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This episode explores how repeated thinking becomes automatic and why automaticity can be both a gift and a trap. “When the Trail Walks Itself” explains how habits form in the brain, how automaticity frees working memory, and why fluency must be built on strong schema to avoid locking in shallow understanding.

Grounded in research from Ann Graybiel, Wendy Wood, and cognitive science on habit formation, the episode examines academic habits, emotional habits, and identity-based patterns that shape learner behavior. We explore how habits reflect reinforced narratives, how to interrupt unhelpful automaticity, and how environments influence which trails become default.

A vital listen for anyone designing learning systems that aim for fluency without losing depth.

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