Welcome to episode 125. How much of what you believe about the world is based on your own experience—and how much has been shaped by the stories from external sources? In this episode, I explore how the news, social media, and constant streams of information influence the way we think, feel, and behave. We look at why our brains struggle to cope with modern media, how fear can quietly steal our power, and why becoming more intentional about what we consume is one of the most empowering things we can do. Let's dive in!
In this episode:
• Your brain wasn't built for 24-hour news — constant exposure to fear and negativity can distort your perception of the world and leave you feeling powerless.
• Choose your influences wisely — asking who benefits from a particular story or narrative helps you think more critically and reclaim your personal power.
• Consume with intention — taking breaks from the news, seeking balanced perspectives, and focusing on actions you can take helps replace overwhelm with agency.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Risk - Dan Gardner: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5760/9780753515532
Flat Earth News - Nick Davies: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5760/9780099512684
Amusing Ourselves to Death - Neil Postman: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5760/9780413404404
*This is an affiliate link. If - like me - you'd like to avoid making Zuck richer, you can purchase it through the links here and make me a tiny bit richer instead!
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Season 6 of this podcast is once again sponsored by Stephanie Ward of The Spicy Brain Collective. We thank Stephanie hugely for her ongoing support.
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