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Do you experience joy, discomfort, empathy, and emotions very intensely? Are you easily overstimulated or bothered by small changes in your environment? You aren’t alone, in fact, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this podcast, host, blogger, (and HSP herself) Kelly shares real-life experiences that may have you nodding and thinking: “I thought I was the only one who felt that way”! Introverts and people with shyness and social anxiety may also find comfort and camaraderie her ...
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It’s been a while since there was a new podcast episode! In this episode, I give a brief update on what’s going on with the show!
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A while ago, I received a listener request to do an episode about dealing with people staying at your house--houseguests. Here it is!
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When I started this podcast, my #1 dream guest was Susan Cain. So, I'm very happy to bring this episode to you today. Susan's 2012 book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking was my first introduction to introversion. The book changed my life (and thousands of others worldwide) because it changed how I saw myself. It was…
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Today's episode features Andy Mort of the Gentle Rebel podcast (formerly known as the Sheep Dressed like Wolves podcast). We talk about what it's like to be a Highly Sensitive Person and a podcaster. (He interviewed me on his show recently, too: listen here!) Some of the topics covered in this episode include: receiving negative feedback, making mo…
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Recently someone posted this question in the introvert subreddit on reddit: "How to deal with half wanting new friends and half wanting to be a hermit?" I hear and read questions like this all the time from introverts and introverted HSPs. We cherish being alone, and then sometimes wonder if we can get along without worrying about having relationsh…
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This episode is for those who have never tried meditation, are curious about it, or who have tried it but felt like they didn't "get" it. Meditation has helped me a lot over the past year. There was a time when I didn't think I could do it. I didn't understand what meditation was and whether I was doing it "right". I hope to reach other people, lik…
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Discovering the concept of high sensitivity and learning you are a Highly Sensitive Person can be a major life moment for some people. It was for me! Now that I've been living with this knowledge for a few years (and learning more all the time!), I reflected in this episode on some positive realizations I've had about myself since learning I'm an H…
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Today's guest, Al Motter, is one of the hosts of the excellent Introvert Extrovert podcast. He's the "Introvert" out of the two hosts, but he doesn't have the trait of high sensitivity. In this episode, Al talks about how he sometimes wishes he was more sensitive, and how a recent bout of medication gave him a few weeks of heightened sensitivity--r…
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Overstimulation. Noise, chaos, bright lights, smells, crowds. These are the highly sensitive person's kryptonite. I've brainstormed a list of what I think are the worst places on earth for HSPs. This episode is a little different than most—this isn’t advice, or a serious topic. It is sort of tongue-in-cheek, a little sarcastic, and even a bit silly…
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Did you know that highly sensitive people and narcissists tend to be attracted to each other? I've welcomed Nikki Eisenhauer onto the show today to discuss what a narcissist is and why HSPs can be drawn to people with narcissistic personality disorder. I think it's important for HSPs to be aware of this topic so they can identify and deal with harm…
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I'm thrilled to have on the podcast Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. Oliver is a writer for The Guardian. In his column titled, "This column will change your life", he explores ideas around social psychology, self-help culture, productivity, and the science of happiness. The Antidote w…
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Two acquaintances in the same week made similar comments to me out of nowhere: that they felt behind, like they weren't getting enough done in their work and businesses. It made me sad to hear that they were struggling and not feeling good about themselves. I can totally relate to the feeling of underachievement. I felt inspired to try to help thos…
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In episode 59, I started a 3-episode series about the positive aspects of being a Highly Sensitive Person. I talked about people who are celebrated for their sensitivity, like artists and musicians. In today's show, I'm discussing what I think are 6 not-so-well-known benefits of being highly sensitive. We've all heard that HSPs have lots of empathy…
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A popular misconception about Highly Sensitive people--to those who aren’t very familiar with the trait--is that HSPs are always emotionally fragile and not mentally strong. But this isn't true. You CAN be mentally strong and an HSP--it's all about your coping skills. That’s why I’m excited to share with you Episode 61's guest, Amy Morin, who is an…
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The Highly Sensitive Podcast is for people with Sensory Processing Sensitivity--or those who want to better understand HSPs. In this show, I share personal stories, tips, rants, and occasionally interviews with interesting HSPs. Today's episode is a special treat! I've got an interview with an extroverted, highly sensitive, man. He's also a comedia…
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I realized recently that I haven't done an episode (in detail) about the benefits of high sensitivity. HSPs are meant to be here. We have a role to play in this world. I plan to do a few episodes about this topic--since there is so much to cover--but this specific show is about the people who are celebrated for their sensitivity. That's right--thos…
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I've heard the word "empath" a lot, but didn't truly understand what it meant. I thought it maybe simply referred to people who experienced a lot of empathy....? But that didn't seem right. When searching for a simple explanation about empaths, I came up empty, until I found this great article on Caroline's website, The Happy Sensitive. It was then…
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In the past, I've talked about what I thought were the best jobs for HSPs--and even the #1 best job (working for oneself). But over time, my thoughts on this have changed. In today's show, I explain how the best job for HSPs....depends. On so many factors. I also cover some of the challenges of working for oneself, and the one question you can ask …
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In this episode, I share stories about things that have grossed me out--a cow lung, pinning insects, and dissecting pigs. I also discuss how HSPs might get "grossed out" more than people without the trait--touching on the vasovagel response. Mentioned on the show: Radiolab "The Heartbeat" episode The blog post version of this post: Visceral Reactio…
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HSPs cry easily. HSPs cry all the time. In this episode, I talk about my problem with the statements like the ones above, and whether or not HSPs really DO cry "a lot" or not. I also discuss the difference in crying in a ranking situation versus a linking situation (the concept comes from a great blog post by Dr. Elaine Aron.) Mentioned on the show…
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This episode is especially for those who do not have the trait of high sensitivity. It's for those who don't understand HSP, yet want to learn more about it to support someone in their life. In this show, I cover some "Frequently Asked Questions" about HSPs to clear up some misconceptions about the trait. Including: Aren’t “sensitive” people just d…
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“We miss nothing and have an innate ability to let others shine.” -John Hughes This has been a big month for HSPs. Dr. Elaine Aron’s documentary, called Sensitive: The Untold Story, came out on September 10. I thought the documentary was groundbreaking and an amazing tool for people to learn about high sensitivity. Dr. Aron’s script expertly covere…
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I think it’s fair to say that most people dislike job interviews. And for HSPs, they are extra super not-fun. In this episode, I talk about why traditional interviews are a poor way to judge a candidate, how HSPs may react to being interviewed, and end it with 3 interviews tips. (Hey, I wanted to offer something helpful instead of just ranting!) If…
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Have you ever thought: "If only I could quit my job, everything would be better." And you daydream about following your passions, or traveling, or going after that business idea you've always fantasized about? But you know, deep down, that you will never quit your office job, for whatever reason. And that depresses you. Well, hopefully today's epis…
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Have you ever gotten into an argument about politics with a family member or co-worker and you got really angry and fired up? Have you ever gotten into a fight online with a complete idiot? Then, did you later find yourself turning over the events in your head, getting angry all over again? Then you felt a little sheepish about it? This episode is …
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You’d think as an HSP that I’d be good at knowing what to say when someone I care about, a friend or family member, had something terrible happen to them. I want SO BADLY to say something helpful, but I’m always afraid that I’ll say the wrong thing. So this honestly isn’t for HSPs only—these tips could help anyone. Links from this episode: The Cond…
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Recently, I found myself at a big family party. Even though I liked everyone there, and was happy to be there, it did remind me how hours-long parties can wear on me, no matter how much I like the people there. Here are my tips on how to deal with overwhelm at long parties. Related content on my blog: Handling Criticism (Episode 38) Enjoy parties f…
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Storytime! In this episode, I talk about how I convinced my husband to participate in a contest eating increasingly spicier chicken wings. What followed was an intense HSP moment. Also, please note that the show will now be published every two weeks instead of weekly. Here's the blog post related to this episode: Empathy & Regret at a Spicy Wing Ea…
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“Sure, I can work late tonight." “Yeah, you can crash at my place.” “I can babysit, no problem.” “I can lend you some money.” These are things a people pleaser might say. People pleasers take on too much and don't know when to say "no". Their desire to please others and be seen as important and helpful can lead to overwhelm and resentment. Today, I…
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Last week, in part 1, I talked about the challenges of being a male HSP. 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. Today, I talk about how to deal with those challenges as well as the positives of…
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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…
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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…
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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 wha…
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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 to…
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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 experie…
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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 …
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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…
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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 littl…
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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 Dani…
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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 …
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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 inna…
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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 ha…
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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 …
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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 newsl…
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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 po…
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