
The Non-Anxious Leader Podcast
The Non-Anxious Leader Podcast uses a family systems theory approach to increase your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being so you can be the best leader possible. Each episode explores research and practical tips to help you be a personal and professional non-anxious presence.
Latest episodes

Mar 31, 2025 • 12min
Episode 324: Defiance as Self-Differentiation (and Three Steps to Do It Well)
Here's how Dr. Sunita Sah's definition of defiance is self-differentiation and how you can do it skillfully.Show Notes:DEFY : The Power Of No In A World That Demands Yes — Sunita SahBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Mar 24, 2025 • 12min
Episode 323: How Self-Differentiation Makes You Happier
Evolutionary forces have created two competing psychological needs that contribute to happiness. Here's what they are, as well as the difference that self-differentiation makes.Show Notes:For a happier life, we must balance two old psychological needs by William von HippelThe Hadza: Hunter-Gatherers of Tanzania by Frank MarloweBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Mar 17, 2025 • 11min
Episode 322: 5 Ways Self-Differentiation Builds Resilience (Rebroadcast)
Self-differentiation is about knowing your own goals and values, which builds resilience. Here’s the research that shows why.Show Notes:How To Be Resilient: 5 Secrets To Success When Life Gets Impossible by Eric BarkerBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Mar 10, 2025 • 11min
Episode 321: Two Levels of Self-Differentiation (Rebroadcast)
Dr. Michael Kerr, who studied under Murray Bowen, identifies two levels of self-differentiation. Here’s what they are and why they matter to the non-anxious leader.Show Notes:Interview with Michael Kerr 2007 from the Family Systems InstituteDr. Michael KerrBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Mar 3, 2025 • 12min
Episode 320: How to Lead Underfunctioning Followers
Explore the fascinating dynamics between overfunctioning leaders and underfunctioning followers. Discover how anxiety-driven leadership can create dependency and hinder team growth. Learn strategies to empower disengaged team members by fostering autonomy and emotional connections. Boost self-management and resilience among your followers to enhance team performance and accountability. Uncover the importance of stepping back to unlock your team's full potential!

Feb 24, 2025 • 13min
Episode 319: How NOT to Parent (or Lead)
Explore the pitfalls of overparenting and how it stifles children's growth and resilience. Discover the parallels between anxious parenting and leadership styles that inhibit independence. Emphasize the value of effort over outcomes to foster intrinsic motivation. Hear compelling stories about the impact of a non-anxious presence in helping individuals learn from failures. It's a deep dive into how less involvement can lead to stronger, more autonomous leaders and kids.

Feb 17, 2025 • 11min
Episode 318: How to Handle People Who Use Fear, Obligation and Guilt (FOG) to Manipulate You
Emotionally dependent people make demands that often use fear, obligation and/or guilt. Here's how to manage yourself and the situation.Show Notes:How to Disarm any NarcissistBehavior Expert Reveals Exactly What To Say To A Narcissist - Chase HughesSubscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Feb 10, 2025 • 14min
Episode 317: 3 Things You Need to Know to Lead in a Hostile Environment (Rebroadcast)
How we respond to challenge and crisis is a big factor in whether we will survive and even thrive. These three factors come from a lecture that Edwin Friedman gave in 1985.Show Notes:Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and SynagogueThe Center for Family ProcessSubscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Feb 3, 2025 • 12min
Episode 316: 4 Things You Can Do If You're Not Happy with the Current Administration
Non-anxious leaders take action, however small. Even if you are happy (currently), this episode covers what you can do when you're frustrated with your country and the world.
Show Notes:
Future Christian Podcast
Ground News
Episode 304: What to Do Now that the Election Is Over
Episode 276: 10 Steps to Effectively Deal with Resistance (Part 1 of 2)
Episode 277: 10 Steps to Effectively Deal with Resistance (Part 2 of 2)
Calling People Forward Instead of Out: Ten Essential Steps - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly
Discipleship Ministries | Ground Rules for Group Discussion
18 Ground Rules for Group Discussions | Facilitator School
Ground Rules: How to Set Successful Guidelines for Your Conversation Programs | Programming Librarian
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Jan 27, 2025 • 11min
Episode 315: Managing Anxiety (Yours and Others') with Dr. Becky Kennedy's Acknowledge, Validate and Permit Strategy
Dr. Becky Kennedy's AVP strategy is designed for parenting, but it can help you in any anxious situation.
Show Notes:
Emotional Regulation in Children - Good Inside
Episode 99: A Family Systems Take on Non-Violent (or Compassionate) Communication – Part 1
Episode 100: A Family Systems Take on Non-Violent (or Compassionate) Communication – Part 2
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