Navigating the Nervous System

Who's Driving Your Car? Your Capital S Self and Other Parts

Navigating the Nervous System

Show Notes

Inspired by The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer and Dr. Richard Schwartz’s groundbreaking IFS work, Kristin explores what happens when we stop becoming our thoughts and start observing them — and how this shift can rewire your brain for safety, clarity, and connection.

In this eye-opening episode, Kristin breaks down: • The 8 C’s that signal you’re in your Capital-S Self: Compassion, Curiosity, Calm, Clarity, Courage, Connectedness, Creativity, and Confidence • How to instantly spot when you’re operating from a protective part instead of your core Self • The “Minivan Metaphor” for understanding your inner world — and why Self should be driving • How to intentionally choose which part is at the wheel in any situation • Real-life examples of parts in action: the cynical spam-call deflector, the productivity/perfectionist driver, and the hyper-judgy meeting dresser • A simple meditation or thought exercise to help you step back from thoughts, thank the part, and invite it to rest • How “mom and toddler” thinking can help you gently redirect persistent mental chatter • The Safe Stress Shutdown model and how it aligns with the 8 C’s • The surprising freedom that comes when you realize you are not your thoughts — you are the one who hears them This episode blends psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience to give you a roadmap for returning to your safest, truest self — even in the middle of life’s messiest moments.

More from Navigating the Nervous System

Sep 12, 2025

In Episode 5 The Social Network we explore:

Jul 24, 2025

This episode explores how we can start to rewire our emotional triggers by understanding the connection between thoughts, body sensations, and past experiences. When we recognize that emotions are simply our body’s physical response paired with a situation, we can begin to shift how we respond—especially to everyday stressors.

Jul 17, 2025

In this episode of Navigating the Nervous System, Kristin explores the concept of Tiny Tigers — the small, daily stressors that hijack our nervous system and how to handle them.

Jul 9, 2025

Welcome to the very first episode of Navigating the Nervous System with Kristin Cronin Boone, licensed therapist, interpersonal neurobiology nerd, and your guide to understanding why you do the things you do. In this episode, we dive into how your nervous system drives behavior, emotion, and survival responses, often without your conscious awareness. You'll meet “Miss Amygdala,” learn about the upstairs vs. downstairs brain, and explore the three key nervous system states: safe, stress, and shutdown. Kristin shows you how to recognize your state and begin to reset in real time with box breathing.

Jul 9, 2025

Introduction and Main Title

See all episodes →