In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike and Manon tackle one of the most universal struggles of modern life—overthinking. Why does your brain replay conversations on loop? Why do “what if” scenarios hijack your sleep? And most importantly—how do you stop?
Together, the co-hosts dig into the science of anxiety and rumination from multiple perspectives:
Evolutionary psychology – how an overactive threat system once kept us safe from predators but now flares up over emails and text messages.
Neuroscience – why the Default Mode Network and amygdala fuel mental spirals.
Behaviorism & cognitive science – how learned avoidance and distorted thinking patterns keep the loop alive.
Sociocultural influences – how social media, comparison, and perfectionism amplify worry.
The episode also explores the common personality traits of overthinkers—people-pleasing, oversharing, conflict avoidance, perfectionism—and how these tendencies interact with the science of anxiety. Special attention is given to overthinking in children, with early warning signs and prevention strategies for parents.
To balance the science, Mike and Manon turn to Buddhist philosophy—impermanence, non-attachment, compassion, and mindfulness—as powerful tools for letting go of mental clutter. Along the way, you’ll hear witty banter, relatable confessions, and a guest’s personal story of navigating life as a chronic overthinker.
From practical strategies like journaling, CBT, mindfulness meditation, and worry scheduling, to the timeless wisdom of Eastern philosophy, this episode plants the seeds of self-awareness and equips listeners with tools to step out of the spiral.
Takeaway: Your thoughts are not facts. You can notice them, let them pass, and choose where to place your attention.
Join the millions already listening—follow Planting Thoughts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and share this episode with the fellow overthinkers in your life.
