Designed To Be Awake Podcast - Episode 10 - Toxic Positivity

Welcome to episode 10 of Designed to Be Awake. I’m Mick Kubiak, and today we’re exploring toxic positivity—what it really means, why it’s considered toxic, and its mirror image, toxic negativity. I share my own journey: cringing at forced “just smile” advice while also getting stuck in negative thought loops.

We talk about boundaries, authenticity, and why neither relentless positivity nor wallowing in negativity brings us closer to who we are. I reflect on a turning point in a café that shifted my mindset, creativity, and how I relate to pain—learning the difference between creating from an open wound versus a healed scar.

Key ideas include protecting your energy, creating space from your stories and emotions, and finding yourself in stillness rather than slogans. If this resonates, share it, leave a review, or reach out. Until next time, be gentle with yourself and stay awake.