Episode Teaser:
You’re doing everything right—so why does love still feel out of reach? In this episode, we’re talking about the masks we wear to be loved, the hidden cost of keeping them on, and what it really takes to be seen.

Show Notes:

1:00 - What this podcast is really about, why this episode matters more than ever right now

1:58 - Why I disappeared for a while & the survival mode I’ve been stuck in

3:30 - The masks we wear aren’t just habits—they’re contracts we signed without realizing it

5:34 - Breaking down the common masks:

• The Perfectionist Mask – How it traps high-achievers in a cycle of never feeling good enough
• The Emotional Camel Mask – Why selflessness can become a prison
• The Performer Mask – The hidden cost of always trying to entertain and be “valuable”

10:28 - The moment you realize you want out—the exhaustion of keeping up the act

16:40 - The irony of conformity: why trying to be the “ideal” makes you disappear

18:54 - What actually makes people magnetic? Why quirks, weirdness, and realness matter more than a perfect projection

20:30 - The 8 Mile rap battle moment – Owning your flaws so no one else can use them against you

21:58 - The real fear of being seen: why unmasking is terrifying, but the alternative is worse

25:02 - My personal struggle with this—why this episode is really a message I needed to hear myself

26:13 - Closing thoughts – The risk of taking the mask off, the reward of being truly known, and why I appreciate you for being here

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Episode Teaser

What if the biggest challenges in your life weren’t caused by the world around you, but by your own mind? In this episode, we dive into seven toxic lies your brain keeps telling you—distortions that sabotage your peace, relationships, and self-worth. We'll explore why these mental traps happen, how they affect your life, and what you can do to break free.

[0:00] Introduction
Welcome to the show! I talk about how I created this episode while personally wrestling with some of the same cognitive distortions we’ll discuss today. These struggles remind me (and all of us) that this work is ongoing.

[03:23] What Are Thoughts, Really?
Defining thoughts as mental events, not facts. I explain how biases shape our thinking and introduce the concept of challenging distorted thoughts as part of our mental and spiritual growth.

[04:08] The Work of Dr. Daniel Amen
A quick dive into Dr. Amen’s research on brain health and his ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) framework. I share how his work has helped me connect brain health, mental health, and cognitive distortions.

[05:47] The 7 Lies Your Brain Tells You
We explore seven common cognitive distortions with relatable stories, including:

1. Identity Illusion (“I am what I think I am”).
2. Catastrophizing (“If this goes wrong, my life is over”).
3. Projection (“It’s all their fault”).
4. Black-and-White Thinking (“If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure”).
5. Emotional Reasoning (“I’ll feel this way forever”).
6. Comparison and Self-Criticism (“I should be further ahead by now”).
7. Fixed Mindset (“I’m stuck like this”).

[24:03] The Fox and the Desert Thorns: A Fable
I share a short fable about a fox named Rumi, whose painful journey through the desert leads to unexpected wisdom. This story illustrates how life’s challenges can guide us toward growth.

[26:00] Consequences as a Compass
Reflecting on how struggles are not punishments but signals. I invite listeners to view the consequences of these cognitive distortions as opportunities for healing and growth.

[27:50] Toolkit for Seeing Through the Lies (CLEAR Framework)
Introducing a practical tool based on CBT:

• Catch the thought.
• Label the distortion.
• Examine the evidence.
• Adjust the thought.
• Repeat the process.
  I explain how to use this framework to challenge distorted thinking and retrain your brain.

[32:24] Closing Reflection
A personal note about how this work has helped me, even as I continue to face challenges. I review the episode’s key takeaways and encourage listeners to approach their journey with patience and kindness.

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Episode Teaser
What if the heaviness in your chest or the knot in your stomach is your body’s way of speaking to you? In this episode, we explore emotional release as a path to connection, healing, and finding safety within yourself.

03:21 - Introduction
A personal story about my son, a forgotten lunchbox, and how a moment of release reminded me of the power of emotional connection.

06:43 - The Freedom We Lose as Kids
How parenting shaped our sense of self, and how cycles of unhealed trauma create disconnection from our emotions.

10:07 - The Science of Emotional Suppression
What happens when we suppress emotions, how they’re stored in the body, and the long-term impact on health and alignment.

14:41 - Forget What You Think You Know
A guided exercise to tune into your body and bypass the mind’s stories.

19:33 - Signs You’re Ready for Release
How to recognize emotional repression and what your body might be trying to tell you.

23:04 - Techniques for Reconnection
Tools like movement, music, journaling, and creativity that help release emotions and reconnect with your body.

27:33 - Psychedelic-Assisted Emotional Release
Approaching psychedelics as a tool for emotional breakthroughs, and how I’ve used them with intention and respect.

34:38 - Building a Home Within Yourself
The concept of creating safety and freedom within your own body, no matter where life takes you.

36:38 - Book Mention
Welcome Home by Najwa Zebian—an inspiring guide on building an inner sanctuary for self-love and healing.

37:24 - Closing Thoughts
How emotional release empowers you to live authentically, with gratitude for every listener ready to take their first steps toward freedom.

If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who might benefit from its message.

Engage with the Show

Follow @healedmanpodcast on Instagram and YouTube to connect with me.