Shift: Ethan Kross on Managing Emotions in a Complex World

Why do some emotions motivate us while others overwhelm us? Is anxiety always a problem, or can it actually help us prepare and perform? And what can Jewish tradition teach us about living with difficult feelings rather than suppressing them? Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel welcome psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author Ethan Kross to discuss his latest book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions So They Don't Manage You. Together, they explore how emotions shape our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being—and why emotional health isn't about avoiding negative feelings but learning to manage them effectively. Drawing on cutting-edge psychological research, personal family stories rooted in Holocaust survival, and timeless Jewish wisdom, Kross explains why emotions are essential to being human, how rituals and community help regulate our emotional lives, and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to resilience. The conversation touches on anxiety, grief, leadership, faith, parenting, and the emotional tools available to all of us. From the power of music and sensory experiences to the role of religion and community, this episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges with greater awareness and balance. Ethan Kross:https://www.ethankross.com/   Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove Park Avenue Synagogue:https://www.pasyn.org https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/# Jon Frankel: https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.