Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (October, 2024)

 Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (October, 2024)

Chatter: The voice in our head, why it matters, and how to harness it by Ethan Kross, (2021, published by Crown)


My Take: 

Anyone who has found themselves lying awake in the middle of the night with endless thoughts of potential doom can likely relate to this book. I could! In Chatter: The voice in our head, why it matters, and how to harness it, Kross (2021) starts off by describing the negative loop in his head after receiving a threatening letter in his university mailbox. I don’t think you need to be a faculty member to appreciate the negative emotional response this type of letter would evoke; you start to think what it might mean for you and your family’s safety and well-being. Ironically, this is a topic Kross knows about; he researches how the conversations we have with ourselves can impact how we live our lives. Through his research, Kross tries to understand how these conversations can be channeled to make people “happier, healthier, and more productive”.  

 

Kross discusses what it means to “go inside” as his dad would say, in other words, paying attention to your own thoughts and feelings. Through our inner voice we try to make sense of our experiences. And certainly, this voice can be functional. It helps us navigate the world. The challenge is when the voice becomes chatter. Kross describes chatter as the negative dialogue we have with ourselves. It can interfere with rational thought and impact our mental (and physical) health. 

 

According to Kross, by changing the dialogue we have with ourselves we have the “potential to change our lives” and ultimately improve our health and well-being. The last section of the book is entitled, The Tools, which includes several strategies (I counted 26!) available to reduce the negative loops that can run in our minds often on repeat. Not every strategy will be for everyone, but there are lots to choose from and try. My personal favourites: create order in your environment and increase exposure to green spaces.  

 

Have you tried any of the tools described by Kross? Is there a particular strategy you found useful (or not)? 

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2024 at 6:10 AM

    Just started reading! Starts off like a mystery novel. Really enjoying it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. colleenOctober 17, 2024 at 8:31 AM

    I have found this book very readable and very valuable. I have already put some of the tools into practice. Some of the tools are remarkably simple but effective.

    I am enjoying the book club for directing me to books I might might not have found on my own. The podcasts are a great new feature. I am a "fan" - thank you for enriching my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanna PozzuloOctober 17, 2024 at 9:17 AM

      Thank you so much, Colleen! I'm thrilled you are finding the book club helpful!! Thank YOU for being part of the book club. I'm very grateful. Hope you enjoy the podcast. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions for the authors. I start interviewing next week.

      Delete
  3. Laurie PattersonOctober 29, 2024 at 10:41 AM

    Loving this book! When my library patrons discuss their latest read I let them know of this easy-to-read resource which has been recently added to our psychology section. I’ve also purchased three more as gifts (paying it forward - I won my copy in the book giveaway!) I’d been using some of the ‘tools’ already, but have been practicing “distanced self-talk” more often.
    Thank you once again, Joanna, for helping our library expand our reach with your reviews/recommendations of these evidence-based books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanna PozzuloOctober 29, 2024 at 3:17 PM

      Thanks so much Laurie!! Wow!!! This is amazing to hear!! I interviewed Ethan Kross on Monday for the podcast (should be out at the end of Nov.) and he really brings the book to life. He talks about the various strategies that can be helpful to quiet the chatter. I also found out that he has another book in the pipeline and it should be out in Feb. It is a follow up to Chatter called "Shift". I'm keeping my eye out for it and who knows maybe it will be a pick! Thank you so much for being part of the book club! Happy Reading, Joanna

      Delete
  4. AnonymousNovember 1, 2024 at 9:06 AM

    I am currently just finishing reading “Chatter” and finding it very interesting. I love the idea of using my name to talk to myself when I need to.
    I also just listened to the first podcast (The GoodLife). Totally excellent. I appreciate the ideas about the hopefulness of life and the importance of leaning into and tending to relationships. As a senior, I was delighted to hear that “happiness pick up with age”. I am enjoying senior hood and have just started to do pottery which I love. Thank you so much for this book club and the wonderful addition of podcasts. Yeh. Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanna PozzuloNovember 1, 2024 at 6:07 PM

      I am thrilled to hear this Pat!!! It is great that you started pottery! I think you will enjoy the podcast episode from the authors of "Your Brain on Art". The arts are so powerful for well-being. One of the authors suggests we should all engage in 20-mins of some form of art a day. I think reading counts! Enjoy the pottery making! And happy reading! Joanna

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 3, 2024 at 10:40 AM

      I just finished “Chatter” and was thrilled with “The Tools” part. I certainly have a better understanding about the chatter I hear in my brain and ways of making it work for me. I am used to the idea of reframing a situation but haven’t thought about it for some years. I would recommend this book as a good, understandable read. Thanks. Pat

      Delete
    3. Joanna PozzuloNovember 3, 2024 at 1:52 PM

      This is GREAT to hear!! I try to find books that have strategies that can be implemented almost immediately. I am very eager to get my hands on his new book "Shift". Joanna

      Delete

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