The Real Intelligence Podcast with Jenny Swim

42: Why Rejection Feels So Personal (And How It Shapes More Than You Think)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2358898/fan_mail/new] Rejection doesn’t just hurt—it trains your system. In this episode, Jenny Swim explores why rejection lands in the brain and body as something consequential—and how, over time, it begins to shape who you trust, how much you risk, and how open you stay. You’ll learn the five common response patterns to rejection, the hidden cost of “just getting over it,” and the difference between true resilience and quiet self-protection. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to process rejection without letting it define your identity—or dictate your next move. Because the goal isn’t to avoid rejection. It’s to stay grounded enough that it doesn’t decide who you become. Additional Resources: Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? Science.  University of Southern California. Your brain learns from rejection. University of Southern California. What social rejection teaches your brain. Business Insider. Gen Z and the rise of rejection in modern life. Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/ Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

41: Invisible Influence Traps— Urgency, Conformity & Overload

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2358898/fan_mail/new] Leadership isn’t just strategy—it’s discernment. Every day, subtle forces shape how we think, what we prioritize, and the decisions we make—often without us noticing. In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim reveals the hidden pressures influencing modern leaders and why awareness is critical. Learn the three most common influence traps—urgency, conformity, and stimulation overload—and why protecting your ability to think independently may be your most important responsibility. Resources & References from This Episode: * Junto Coaching – Learn more: www.juntocoaching.com [https://www.juntocoaching.com] * YouTube Channel – Watch episodes: The Real Intelligence Podcast [https://youtube.com/@therealintelligencepodcast?si=zVbJBqg4FD5BmaKx] * James Giordano – The Brain is the Battlefield of the Future: Small Wars Journal [https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/11/13/video-dr-james-giordano-the-brain-is-the-battlefield-of-the-future-the-future-is-now/] * The Shawn Ryan Show, Episode #282 – Nik Seetharaman on AI Swarms: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083?i=1000750995523&r=21328] * Todd Rose – Breaking Cultural Norms that Become Collective Illusions: Stand Together [https://standtogether.org/stories/strong-safe-communities/breaking-cultural-norms-that-have-become-collective-illusions] * Casino Psychology – The Psychology-Gambling Connection: UTPB Online [https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/psychology/the-psychology-gambling-connection-how-hideous-carpets-and-hormones-keep-us-betting/] Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/ Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

40: Capacity Over Discipline: Why Pushing Harder Isn’t Working

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2358898/fan_mail/new] You’re clear on the goal. You know exactly what to do. You’re motivated. And it’s still not working. If you’re a high-functioning leader or achiever, your first instinct is to push harder — tighten habits, optimize systems, fix your mindset. But what if the problem isn’t discipline? In this episode of the Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim introduces a powerful reframe: most stalled growth isn’t a motivation issue — it’s a capacity issue. When your nervous system is operating at its threshold, expansion feels like threat. And no amount of effort can override a system that doesn’t feel resourced. You’ll learn: * Why sustainable change requires surplus * The difference between feeling rushed and feeling resourced * How nervous system regulation impacts productivity and leadership * One diagnostic question that instantly reveals what’s really happening * Micro-practices that increase capacity without overhauling your life If you’ve been trying to out-discipline a depleted system, this episode will change how you approach growth. Real intelligence isn’t pushing harder. It’s building capacity first. Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/ Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

39: Forgiveness vs Reconciliation: Stop Waiting for the Apology with Ganel-Lyn Condie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2358898/fan_mail/new] Forgiveness vs Reconciliation — and why confusing them keeps you stuck. In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim sits down with speaker, author and mental health advocate Ganel-Lyn Condie to untangle one of the most misunderstood concepts in personal growth: forgiveness. Forgiveness is not access. It is not trust. And it is not reconciliation. Together, they explore how waiting for an apology drains your internal capacity, how resentment quietly erodes leadership and relationships, and why reclaiming your power starts internally — not externally. You’ll learn: * The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation  * Why you can forgive someone who never apologizes * What to do when old pain resurfaces * Practical tools for moving forward without abandoning yourself This is a grounded, emotionally mature conversation for leaders, parents, and high-capacity humans who want peace without pretending, and boundaries without bitterness. Forgiveness isn’t about outcomes. It’s about stewardship of your own energy. ---------- Connect with Ganel-Lyn Condie To learn more about Ganel-Lyn’s work, speaking, and resources on emotional resilience and relationships, visit: Website: https://ganellyn.com/ [https://ganellyn.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ganellyn/ [https://www.instagram.com/ganellyn/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ganellyn.condie [https://www.facebook.com/ganellyn.condie] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ganellyn [https://www.youtube.com/@ganellyn] Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/ Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

38: You Are Here: The Skill of Orienting

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2358898/fan_mail/new] Feeling unsettled by world events, in the middle of a transition, or unsure of your next step? In this episode of the Real Intelligence podcast, Jenny Swim explores the skill of orienting—the simple but powerful practice of knowing where you are physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally. You’ll learn how orienting helps you differentiate what’s yours to carry, pause strategically instead of reacting, and calm your nervous system to build capacity. The episode includes practical reflections and simple practices you can use right away. Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from looking ahead—it comes from recognizing where you already are. Additional Resources: • The Orienting Reflex and Behavioral States (PMC) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10010463/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10010463/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Irene Lyon — Orienting: Its Simplicity and Complexity Explained https://irenelyon.com/2024/04/05/orienting-its-simplicity-and-complexity-explained/ [https://irenelyon.com/2024/04/05/orienting-its-simplicity-and-complexity-explained/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • The Orienting Response (Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZO3vYrJlaY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZO3vYrJlaY&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/ Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind