Actor Tony Hale Spills Secrets About Inside Out 2, Managing Anxiety, And Why Success Doesn’t Make You Happy
Jun 17, 2024
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Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Hale shares his anxiety journey, life lessons from success, and tips for thriving relationships. He discusses Hollywood's portrayal of anxiety, working on Veep, and the impact of severe asthma. Tony delves into managing anxiety, staying content, and the nuances of fear vs. anxiety. The podcast also explores metabolic health, embracing contentment, and finding community while managing anxiety.
Success in entertainment doesn't ensure happiness; find fulfillment in everyday experiences.
Tony Hale copes with anxiety through therapy, cognitive techniques, and self-compassion.
Value ordinary moments and relationships over external accomplishments for lasting contentment.
Deep dives
Living a Grounded Life in the Midst of Success
Achieving success in the entertainment industry doesn't guarantee fulfillment. Tony Hale shares his journey of self-discovery, realizing that his 'big thing' wasn't a destination but being present in his everyday experiences. His experience with the character Archibald taught him to appreciate the present moment as his 'big thing.' Learning to activate the five senses, breathe deeply, and focus on the now helps him stay content and grateful.
Coping with Anxiety and Practicing Emotional Vulnerability
Tony Hale discusses his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, emphasizing the importance of seeking therapy and utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques. Reflecting on his past traumas and experiences, including growing up in the South and dealing with severe asthma, he acknowledges the impact on his emotional well-being. By cultivating compassion for his inner child and engaging in open conversations about vulnerability and emotional expression, Tony navigates his anxiety journey with self-awareness and empathy.
Embracing Contentment and Prioritizing Everyday Moments Over Extremes
As Tony Hale matures, he values the power of ordinary and everyday experiences over extremes in his life. Success is redefined as finding joy in simple moments and meaningful relationships, rather than external accomplishments. By recognizing the trap of 'never enough' and remaining mindful of contentment, he instills valuable lessons of gratitude and presence in his interactions with friends and family, aiming to maintain a balanced perspective on happiness and fulfillment.
Journaling as Active Meditation
Journaling serves as an active meditation tool, allowing reflection on personal growth and experiences. By incorporating daily writing practices that include past reflections, connections between past and present events become evident, facilitating self-awareness and appreciation for personal progress.
Community Support for Anxiety
Building a support network and engaging in community interactions play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety. Discussing experiences with friends, sharing laughter, and focusing on external conversations help shift the focus away from internal anxiety, promoting mental well-being through human connection.
Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Hale of Inside Out 2, Veep, Arrested Development, and more discusses his anxiety & health journey, defining success on personal terms, and remaining content when opportunities for jealousy arise.
Tony’s anxiety journey, including the techniques he uses to overcome panic attacks (including the ones that happen on stage or live TV!), and the rest of his anxiety toolkit
The huge life lesson Tony learned from the mega success of Arrested Development (it’s not what you think!)
His top tips for keeping long term relationships thriving
The ways in which Hollywood gets anxiety right and wrong, and how his real life anxiety has informed his character
How having severe asthma has impacted his life
What Tony learned working on Veep about the way politics REALLY works
And so much more
For more from Tony, you can find him on Instagram @mrtonyhale. See him as Fear in Disney ● Pixar’s Inside Out 2, now playing in movie theaters worldwide
The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.
Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.
This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.