The Art of Managing Your Brain Podcast

Burnout isn’t just exhaustion. Overthinking, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and “too much/too little” labels aren’t personal flaws. They’re reflexes — fast, biological survival strategies misread as weakness.

I’m Dr. Charlie M. Hornes, a board-certified clinical specialist, doctoral researcher, and keynote speaker. Each week on The Art of Managing Your Brain, I break down how survival instincts shape the way we lead, work, and communicate under pressure.

With nearly 500,000 subscribers on YouTube and a global audience across podcast platforms, I translate complex neuroscience, trauma research, and systems-level insights into practical tools leaders can use right now.

Recent topics include:

  • Why burnout is a misdiagnosis (and what’s really happening in your brain)

  • The five survival instincts of communication — fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and seek

  • How gaslighting rewires trust pathways (and how to rebuild them)

  • The hidden cost of overfunctioning in teams and leadership roles

  • Why meaning collapse — not workload — is the true kryptonite of performance

If you’re leading through uncertainty, holding it together for everyone else, or questioning your own reflexes, this podcast hands you the language and strategy to read the storm before it hits.

🎧 Listen now and start moving from raw reaction to deliberate choice.

Science, strategy, and survival instincts — decoded.

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What People Are Saying

  • Joanna Rajendran Keynote Speaker, Mindset Mastery Coach, Author of MY GURU WEARS HEELS & the upcoming book BEST. LIFE. EVER.

    "Charlie’s wisdom and insight are matched by her wit and relatability. Everyone will want to tune in to everything she does!"

    Joanna Rajendran

    Keynote Speaker, Mindset Mastery Coach, Author of MY GURU WEARS HEELS & the upcoming book BEST. LIFE. EVER.

    joannarajendran.com

  • “Let me tell you, she is just fantastic at teasing out the truth and the deeper reasons why we are who we are, and we react the way we do, as well as being a fun person to talk to.”

    ~ CMSgt Casy Boomershine, MHRM, SPHR

    Retired Air Force Command Chief

    Human Resource Business Partner and Human Resource Manager at Spectrum

    Public Speaker

    E18 Podcast Guest

  • Sraboni R., Dedicated Viewer

    “Your videos have had such an impact that I couldn’t hold back—I’ve been binge-watching your content, and it even made its way into my dreams thinking about making these changes for myself - it was so unforgettable.“

    Sraboni R.,

    Dedicated Viewer

  • "Charlie is very talented and professional in all aspects of her work. She has a way of making you feel comfortable to share your thoughts in a way that does not feel awkward. I was blessed to share my experiences and hopefully encourage others. Keep being Great!"

    Mayor Mary Dennis,

    Mayor, The City of Live Oak, Texas

  • "Dr. Charlie Hornes offers hands-on, practical advice for those dealing with trauma and life’s tough challenges. Her insights are a game-changer for anyone seeking to heal and grow into a healthier self."

    Dr. Katy Stenta

    Spiritual Leader, Author, Blogger, Justice-Seeker

    https://katyandtheword.com/

  • Dr. Charlie Hornes is the real deal! She knows how life experiences, circumstances and cultural norms influence all human relationships. Learning from her is enlightening, challenging, and practical!

    Lynette Solomon, MDiv, BCC

  • "This is one of those podcasts that will stick with you..."

    ~ Janina S.

    Podcast Community

  • "Charlie is a sponge for knowledge, always one step ahead in applying what she’s learned. Now, I’m learning deeply from her. Her blend of formal education, research, and life experience makes her guidance invaluable. She’s not just a coach—she’s a mentor."

    ~ The Rev. Jonathan M.,

    Head Pastor, Spiritual Leader,

    Master Educator, All-around kindest human 

  • Mehedi H. Subscriber and Regular Listener

    “Your YouTube channel is incredibly engaging! The content is both instructive and informative, with top-notch production quality and clear passion in every video. I’m hooked—keep up the fantastic work!”

    Mehedi H.

    Subscriber and Regular Listener

  • Did you know that The Charlie Hornes Coaching Studio has a Youtube Podcast Channel? Our Channel is about to hit 350,000 SUBSCRIBERS in ONLY 6 MONTHS!! Clearly our content is resonating! @charliehornescoaching

    ~ The Art of Managing Your Brain Podcast Youtube Channel

  • "Your authentic energy is showing in all of your posts! Your episode about "Why burnout feels like a loop you can’t escape and what you can do to break free" is so insightful! The actionable takeaways, like the "Burnout Audit" and "Recalibration Routine," are such practical ways to reclaim our energy. 💪🌿 The "Reclaim Your Morning" tip is so simple yet powerful! ☕️✨ Thanks for sharinggg, Dr. Charlie! 🙌 "

    Sali Bina

    Regular Listener, Subscriber