Why do we make decisions we later regret? Why do we react so quickly, even when we know better?

In this episode of The Deeper by Design Podcast, Dr. Trevor Hislop is joined by Dr. Karl Benzio, board-certified psychiatrist, co-founder and Chief Psychiatric Officer of Honey Lake Clinic, and Medical Director of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Together, they explore what Dr. Benzio calls the “black box” — the internal space where our thoughts, emotions, perceptions, values, fears, and past experiences shape the decisions we make.

Dr. Benzio introduces the SPEARS decision-making progression and explains how greater self-awareness, curiosity, emotional regulation, faith, and repeated micro-practices can help us renew our minds, rewire our brains, and relate to God, ourselves, and others with greater clarity and intention.

This conversation brings together faith, psychiatry, neuroscience, spiritual formation, and practical wisdom for anyone who wants to better understand why they do what they do — and how real change begins.

In this episode, Trevor and Dr. Benzio discuss:

• What happens inside the “black box” of the mind
• Why so much of our decision-making happens automatically
• The SPEARS decision-making progression
• How perception shapes emotion and response
• Why emotional regulation matters before making decisions
• How neuroplasticity gives hope for lasting change
• The role of curiosity in spiritual and emotional growth
• Why decision-making is one of the most important skills we can develop
• How faith and neuroscience work together in the process of renewal
• Practical ways to slow down, reflect, and make wiser choices

Resources Mentioned

Learn more about Dr. Karl Benzio and his resources at drkarlbenzio.com.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Transformed by His Promises
A devotional resource designed to help people renew their minds and build daily practices that support lasting change.

Your Adversity Advantage
A collection of real stories and practical insight about moving from pain to purpose through faith, resilience, and transformation.

Honey Lake Clinic
A Christ-centered residential treatment center integrating spirit, mind, and body. honeylake.clinic

Learn more about Dr. Trevor Hislop, Renovi Relational Therapy, marriage intensives, leadership care, and additional resources at trevorhislop.com.

The Deeper by Design Podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify.