Following on from Ep. 11 where Marcus opened up about self-criticism, this episode is all about balance. We're diving deep into positive self talk, what it is, why it matters, and how it can literally rewire your brain.

We explore:

• Why we’re hardwired to focus on the negative

• The neuroscience behind self talk and emotional regulation

• How CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Theory) and distanced self talk can help reframe our internal dialogue

• Real experiences of building a healthier, more compassionate relationship with ourselves

This one blends neurobiology, psychological theory, and real talk. Think: amygdala, inner critic, self-esteem, Beck, Kross, and the power of speaking kindly to yourself.

🎙 Whether you struggle with imposter syndrome, low self-worth, or just want to feel a little more grounded — this one’s for you.

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📚 References cited in this episode:

• Beck, A.T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders.
• Goldin, P. R., McRae, K., Ramel, W., & Gross, J. J. (2007). The Neural Bases of Emotion Regulation: reappraisal and suppression of negative emotion. Biological Psychiatry, 63(6), 577–586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.05.031
• Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing. Current directions in psychological science, 20(3), 187-191. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721411408883
• Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010). The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(5), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2010.516763

📲 Follow us for more:

Instagram: @themoodboosterpodcast TikTok: @themoodboosterpodcast Website: www.themoodbooster.co.uk

🎥 Prefer video? Watch this episode on YouTube! @TheMoodBoosterPodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, please rate & review, it really helps!

In this heartfelt bonus episode, Charlie and Marcus sit down for a festival debrief, and it’s not just about coconuts and flashy flags. After just four months of building the Mood Booster podcast, we take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to express deep gratitude for each other and the community growing around us.

From Alister recognising us (!), to the joy of hearing strangers share what makes them happy, this one's about presence, connection, and letting the moment sink in.

Come bask with us. 🌞

📲 Follow us for more:

Instagram: @themoodboosterpodcast TikTok: @themoodboosterpodcast Website: www.themoodbooster.co.uk

🎥 Prefer video? Watch this episode on YouTube! @TheMoodBoosterPodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, please rate & review, it really helps!

Feeling tired all the time, a bit detached, or like you’re running on empty?

In this episode, we take a deeper look at burnout, from its emotional weight to its academic roots. Marcus and Charlie discuss personal experiences with burnout and weave in leading psychological theories, including Maslach’s Burnout Inventory and the WHO’s classification of burnout as an occupational phenomenon.

We break down what burnout actually is, how it shows up in real life, why it’s different from stress, and what helps when you're in the thick of it. We also reflect on recent studies exploring burnout in younger adults and how modern working culture contributes to the rise in chronic exhaustion.

Whether you’re feeling the edge of burnout or just curious about how it works, this episode blends insight, honesty and psychology, with a few laughs in between.

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📚 References cited in this episode:

• Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981). MBI: Maslach burnout inventory. manual. Palo Alto, CA: University of California, Consulting Psychologists Press.
• World Health Organization (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon". [ICD-11 classification] https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
• Schaufeli, W. B., Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2009). Burnout: 35 years of research and practice. Career Development International, 14(3), 204–220. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430910966406
• Han, R., Xu, J., Ge, Y., & Qin, Y. (2020). The impact of social media use on job burnout: The role of Social Comparison. Frontiers in Public Health, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.588097
• Salvagioni, D. a. J., Melanda, F. N., Mesas, A. E., González, A. D., Gabani, F. L., & De Andrade, S. M. (2017). Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLoS ONE, 12(10), e0185781. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185781
• https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2021/november/what-are-the-5-stages-of-burnout

📲 Follow us for more:

Instagram: @themoodboosterpodcast TikTok: @themoodboosterpodcast Website: www.themoodbooster.co.uk

🎥 Prefer video? Watch this episode on YouTube! @TheMoodBoosterPodcast

⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, please rate & review — it really helps!