Ethan Kross
Ethan Kross is a psychologist and University of Michigan professor whose work explores emotion regulation, self-control, and inner dialogue. He is the author of Chatter and Shift. Chatter became a national bestseller and has been translated into more than 40 languages, extending his research to broad public audiences.
Biography & Author's Journey
Ethan Kross is an American psychologist, professor, and nonfiction author whose work sits at the intersection of emotion regulation, self-control, and the ordinary experience of inner dialogue. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he studied psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude and joining Phi Beta Kappa, then earned his PhD in psychology at Columbia University. A postdoctoral fellowship in social-affective neuroscience further shaped his interest in how people regulate thoughts and feelings. In 2008 he joined the University of Michigan, where he founded the Emotion and Self-Control Laboratory, the institutional base for much of his later academic and public work.
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The Science of Self and Social Influence
This plan bridges the gap between evolutionary biology and modern social psychology to help individuals regain control over their minds. It is ideal for professionals and leaders who want to master their internal emotional state while navigating complex social dynamics.
The Psychology of Self-Mastery
This plan is essential for high-performers and individuals seeking to move beyond reactive living by mastering their internal landscape. It combines behavioral science and cognitive psychology to help professionals and lifelong learners build resilience and mental clarity.
Compassionate Self-Talk: Zen & Psychology
This plan is essential for anyone struggling with a harsh inner critic or chronic self-doubt. It offers a unique bridge between clinical psychology and Zen philosophy, making it ideal for those seeking practical emotional regulation tools.
Best Self: Stoicism, CBT & Dark Psychology
This learning plan bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern clinical psychology to provide a complete mental toolkit. It is ideal for individuals seeking to strengthen their emotional intelligence, defend against toxic personalities, and master their internal dialogue.
Self-kindness, research & language mastery
This plan bridges the gap between emotional intelligence and intellectual rigor, offering a unique multidisciplinary approach to personal growth. It is ideal for lifelong learners, researchers, and professionals who want to master complex skills while maintaining a healthy, supportive internal dialogue.
Psych, Self-Improvement & Marketing
This curriculum bridges the gap between individual psychology and commercial success, offering a holistic approach to growth. It is ideal for entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders who want to master self-discipline while learning how to ethically influence others and scale businesses.
Control my emotions
This plan is designed for individuals seeking to transition from reactive behavior to intentional living by mastering their internal state. It is ideal for professionals and students who want to build mental resilience and emotional intelligence through science-backed techniques.
Master Mind, Behavior & Social Skills
Understanding the intersection of psychology and social dynamics is essential for personal and professional success. This plan is ideal for leaders, communicators, and anyone looking to master interpersonal influence and emotional intelligence.
Community Voices
"Ethan Kross isn’t just a world-renowned scientist, he’s an expert storyteller too"
— Susan Cain
"With a scientist’s rigor and a storyteller’s ease, Ethan Kross uncovers the hidden levers that move our emotions"
— Daniel H. Pink
"Ethan Kross has done something remarkable: he’s written a page-turner that’s grounded in science and filled with practical insights"
— Adam Grant
"In Chatter, Ethan Kross weaves cutting-edge science with riveting stories to reveal the tools people can use to manage these experiences"
— Carol Dweck
"Ethan Kross presents a revolutionary guide to mastering your emotional life"
— Charles Duhigg
"Ethan Kross illuminates and solves the crucial issue of mastering self-talk in this modern classic"
— Dave Evans
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
