Harnessing Your Feelings: Insights from Ethan Kross on Hidden Brain

What role do emotions play in how we think, act, and connect with others? And more importantly—how can we manage them more skillfully?

In a recent episode of the Hidden Brain podcast, “How to Harness Your Feelings”, renowned psychologist and Kumanu Science Advisory Board Member Ethan Kross explores these questions and shares powerful tools to navigate life’s emotional ups and downs.

As one of the leading researchers in emotion regulation, Dr. Kross offers practical insights grounded in decades of science. From managing everyday stress to facing high-stakes decisions, his work provides a toolkit for staying calm, clear, and connected.

What You’ll Learn in the Episode

Dr. Kross and host Shankar Vedantam discuss:

• How to coach yourself through emotionally intense moments
  Using “distanced self-talk” to gain clarity and control.
• Why expressive writing matters
  And how writing about challenges from a third-person perspective can create space for insight and resolution.
• The emotional power of music and the senses
  Leveraging physical cues to shift your emotional state.
• How “selective avoidance” can interrupt emotional spirals
  A technique to disrupt unhelpful patterns of thought—especially the dreaded “what ifs.”

These techniques are not only effective—they’re accessible, and they mirror the kind of support we prioritize at Kumanu.

Why Emotion Regulation Matters More Than Ever

At Kumanu, we believe that emotional wellbeing isn’t a side conversation—it’s central to personal growth, leadership, and culture. That’s why the research and expertise of people like Ethan Kross informs how we help organizations support their people through the Purposeful platform.

Emotional regulation, purpose, and self-awareness aren’t separate skills—they reinforce one another. By helping individuals reflect on what matters most and develop tools for staying grounded, we create space for healthier decisions, stronger relationships, and more purposeful work.

Listen to the Episode

🎧 Hidden Brain: How to Harness Your Feelings with Ethan Kross

Whether you’re an HR leader, a team manager, or simply someone who wants to show up better—for yourself and others—this conversation is well worth a listen.