How much of what you do every day is really your choice? The food you crave, the shows you watch, the moods you slip into - so much of it is quietly being shaped by invisible influences you probably never notice.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tatyana El-Kour, a psychologist and registered dietitian who studies how media and technology shape our behavior. She shares how algorithms learn our emotional rhythms - what time of day we’re vulnerable, what kind of content keeps us scrolling - and use that data to steer our choices.

We also explore something just as powerful: the invisible influence inside us. Your gut microbiome doesn’t just affect digestion. It can shape your emotions, focus, and even your resilience.

This conversation left me thinking deeply about how easily we’re guided by forces we can’t see and how much freedom comes from noticing them. Once you recognize what’s pulling the strings, you can start reclaiming your power, one intentional choice at a time.

As you listen, ask yourself: When do I feel most on autopilot? What’s really driving my decisions in those moments? And what would it look like to start choosing differently?

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Hidden Power of Invisible Influence

02:00 How Algorithms Shape Your Choices and Emotions

09:30 Emotional Tracking and Predictive Technology

13:30 When Digital Nudges Impact Health and Body Image

18:00 The Psychology Behind Algorithmic Addiction

29:00 Echo Chambers, Polarization, and Cognitive Rigidity

38:00 How to Recognize and Resist Invisible Influence

43:15 The Gut-Brain Connection and Emotional Resilience

55:00 Reclaiming Awareness and Agency

If you’re curious about the invisible forces shaping your path, I made something to help you look beneath the surface. My What’s Holding You Back? Quiz is a short, thoughtful tool to help you see what might be standing between you and your next breakthrough. Think of it as a little mirror for your inner world - gentle, honest, and surprisingly clarifying.

Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. I share new insights (and sometimes a few behind-the-scenes thoughts) every week. And I’d really love to know what this episode stirred up for you. I always love hearing your takeaways so let’s talk!

xoxo,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Growing Self