

The Non-Anxious Leader Podcast
Jack Shitama
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2023 • 12min
Episode 240: Non-Anxious Leaders Encourage Challenge Not Comfort
Our movement toward "therapeutic culture" has made people less resilient. This episode explains how that happened and what you can do about it as a leader.
Show Notes:
Hey, America, Grow Up! by David Brooks
Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
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Aug 7, 2023 • 13min
Episode 239: 5 Ways that Mindfulness Helps You to Be a Non-Anxious Presence
Self-differentiation requires the ability to self-regulate, then act in accordance with your goals and values. Here's how mindfulness can help you do this.
Show Notes:
5 Rituals To Keep You Happy All The Time by Eric Barker
Why I Invited Myself to a Wedding by Jack Shitama
Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
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Jul 31, 2023 • 14min
Episode 238: Five Steps to Deeper Emotional Connection (Rebroadcast)
Self-differentiation is more than just being a non-anxious presence in anxious situations. It’s about building deeper, healthier relationships. This episode shows you how.
Show Notes:
The conversational habits that build better connections by David Robson
Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
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Jul 24, 2023 • 11min
Episode 237: A Family Systems Take on Procrastination
Many, if not most of us, procrastinate. However, for some this can really be disruptive. Psychologists suggest that childhood trauma can be at the root of procrastination. This episode unpacks that concept from a family systems perspective.
Show Notes:
How Procrastination Can Reflect Childhood Experience by Peg Streep
Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogueby Edwin Friedman*
Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
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*This is an affiliate link. I earn a small commission if a purchase is made.

Jul 17, 2023 • 13min
Episode 236: What Is a Boundary and Why Does It Matter?
Non-anxious leaders know the importance of boundaries and how to set them. This episode can help you do this better.
Show Notes:
Your boundaries set you free by Brian Stout
Episode 230: How to Say “No” as a Non-Anxious Presence
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Jul 10, 2023 • 11min
Episode 235: 3 Steps to Taking Responsibility for Self When Others Refuse to Do the Same
Self-differentiating, taking responsibility for self, can be hard when others respond by defining and blaming you. This is sabotage. Here are three steps to respond effectively.
Show Notes:
Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogueby Edwin Friedman*
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin Friedman*
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Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
*These are affiliate links. I earn a small commission if a purchase is made.

Jul 3, 2023 • 12min
Episode 234: Non-Anxious Leaders Embrace Discomfort
According to Edwin Friedman, one of the characteristics of a chronically anxious society is the desire to seek safety instead of adventure. Non-anxious leaders seek adventure and learn to love it. Here's how.
Show Notes:
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
A Failure of Nerve, Revised Edition: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin Friedman
Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
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Jun 26, 2023 • 11min
Episode 233: Self-Differentiation Is Defining Self, Not Others
We often focus on what others should be doing as a way to manage our own anxiety and avoid taking responsibility for self. Here's what defining others looks like and how we can do better.
Show Notes:
How We End Up Fixating On Others' Immaturity by Kathleen Smith
Episode 211: Level 5 Leaders and Self-Differentiation
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Jun 19, 2023 • 14min
Episode 232: Self-Differentiation Builds Self-Trust and Confidence
How often does surrounding togetherness pressure cause you to second guess yourself? Self-differentiation increases confidence because you trust yourself more. Here's how it works.
Show Notes:
Dr. Alison Cook
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Jun 12, 2023 • 14min
Episode 231: A COVID Family Reunion Redux - A Case Study
We were planning to host our family over Memorial Day Weekend for my Mom's 100th Birthday when my wife and I tested postive for COVID. Here's how we handled it.
Show Notes:
Episode 183: A COVID Family Reunion – A Case Study
CBS News Story on my Mom
Picture from our 2023 Family Reunion
Read the Full Transcript on The Non-Anxious Leader website.
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