Unkind Mind: Rewiring Negative Self-Talk with Dr. Betsy Holmberg

2025-04-14

In this eye-opening episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dr. Betsy Holmberg, Harvard-trained psychologist and author of the upcoming book Unkind Mind. Betsy shares her personal journey through heartbreak and depression, revealing a powerful discovery: the voice inside your head—the one constantly criticizing and doubting you—is not actually you. It’s your brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), a survival mechanism rooted in ancient fears of rejection and failure. Together, they unpack how these negative thoughts form, how they impact identity, parenting, relationships, and careers, and—most important...

Together, they unpack how these negative thoughts form, how they impact identity, parenting, relationships, and careers, and—most importantly—how we can separate ourselves from them. Learn how understanding the brain’s thought networks can unlock freedom from anxiety, overthinking, and imposter syndrome.

About the Guest
Dr. Betsy Holmberg is a psychologist with a Ph.D. from Duke and clinical training from Harvard. She previously worked as a top-tier consultant with McKinsey & Company. Betsy now focuses on educating people about brain science and self-talk. Her upcoming book Unkind Mind (releasing June 1st) is a game-changer in mental health, blending neuroscience and personal insight.

Key Takeaways

Negative self-talk often stems from the DMN, an outdated neural network designed for survival, not truth.
You are not your thoughts—the DMN is automatic and separate from your conscious self.
Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and anxiety can be reduced by strengthening the Central Executive Network (CEN) through mindfulness and intentional focus.
Meditation helps shift brain activity from DMN to CEN, building emotional resilience.
Self-compassion, awareness, and emotional honesty are powerful tools for breaking free from unkind mental patterns.

Connect with Dr. Betsy Holmberg