The Life Coach School Podcast
Episode #522: Take Back Your Brain with Cara Lowenthal
Release Date: May 23, 2024
Host/Author: Brooke Castillo
Introduction
In Episode #522 of The Life Coach School Podcast, host Brooke Castillo engages in a profound conversation with guest Cara Lowenthal. Cara, a former women's rights litigator and academic turned life coach, delves into her newly released book, "Take Back Your Brain." This episode explores the intricate ways societal norms and socialization shape women's thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, especially concerning money and personal agency.
Meet Cara Lowenthal and Her Mission
[00:22 - 02:24]
Brooke Castillo introduces Cara Lowenthal, highlighting her unique background and dedication to empowering women. Cara describes herself as part of the "Ivy League to life coach pipeline," emphasizing her transition from law to life coaching to address societal impacts on women's minds.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "I teach women how to identify the way that society has taught them to think about themselves and how to reprogram, rewire their brains to kind of get the patriarchy out of their brains."
[02:24]
The Genesis of "Take Back Your Brain"
[02:24 - 04:08]
Cara explains her motivation for writing the book. Drawing from her extensive experience in coaching and her podcast, Unfuck Your Brain, she sought to consolidate her theories and practical exercises into a comprehensive guide. The book aims to serve as a one-stop resource for understanding and overcoming societal conditioning.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "Everything that I had created so that there's like this one stop shop for... here's all the exercises you need to do. Like, everything's all in one place."
[04:08]
Understanding Socialization and Its Effects
[05:22 - 09:16]
The conversation delves into the concept of socialization—how individuals learn societal norms from birth through various channels like family, media, and education. Cara emphasizes that these ingrained beliefs often go unnoticed yet profoundly influence behavior and self-perception.
Key Points:
- Socialization Begins Early: From toilet training to cultural norms about dressing, individuals learn what is considered "normal."
- Implicit Biases: Subtle messages about gender roles, racial stereotypes, and societal expectations shape one's identity and actions without explicit instruction.
- Enduring Impact: Even though overt sexist messages have diminished, implicit biases continue to influence contemporary society.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "Men are socialized to believe that they need to make money to be... masculinity depends, like requires making money, being the provider."
[09:16]
Money and Gender: Challenging the Status Quo
[09:16 - 15:18]
Cara and Brooke tackle the pervasive myths surrounding money and gender. They discuss how societal narratives position men as primary earners and women as budget managers, reinforcing limiting beliefs about women's financial capabilities and aspirations.
Key Points:
-
Three Money Lies Women Are Taught:
- Money is for men: Men are portrayed as the primary money-makers.
- Women are poorer and need protection: Financial dependence is often seen as a sign of security for women.
- Budgeting over wealth creation: Financial advice for women focuses more on saving than investing or growing wealth.
-
Media Representation: Financial media for men encourages wealth-building and risk-taking, while women's financial media emphasize thriftiness and cautious spending.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "Money is math and they're good at math. Although any woman... can do the calorie count of an entire meal in her head and then divide it by the portion serving size. So we can also do that."
[12:54]
Reprogramming the Brain: Tools and Exercises
[20:37 - 23:47]
Cara introduces the practical aspects of her book, focusing on cognitive change tools designed to help women recognize and alter the subconscious beliefs ingrained by societal conditioning. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and intentional action in reshaping one's mindset.
Key Points:
- Identifying Identities: An exercise to list different identities one holds and the beliefs associated with them.
- Correlation of Beliefs and Self-Perception: Encouraging readers to connect societal messages with their personal beliefs about themselves.
- Conscious Choice Making: Empowering women to make decisions based on personal values rather than societal expectations.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "There's nothing wrong with you. There's thousands of years of socialization impacting your brain."
[23:25]
Breaking the Chains: Empowering Women to Create Wealth
[25:00 - 33:16]
Brooke and Cara discuss the societal backlash women face when they seek financial independence or success. They highlight the double standards and the subtle pressures that discourage women from pursuing wealth, juxtaposed with the praise men receive for similar ambitions.
Key Points:
- Social Backlash: Women making more money than their partners often face skepticism and judgment.
- Household Dynamics: Research showing that women, regardless of income, often handle more household responsibilities.
- Entitlement and Assistance: Men are socialized to expect rest and leisure, while women are conditioned to serve others, reinforcing dependency.
Notable Quotes:
Brooke Castillo: "I can't shake that me making more money than my partner could be considered normal."
[25:00]
Cara Lowenthal: "If you opt out... the status quo just stays the same."
[33:16]
Changing the Narrative: Personal Agency and Social Change
[33:16 - 37:48]
The duo emphasizes the importance of individual agency in fostering broader social change. By reclaiming their financial and personal power, women can challenge and transform the ingrained societal norms that limit their potential.
Key Points:
- Role Models: Women like Cara and Brooke serve as examples of breaking free from societal constraints.
- Generational Impact: Empowered women can influence future generations to adopt healthier, more equitable beliefs and behaviors.
- Revolutionary Change: Social change stems from individuals daring to think differently and act against the norm.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "People will change their minds and then they can change the world."
[37:11]
Conclusion: Embracing Freedom and Making Conscious Choices
[41:18 - 45:28]
In wrapping up, Brooke Castillo and Cara Lowenthal reiterate the core message of "Take Back Your Brain": women possess the power to redefine their lives by challenging and altering the subconscious beliefs instilled by society. They encourage listeners to embrace their freedom, make intentional choices based on personal values, and contribute to a transformative shift in societal norms.
Key Points:
- Empowerment: Understanding and reprogramming subconscious beliefs lead to greater personal and financial freedom.
- Call to Action: Listeners are urged to purchase the book for comprehensive guidance and to take proactive steps in reclaiming their minds.
- Future Impact: By changing individual mindsets, women can collectively drive significant societal change.
Notable Quote:
Cara Lowenthal: "I want you to grab the steering wheel and really feel like you can drive to whatever destination you want."
[43:34]
Brooke Castillo: "This book is going to change so many people's lives. It's your turn to change your life. Let's go."
[44:57]
Final Thoughts
Episode #522 of The Life Coach School Podcast offers a compelling exploration of how societal conditioning shapes women's perceptions of themselves, particularly concerning financial independence and personal agency. Cara Lowenthal's insights, backed by her book "Take Back Your Brain," provide actionable strategies for women to reclaim their thoughts, challenge limiting beliefs, and forge their paths toward empowerment and success.
To Purchase the Book: Visit takebackyourbrainbook.com or find it on major retailers like Amazon.
Join the Conversation: For those inspired by this episode, consider exploring Cara's coaching programs or following her podcast, Unfuck Your Brain, for ongoing support and guidance.
Empower yourself. Take back your brain. Change your life.