Welcome back to the Flavors of Emotions podcast! In today’s episode, we dive into Chapter Two of Yucky Yummy Savory Sweet: Understanding the Flavors of Emotions. I discuss the ingredients that shape how we think, feel, and behave—yes, ingredients! Our brains take in perceptive input, much like a chef uses ingredients in a recipe. Sometimes, though, the brain can get things wrong—misinterpreting what we see, hear, or feel.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
* Perception Isn't Always Perfect: Ever thought you saw something or someone, but after a second glance, realized it wasn’t what you thought? This happens because the brain can make prediction errors, which I discuss in my book’s second chapter, Ingredients for How We Feel, Think, and Behave.
* The Role of Focus in Emotions: Whether it’s fear or love, your focus can limit the input you get from the world around you. When you’re afraid, your brain is on high alert, and you focus solely on the perceived threat—blocking out everything else. Love does something similar, making you overlook flaws in favor of keeping that emotional high.
* Internal Dialogue and Listening: Our internal voice can interrupt our ability to truly listen to others because we’re too busy predicting what they’re going to say! I shared a personal example of how this can affect communication in relationships.
* Human Agency: One of the main reasons I wrote this book is to help you develop more agency—your ability to take control of your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. By better managing your perceptions, you can improve how you interact with the world.
Next Episode Preview:
In the next episode, we’ll explore interoception—a sensory system that helps you sync up the signals from the world to your body. It’s critical to both emotional and physical well-being, so stay tuned!
Additional Resources:
• Yucky Yummy Savory Sweet: Understanding the Flavors of Emotions – Chapter Two: https://youtu.be/Ac9M4mA-jdI
• Link to the YouTube video on the McGurk effect: https://youtu.be/2k8fHR9jKVM?si=lYU9Guzt2KKEirOn
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might find it helpful! You can find the link to today’s chapter in the show notes.
