In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Dr. Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist, speaker, and writer. Kari, who holds a PhD in social psychology from Stanford University, shares her insights on the power of mindsets and how they influence our health and well-being. She discusses her research on how people in the Arctic embrace winter, as well as her new book, How to Winter, which explores the opportunities that winter presents both literally and metaphorically.
As the episode is released on Thanksgiving, it serves as a timely reminder to shift our mindsets from viewing winter as a bleak season to one full of potential and joy. Kari shares practical strategies for embracing winter, such as focusing on the positive aspects of the season and adapting our routines to align with the natural rhythms of winter. She also delves into the broader application of these mindset shifts, offering insights on how to navigate personal “winters” in our lives, such as career setbacks or health challenges.
In this episode:
- Discover how mindsets influence our perception of winter and how to shift from a “winter is dreadful” to a “winter is wonderful” mindset.
- Learn practical strategies for embracing winter, including adapting to the season and finding joy in winter activities.
- Explore the metaphorical application of winter mindsets to personal challenges and how to find opportunities in adversity.
- Understand the power of rituals and how they can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences.
- Gain insights into the role of light and creativity, and how dim lighting can enhance creativity and intimacy.



