How to Let Go of Your Shame

In this episode of the SOLVED podcast, Mark Manson and Drew Birney delve into the complex topic of shame, exploring its evolutionary roots, psychological manifestations, and societal impacts. They differentiate between healthy and toxic shame, guilt, embarrassment, and trauma, and discuss the neurobiology of shame, including the brain regions involved in the shame response. They introduce Donald Nathanson's shame compass, outlining four primary responses to shame: withdrawal, attack self, avoidance, and attack others. The hosts examine how shame manifests across individual, familial, communal, and cultural levels, and how technology and social media exacerbate shame through cancel culture and constant social comparison. They also discuss strategies for managing shame, including mindfulness, psychological distancing, and recognizing the learning paradox of shame. The conversation touches on the importance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and social support in alleviating shame, and the hosts share personal experiences and anecdotes to illustrate the concepts discussed.