Super Brain11 Dec 2025

S6:E7 Imposter Phenomenon

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “Any minute now they’re going to realise I’ve no idea what I’m doing”?

In this episode of Super Brain, psychologist and neuroscientist Sabina Brennan unpacks what’s often called imposter syndrome – and why the original researchers actually called it the impostor phenomenon instead.

Drawing on brain science and real-world examples, Sabina explores what’s happening in your threat circuits, reward system and perfectionist wiring when you’re constantly bracing for the “fraud police” to knock on the door. You’ll hear how early messages about being “the smart one” – or never quite smart enough – can set up a lifelong gap between how others see you and how you see yourself.

Most importantly, you’ll learn three practical tools to add to your Super Brain kit:

– Name it, don’t shame it – shifting from “I am a fraud” to “I’m having an impostor moment”

– Rewire the self-doubt circuits – using neuroplasticity, self-compassion and “good enough” experiments

– Change the context, not just yourself – noticing when your discomfort is data about an exclusionary system

The impostor phenomenon isn’t proof that you’re a con artist. It’s a protective brain story that you can gently update. You’re allowed to be a work in progress – and you’re allowed to be here while you’re learning.

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