Why logical thinking hasn't worked (and what will)
You know your thoughts are irrational. So why can’t you feel or act differently?This episode is for the self-aware overthinkers, the high-achievers who are frustrated because they know better… but still feel stuck.Inside, we explore:Why insight and journaling alone don’t create changeWhat “rational-emotive dissociation” is (aka head/heart lag)How your emotional system might be underdeveloped — and what to do about itWhy you can’t just “think your way out” of self-criticismThe missing link between self-awareness and self-compassionWhether you’re struggling with food, body image, or just being a person with high standards - this episode will help you understand why you feel stuck even when you’re trying so hard, and what it actually takes to close the gap between knowing better... and feeling and doing differently.More Resources:Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
--------
13:32
--------
13:32
Why food feels like comfort (and what you really need)
If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for food—not out of hunger, but because you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or just need something—this episode is for you.I'm walking you through what’s really happening in your brain and body when emotional eating shows up, and why it actually makes sense. More importantly, I’ll share what you can do instead - without shame, rules, or willpower.Here’s what wecover:Why comfort eating isn’t a failure—it’s a learned strategy your nervous system has relied onThe difference between safety and safeness, and how that shows up in daily lifeHow your brain learns to associate food with relief (and why that pattern repeats)The role of your soothing system and how to start activating it on purposeWhy food brings short-term comfort but doesn’t meet your deeper needsA weekly experiment to help you build other sources of comfort that actually workThis isn’t about replacing food with a walk or drinking water and hoping the urge passes.It’s about understanding your emotions and building real tools to care for yourself - so food becomes a choice, not your only option.More Resources:Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
--------
17:24
--------
17:24
Mindfulness for overthinkers: how to start
If your brain feels like it’s constantly “on”…Planning, analyzing, over-preparingJudging yourself, second-guessing choicesStuck in your head instead of in your life…And when you do try to slow down, you feel restless, guilty, or like you're doing it wrong—This episode is for you.We’re talking about mindfulness—what it really is, how it helps when your threat system is activated, and how to practice it without forcing calm or “doing it perfectly.” You’ll also be guided through a short, beginner-friendly practice you can return to anytime.In this episode, you'll learn: 💭 Why mindfulness helps your brain and body shift out of fight-or-flight 📍 How to use your breath and senses to anchor attention (without pushing thoughts away) 🧠 What’s happening in the brain when you practice ⚠️ Common mindfulness myths (and how to avoid self-monitoring traps) 🌊 Why it’s best to practice when the “waters are calm,” not in the middle of a spiral✨ Plus: a guided 5-minute mindfulness exercise you can replay anytime your mind starts racing.More Resources:Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
--------
12:43
--------
12:43
Why you can’t stop overthinking (and what to do instead)
Do you ever...Spiral after a conversation, replaying what you said on loop?Freeze at a menu, unsure whether to eat what you want or what feels “right”?Obsess over how you look, what you’ve eaten, or what others might be thinking?You know you’re overthinking—but you can’t stop. And that’s when the self-blame kicks in:🧠 “Why am I like this?”🧠 “Why can’t I just let it go?”🧠 “What’s wrong with me?”In today’s episode, you’ll learn:Why your brain wants to overthink—and how it’s actually trying to helpThe difference between your old brain and new brain (and why they clash)What happens when your brain tries to logic its way out of emotional painHow to start working with your mind instead of getting stuck in spiralsThis isn’t just a pep talk. It’s a compassionate, science-backed explanation of why you feel stuck—and what to do about it.We’ll also explore:The survival wiring behind self-doubt and people-pleasingReal-life examples (like eating something “off plan” or replaying a rude comment)How to gently step out of the spiral using mindfulness and soothing strategies💡Key takeaway: Overthinking is not a flaw. It’s a feature of a tricky human brain. And once you understand what’s happening, you can choose a different response.More Resources:Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
--------
14:15
--------
14:15
Why understanding your patterns isn’t enough
If you’ve ever said, “I know why I do this, but I still can’t stop,” this episode is for you.In today’s short reflection, we're diving into why understanding your patterns doesn’t automatically lead to change. Real growth comes through embodiment and intentional practice—not just information.If you’ve been listening and learning but still feel stuck in self-critical cycles, this episode will gently invite you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your progress.Whether you’ve been working on softening your self-talk, building a steady mind, or supporting your body with more compassion—today’s episode is your reminder that real change happens when you slow down, reflect, and choose differently.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:Why understanding your mindset isn’t enough to create real changeThe two common (and very human) reasons we avoid reflectionHow to spot your own growth—even when your brain focuses on what’s not workingA simple journaling prompt to identify what’s still hard and what to do differentlyThe difference between urgent action and intentional changeMore Resources:Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download hereConnect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeerLearn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
What if the pressure to 'be better' is the very thing holding you back? On Higher Standards, we challenge the myth that self-compassion means lowering the bar — and show you how caring more, not less, is the secret to becoming the person you want to be.Hosted by Shannon, registered nutritionist studying a diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy, this podcast is your space for honest conversations about self-worth, emotional eating, body image, and doing meaningful work without burning out. Whether you’re a coach, creative, or self-critical high-achiever, you’ll learn how to quiet your inner critic, commit with care, and finally feel like you're living a life that reflects your real values — not your fears.Because the highest standard isn’t perfection. It’s treating yourself like someone who matters.New episodes every week.
Listen to Stronger Standards, Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast with Katie McKenna and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app