#555. Can You Really Trust Your Gut? | Amber Tamblyn

There may be a temptation in some circles to dismiss intuition as witchy, folkloric, or unscientific but there’s actually a ton of science around this. Our guest, author, actress and director, Amber Tamblyn will guide us through this. Tamblyn argues that intuition is a trainable skill but that this south-of-the-neck intelligence is often obscured by being too stuck in our heads and out of touch with our bodies. 

Tamblyn has been nominated for Emmy®, Golden Globe, and Independent Spirit Awards. Her work in television spans over two decades including starring roles on House M.D., and Two and a Half Men. On the big screen, she starred in movies such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and 127 Hours. She’s written seven books, including her latest, which is called Listening in the Dark: Women Reclaiming the Power of Intuition. 

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In this episode we talk about:

• How she defines intuition, and the role it plays as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious parts of our minds
• Why we are conditioned to validate rational intelligence over intuitive intelligence  
• The gut/brain connection, and why the enteric nervous system is known as the “second brain”
• Practical tips for getting better at listening to our bodies
• The role of meditation in boosting intuition
• The scientific research that points towards the importance of having a relationship with nature, and how this can improve our intuition
• The relationship between intuition and creativity
• How we should think about dream life
• What to do when you’re not sure whether you should trust your gut
• How to recognize the difference between anxiety and intuition
• And why our society has downplayed the importance of intuition, which has been a tool used against women and men

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Photo credit: Stephanie Diani

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‍Where to find Amber Tamblyn online: 

Website: www.amtam.com

Social Media:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

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Books Mentioned:

• Listening in the Dark: Women Reclaiming the Power of Intuition
• Dark Sparkler
• Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
• Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

‍Other Resources Mentioned:

• Amber Tamblyn: I’m Done With Not Being Believed
• International Hearing Voices Movement
• Dr. Mindy Nettifee
• Dr. Nicole Apelian
• Jessica Valenti 
• Gerd Gigerenzer

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Additional Resources:

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