You Don’t Have One True Self: Berkeley Professor Explains the Surprising Science Behind Identity

Update: 2025-08-26

Description

Many of us have been told to “just be yourself.” But what does that actually mean?

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Serena Chen — a Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and one of the world’s leading researchers on identity, the self, and authenticity.

Dr. Chen's core insight is simple and freeing: you don’t have one “real” self. We all show different sides of ourselves— at work, with friends, and at home— and each can be authentic in its own way.

And it’s not just theory— Dr. Chen offers practical tools you can use right away:

Simple ways to practice self-compassion
How to notice when you’re out of alignment in your values, and
Small shifts that will make it easier to bring your true self to every part of your life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to fit one idea of who you “should” be, this episode will help you let go of that myth and embrace the freedom of showing up as all of you.

Explore more of Dr. Chen’s work:

UC Psych: https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/serena-chen

SIR Research Lab: https://serena-chen.squarespace.com/

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