Drive Your Bus: Quieting the Inner Critic with Dr. Margaret Cochran

If you’re heading into family gatherings with an inner critic (or a loud uncle), this one’s for you! Your inner critic doesn’t have to drive your life. In this powerful conversation, therapist and hypnotherapist Dr. Margaret Cochran shares a simple “bus” mindfulness tool to name the loud voice in your head, stop arguing with it, and keep moving toward your goals—without toxic positivity.

In this episode of Kerouacs Cruising, we talk about the inner critic, healing old wounds, and why “words create realities.” Dr. Cochran breaks down a mindfulness practice you’ll remember forever: you’re the driver of the bus, and your thoughts are passengers—including the ones that shout fear, shame, and “you didn’t do it right.”

We also explore:

• Why fighting the inner critic drains your energy (and stalls your momentum)
• How to name the voice and keep driving anyway
• The “hole in the sidewalk” pattern—and the steps to finally choose a new road
• Cognitive distortions, narcissistic family systems, and why kids internalize blame
• A simple “three questions” reset when you’re spiraling
• A 28–30 day gratitude practice that can shift your brain over time
• Boundaries at family gatherings: limits, exit plans, and not taking the bait
• A grounding meditation: Embracing the Golden Light
• Manifestation vs. “toxic positivity”: you can’t clean the kitchen if you won’t see the dirt
• The question that cuts through fear: What would I do if I weren’t afraid?

Connect with Dr. Margaret Cochran:

Website: DrCochran.com

More from us:

Blog + episode resources: kerouacscruising.com

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