Episode 177 The Bullied Brain with Dr. Jen Fraser (Part 1)

Author: John Hulen
Published: Fri 20 Oct 2023
Episode Link: https://relationshipsandrevenue.libsyn.com/episode-177-the-bullied-brain-with-dr-jen-fraser-part-1

Bullying has long been recognized as a serious problem, but a new perspective from neuroscience reveals how damaging it can be. In this episode, today’s guest, Dr. Jen Fraser, discusses the intersection of bullying and neuroscience.

Dr. Jen Fraser holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature, is the author of The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health, and serves as a consultant.

Listen to this episode to learn more:

[00:00] - Intro

[02:14] - Dr. Jen’s backstory

[05:37] - The intersection of bullying and neuroscience

[07:44] - The impact of bullying and abuse on the brain

[12:21] - Dr. Jen’s experience fighting against bullying

[16:57] - Psychology of bullying

[19:21] - Abusers have damaged empathy

[22:28] - Impact of stress hormones on the brain

[24:28] - Helping children deal with bullying and becoming well-adjusted adults

[27:20] - Rewiring the brain for self-improvement

[31:26] - Reframing negative experiences as opportunities for growth

[35:00] - Avoiding mistakes hinders brain development

[36:46] - The value of hard work and resilience in overcoming trauma

[39:20] - Being offered hush money in a legal settlement

[43:01] - The book about gaslighting Dr. Jen is working on

[45:27] - How to protect ourselves against gaslighting

NOTABLE QUOTES:

“We've all been trained and raised under the paradigm, or the framework, to believe that bullying and abuse are a necessary evil for greatness.”

“Bullying and abuse don't work. The science tells us they're outdated. It's not going to get you the bottom line. It's not going to create greatness.”

“Bullying is demeaning. It's designed to isolate. It's designed to humiliate; it's designed to make the person shamed so they no longer belong.”

“We can change our brains, and if we can change our brains, then we can make really good choices.”

“You don't learn by doing it right; you only learn by doing it wrong.”

“We are easily led to believe certain things. But we have the superpower of a growth mindset, the ability to hold two things at once.”

“Trust but verify.”

BOOK MENTIONED: