Mary Poffenroth

Mary Poffenroth, a biologist and fear expert, dives deep into the nature of fear, discussing its impact on personal growth and mental health. She shares her own terrifying encounters in the wilderness, highlighting how curiosity often leads to fear. The conversation uncovers fascinating facts about common fears, from snakes in toilets to the effects of stress on skin health. Poffenroth emphasizes that successful people leverage fear for growth and encourages listeners to embrace their anxieties to live richer, fuller lives.

Mary Poffenroth, a San Jose State University instructor and TEDx speaker, dives deep into fear's biology and sociology. She discusses how our brains react to perceived threats and the crucial difference between stress and fear. Personal anecdotes highlight fear's role in growth and societal isolation. Poffenroth introduces the RIA strategy—Recognize, Identify, Address—to manage fear and explores the interplay between fear and anger in emotional expression. This enlightening conversation empowers listeners to confront fears and cultivate healthier emotional responses.