Here are your show notes for Episode 268!
Brief Summary
Ready for insights that transform your life—and a good laugh? In episode 268, Mike Mandel and Chris Thompson explore the power of distinctions—tiny shifts that create massive impact in relationships, personal growth, and even hypnotic practice. From using “and” instead of “but” to waiting 5 seconds in arguments to keep the peace, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.
Plus, hear about Chris’s skunk drama, his pedaling-while-tweeting habit, and Mike's garlic-removing hack involving stainless steel! It's all delivered with the humor and energy you love. Don’t miss it—your next “aha” moment awaits!
Think Tank Words
- Hospital: Mike explained the concept of "incidentaloma," where overly sensitive medical tests reveal benign anomalies that lead to unnecessary interventions. This was tied to the idea of the reticular activating system—highlighting how focusing on unhelpful details can waste time and energy, similar to being trapped in a cycle of medical over-analysis.
- Confusion: Chris connected confusion to Milton Erickson’s use of confusion techniques in hypnosis. Erickson would deliberately create disorientation as part of his hypnotic inductions, making the subject more receptive to suggestions. This is linked to the broader point that confusion, when harnessed correctly, can facilitate breakthroughs in understanding.
- Food: The discussion centered on the nutritional impact of ultra processed foods, citing a podcast by Joe Rogan. Mike debunked myths surrounding obesity, referencing historical periods of food scarcity (e.g., WWII rationing) to illustrate how food availability directly impacts weight—emphasizing that obesity isn't inevitable but influenced by choices and environment.
Core Discussion
- The word "but" acts like an eraser, negating what was said before it. Using "and" instead creates a more balanced and positive message.
- Changing the order of sentences can emphasize the positive: “I know it’s expensive, but I really want to try this highly rated restaurant.”
- Analytical hypnosis clients may interrupt and resist. Address their behavior with humor or reframing, such as asking, "Would you coach a surgeon mid-surgery?"
- Desiree’s “micro dosing hypnosis” technique uses the act of scrolling through a phone as a hypnotic trigger, adapting hypnosis to modern behaviors.
- Pausing for five seconds during arguments prevents escalation, allowing emotions to cool before responding.
- Chris shared how cleaning up clothes left on the bedroom floor was a small change that made a big difference to his wife’s happiness.
- Mike reframed his wife’s pickleball habit as a positive way to build her social group, instead of seeing it as time away from him.
- Chris realized he prefers cycling, while his wife enjoys walking, and they now focus on shared joys like walking and exploring together.
- Dissociation can reduce the emotional impact of unpleasant memories by visualizing yourself as an observer in the scene rather than reliving it.
- Combining low-cognitive tasks like pedaling on a stationary bike with productive activities like reading the news is an efficient use of time.
- To avoid unhealthy habits, follow the "don’t have it in the house" rule for junk food or alcohol.
- Mike humorously noted how servers often struggle to open wine bottles mid-air instead of using the table for support—an example of using the right tools effectively.
Stainless steel under cold water is an effective way to remove garlic smell from hands. - Mike shared a tip from his rock band days: never host the party in your own room to avoid cleanup and disruptions.
- Chris limits social media use to while pedaling, combining leisure and fitness to avoid wasting time.
Empowering Question
Since distinctions are all around us just waiting to be found, what will you do to remember them when you discover a new one?
Metaphor (Jury Duty)
Mike shared an experience from being on a jury for a crack cocaine case. He described how, during deliberations, he positioned himself at the head of the table (a power position) and used body language and framing to become the jury foreman. Despite early disagreements in the group, he steered the process effectively, ensuring the trial was fair.
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