The Art of Managing Your Brain with Dr. Charlie M. Hornes

The Art of Managing Your Brain

System Strategy for Women Misnamed as the Problem

You’ve been called too intense. Too emotional.

Too sensitive. Too cold.

Too kind. Too reactive.

Too difficult. Too accommodating.

Too much.

And somehow—still expected to carry more.

The system was never built for women who see what’s wrong before it explodes.

So when you react? They misname it.

When you speak up? They call it a problem.

When you say “something feels off”? They tell you to calm down.

What most people label as “not being able to hack it” is usually just a survival instinct—one you were never taught how to manage.

This podcast gives you what no one else will:

  • Not mindset resets.
  • Not mantras or mood boards.
  • Not another list of what you should be doing differently.

Because let’s be honest: You’ve already tried that.

And none of it tells you what to do when it actually hits.

What if this sounds like you?

  • Your brain bolts before you even know why.
  • Your voice disappears the second you need it most.
  • Your fight instinct pops off—then you spiral in guilt.
  • You vanish before the drama even starts.

This isn’t failure. It’s instinct.

And it’s time you finally understood what yours is trying to do.

It kicks in before you can explain it.

  • The shutdown that buys you time—but costs you the truth.
  • The fake yes you gave because it wasn’t safe to say no.
  • The snap-back you regret… even though they had it coming.

You saw it coming.

But they’ve trained you to second-guess—because calling you “too sensitive” is easier than admitting you were right.

Or maybe it’s that eerie calm—the one that shows up while they’re still pretending everything’s fine. But you already know how this ends—and it’s not worth sticking around for.

Whatever shape it takes—there’s a name for it.

And it’s not failure.

It’s instinct.

Each one shows up differently. But they all have one thing in common:

They’ve been working hard to protect you—but nobody ever taught you how to manage them.

Hosted by Dr. Charlie M. Hornes, DMin, BCC, MCPC

Board-Certified Clinical Strategist and creator of the Survival Instinct Archetypes.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • What to do when your nervous system locks the door before you know what’s wrong
  • How to speak when people-pleasing flattens your voice
  • Why your brain tracks danger early—and how to use that as strategy
  • How to name the setup that makes you doubt your intelligence
  • What it takes to stop misreading your survival as failure

Start here:

Take the free Survival Instinct Archetype Quiz: https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/quiz

Then come back here.

We’ll teach you how to manage the part of your brain that’s always blamed—but rarely understood.

New episodes weekly.

Bring your instinct.

Not your apology.

**Hey friends - we are on an extended hiatus but plan to be back later in 2026. There are a TON of episodes and shorts you can browse through in the meantime and please don't hesitate to check out our website and digital products if you want to keep up your learning while we are on this extended break. I'll see you over there!
https://charliehornescoaching.com/home

Listen on:

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Episodes

Friday Nov 15, 2024

 
Episode Summary
Ready to thrive as a confident, resilient leader? In this episode, Dr. Charlie Hornes reveals how high-achieving women in male-dominated fields can overcome the weight of unrealistic expectations. Learn how to ditch anxious people-pleasing and transform into a self-assured leader armed with tools to handle unreasonable demands like a pro.
We dive into how survival instincts impact our reactions in high-pressure situations, especially around the holidays. Dr. Charlie breaks down the societal pressures and double standards women face, from imposter syndrome to setting boundaries. You’ll get practical strategies to turn impulsive reactions into deliberate actions and learn how to set limits gracefully with “I statements.” 
 
It’s all about building your boundary muscle and aligning your actions with your values.
Listen in to learn more : 
(01:50) Survival Mechanism Impacting Women Leaders 
(15:34) Balancing Domestic Labor in the Workplace 
(21:17) Gender Roles and Workplace Expectations 
(26:45) Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Leadership 
(32:06) Shifting Perspective on Leadership Challenges
(35:55) Navigating Expectations and Herd Mentality 
(39:21) Questioning Expectations, Shifting Mindsets 
(43:44) Overcoming Socialized Patriarchy Expectations 
(47:13) Building Boundaries for Confidence and Purpose 
 

Saturday Nov 09, 2024

As a recovering anxious people-pleaser, Dr. Charlie has discovered that managing my thoughts is key to finding peace—especially during the holidays. In this episode, she shares her journey to becoming a life coach and how understanding that fears and anxieties are just interpretations, not facts, can help us regain emotional control. She'll break down thought patterns that sabotage our peace, like fear of rejection, and offer practical strategies to tackle self-doubt and perfectionism.
 
Learn how shifting your perspective without changing circumstances can boost confidence and help you navigate the holiday season easily and joyfully.
 
 
Support the show here. 
Our Amazon Storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio
Our “Buy Me a Coffee” Pagebuymeacoffee.com/charliehornescoaching
Our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/charliehornescoaching 
 
Take the mindset quiz to discover what thought process is secretly sabotaging you now!.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/quiz
 
 
Don’t miss the Holiday Program Flash Sale for exclusive offers!
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/flashsale

Friday Nov 01, 2024

In this episode. Dr. Charlie engages in a profound discussion with Honea Henderson-Owens, a licensed clinical social worker focusing on trauma-informed care. The episode delves into the complex relationship between trauma and mental health, exploring how the brain's response mechanisms, such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, are activated under stress. Honea emphasizes the importance of slowing down the therapeutic process to help clients manage overwhelming emotions and symptoms. The conversation covers complex PTSD, developmental trauma, and how early experiences shape adult life, even affecting workplace dynamics. Listeners will gain insights into the differences between life coaching and therapy and the potential for healing through neuroplasticity. This episode offers valuable strategies for recognizing and managing emotional triggers providing hope and support for those on their mental health journey.
 
Listen in to learn more: 
(00:00) Impact of Complex PTSD on Grief
(04:35) Trauma-Informed Therapy Strategies Compared
(07:59) Brain Prioritizes Survival Over Rationality 
(20:25) Recognizing the Need for Trauma-Informed Care 
(28:17) Understanding Survival Strategies in the Brain 
(40:41) Life Coach vs. Therapist Comparison
 
Resources - 
 
Connect with Honea Henderson Owens
Website - https://www.honeaowens.com/ 
 
Get all the episode resources:
 
Download the free guide, Free Interactive Guide: Mind Shift Holiday Resilience 7-Day Challenge and curated episode recommendations.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod20
 
Support the show here. 
• Our Amazon Storefront:
◦ https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio
• Our “Buy Me a Coffee” Page
◦ buymeacoffee.com/charliehornescoaching
• Our Patreon:
◦ https://www.patreon.com/charliehornescoaching 
Take the mindset quiz to discover what thought process is secretly sabotaging you now!.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/quiz
 
Don’t miss the Holiday Program Flash Sale for exclusive offers!
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/flashsale
 

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

Ready to ditch people-pleasing and reclaim your emotional power? In this episode, Dr. Charlie Hornes shares her journey from anxious pleaser to certified life coach by mastering emotional adulthood. You'll learn that it’s not external situations but your thoughts that shape your emotions.
Discover how taking responsibility for your feelings shifts you from blame to self-awareness, giving you control over your emotional life. We’ll also explore how choosing love and compassion—especially during stressful times—can transform your relationships. Plus, you’ll learn a simple five-step process for owning your emotions and reshaping impulsive reactions. Get ready to enjoy a peaceful, stress-free holiday season with practical tools for emotional empowerment!
 
Listen in to learn more.
(05:52) Ownership of Feelings in Relationships 
(14:07) Choosing Love Over Assumptions 
(21:51) Navigating Holiday Stress and Miscommunication 
Get all the episode resources:
 
Download the free guide, Free Episode 19 Interactive Guide: Unlock Emotional Adulthood: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Emotional Life, and curated episodes,  books, and resource recommendations.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod19
 
Support the show here. 
Our Amazon Storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio
Our “Buy Me a Coffee” Pagebuymeacoffee.com/charliehornescoaching
Our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/charliehornescoaching 
 
Take the mindset quiz to discover what’s holding you back.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/quiz

Sunday Oct 20, 2024

In this powerful episode, Dr. Charlie Hornes sits down with Retired Command Chief Master Sergeant Casy Boomershine, a trailblazing woman in the Air Force who shattered gender barriers in one of the most male-dominated military fields. Together, they explore the invisible hurdles women face as leaders in the military and male-dominated industries, from the emotional toll of constant gender bias to the strategic moves women need to rise through the ranks. Chief Boomershine shares the critical importance of building resilience, owning your voice, and how women can gain respect without losing themselves. This episode is a must-listen for any high-achieving woman feeling stuck in a system built to hold her back—and is ready to reclaim her power and leadership role.
Key Insights
•Real strategies for handling subtle (and not so subtle) gender bias in leadership.
•Emotional intelligence as a game-changer for women in male-dominated environments.
•How to stop conforming and start commanding respect on your own terms.
•The power of resilience and mentorship in breaking career barriers.
•Practical tools for women to confidently lead without compromising their authenticity.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Chief Boomershine’s Early Military Journey: Breaking Barriers
10:35 - Navigating a Male-Dominated Military Career
20:45 - Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Leadership Success
28:30 - Facing Gender Bias: Strategies for Thriving
35:45 - Breaking the Mold: Thriving as a Woman in Leadership
42:00 - Lessons from the Top: Chief Boomershine’s Leadership Journey
50:00 - Final Thoughts: Empowering Women to Lead Authentically
Hashtags
#womenleadership #genderbias #militaryleaders #womenthriving #womeninpower #leadershipforwomen #militarygenderbias #womenbreakingbarriers #highachievingwomen #womeninleadership
Keywords
Women leaders in the military
Breaking gender barriers in leadership
Female military leaders overcoming bias
Gender bias in male-dominated industries
Emotional intelligence for female leaders
Leadership challenges for women in male fields
Casy Boomershine leadership story
How to gain respect as a woman leader
Strategies for women breaking the glass ceiling
Empowering women in leadership roles
Confidence in male-dominated fields
Overcoming gender bias in the workplace
Career advancement for women leaders
Emotional resilience in leadership for women
Leadership advice for military women
Navigating leadership in male-dominated industries
Building respect as a woman leader
Strategies for high-achieving women
Leading confidently as a woman
Women thriving in leadership roles

Saturday Oct 12, 2024

Ready to unlock your emotional power and transform your mindset? In this episode, Dr. Charlie explores the science of resilience and how mastering your thoughts can lead to emotional freedom. We’ll redefine resilience—not just bouncing back, but using it as a tool for real change.
Dr. Charlie breaks down neuroplasticity and shows how, with practice, you can rewire your brain and replace unhelpful thoughts with ones that boost your well-being. Learn how shifting your perspective can help you overcome inadequacy and handle emotions without letting them control your self-worth.
Tune in for practical tools, masterclasses, and a quiz to help you build emotional resilience and handle life’s challenges with ease!
 
Listen in to learn more:
 
* Life-Changing Joy of Teaching | 0:00:00 - 0:02:21
* Building Resilience Through Thought Work | 0:10:40 - 0:12:28
* Insight on True Resilience | 0:20:38 - 0:22:12 
* Taking Control of Your Reactions | 0:27:22 - 0:30:26 
* Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience | 0:31:50 - 0:33:18 
Get all the episode resources:
 
Download the free guide, Free Episode 17 Interactive Guide: Mind Shift Holiday Resilience Challenge and curated episode recommendations.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod17
Support the show here. 
Our Amazon Storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio
Our “Buy Me a Coffee” Pagebuymeacoffee.com/charliehornescoaching
Our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/charliehornescoaching 
Take the mindset quiz to discover what’s holding you back.
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/quiz
 
Don’t miss the Holiday Program Flash Sale for exclusive offers!
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/flashsale
 

Friday Oct 04, 2024

In Part 2, we continue our conversation with Christine, host of the Holy Shift podcast, as she dives even deeper into her journey of faith and the power of embracing tough questions about God, spirituality, and healing. Christine reflects on the evolving nature of faith and the importance of creating a welcoming community for diverse perspectives.
 
We explore the challenges of balancing faith with real-world struggles, how rethinking traditional teachings has reshaped her approach to ministry, and the profound impact of mutual submission and sacrificial love in relationships. Christine also shares more about the role of transformative literature and female theologians in expanding our understanding of faith and theology.
 
Join us for more thought-provoking insights on breaking religious molds, healing from spiritual wounds, and building an authentic relationship with God.
 
Listen in to learn more :
Diverse Audience Seeking Spiritual Understanding | 0:04:21 - 0:05:28
Exploring Faith and Questioning Beliefs | 0:08:48 - 0:10:47 
 Understanding God's View of Dignity | 0:16:24 - 0:17:55
Mutual Submission in Marriage | 0:20:01 - 0:21:31
Women's Role in Early Christianity | 0:29:48 - 0:31:34
Female Theologians and Power Dynamics | 0:35:56 - 0:37:39 
Resources - 
 
Connect with Christine Crawford
Website - https://theholyshift.org/about/
`Podcast - https://theholyshift.org/podcast/
 
Resource link for E15-16 is live: 
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod15/16
 
Support the show:
Our Amazon Storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio
Our “Buy Me a Coffee” Page
buymeacoffee.com/charliehornescoaching
Our Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/charliehornescoaching

Friday Sep 27, 2024

Exploring Spiritual Freedom with Christine Crawford Ready to step outside the confines of traditional religious thinking and embrace a more authentic, joyful connection with the divine? In this episode, Christine Crawford, host of The Holy Shift Show podcast, shares her journey of spiritual discovery and her commitment to creating a space where tough questions about faith, spirituality, and personal healing are welcomed. As Christine prepares for season three of her podcast, we discuss the critical need to challenge rigid, fundamentalist beliefs—especially those that have harmed women—and the importance of finding communities that support growth, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives. We delve into the difference between faith and institutional religion, the importance of letting go of old, limiting beliefs, and how a sense of childlike awe and wonder can transform your spiritual path. Christine also reflects on her experiences with ministry in challenging times and offers refreshing insights into love, marriage, and finding joy in everyday spirituality.
Listen in to learn more : 0:00:00 - 0:02:00 | Meet Christine and Her Mission0:10:00 - 0:12:00 | Stepping Outside Traditional Religious Structures0:18:52 - 0:20:52 | Reevaluating Fundamentalist Teachings
 
Resources - 
 
Connect with Christine Crawford
Website - https://theholyshift.org/about/
`Podcast - https://theholyshift.org/podcast/

Saturday Sep 21, 2024

Empathy & Resilience: Leadership Lessons from Mayor Mary Dennis
In this powerful episode, Mayor Mary Dennis joins us to share her remarkable leadership journey, highlighting the resilience and empathy that have defined her career. From navigating personal losses to breaking barriers in leadership, Mayor Dennis offers invaluable lessons on overcoming adversity, staying grounded in your values, and leading with compassion.
You’ll leave this episode feeling inspired, equipped with actionable insights on how to lead yourself and others through life’s toughest challenges, and with a deeper understanding of the transformative power of empathy in leadership.
Grab your FREEBIE PDF Episode Interactive Guide & Link to Resources HERE:
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod14
Get a curated list of books and resources created just for YOU for this powerful episode HERE!
Key Themes:
Building resilience through adversity
The power of empathy in leadership
Maintaining emotional autonomy in difficult situations
Leading with clarity, humility, and compassion
Chapters & Timestamps
[00:00:45] – Introduction: Meet Mayor Mary Dennis
We open with an introduction to Mayor Dennis and her leadership background, highlighting her role as the first African American female mayor of Live Oak, Texas, and the incredible milestones she’s achieved through her work in public service.
[00:05:20] – The Foundations of Resilience
Mayor Dennis shares her deeply personal story of loss and the pivotal moment when her grandmother’s wisdom guided her through one of the hardest times in her life. She emphasizes the importance of choosing resilience in the face of adversity.
Key Quote:
“You can sit here and die, or you can get up and flap your wings.” (00:06:02)
[00:12:35] – Emotional Boundaries: Protecting Your Mental Space
In this segment, we dive into the topic of emotional boundaries. Mayor Dennis explains how setting firm boundaries can protect your emotional well-being, especially when faced with challenging people or situations.
Key Quote:
“You don’t get to pay rent in my head.” (00:15:14)
[00:22:27] – Changing Your Perspective: Owning Your Reactions
Mayor Dennis reminds us of the power of perspective in challenging times. While we may not be able to control external circumstances, we have complete control over how we react to them.
Key Quote:
“You can’t always change the situation, but you can change your attitude.” (00:22:27)
[00:24:35] - The Power of Relationships
Mayor Mary Dennis highlights the importance of relationships as the foundation for leadership. By building trust and empathy, true leaders create lasting, supportive connections.
Key Quote:
“Relationships are the heart of leadership. Without them, nothing else matters.” — 24:35
[00:28:45] – Leading Through Faith and Values
Reflecting on her late husband’s words of wisdom, Mayor Dennis talks about the importance of faith in leadership. She shares how faith has been a guiding force in her life, helping her remain resilient even in the hardest times.
Key Quote:
“If your faith can’t help you during the hardest times, then your faith is no good.” (00:28:45)
[00:38:10] – Taking Your Seat at the Table
Mayor Dennis explains why being an active participant in decision-making spaces is crucial, especially for underrepresented groups. She encourages listeners to be proactive in seizing leadership opportunities and amplifying their voices.
Key Quote:
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” (00:38:10)
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
The Power of Resilience: Discover how resilience can be a learned skill and how it can transform your leadership journey.
The Role of Empathy in Leadership: Learn why empathy isn’t a soft skill, but a core strength for leaders who want to connect deeply with others and lead effectively.
Emotional Intelligence and Boundaries: Mayor Dennis offers tools for establishing emotional boundaries and maintaining mental clarity in the face of external challenges.
The Influence of Faith and Values: Faith plays a pivotal role in how Mayor Dennis leads, and she shows us how aligning with your core values can help you navigate tough times with grace.
Key Takeaways for Leaders and Changemakers
Resilience Through Adversity - Mayor Mary Dennis shares personal stories of overcoming loss and hardship, teaching us that true leadership requires emotional resilience and perseverance.
Empathy as a Leadership Tool - Leaders must embrace empathy to understand and connect with those they serve. It’s not about being soft—it’s about being human.
Embracing Conflict for Growth - Rather than avoiding conflict, great leaders use it as a tool for growth. Mayor Dennis shows us that it’s not about perfection; it’s about learning through tough conversations.
The Importance of Using Your Voice - Whether at the table or in your community, using your voice is crucial. Leadership isn’t about waiting for permission—it’s about standing firm in your beliefs and making an impact.
The Power of Relationships - Mayor Dennis emphasizes that relationships are the cornerstone of leadership. Without authentic, trusting connections, leaders can’t truly serve their communities. Building relationships is the foundation of influence and long-term success.
What's Next:
It’s Time to Gear Up for Holiday Stress
As the holiday season approaches, Mayor Dennis’s lessons on resilience and empathy are more relevant than ever. Whether you’re dealing with family dynamics, end-of-year work stress, or personal challenges, these leadership tools will help you stay grounded and centered.
💥 Flash Sale: Mind Shift Essentials Masterclass 💥
The upcoming holiday season can be overwhelming. That’s why now is the perfect time to prepare yourself for the emotional stress and external pressures ahead. For a limited time, we’re offering special pricing on our Mind Shift Essentials Masterclass to equip you with the tools you need to navigate this season with confidence and resilience.
🔗 Sign Up Here and take the first step toward mastering your mind and transforming how you handle difficult people and situations.
 
Final Reflection
This episode is a masterclass in emotional resilience and empathetic leadership. Mayor Dennis’s insights serve as a reminder that we all have the power to rise above our challenges, set healthy boundaries, and lead with compassion. The lessons shared here are not just for leaders but for anyone seeking to create a lasting mind shift and build emotional resilience in their lives.
Don’t miss out on this transformative conversation!
Grab your FREEBIE PDF Episode Interactive Guide & Link to Resources HERE:
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod14
Get a curated list of books and resources created just for YOU for this powerful episode HERE!
🔗 Sign Up Here and take the first step toward mastering your mind and transforming how you handle difficult people and situations.

Friday Sep 13, 2024

Ready to ditch the "starving artist" myth and thrive as a writer while staying true to your values? The Reverend Dr. Angela Yarber, an award-winning author and founder of Tehom Center Publishing, joins us to share her journey and her latest book, Queering the American Dream. Angela’s story—from traveling in a pop-up camper to being inspired by trailblazing women like Polly Murray and Gloria Anzaldúa—highlights the importance of dignity, kindness, inclusion, and spiritual activism.
 
We dive into the intersection of queerness and spirituality as Angela, a queer, half-Mexican American Baptist minister, talks about religious trauma and the struggles LGBTQIA+ individuals face within faith communities. She shares how staying ordained has been both empowering and challenging and why it’s crucial to heal from spiritual injuries.
 
Angela also explains why she started her publishing company to uplift marginalized voices and the importance of “passing the mic”  in supporting these efforts. Plus, we discuss self-care as political warfare, a powerful metaphor from Audre Lorde, and explore strategies for thriving in flawed systems.
 
Join us for an inspiring chat about resilience, community, and how writers can live abundantly while making an impact!
Listen in to learn more:
Dismantling the Myth of the Starving Artist (0:00:00 - 0:01:30)
Navigating Religious Trauma (0:16:41 - 0:18:11)
Founding a Queer and Feminist Publishing Company (0:29:36 - 0:31:06)
Self-Care as Political Warfare (0:35:56 - 0:37:26)
Links 
 
Show Resources
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod13
 
Amazon Pod Resources Storefront
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio

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Stop Feeling Terrible: The Art of Managing Your Brain

Welcome to The Stop Feeling Terrible: The Art of Managing Your Brain Podcast

Ready to stop feeling terrible & start living the life you’ve always wanted full of calm & confidence? 

Discover science-backed strategies to overcome frustrating behaviors like people-pleasing, learn how to feel in control of your emotional life, & stop letting things get to you—without stress, anxiety, conflict aversion, & rumination. 

Hosted by Master Certified Mind Management Life Coach Dr. Charlie M. Hornes, explore the intersection of her scientific research & cutting-edge life coaching methodology. 

Get step-by-step guidance & learn the Art of Managing Your Brain so you can manage your own emotional life. 

Charlie’s methodology is not just research-based; it’s life-changing life-coaching. 

Don’t let difficult people & situations control your emotions. It’s time to take them back. 

Finally, achieve the emotional success you’ve been striving for. Ready for massive change? Let’s go! 

Get your FREE BONUS COACHING BUNDLE 

Download:

The FREE digital course

The FREE eBook 

The FREE daily/weekly checklists

All in ONE FREE Bundle! 

Hurry because it’s only for a limited time!

GET MY FREE BONUS PACK AT https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pack1

Check out the show and more at The Charlie Hornes Coaching Studio, LLC 

https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/

@charliehornescoaching.com

The Charlie Hornes Coaching Studio, LLC

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