Tiny Shifts Podcast

Andy Nunn

Tiny Shifts explores the small mental changes that change everything. Honest conversations about habits, fear, and why we shut down, plus simple ways to think and act differently

Episodes

  1. How Opinions Catch Fire:
Inside the psychology of social contagion

    2D AGO

    How Opinions Catch Fire: Inside the psychology of social contagion

    SummaryIn this episode of the Tiny Shifts podcast, host Andrew Nunn explores the unsettling idea of social contagion and how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours spread between people without us noticing. Through strange historical cases, modern examples, and everyday behaviour, Andrew challenges the belief that we are independent thinkers. He explains how moods, fears, habits, and expectations ripple through social networks, shaping our decisions, health, and sense of reality. The episode reveals how much of what feels personal is actually social and how small changes in what we expose ourselves to can quietly change who we become. TakeawaysMuch of what feels like personal choice is socially influenced.Emotions and behaviours can spread without conscious awareness.Fear and expectation are contagious.Stories can create real physical symptoms without any biological cause.We often underestimate how much others shape our moods and decisions.Homophily pulls us toward people who reinforce our existing beliefs.Social networks influence habits, health, and mental wellbeing.Expectations can alter perception, behaviour, and even the body.Tiny shifts in environment can lead to big changes over time.Becoming aware of social contagion restores choice and agency. Chapters00:00 Strange cases of collective behaviour01:32 Are we really independent thinkers?02:29 Why we misunderstand our own choices05:10 Social contagion and emotional spread08:40 How expectations shape behaviour12:15 Stories, fear, and physical symptoms17:40 Homophily and social influence22:10 Habits and behaviours in networks27:30 The cost of unconscious exposure31:45 Making small, intentional shifts35:20 Closing reflections on awareness

    15 min
  2. Sharks, Headlines and the Illusion of Risk

    JAN 28

    Sharks, Headlines and the Illusion of Risk

    Summary In this episode of the Tiny Ships podcast, host Andrew Nunn explores the complex relationship between fear, cognitive biases, and emotional conversations. He discusses how fear can distort our perception of risk and the importance of understanding cognitive biases when engaging in difficult discussions. Andrew introduces the CALM tool as a strategy for navigating these conversations effectively, emphasizing the need to control one's emotions, acknowledge feelings, and ask questions to understand differing viewpoints. Takeaways The mind often works in invisible ways that shape our choices.Fear can distort our perception of risk and reality.Strong emotions can change how we process information.Cognitive biases are features that evolved for survival.Natural selection favors caution over rationality.One tragic event can overshadow larger statistics.Understanding biases can help in navigating difficult conversations.Empathy is crucial when discussing polarizing topics.The CALM tool can help manage emotional conversations.Asking questions can reveal underlying values and beliefs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Tiny Ships Podcast 00:55 Understanding Fear and Emotional Conversations 05:40 The Impact of Statistics in Emotional Discussions 10:09 Cognitive Biases and Their Role in Perception 18:02 Exploring Specific Biases in Fearful Contexts 25:53 Strategies for Effective Conversations on Sensitive Topics 27:56 Navigating Heated Conversations 34:00 Understanding Emotions and Values in Discourse 34:31 Mastering Heated Conversations 35:11 Mastering Heated Conversations 36:11 Emotional Detachment in Discussions 36:38 PODCAST (1).mp4

    37 min

About

Tiny Shifts explores the small mental changes that change everything. Honest conversations about habits, fear, and why we shut down, plus simple ways to think and act differently