Mastering Momentum

Why do so many high-achievers feel stuck even while working so hard to improve?

Today, on Mastering Momentum, Dr. Jan Newman continues her conversation with Dr. Hunnicutt, a licensed clinical psychologist at Momentum Psychology, about why even driven, action-oriented people can feel stuck—and what they can actually do about it. In Part 2 of this interview, Dr. Hunnicutt addresses the real obstacles behind stalled progress, including overconsumption of advice, vague goals, and emotional overload.

Together, they explore the three most common types of "stuckness," the psychological patterns behind them, and the practical tools that foster deep, lasting momentum. From values-driven clarity to flexible thinking and brain science basics, Dr. Hunnicutt continues to outline her core framework for creating meaningful, sustainable change. If you're someone who's always moving but not always moving forward, this episode is your roadmap to unstuck.

• 01:05 Step 5: Embrace hard but healthy pain

• 02:32 Understanding avoidance and values-based action

• 04:22 The relationship of values and acceptance

• 08:22 Step 6: Accept the things that you don't want but that are true

• 10:09 Choosing "your hard" and living in alignment

• 22:35 How to master the principles

• 24:06 Step 7: Committing to active implementation

• 24:39 The Importance of consistency

• 30:55 Step 8: Understanding the importance of setting boundaries

• 38:10 Mastery for long term change

Have you ever felt stuck even while actively trying to change your life?

Today, on Mastering Momentum, Dr. Jan Newman welcomes Dr. Hunnicutt, a licensed clinical psychologist and mindset coach, for Part 1 of a compelling conversation about purpose-driven action in the face of feeling stuck. Together, they explore why even motivated, high-achieving individuals often find themselves stalled, the psychological foundations behind those blocks, and the real, science-backed strategies that can move you forward.

Drawing from their combined experience in clinical psychology, neuroscience, and high-performance coaching, Dr. Newman and Dr. Hunnicutt dive deep into the traps of overconsumption, the power of values, and why flexibility and brain science are critical to lasting change. This is a must-listen episode for anyone wanting to build sustainable momentum toward the life they truly want.

• [00:38] – Dr. Hunnicutt's journey into working with high performers

• [04:08] – Why purpose-driven action matters (especially when you feel stuck)

• [06:13] – The three main types of "feeling stuck" explained

• [10:01] – Human tendency to avoid pain over seeking pleasure

• [15:02] – How overconsumption of information blocks real progress

• [19:20] – Why working on core psychological foundations matters more than hacks

• [24:00] – The critical role of knowing yourself and clarifying values

• [31:01] – Why being flexible (and coachable) is essential for long-term success

• [40:42] – Understanding how your brain actually works: the real secret weapon

Ever feel misunderstood or struggle to express yourself clearly?

You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Part of an ongoing series on mastering communication, Dr. Jan Newman dives into six powerful pre-game strategies for transformative conversations. A former corporate lawyer turned psychologist, high-performance coach, and multipreneur, Dr. Jan blends research-backed insights with real-world experience to help you communicate more effectively—both at work and at home.

In this episode, you'll discover practical research-based tools to enhance your communication skills, build stronger relationships, and create deeper connections. Dr. Jan explains how perspective-taking, stress regulation, mindset mastery, and value-driven communication can unlock more fulfilling interactions. Grounded in neuroscience and psychology, her techniques will help you approach conversations with clarity, intention, and confidence.

Whether you're navigating personal relationships or professional challenges, Dr. Jan shows why effective communication is the key to genuine connection, happiness, and success. From executives and entrepreneurs to parents and partners, anyone looking to elevate their communication skills will benefit from her actionable advice.

Tune in now to learn how to turn everyday exchanges into meaningful, impactful dialogues—and take the first step toward becoming a master communicator!

[00:01:22] From law to psychology: Lessons learned from shifting focus from outcomes to processes.

[00:03:21] The Harvard Study on Adult Development: The link between close relationships and happiness.

[00:04:17] Success stories: How communication transformed the lives of high performers.

[00:07:27] Identifying difficult conversations you've been avoiding.

[00:08:20] Understanding your audience: Perspective-taking as a key skill.

[00:13:04] Examples of communication across relationships, parenting, and workplace dynamics.

[00:21:11] How cognitive biases and learning history shape communication.

[00:27:08] The power of assuming benevolent intent in challenging conversations.

[00:43:09] Aligning communication with values for meaningful interactions

Have you ever felt like you're running at full speed but still not moving forward?

This episode dives deep into the world of high-achieving individuals and how their coping mechanisms, often celebrated by society, can mask deeper struggles with trauma and burnout.

Dr. Jan Newman welcomes Dr. Sarah Lyle to unpack the nuanced relationship between trauma, emotional processing, and performance-driven lifestyles.

We explore how high achievers channel unresolved trauma into productivity, often at the expense of their emotional health.

Dr. Lyle shares her journey into psychology, emphasizing the importance of recognizing emotional signals and fostering a healthy relationship with emotions.

Together, Dr. Newman and Dr. Lyle discuss how these patterns manifest in high-functioning individuals and why addressing underlying emotional triggers is vital for long-term well-being.

• [00:02:53] Dr. Sarah Lyle's origin story: how personal loss shaped her passion for psychology.

• [00:09:15] The influence of family and culture on career choices and service-oriented values.

• [00:26:28] Transitioning from traditional career paths to private practice: insights from Dr. Lyle's postdoc journey.

• [00:32:26] How high achievers use work and productivity to avoid emotional pain.

• [00:34:02] The role of avoidance in trauma and why it can seem functional short-term but harmful long-term.

• [00:39:06] Recognizing burnout in high achievers: early signs and misconceptions.

• [00:47:03] Why emotions are essential and how disconnecting from them leads to deeper issues.

• [00:50:14] Practical strategies for leaning into emotions and fostering resilience.

• [00:50:41] How addressing emotions reduces their intensity and helps build a healthier life

What lies beyond the diagnostic labels of trauma? Today, on "Mastering Momentum," Dr. Jan Newman sits down for Part 2 of her conversation with Dr. Michael Gomez, a distinguished trauma specialist and clinical psychologist. Dr. Newman and Dr. Gomez discuss the intricacies of diagnosing trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the importance of understanding the uniqueness of each person's journey. Listen in as they discuss the path to healing including the transformative potential of evidence-based trauma therapy, creating a safe therapeutic relationship, addressing trauma with hesitant survivors, and the three-phase approach to trauma treatment. Tune in as Dr. Gomez and Dr. Newman offer their invaluable insights into trauma diagnosis, therapeutic approaches, and the journey to reclaiming one's life after trauma.

● [06:44] Dr. Gomez introduces the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing PTSD and discusses the limitations of standardized diagnostic labels

● [11:52] Understanding trauma as a toxic exposure and the importance of screening and validation in trauma evaluations

● [16:15] Differentiating between acute stress, performance-related stress, and burnout as responses to trauma and stress

● [19:23] Exploring the concept of "being" versus "doing" in trauma therapy

● [22:09] The significance of evidence-based trauma treatment and the three-phase approach based on Judith Herman's model in "Trauma and Recovery"

● [27:10] Understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and establishing safety and stability in phase one of trauma treatment

● [30:05] The importance of finding the right fit in a trauma therapist

● [33:08] Dr. Gomez shares the three main goals of trauma therapy: (reducing the impact, addressing the experiences, finding positive meaning

● The three phases of trauma therapy

● [41:56] The importance of pushing through fear to facilitate personal growth

● [46:12] What to do when a trauma survivor is unwilling to talk about their trauma during therapy, using an example of a young boy named Billy

● [50:35] The need to differentiate harmful secrets from healthy boundaries

● [55:10] Dr. Gomez reflects on the worth and value of being a trauma specialist and helping others on their healing journeys