Immersion

Part 1 was about the clinical definitions and the "why" behind limerence - this episode is about what it actually feels like to live through it.  Limerence is a unique experience with some of the highest highs and lowest lows we can go through.  In this episode, we are diving into the lived reality of the limerent mind. We look at how we use art and music to seek solace or feed the obses...

Have you ever found yourself completely consumed by thoughts of someone, to the point where it feels less like a crush and more like an overwhelming, permanent presence in your mind? In this episode, we are doing a deep, nuanced dive into the concept of limerence - a state of profound romantic infatuation, obsessive thoughts, and an intense desire for emotional reciprocation. If you have ever felt...

Do you ever feel like your value as a person depends entirely on your last achievement, your productivity, or what someone else thinks of you? You’re not alone. This is part 4 in our 10 part series on improving our relationship with ourselves. (See the whole self-worth series here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJBR0a3Yz6vsH5TkuPFtd2b7YgbL11OG ) And in this episode we’re diving deep int...

The topic of self-worth cuts deeper than self-esteem. That is because self-worth is an internal sense that you are enough, and that you are fundamentally deserving of love and respect. In Part 3 of our "Relationship to Self" series, we are diving deep into the foundations of self-worth. In this episode, we look at: Where are we actually getting validation from? How does toxic shame quiet...

While self-esteem may seem like an elusive, vague concept, there are practical, everyday actions we can take to build it. In this episode, we explore the actionable frameworks outlined in the classic book, The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden. Together, we will dive into all six pillars: living consciously, self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, living purposefull...

You likely know how you feel about your relationships with other people - but how do you feel about your relationship with yourself? Whether we realize it or not, our relationship with ourselves influences nearly everything: our relationships, choices, ambitions, and even how we interpret everyday experiences. In this new series, we'll explore that relationship from many angles, including sel...

There’s an often-overlooked personality trait that shapes how you process almost everything you encounter day-to-day. While traits like introversion and extraversion get all the spotlight, this core piece of our psychology is just as crucial to understand. Originally introduced by Carl Jung, the balance between Intuition and Sensing dictates whether you prefer to live in the tangible world of fact...

If you’ve ever felt deeply grateful and incredibly sad at the exact same time, you know emotions don't always fit into neat boxes. We often view emotions as a simple spectrum, with happiness on one end and sadness on the other. But our feelings are far more nuanced than that. Instead of living on opposite sides of a continuum, our emotions operate more like individual "knobs" that t...

We’ve all heard the basic advice: turn off notifications, put your phone in grayscale, or just "try harder." But if you’re like me, those tips didn't stick. After years of experimentation and diving into the psychology of habit formation, I’ve finally found a system that is working for me. In this episode (Part 2 of our series on technology), we are moving past the philosophy and ge...

Happiness is a universal human aim, but what we believe makes us happy, and how we define a life well-lived, varies. In Part 10 of our Positive Psychology deep dive, we explore how cultural norms, language, and social safety nets dictate our personal views on flourishing. In this episode, we explore: How cultural norms and language shape the way we express happiness. Why a national safety net chan...

Do you ever wish you knew what your purpose was? Does your life ever feel void of meaning? In this episode we explore the idea of meaning through the lens of positive psychology, logotherapy, and existentialist philosophy. We learn from Dr. Viktor Frankl and Jean-Paul Sartre as well as from the Oxford Handbook on Positive Psychology.  Also in this episode:  -- How to recenter when we get off track...

How do we build relationships that actually flourish? In Part 8 of our Positive Psychology series, we’re looking at the science of staying connected through Minding and Active Construction. Whether it’s with friends, family, or partners, we’re moving beyond the honeymoon phase and looking at the intentional work of relating to one another. A large part of this episode is dedicated to the concept o...

We are 7 episodes into this series and I have a confession: I expected to feel "happier" by now, but the reality of positive psychology is a lot more nuanced. While I’ve definitely picked up some great habits around Grit and finding Flow in my work, I was surprised to find that the best parts of my day weren't the big achievements—they were the simple things, like a cup of tea and a...

Is the 10,000-hour rule a myth? We’ve all heard that it takes 10,000 hours to master a craft, but the truth is that not all hours are created equal. In this episode, we dive into the science of peak performance and the current "Gold Standard" of learning: Deliberate Practice. Based on the research of Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, we break down why simply "putting in more time" isn&ap...

What if you could disappear into your tasks and emerge happier, more productive, and less stressed? That "magical" feeling - one you have likely experienced from time to time - is called Flow. And it’s more than just a catchy term thrown around these days; it’s a scientifically backed state of peak performance. In this video, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Mihaly Csikszentmi...

How do exercise, sleep, and nutrition actually impact our mood and mental health? You have likely felt the difference between weeks when you are caring for your body versus weeks when those habits fall away. Sometimes, we need to consciously recognize how much better we feel - physically and emotionally - before those healthy habits finally stick. In Part 4 of our Positive Psychology series, we ar...

Ever feel like you have the talent, but you just can't seem to finish what you start? In this episode, we’re looking at why we "hit the wall" and quit when things get difficult. It’s a dive into the science of Grit, Resilience, and Hope - tools that many believe we are born with, but research proves we can actually build. Using the foundational work of Martin Seligman, Carol Dweck,...

Why do we recover from heartbreaks, job losses, and injuries faster than we could ever imagine? For example, if you were fired today or left at the altar, how long would you be miserable? You probably guess "months or years." But the science suggests this is not necessarily the case.  We often underestimate our ability to heal because we don't realize we have a Psychological Immune...

We spend our whole lives chasing happiness, but we rarely stop to ask: Are we chasing the right things? Or more importantly - do we even have control over how happy we are? Research suggests that while a portion of our happiness is genetic, a significant amount is firmly within our control - if we know which levers to pull.  In this episode, we dive into the science of building a happier life. We...

In this video, we explore why millennials are not having kids, looking at the declining birth rate through the lens of history, economics, and sociology. We go beyond the usual headlines about money to discuss intensive parenting, modern developments, demographic transitions, environmental concerns, and the real cost of raising a family in the modern world. Throughout this journey, we ask the cent...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the decision to be a parent in the modern world, we move from the statistics to the emotional reality. We explore the fear of regret, the definition of legacy, and how to navigate intense societal pressure. Whether you are currently weighing this choice or have already made it, I hope this episode offers you clarity and compassion. In this episode, we cover: The Fea...

Do you feel stuck between the desire for flexibility while also craving for structure?  In a world of infinite options, "keeping your doors open" feels like the smart move. But often, it leads to a specific kind of misery: the anxiety of feeling untethered and lost in a sea of possibilities. So how do we commit to what matters to us?  We cover: The "Haircut vs. Tattoo" Rule: Wh...

Branding is difficult because you are trying to turn a complex, 3D human or experience into a flat, 2D logo. In this episode we cover the psychology of branding and how to simplify your message without losing your authenticity. In this episode, we cover: 00:00 The Thesis: "3D Humans" vs. "2D Brands" 01:20 Personal story and rebranding the podcast  02:00 How Nike does this well ...

Welcome to the trailer for Immersion ! The show is getting a new name and a renewed focus, right here on this feed. I’m still your host, Pam Carey, and while the voice is the same, we are bringing more depth and structure to the conversations. I can’t wait to explore alongside you and immerse ourselves in the topics that fascinate us. Important note: The artwork will be updated in a few weeks! Kee...

Felt chatty - may delete later ;)  Just wanted to keep you posted on where the pod is headed and when we’ll be back in full force posting more regularly. Excited for what is ahead!  Leave a voice message here Newsletter sign up YouTube - channel  Instagram - we will be posting here soon