About this episode

The episode discusses the phenomenon of overthinking and rumination with insights from science writer Donna Jackson Nakazawa.

Have you ever replayed a conversation over and over in your mind? Maybe it was something your partner said. A text that felt off. A moment at work. A look on someone’s face. Suddenly your mind is looping, analyzing, judging, and trying to solve something that never seems to resolve. Today’s conversation with science writer Donna Jackson Nakazawa is about rumination—what many of us experience as overthinking, thought spirals, or getting mentally stuck. Donna brings together powerful neuroscience, personal story, and practical tools to help us understand why our minds loop, what those loops are trying to show us, and how we can begin to interrupt them with compassion and clarity. We explore: Why rumination is not random—and what it reveals The difference between productive reflection and a mental loop that leaves you feeling worse Why social media can trigger rumination so quickly Donna’s MIST framework for stopping the spiral This conversation is especially for you if you’ve ever thought, Why can’t I just let this go? or Why am I still thinking about this? Get Donna's new book, Mind Drama here Connect with Donna here Preorder my brand new book The Secure Soul Want to hear more…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Alison Cook

Guest: Donna Jackson Nakazawa

Topics covered

• overthinking
• rumination
• neuroscience
• mental health
• self-compassion

Keywords

• overthinking
• rumination
• mental loops
• neuroscience
• self-help

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Mind Drama

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