Show notes
The voice holding you back isn’t life… it's the way you talk to yourself.Dr. Karen Bluth is a leading researcher, author, and educator in self-compassion, whose work spans decades of mindfulness research and mental health education. But Karen’s story starts with her, as a teenager, struggling with self-doubt and quietly discovering practices that would later transform her life — and the lives of thousands of others.Karen joins Mercedes and Anastasia to unpack the practical science and tangible practice of self-compassion, and why learning to be kind to yourself isn’t “soft”, it’s one of the most powerful skills you can build at any age. Karen shares how self-compassion reduces anxiety and depression, builds resilience under stress, and actually increases motivation and courage!After this episode, you'll know:– The difference between self-pity vs self-compassion.– Hacks to showing yourself self-compassion.– Science behind by self-compassion = more motivation + happiness.– 'Back pocket' tools for calming down in moments of stress.– How to rewire your inner dialogue. Whether you’re a teen navigating pressure and expectations, a parent trying to support your child, or an adult feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not-enough, Karen’s insights will change the way you think about yourself. After this episode, you’ll feel calmer, more grounded, and equipped with next steps you can use immediately — starting today.Explore our websiteSign Up For Waking Up & Get 30 Days Free!Visit Karen's Personal WebsiteCheck out Self Compassion For TeensReady to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and star of Somebody Feed Phil, Phil Rosenthal. In this episode, Phil shares his learnings from traveling the world, his favourite food, and hacks for being more spontaneous: listen + watch now!(00:00) Welcome, Dr. Karen Bluth!(01:42) Getting Into Self-Compassion(04:40) She's Meditated For 50 Years - Here's What Karen Has Learned(07:12) What is Self-Compassion?(12:12) Do I Have a Healthy Relationship With Myself?(16:01) MOST Surprising Findings About Self-Compassion(19:48) Why is Being a TEEN GIRL So Challenging?(21:55) Hack For Being Self-Compassionate(23:21) Your Sign to Support a Friend or Family Member(24:01) Try This Self-Compassion Exercise(31:01) Does Self-Compassion Reduce Motivation & Productivity?(34:06) Self-Compassion vs Self Pity(37:23) How Does ADHD Impact Self-Compassion?(39:21) Your Friends Affect Your Self-Talk(41:41) Imagine This...(47:50) A Daily Habit We've Been Loving(48:22) Karen's Inner Voice At 16(51:41) Advice For Parents: Help Your Kids Build Self-Compassion(55:58) A Moment She'll Never Forget(57:51) Karen's Mood Boosting Song(58:07) Karen To Her Teenage Self(58:30) What Brings Karen A Small Bit of Happiness?(59:35) Karen's Motivational Quote(1:01:07) Find Karen Here(1:02:26) We Interviewed Karen's Classmate From High School!
