Mind the Truth: Psychology for Recovery

Maitt Saiwyer
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Why do we get in our own way, even when we desperately want to heal? Mind the Truth is your guide through the complex inner world of recovery. We demystify the psychology behind addiction, trauma, and mental health, replacing shame and confusion with evidence-based truths and practical tools. If you’re ready to stop fighting your own mind and start understanding it, this is the podcast for you. Join us on the path to lasting change.

  1. Episode 1 – The Mental Blueprint: Discovering Your Personal Architecture

    EPISODE 1

    Episode 1 – The Mental Blueprint: Discovering Your Personal Architecture

    This episode introduces the foundational concept of a "mental blueprint," the often-unconscious set of beliefs, assumptions, and emotional patterns that drive our reactions and shape our relationships. It draws heavily on the work of Carl Jung, who famously stated, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate". This blueprint is not a single, unified program but a "boiling cauldron" of different, often conflicting parts of ourselves that can take the wheel without our conscious consent, leading to that baffling feeling of "why did I do that?". The episode argues that true self-understanding and lasting change are impossible without first decoding this hidden inner architecture. A significant portion of this blueprint is written in our earliest years through our attachment experiences with caregivers. These formative relationships teach us our fundamental "working models" for connection—whether we see the world as generally safe and reliable (secure attachment) or as unpredictable and threatening (insecure attachment). These early patterns, particularly the anxious and avoidant styles, create ingrained, automatic responses to intimacy that can lead to cycles of conflict and dissatisfaction in our adult relationships, often playing out in the classic "anxious-avoidant trap". These are not just psychological preferences but deeply wired biological responses that are not easily changed without conscious awareness and effort. Ultimately, the episode serves as a compelling introduction to the idea that self-awareness is the absolute bedrock of personal growth. By learning to observe our internal world—our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations—without immediate judgment, we begin the crucial process of disidentification, creating a space between our conscious self and the automatic reactions of our blueprint. This is the first step toward rewriting the script, moving from a life directed by unconscious fate to one guided by conscious choice and a deeper, more authentic understanding of who we are and who we want to become. The journey inward, it suggests, is the most important journey we can ever take.

    22 min
  2. Episode 2 – The Human Glitch Why We Self-Sabotage and How to Debug Your Mind for Lasting Change

    EPISODE 2

    Episode 2 – The Human Glitch Why We Self-Sabotage and How to Debug Your Mind for Lasting Change

    This episode unpacks the frustrating and universal phenomenon of self-sabotage, reframing it as a "human glitch"—a predictable bug in our mental operating system rather than a sign of personal failure. It explains that our brains are wired with a powerful "pleasure principle," an ancient drive to seek immediate gratification and avoid discomfort, which often overrides our more rational, long-term goals. This creates a state of "cognitive dissonance," an internal conflict between what we know we should do and what our ingrained habits and immediate cravings compel us to do. This glitch is not a moral failing but a biological reality that we must learn to work with, not against. A major part of this glitch is the power of the unconscious mind, which operates on deeply ingrained, automatic scripts that were often written in our earliest relationships and experiences. These "invisible rules" of engagement and our fundamental attachment styles dictate our reactions long before our conscious mind has a chance to weigh in, making change incredibly difficult until we bring these patterns into awareness. The episode emphasizes that without understanding this underlying blueprint, we are destined to repeat these cycles, feeling as though we are controlled by fate when, in reality, we are being driven by our own unexamined programming. The path to "debugging" this system lies in shifting from a passive, reactive state to a more conscious, intentional one. This involves leveraging the brain's incredible capacity for neuroplasticity by making small, consistent, identity-based changes rather than relying on the finite resource of willpower. By designing our environment to make good habits easier and bad habits harder, and by celebrating small wins to create immediate satisfaction, we can begin to systematically rewire our own minds. The episode is a powerful call to become the curious and compassionate programmer of our own lives, patiently debugging the glitches to create a more integrated and fulfilling existence.

    1h 1m
  3. Episode 3 – Rewiring Your Brain Neuroplasticity, Habits, and Healing from Trauma

    EPISODE 3

    Episode 3 – Rewiring Your Brain Neuroplasticity, Habits, and Healing from Trauma

    This episode dives into the incredible and hopeful science of neuroplasticity, the brain's lifelong ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. It powerfully refutes the old idea that the brain is a fixed, unchangeable organ, instead presenting it as dynamic clay that is constantly being reshaped by our experiences, thoughts, and actions. The core principle, "neurons that fire together wire together," explains how habits—both good and bad—become physically ingrained in our brain's circuitry. Every time we repeat a behavior, we strengthen the neural pathway for that action, making it more automatic and efficient over time. This has profound implications for both healing from trauma and changing unwanted habits. For those who have experienced trauma, the brain's alarm system can become hyper-sensitized, creating deeply wired patterns of fear and reactivity. However, neuroplasticity means that even these ingrained responses can be modified. The episode highlights how practices like yoga and neurofeedback can help individuals literally rewire their brainwave patterns, moving from a state of being controlled by their feelings to one of conscious self-regulation and feeling safe in their own bodies again. Ultimately, this understanding of neuroplasticity is a powerful message of empowerment. It underscores the importance of a growth mindset—the belief that our abilities can be developed through effort—as this very belief fuels the brain's capacity for change. By consciously engaging in new experiences, practicing new skills, and reframing our thoughts, we can actively participate in the process of rewiring our own brains, moving from a past defined by old patterns to a future shaped by intentional, positive transformation. It is a profound reminder that we are not stuck; we are constantly in a state of becoming.

    33 min
  4. Episode 4 – The Awkward New Normal Navigating the Brain Rewiring and Identity Shifts of Deep Growth

    EPISODE 4

    Episode 4 – The Awkward New Normal Navigating the Brain Rewiring and Identity Shifts of Deep Growth

    This episode explores the often disorienting and uncomfortable phase of personal growth—the "awkward new normal" that occurs when we begin to shed old habits and identities but haven't yet fully integrated the new ones. This transitional period can be challenging because our brains, which are wired for efficiency, are in the process of a major rewiring. The old, familiar neural pathways are weakening, but the new ones are not yet fully established, leading to a feeling of being caught between two worlds, not quite fitting in either. This can manifest as social awkwardness, a sense of isolation, or even a kind of grief for the familiar, albeit unhealthy, self that is being left behind. A central theme is the idea that this discomfort is not a sign of failure, but a necessary and predictable part of profound transformation. The "valley of disappointment" is a key concept here, describing the period where we are putting in consistent effort but not yet seeing the tangible results, which can be incredibly frustrating. The episode encourages listeners to trust the process, understanding that the most powerful outcomes are often delayed and that this "plateau of latent potential" is where the foundation for lasting change is being built, even if it's not yet visible. It also highlights the importance of the "Goldilocks Rule"—finding challenges that are "just right," pushing us to grow without being so overwhelming that we give up. Ultimately, the episode is a compassionate guide to navigating this crucial but often difficult stage of becoming. It reminds us that every small action is a vote for our new identity and that true, lasting change is not a single event but a continuous process of editing our beliefs and expanding our sense of self. By embracing the awkwardness, staying curious, and celebrating the small wins, we can move through this transitional phase with greater resilience and emerge on the other side as a more integrated, authentic, and empowered version of ourselves. It is a powerful affirmation that the messiness of growth is not just normal, but a beautiful and essential part of the journey.

    29 min
  5. Episode 5 – Cognitive Resonance: Aligning Your Life With Your True Values

    EPISODE 5

    Episode 5 – Cognitive Resonance: Aligning Your Life With Your True Values

    This episode tackles the pervasive human experience of "cognitive dissonance," that uncomfortable internal friction we feel when our actions are out of sync with our beliefs and values. This inner conflict is not just a minor annoyance; it's a powerful psychological driver that compels us to seek resolution, often by changing our beliefs to match our behavior rather than the other way around. The episode explores how this drive for consistency, while generally a positive trait, can lead to self-sabotage when we unconsciously rationalize choices that go against our long-term goals, simply to reduce the immediate discomfort of that internal gap. The solution proposed is to move from this state of dissonance to one of "cognitive resonance," where our thoughts, feelings, and actions are in harmonious alignment. This journey begins with getting crystal clear on our core values and desired identity, shifting the focus from outcome-based goals to the person we wish to become. By asking "who do I want to be?" we can then build systems and habits that reinforce that identity, making our daily actions votes for our ideal self. This taps into the powerful force of intrinsic motivation—the desire to do things for their own sake, driven by autonomy, mastery, and a sense of purpose, rather than by external carrots and sticks. Ultimately, the episode presents this path to cognitive resonance as a practical roadmap for a more authentic and fulfilling life. It requires the courage to confront the inconsistencies in our own lives, the discipline to build new systems, and the self-awareness to stay connected to our inner compass. By consciously working to bridge the gap between who we are and who we want to be, we can transform that draining inner conflict into a powerful, resonant force for positive and lasting change. It is a journey of aligning our daily choices with our deepest truths, creating a life that not only looks good on the outside but feels right on the inside.

    31 min
  6. Episode 6 – The Human Playbook: Rewriting Your Rules for Relationships

    EPISODE 6

    Episode 6 – The Human Playbook: Rewriting Your Rules for Relationships

    This episode explores the "invisible rules" that govern our relationships, revealing how our early attachment styles create a powerful, often unconscious blueprint that shapes our adult connections. These patterns, forged in our earliest experiences with caregivers, are not just psychological but are deeply ingrained in our biology, influencing how we seek intimacy, handle conflict, and respond to perceived threats. The discussion highlights two primary insecure attachment styles: the anxious style, characterized by a deep craving for closeness coupled with a constant fear of abandonment, and the avoidant style, which sees intimacy as suffocating and prioritizes independence to the point of emotional distance. When these two styles come together, they create the classic "anxious-avoidant trap," a painful and frustrating cycle where one person pursues and the other withdraws, leaving both feeling perpetually misunderstood and unfulfilled. The episode explains that these are not conscious choices but automatic, deeply programmed responses driven by conflicting intimacy needs. The anxious partner's "protest behaviors" (like excessive calling or clinging) and the avoidant partner's "deactivating strategies" (like creating distance or finding fault) are both desperate, albeit counterproductive, attempts to manage their underlying anxieties about connection. The hopeful message of the episode is that these blueprints are not set in stone; they can be rewritten. The key is to move towards a more secure attachment style by developing the capacity for assertive communication—clearly and kindly expressing our own needs while also being able to hear and respect the needs of our partner. This involves making the unconscious conscious, understanding our own patterns, and consciously choosing to respond differently rather than reacting from old wounds. Ultimately, it is a journey of self-awareness and intentional effort, moving from a place of reactive fear to one of secure, authentic, and deeply fulfilling connection.

    46 min
  7. Episode 7 – Headquarters: Building Your Inner Command Center

    EPISODE 7

    Episode 7 – Headquarters: Building Your Inner Command Center

    This episode introduces the powerful metaphor of building an "inner headquarters," a calm, strategic command center within your own mind from which you can observe and manage life's challenges instead of being constantly overwhelmed by them. It begins by explaining the neurological basis for our often-chaotic inner world, highlighting the role of the amygdala as the brain's hypervigilant "smoke detector". This primal alarm system often triggers a fight-or-flight response before our rational brain, the prefrontal cortex, has a chance to assess the situation, leading to impulsive reactions that we later regret. This state of constant internal alarm creates what is termed "psychic entropy," a feeling of mental chaos and disorder that drains our attention and prevents us from engaging with life purposefully. The episode then presents a practical, step-by-step method for beginning to construct this inner headquarters, moving from a state of being "fused" with our thoughts and emotions to one of conscious observation. This process, often called metacognition or "thinking about thinking," involves creating a crucial psychological distance between the observer (you) and the observed (your thoughts and feelings). A simple yet profound tool for this is the Name, Locate, Breathe, Act technique: first, name the emotion without judgment; second, locate where you feel it in your body; third, take a few slow, deliberate breaths to regulate your nervous system; and finally, consciously act from a more grounded, intentional place. Another key tool for managing overwhelming internal states is urge surfing, a practice for dealing with strong cravings or compulsions without either suppressing them or giving in to them. Instead of fighting the urge, you learn to observe it like a wave, noticing its intensity rise, crest, and eventually dissipate on its own. Both of these techniques are not about eradicating difficult feelings, but about fundamentally changing our relationship to them, moving from a state of reactive turmoil to one of conscious, centered control. By consistently practicing these skills, we can literally rewire our brains, strengthening the neural pathways for self-regulation and building a resilient inner headquarters that allows us to navigate life with greater calm, clarity, and wisdom.

    33 min
  8. Episode 8 – Mind Over Misconceptions: 5 Recovery Myths That Hold Us Back

    EPISODE 8

    Episode 8 – Mind Over Misconceptions: 5 Recovery Myths That Hold Us Back

    This episode systematically debunks five pervasive and harmful myths about recovery and personal change, replacing them with more compassionate and evidence-based perspectives. The first myth, that you have to hit rock bottom to truly change, is challenged by the idea that early, consistent intervention and small, incremental shifts are often more effective and sustainable. The second myth, that relapse is a failure, is reframed as a predictable and valuable part of the learning process—a source of crucial data for growth, not a sign of defeat. This perspective shifts the focus from perfection to persistence, recognizing that change is rarely a linear process. The third myth, that willpower is all you need, is perhaps one of the most damaging, as it overemphasizes individual grit while ignoring the immense power of our environment and systems. True, lasting change is far less about forcing yourself through sheer willpower and far more about strategically designing your surroundings to make good habits the path of least resistance. The fourth myth, that you have to be religious or follow a specific belief system to recover, is countered by the understanding that there are many diverse and valid pathways to healing, unique to each individual's needs and experiences. Finally, the episode tackles the fifth myth: that recovery means you'll always be happy. This unrealistic expectation is replaced with the more grounded truth that recovery is not about eradicating difficult emotions, but about developing the skills and resilience to navigate the full spectrum of human experience without being derailed. Ultimately, the episode is a powerful call to approach personal growth with more self-compassion, to let go of shame-based narratives, and to embrace a more informed, strategic, and ultimately more effective path to lasting transformation. It’s about building a better trajectory, one small, conscious step at a time.

    32 min
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Why do we get in our own way, even when we desperately want to heal? Mind the Truth is your guide through the complex inner world of recovery. We demystify the psychology behind addiction, trauma, and mental health, replacing shame and confusion with evidence-based truths and practical tools. If you’re ready to stop fighting your own mind and start understanding it, this is the podcast for you. Join us on the path to lasting change.

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