98. From Climate Anxiety to Inner Transformation: The Neuroscience of Change
What if our obsession with certainty is actually making us more stressed? And most importantly, less open to real change?
In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and researcher Norman Farb to explore how our brains prioritize the familiar, often at the cost of creativity, well-being, and resilience. We talk about the myth of multitasking, the power of mind wandering, and why slowing down might be the fastest path to clarity.
Together, we dive into what it means to be truly receptive—to ourselves, to others, and to the world we hope to change. From "retruthing" our perceptions to cultivating presence in a noisy world, Norman offers both science-backed insight and practical tools for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about how to move forward with more joy and intention.
For anyone who knows me or follows my work closely, you know I’m a sucker for neuroscience and love to explore how behavioral psychology impacts our ability to make a difference. So trust me when I say this - I’ve been looking forward to today’s conversation!
This one’s for anyone who wants to rethink how we relate to stress, uncertainty, and the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible. If you care about making positive change in the world, click play and make sure to listen to the end!
Get Norman Farb's book, Better In Every Sense, How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life:
Episode Highlights:
Certainty feels safe — but it can keep us stuck. Our brains crave predictability, even at the cost of creativity and well-being.
Stress narrows our focus. When we're overwhelmed, we lose access to sensory input — the very thing that helps us adapt and grow.
Climate anxiety can trap us. Ruminating on worst-case scenarios makes us less open to new solutions.
The power of presence. Even five minutes of intentional “sense foraging” can unlock clarity and insight.
Curiosity is the gateway to change. Real transformation begins when we let go of knowing and allow something new to emerge.
“Stress shuts down sensation — and sensation is where our ability to change and adapt comes from.”
This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcast
About Our Guest
Norman Farb, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. He leads the Regulatory and Affective Dynamics lab and co-directs the Psychedelics Studies Research Program. His work centers on the neuroscience of well-being, exploring how mental habits shape resilience, stress responses, and emotional health.
Farb is the co-author (with Zindel Segal, PhD) of Better in Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life (published January 23, 2024). The book presents a science-driven, actionable framework—centered on what they call sense foraging—to help readers break free from habitual thinking patterns, reduce anxiety, build new habits, and tap into fresh insights through mindful sensory awareness.
