Summary In this episode, Keegan Read and Betsy Holmberg delve into the pervasive issue of negative self-talk, exploring its origins, effects, and the neuroscience behind it. Betsy shares her personal journey with negative self-talk, detailing her struggles and the insights she gained through her research and experiences as a therapist. They discuss the concept of the Default Mode Network (DMN) and its role in perpetuating negative thoughts, as well as the importance of separating oneself from these thoughts to foster healing and emotional intelligence. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and the body’s nervous systems, highlighting the need for self-acceptance and understanding in the journey towards mental wellness. In this conversation, Keegan Read and Betsy Holmberg explore the concept of self-awareness through the HALT method, emphasizing the importance of recognizing emotional states such as hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness. They discuss the significance of connection in combating negative thoughts generated by the default mode network (DMN) and the role of trust in self-perception. The dialogue delves into the challenges of neurodivergence, the power of authenticity in relationships, and the necessity of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Ultimately, they highlight the journey of self-discovery and the importance of connecting with one’s heart to retrieve sanity. Visit her website here: https://betsyholmberg.com/ Takeaways Negative self-talk is a universal experience. Betsy’s journey highlights the impact of personal struggles on mental health. The Default Mode Network (DMN) plays a crucial role in negative thinking. Understanding the DMN can help in managing negative thoughts. Emotional intelligence is key to recognizing and addressing negative self-talk. The heart and gut have their own nervous systems that influence our emotions. Separating oneself from negative thoughts is essential for healing. Suffering is optional; we can choose how to respond to pain. Awareness of the DMN can lead to better mental health outcomes. Healing involves connecting with our feelings and understanding our thoughts.  HALT is a useful tool for self-assessment. Connection with others helps combat negative thoughts. Trust is essential for self-acceptance. The DMN can distort self-perception. Mindfulness practices can help shift focus from the DMN. Discomfort can indicate personal growth opportunities. Neurodivergence requires understanding and acceptance. Authenticity fosters trust in relationships. Finding your unique community is vital for well-being. Retrieving sanity involves connecting with your heart. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Negative Self-Talk 02:34 Betsy’s Journey with Negative Self-Talk 05:39 Understanding the Default Mode Network 08:40 The Impact of the Default Mode on Mental Health 11:44 Rebalancing the Default Mode Network 14:38 Escaping the Self: The Role of Distractions 17:28 Understanding the Default Mode Network (DMN) and Self-Perception 20:51 The Connection Between Emotions and Physical Health 24:18 Navigating Heartbreak and Emotional Pain 26:10 The Role of Connection in Mental Health 29:56 The Importance of External Validation 32:41 Reframing the Subconscious and Healing 34:56 Cultivating Positive Thoughts and Mindfulness 37:05 The Journey of Self-Discovery 39:55 Embracing Uniqueness and Authenticity 42:57 Finding Comfort in Individuality 45:46 Navigating Social Discomfort 50:38 The Power of Connection and Community 54:40 Retrieving Sanity Through Heartfelt Connection #RetrievingSanity #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #DefaultMode #DefaultThinking #NegativeThoughts #Reprogramming #LearningYourself #PositiveThinking #Intentional