Episode 89: The Neuroplasticity of Identity, with Dr. Elizabeth Mateer

2026-04-07

In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Mateer, a Harvard Medical School neuropsychology fellow, writer, and Psychology Today contributor, to explore how identity is shaped by memory, attention, emotion, and the stories we tell ourselves. We talk about the idea that the self is not fixed, but continually built and rebuilt through experience. Our conversation dives into neuroplasticity, self-narrative, authenticity, and the value of developing multiple aspects...

In this episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Mateer, a Harvard Medical School neuropsychology fellow, writer, and Psychology Today contributor, to explore how identity is shaped by memory, attention, emotion, and the stories we tell ourselves. We talk about the idea that the self is not fixed, but continually built and rebuilt through experience.

Our conversation dives into neuroplasticity, self-narrative, authenticity, and the value of developing multiple aspects of identity rather than overinvesting in just one role. We also explore how emotionally charged experiences can shape the way we see ourselves, why people get stuck in limiting stories about who they are, and how greater psychological flexibility can help us adapt and grow.

Dr. Mateer brings warmth, clarity, and real depth to a conversation about how the brain, our experiences, and our choices all work together in shaping who we become.

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