The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about the powerful emotions of guilt and shame—where they come from, how they shape our behavior, and why they often leave us feeling isolated. Drawing from Jarrett’s clinical experience and Billy’s insights from the yoga and fitness world, the duo unpack how guilt can act as a moral compass while shame targets identity itself.
They explore how shame has been historically weaponized by institutions, families, and social media, and how it can distort our ability to grow or feel worthy of connection. With references to Brene Brown, evolutionary psychology, and personal stories, Part 1 lays the foundation for understanding the deep roots of these emotions—and why distinguishing between them matters.
Whether you’ve experienced guilt for falling short or shame for who you are, this conversation offers insight and validation.
Tune in to begin unraveling the stories we carry and how to start letting go.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Guilt and Shame
03:27 The Role of External Influences
06:21 Shame as a Tool for Control
09:31 The Evolutionary Perspective on Shame
12:16 Cultural Constructs of Shame
15:27 The Impact of Repressed Shame
18:32 Identifying Shame and Guilt
21:11 The Role of Attachment in Shame
24:22 Understanding Canine Guilt and Shame
27:22 Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
28:21 Introduction and Overview
28:21 Key Insights and Takeaways
The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research.
We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey.
Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL
Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2
A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi
Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT
Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself).
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4
Unpacks the power of self-talk and how to create distance from unhelpful inner narratives. A practical guide to turning mental noise into clarity.
👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP
Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw
Listen on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397
Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys
Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337
We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com. Let’s level up together!
Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible:
Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule.
Connect with Moe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm
Music provided by Remix Live (license free)
Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.
