Friday Mar 27, 2026
The Hidden Filters Shaping Your Reality with Lisa Riegel, Ph.D
What if the biggest barrier to better leadership, relationships, and mental wellness isn’t the world around you—but the filters inside your brain?
In this fascinating episode of the Empowered Learning Podcast, Andy Bennetts sits down with educator, researcher, and author Lisa Riegel to explore how brain science shapes the way we perceive reality.
Lisa explains that much of our perception happens unconsciously. When information enters the brain, it first passes through the thalamus, then is filtered through the amygdala, where past emotional experiences are stored. The result? We often respond not to what’s actually happening—but to our brain’s interpretation of it.
These mental “filters” act like a strainer, allowing certain information through while blocking or distorting other parts of reality. That’s why two people can experience the same situation yet walk away with completely different interpretations.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why perception is often shaped by past emotional experiences
• How unconscious brain filters influence behavior and communication
• Why self-awareness is essential for effective leadership
• How understanding brain science improves mental wellness
• Practical ways to pause, reflect, and respond more intentionally
With over two decades of experience helping schools, leaders, and organizations align brain science with human systems, Lisa offers powerful insights into how understanding the brain can transform relationships, decision-making, and leadership.
If you’ve ever wondered why misunderstandings happen so easily—or why certain situations trigger strong reactions—this episode will help you see those moments through an entirely new lens.
Connect with Lisa Riegel, Ph.D
Website: lisariegel.com
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/
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