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, professor, a TED talk speaker, and published author. In 2013, her post 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, went viral, and ended up being published into a bestselling book and translated into 20 languages. Her post was the most read article of all time on Forbes.com.

I was moved by her story and the challenges she's dealt with in her life, and how she's found a way to thrive and become an authority on helping others learn how to better cope. In this episode, Amy talks about:

• The most common thing mentally strong people don't do
• How to build mental strength
• Why seeing a therapist can help, even if you go just once
• What therapists think about Highly Sensitive People
• How to stop dwelling on the past
• How to deal with anticipatory grief

Learn more about Amy Morin:

• Her book: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success
• Check out Amy's ecourse: Mental Strength: Mastering The 3 Core Factors
• Website: amymorin.com
• Twitter: @AmyMorinLCSW

Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

The Highly Sensitive Podcast is for people with Sensory Processing Sensitivity--or those who want to better understand HSPs. In this show, I share personal stories, tips, rants, and occasionally interviews with interesting HSPs.

Today's episode is a special treat! I've got an interview with an extroverted, highly sensitive, man. He's also a comedian and software engineer. It's Johnny Martinez of the Introvert Extrovert Podcast. In this episode, Johnny talks about:

• How being highly sensitive can help you crush job interviews
• Having a parent who is very not highly sensitive
• The benefits of being an extroverted HSP as a software engineer
• How comedy can be a defense mechanism
• Having a panic attack on stage!
• Ways to practice self-care as an HSP (mind, body, environment).

This episode is almost an hour long, but it's worth it for Johnny's insight and interesting stories. Find Johnny and his podcast:

• Website: introextropod.com
• Twitter: @introextropod

Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works at patreon.com/hsp

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

I realized recently that I haven't done an episode (in detail) about the benefits of high sensitivity.

HSPs are meant to be here. We have a role to play in this world.

I plan to do a few episodes about this topic--since there is so much to cover--but this specific show is about the people who are celebrated for their sensitivity. That's right--those who are successful and respected due in part to their sensitive nature and what they bring to the world.

Want to support the podcast? Become a Patron!

If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

I've heard the word "empath" a lot, but didn't truly understand what it meant. I thought it maybe simply referred to people who experienced a lot of empathy....? But that didn't seem right. When searching for a simple explanation about empaths, I came up empty, until I found this great article on Caroline's website, The Happy Sensitive. It was then I knew that I just had to get Caroline on the podcast to help explain empaths!

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is and isn't an empath
• The struggles and benefits of being an empath
• The difference between an empath, trained empath, and clair-sentient
• Energy and spiritual levels versus practical, psychological level

Want to support the podcast?

If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

In the past, I've talked about what I thought were the best jobs for HSPs--and even the #1 best job (working for oneself). But over time, my thoughts on this have changed.

In today's show, I explain how the best job for HSPs....depends. On so many factors. I also cover some of the challenges of working for oneself, and the one question you can ask a potential employer to help decide of their company culture will be a good fit.

Resources mentioned on the show:

• The One Question You Should Ask About Every Job New York Times

Other posts on this blog about jobs & careers:

• Here’s the best job for a highly sensitive person (or podcast version)
• Jobs and Careers for Highly Sensitive Persons (or podcast version)
• Is self-employment really the best for HSPs?
• HSP episode 50: how to stop wanting to escape your job
• HSP episode 33: An introvert in an extrovert’s job

Want to support the show? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

In this episode, I share stories about things that have grossed me out--a cow lung, pinning insects, and dissecting pigs. I also discuss how HSPs might get "grossed out" more than people without the trait--touching on the vasovagel response.

Mentioned on the show:

• Radiolab "The Heartbeat" episode

The blog post version of this post:

• Visceral Reactions to Blood & Guts

Want to support the show?

If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Thank you to my newest patron, Lindsay Marie!

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

HSPs cry easily.

HSPs cry all the time.

In this episode, I talk about my problem with the statements like the ones above, and whether or not HSPs really DO cry "a lot" or not.

I also discuss the difference in crying in a ranking situation versus a linking situation (the concept comes from a great blog post by Dr. Elaine Aron.)

Mentioned on the show:

• Blog post: "About Crying Easily" by Dr. Elaine Aron

Related content on this blog:

• My response to The Telegraph article about HSPs
• My response to the Wall Street Journal article about HSPs
• Tearing up at performance reviews at work

Want to support the show? Become a Patron!

If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Thank you to my newest patron, Jessica!!

Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0