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

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Episodes

Friday Sep 06, 2024

Ready to Set Boundaries That Stick—Without the Guilt?
In this episode, Dr. Charlie reveals how to set clear, effective boundaries without feeling guilty or controlling others. You’ll learn actionable strategies for creating emotional balance, protecting your mental well-being, and ensuring your boundaries are respected—without unnecessary conflict.
Feeling frustrated by others not respecting your limits? We’ll cover exactly what to do when someone pushes back on your boundaries so you stay calm, compassionate, and in control.
Plus, we’re offering an exclusive FREE Interactive PDF Guide: “Master Your Boundaries: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Peace and Take Control” (FREE Download)
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod12
 to help you put these boundary-setting strategies into practice immediately. This guide is packed with actionable steps to empower you to protect your peace and improve your relationships. 🚀
Why download the guide?
Simple strategies to enforce boundaries that feel natural.
Powerful examples to help you communicate boundaries with confidence.
Checklists to help you customize boundaries that fit your life.
Get instant access to the guide today—no more second-guessing or feeling overwhelmed about setting limits!
📩 Take action now! Download the free guide at https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod12  and start experiencing emotional freedom.
Listen in to learn more:
(08:05 - 08:40) Understanding Boundary Transgression and Behavior
(16:16 - 17:28) Setting Boundaries With Children and Teens
(20:16 - 21:49) Love and Logic Parenting Strategy
(33:17 - 34:20) Establishing Personal Boundaries
 
Links 
 
Get Access to my Curated Episode Resource Amazon Store Front -https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecharliehornescoachingstudio
 
Get the Guide: “Master Your Boundaries: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Peace and Take Control” (FREE Download)
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod12
 

Friday Aug 30, 2024

Ever feel like traditional talk therapy isn’t enough? Join Dr. Charlie as we chat with SherrI Crowley, LICSW, the "walking therapist" who takes therapy to the great outdoors! Her unique "eco-therapy" approach combines nature and movement to help those with ADHD and burnout find balance beyond the therapy couch.
We’ll explore how emotions are linked to our physical responses and why breathing exercises can calm your nerves. Plus, we dive into burnout—not as a personal failing but as a result of toxic workplaces and unrealistic expectations. Sherry shares her experiences and tips on understanding how dopamine can help you better handle stress.
Tune in for a fun and fresh take on mental health that challenges the usual methods and offers practical advice to boost your well-being!
Grab your FREEBIE STRESS GUIDE! Grab step-by-step strategies to help you focus on a real body-mind connection and some how-to exercises to guide you through what “somatic” practices really are! It’s free, ENJOY!
 
LINKS 
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE GUIDE AND SHOW RESOURCES HERE: https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod11
 

Friday Aug 23, 2024

Ever wonder if your unspoken expectations are causing friction in your relationships?
 In this episode, Dr. Charlie discusses "the manual"—those internal scripts we secretly expect others to follow. Dr. Hornes explains how these hidden expectations, shaped by our experiences and cultural backgrounds, often lead to frustration and feeling unappreciated.
Dr. Charlie shares how recognizing these invisible manuals can help us manage our emotions and improve our relationships. She highlights the importance of understanding and openly discussing these internal rules to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Through relatable stories, she shows how something as simple as expecting a daily call from family or a birthday card with a gift can lead to unnecessary drama if not communicated.
This episode is packed with practical advice and eye-opening insights on managing expectations and building healthier connections. 
Tune in to learn how to communicate better, reduce negative emotions, and enhance your relationships.
 
Listen in to learn more : 
(02:37 - 05:48) Understanding the Unspoken Expectations
(10:03 - 11:36) Understanding and Setting Relationship Expectations
(14:29 - 16:18) Establishing Autonomy Through Want Matches
(22:50 - 23:59) Family Traditions
(25:01 - 26:50) Managing Expectations in Relationships
(35:53 - 36:57) Unmet Expectations and Miscommunication
(41:04 - 41:47) Managing Expectations and Reality
 
RESOURCES 
To download the freebie I mentioned -- https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod10

Friday Aug 16, 2024

Get ready for an episode packed with insights and good vibes! In today’s episode,  Dr. Charlie talks with the amazing motivational speaker and career educator Natarsha Prince Sanders. She's here to spill the tea on emotional intelligence, self-growth, and leading with compassion.
 
Natarsha dives deep into the feels—how to recognize and manage them, shake off societal pressures, and build real, meaningful connections. You’ll discover how mastering your emotions can elevate your personal and professional life, spark your creativity, and make you a rockstar leader. So, grab your headphones and join us as we explore how to turn your emotions into superpowers for a more fulfilling and connected life!
 
Listen in to learn more : (05:56 - 07:28) Shifting Perspectives for Personal Growth
(15:18 - 17:41) Effective Communication and Emotional Intelligence
(19:01 - 21:39) Humanity First
(23:35 - 25:05) Sense of Belonging in Workplaces
(29:01 - 29:54) Importance of Feeling and Addressing Harm
Resources - 
 
How to Feel Equipped: Women of Color in the Workplace: An Infographic Guide
https://www.charliehornescoaching.com/pod9 
 
Check out the books and other resources we  mentioned on the show: https://amzn.to/3AqTHR4
 
Connect with Natarsha - 
 
Natarsha Prince Sanders (she/her/hers) enjoys facilitating spiritual and leadership development opportunities for people of all ages and providing people with tools to help navigate their vocational journey. Though she has presented at national and international conferences, Natarsha is most humbled to facilitate community Bible study. She is a member of the 2023 Black Theologians Leadership Cohort at Princeton Theological Seminary and the 2021-22 Emerging Writer’s Cohort at Collegeville Institute. She is a 2021 recipient of the Rising Leader Fellow Award from Sojourners and the 2022 Women’s Leadership Award from Schreiner University. Presently, she is a member of the Comadre Speakers Collaborative and serves on the Board of Directors for Youth Mission Co. (Asheville, NC) and Doyle Community Center (Kerrville, TX). She lives in Texas with her spouse, Lorenzo.
 
Website: www.ourliberation.org 
 
Instagram : @sandersnatarsha
https://www.instagram.com/sandersnatarsha/
 
Youtube---Liberation Liturgies
https://www.youtube.com/@ourliberation/featured

Friday Aug 02, 2024

This episode of "The Art of Managing Your Brain" unlocks the secrets of brain development and effective mind management. Today, Dr. Charlie sits down with Dr. Kelly Averill, a leading pediatric neurologist, to discuss brain biochemistry, neurotransmitters, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). 
 
Discover how homeostatic and reward-based pathways shape behaviors, manage anxiety and conquer negative self-talk. Learn practical strategies to transform negative thoughts, reduce shame and guilt, and foster kindness and gratitude. Start your journey towards a healthier, happier mind with actionable insights from neuroscience and behavioral sciences. 
 
Listen now for brain health tips and cognitive strategies!
 
Watch to learn more : (03:54 - 06:08) Interdisciplinary Approaches in Health Science
(11:05 - 12:35) The Conflict of Maintaining Balance
(14:45 - 16:14) Survival Instincts and Modern Society
(19:31 - 20:26) Empowerment Through Self-Awareness
(24:37 - 26:18) Changing Negative Self-Talk for Better Results
(31:45 - 32:54) Understanding Dopamine and Addiction
 
RESOURCES
Connect with Dr. Kelly Averill 
 
Dr. Averill Bio: Kelly Averill, MD, is a compassionate and dedicated pediatric epilepsy & neurology specialist at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center in the Lockhill-Selma area of San Antonio, Texas. She truly enjoys helping patients with rare neurologic conditions and helping them through their complex medical problems. 
Dr. Averill received her medical education from the University of Texas’s McGovern Medical School before pursuing a residency program in pediatric neurology. 
With a passion for pediatric care, Dr. Averill is board-certified in pediatric epilepsy & neurology.
 
https://www.txmss.com/provider/kelly-averill-md

Sunday Jul 28, 2024

What if you could transform your life by simply changing your perspective? 
Join Dr. Charlie Hornes and the vibrant Joanna Rajendran as they explore the art of manifesting your best life. Joanna, a renowned life coach and author of "My Guru Wears Heels," shares her transformative approach to creating the life you desire by actively participating in your journey. 
 
This episode explores personal stories of self-discovery and healing, highlighting timeless lessons on finding peace amidst challenges. Discover the power of gratitude, emotional intelligence, and the significance of flexibility in life's narrative. 
 
Tune in for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights to help you take control of your life and embrace everyday beauty.
 
Watch to learn more : (12:01 - 13:56) Embracing Flaws, Finding Self-Worth 
(23:24 - 24:08) Embracing the Present Moment 
(39:14 - 41:10) Belief and Thought Transformation
 
LINKS 
 
Connect with Joanna Rajendran
 Linked In  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-rajendran-47323314
 
The Manifest Station 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-manifest-station/id1750733873 
 
Pick up a copy of her book, My Guru Wears Heels
https://www.joannarajendran.com/book 

Thursday Jul 18, 2024

What does it really take to speak up when the stakes are high?
In this episode, Nancy Thompson — founder of Mothers Against Greg Abbott and Mothers for Democracy — shares how one parent with a sign grew into a movement for brave politics, community action, and protecting kids.
We cover the fears parents carry in today’s climate, why speaking up feels risky, and how women leaders balance motherhood, advocacy, and online harassment while fighting for real change.
This is about what happens when ordinary people step into extraordinary pressure — and why staying silent costs more.
You’ll hear about:
• Why moms are stepping into politics when leaders won’t
• How to handle online harassment without losing your voice
• What “brave politics” looks like for parents and communities
• Generational shifts: how Gen X and Gen Z push for inclusion
• The hidden toll of unpaid labor and communication struggles
• How healthy social media habits build resilience
• Why decent people must step forward to protect kids and democracy
 
Chapters:
05:57:00 Parenting when the world feels unsafe
11:09 How protest shifts across generations
24:48 Surviving online harassment 39:41
Equality in wages and family impact
49:02 Unpaid labor and communication strain
53:22 Healthy social media habits
58:58 Raising informed and empowered kids
 
This episode speaks to parents, leaders, and anyone asking how to be brave in a system that feels broken.
Links
Mothers Against Greg Abbott
https://mothersagainstgregabbott.com/
Mothers for Democracy https://mothersfordemocracy.org/
Moms Demand Action
https://www.everytown.org/
Vote411
https://www.vote411.org/
League of Women Voters
https://www.lwv.org/
Topics covered in this episode: parents navigating politics, speaking out in male dominated systems, women leaders facing burnout, advocacy against school shootings, handling online harassment, building confidence at work, community resilience, inclusive leadership, managing stress as a parent, raising empowered kids in uncertain times.
#BravePolitics #MothersForDemocracy #womeninleadership

Monday Jun 10, 2024

A BONUS INTRO TRAINING on this work follows this Episode for those who subscribe at the SUPPORTER level and higher, plus a more comprehensive BONUS pdf interactive workbook to follow along is included.
Members can go here to access the training after listening to the episode:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/introduction-to-105463030?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
This episode includes a BONUS PDF overview to follow along and learn about this incredible tool. The Self-Coaching Model. You can download it here for free. Enjoy!
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday Jun 05, 2024

In this episode, I unpack the science behind why we do such irritating behaviors, such as people pleasing, what it is, and how to stop it. We look at the neurotransmitters in your brain that are the nasty culprits for such behavior, and I walk you step-by-step through understanding in a way that will help you begin to identify and stop this behavior!

Tuesday Jun 04, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the survival brain in greater detail and what is behind that pesky "fight/flight/freeze" behavior so many wish they could control when faced with difficult people and situations.
Newsflash: Your brain feels under threat and is only trying to save you. It just doesn't know the difference between a bear from primitive times and grumpy Cornelius in accounting.
Get bonus content on Patreon
 

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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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