There is a cultural expectation that women are more emotional and sensitive than men and that men should be tough and stoic. This expectation could clash with the traits of being an HSP, for men. For this show, I asked several highly sensitive men for their stories and opinions. Even though I intended this to be about males, much of information can apply to all HSPs. In this Part 1, I talk about the challenges of being a male HSP . In Part 2, next week, I’ll talk about how to deal with those cha...
Jun 02, 20150
What if we HSPs could fully allow and embrace our strongest emotions--our reactions to beauty in nature in art? What if we didn't have to hold back at all? (And yes, the title of this episode is meant to be tongue-in-cheek.) Related posts on my blog, highlysensitiveperson.net: Perfection in Nature: Let’s Talk about “Beauty Threshold” Overwhelmed by Beauty Weather Affects My Mood HSP Podcast #12: Beauty in Nature & Art My book is available on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories ...
May 27, 20150
An introvert/extrovert and HSP/non-HSP might take a look at the same vacation itinerary and have completely different reactions. An action-packed, busy vacation in a chaotic big city might seem thrilling to a non-HSP. Whereas an HSP might enjoy quieter, more peaceful activities with time for reflection. When your partner desires the opposite of what you desire, it can be challenging to agree on a vacation spot. In this episode, I talk about what qualities I most enjoy in a vacation destination a...
May 19, 20150
I'm often surprised that I am so easily distracted when I work. Isn't that a symptom of being weak-minded? sad face. If you find yourself easily distracted (especially when working at home), please know that you aren't the only one. Lots of us share the same struggle. The key is to acknowledge, accept, and adjust. There are loads of productivity tools out there that can help you get in the zone . In this episode, I talk about what distracts me and how I try to fight it and stay on track. Resourc...
May 12, 20150
One of the reasons being a Highly Sensitive Person is tough because a lot of people don't believe that HSP is a legitimate thing. This episode 39 is about dealing with those haters. It's a little heavy on the sarcasm and ranty-ness, so fair warning. My new book is out on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories & tips for those who experience the world intensely. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news. Podcast mus...
May 05, 20150
This episode 38 is about handling criticism . I talk about three little tactics I use to help deal with negative feedback in my life. ( Last week I talked about self-criticism, how HSPs often criticize themselves in order to avoid the trauma of criticism from others.) My new book is out on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories & tips for those who experience the world intensely. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HS...
Apr 29, 20150
HSPs often criticize themselves in order to avoid the trauma of criticism from others. Next week, I'll talk about how to handle criticism. Big Announcement: My new book is out on Amazon: A Highly Sensitive Person's Life: stories & tips for those who experience the world intensely. Resources mentioned in this episode: The awesome blog post I mention about criticism from Dr. Elaine Aron Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news...
Apr 21, 20150
Today's episode was inspired by this bit of Dr. Elaine Aron's writing: “All HSPs are creative, by definition. Many have squashed their creativity because of their low self-esteem; many more had it squashed for them, before they could ever know about it.” This quote really spoke to me. Maybe this episode will serve as a reminder to introduce a little more creativity in your life (if you need it). Related posts on the highlysensitiveperson.net blog : Creativity & You & Me Resources mention...
Apr 08, 20150
Have you ever been told: “Learn to take a joke." "Why are you so serious?" "Lighten up." In this episode, I explain which jokes I find offensive and how sensitive people think it's more important to not hurt people than to be funny. Related posts on my blog: Some jokes aren't funny The mean jokes/pranks mentioned in this episode: Article about Daniel Tosh's rape joke The Saturday Night Live ISIS skit The "dropping baby from the balcony" prank The student driver prank Podcast music attribution: B...
Apr 01, 20150
Are there specific smells and odors that you just cannot stand ? And which smells are so wonderful they leave you in a state of bliss? Do you smell things that other people don't? In this episode, I talk about HSPs' sensitivity to odors as well as the ones I love and detest. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Related Blog Posts: The superpower of smell All the Battles I Fought When I Worked in a Cubicle (includes a part about bad smells in the office) Sign up for...
Mar 17, 20150
When I’ve talked about jobs and careers in the past, I’ve always said that sales , in my opinion, is one of the worst jobs for introverted HSPs. But a post on Reddit turned my thoughts about sales on their head. What if an introverted HSP was in a typically "extroverted" job, and instead of forcing themselves to be extroverted...they used their innate traits to their advantage? (Apologies to the extroverted HSPs because this is one of those episodes about introverts, or introverted HSPs.) If you...
Mar 10, 20150
Imagine riding in a car with your friends, and everything goes black. The next thing you know, you are lying somewhere, but you can’t see. You’re in indescribable pain. You can’t speak. You can’t move your head. Then you feel a soft touch on your hand and arm, and a caring voice explains that you were in a car accident. This person squeezes your hand and says, “I’m here.” Those two words make a world of difference. This is the story of Marcus Engel. Marcus has used his experience to write books ...
Mar 03, 20150
Over the past dozen years or so, I’ve gotten more and more scared of turbulence on airplanes. When I was younger, I enjoyed turbulence. I remember a time when I would snicker when I saw other people who looked nervous! But now, It’s now to the point where I’m barely fighting off a panic attack. In this episode, I talk about why turbulence is scary to some people, plus some tips on how I calm down while on a plane. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Resources ment...
Feb 24, 20150
Are you ever sorry about being sorry? Have you apologized to inanimate objects? Because HSPs are observant to social cues and other people’s feelings, we tend to be very polite. And not only do HSPs have good manners, we notice when other people’s don’t. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. And get your 30-day free audio book trial (including 1 free book) at A...
Feb 18, 20150
One glaring topic I have neglected to cover in this podcast and blog is extroverts . Approximately 30% of HSPs are extroverts! (btw, it can also be spelled extravert). In this episode, I share some tidbits I've learned from interviewing extroverted HSPs, including the challenges and differences of being the wonderful way they are. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HS...
Feb 04, 20150
How have I not yet tackled the topic of travel? I looove to explore new places, and in today's episode, I share my top 11 HSP travel tips from 35+ countries of experience. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes . If you love the podcast or blog, consider donating by clicking "Donate" button on the right side of the blog here . Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Related posts on highlysensitiveperso...
Jan 28, 20150
In today's episode, I talk about the most interesting parts of this great interview of Dr. Elaine Aron on Reset.me. It's about genetic studies and stuff. Ok, ok, that doesn't sound very exciting, does it? Take #2. In today's episode, I talk about why high sensitivity hasn't been bred out of humans (in an evolutionary sense) and that HSPs might be more likely to be thrive (or, conversely, suffer) than non-HSPs, depending on their upbringing. SCIENCE! If you like the podcast, please leave a positi...
Jan 20, 20150
In this episode 26, I talk about how and why HSPs are more sensitive to caffeine than others. I also touch on the effects of other drugs as well as a possible connection to Mitral Valve Prolapse and HSP. I know-- crazy . If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Elaine Aron "Coping Corner: Strengthening Your Decisions Throug...
Jan 13, 20150
In this episode 25, I share some quotes from people in relationships with HSPs who are fed up! They say that HSPs are selfish and don't try to improve themselves. This bums me out and I hope that I don't act this way in my own relationship. Do you ever worry that your partner is ignoring their own needs to help you with yours? Let me know in the comments below. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog ...
Jan 06, 20150
In this episode 23, I provide some tips on how to deal with the challenging aspects of being highly sensitive. Do you ever say these things to yourself? "I give a lot to other people but they don’t notice--they don't appreciate or reciprocate my thoughtfulness." "I can’t trust many people because they will inevitably hurt me or let me down." "How can I be less sensitive?" "My empathy weighs heavily on me--It’s so tiring. How can I better handle this?" Have a listen and let me know what you think...
Dec 30, 20140
Pontificating on Friendship "Kindred Spirits" are intimate friends, people with whom you are comfortable being your true self. HSPs are often on the hunt for kindred spirits, especially at parties, gatherings, or networking events. Having a deep, intense, shared connection with someone else is essential to meeting the emotional needs of sensitive people. In this episode 23, I also talk about Anne of Green Gables, Susan Cain (as per usual), and why it's ok to let go of friends you don't truly con...
Dec 16, 20140
Emotional cutting is reading or watching things that hurt us emotionally...but we keeping doing them anyway. I do this when I look at dog rescues on Facebook that show when animals were saved or euthanized. Why do I, and other HSPs, seek out this pain? Even though it hurts, sometimes makes me cry, and can take a long time to recover from, I still do it. Do I, deep down, want the pain? If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be noti...
Dec 09, 20140
The holiday season is here and I've been thinking about gift giving. HSPs' temperament makes them well-suited to picking out the perfect gift for loved ones. We pay close attention to details so we are likely to pick up on the wants and desires of others. In this episode, I talk about the most thoughtful gift I ever received and I also go off on a rant about gift cards. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the lat...
Dec 03, 20140
Anticipatory grief is a grief reaction that occurs before an impending loss, typically, the death of someone close to you. This episode is about how us HSPs can experience this grief more than others, and not just about death. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes ! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Resources mentioned in this episode: The pet photo from from SkyMall that makes me cry Could I han...
Nov 24, 20140
The previous episode was about the single best job for HSPs--working for yourself. Today's show is about more traditional jobs and careers, including what you should look for (and avoid as an HSP). What qualities of being highly sensitive are a benefit to certain jobs? If you like the podcast, please say "thanks" by leaving a positive review on iTunes ! (And if you don't like it, then please don't leave a review!) Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast...
Nov 18, 20140
Since HSPs are detail-oriented, and can be bothered by too much stimuli, there is one job that seems to make the most sense for us! Learn about it here in episode 18. If you like the podcast, please say "thanks" by leaving a positive review on iTunes ! (And if you don't like it, then please don't leave a review!) Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Mentioned in the show: Resources for people who want to change their career / ...
Nov 11, 20140
Episode 17 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast is brought to you by the word sensitive . A blog reader, Mike Voss, gave me the great suggestion that maybe the moniker Highly Sensitive Person could be changed to something without the word sensitive, because it's such a loaded word. How about Highly Sensory Person? I like that a lot better. (Actually, the trait's scientific term is Sensory-Processing Sensitivity, or SPS--but I don't hear that used very often!) I discuss how the word sensitive m...
Nov 04, 20140
Episode 16 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast is about High Sensation Seeking HSPs. You have no idea how many times I had to edit myself saying that mouthful of words incorrectly in this episode. HSPs are careful and evaluate everything around them thoroughly. But those who are also High Sensation Seekers crave excitement, arousal, and new experiences (not necessarily extreme stuff like skydiving or bungee jumping, mind you.) How can those two traits co-exist in the same person?! I think it'...
Oct 28, 20140
Episode 15 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast is about control. It wasn't until I started writing about all my HSP stuff that I realized so many of the things that bothered me were about a lack of control. From working in a cubicle, to a fear of flying, to drop-in tennis, I outline the sneaky ways needing control is in my life. If you like the podcast, please say "thanks" by leaving a review on iTunes ! And sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast ep...
Oct 21, 20140
Episode 14 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast is about empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another being. I talk about wondering if Muay Thai fighters are lonely or sad, and crying about the tragedies of people I don't think I have a right to be that sad about. If you like the podcast, please say "thanks" by leaving a review on iTunes ! And sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news. Mentioned on...
Oct 14, 20140
