In this episode of the Anxiety Podcast, we dive into the fundamental concept of safety. I share personal stories about my father's struggles with mental health during the holidays and how these experiences left me feeling unsafe and on edge as a child. Feeling safe is such an important part of healing from anxiety, so I talk about ways to create that sense of safety for yourself. I include simple but effective strategies like mindful breathing and self-soothing techniques. More than anything, I want to remind listeners that healing takes time and effort, but it’s possible to find those small moments of safety and start easing the constant state of hypervigilance. Thank you for listening, and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Safety (00:00:00)   Dr. Kennedy introduces the topic of safety and its relation to anxiety, particularly during the holiday season. Childhood Experiences of Unsafety (00:01:02)   He shares personal anecdotes about his father's mental health struggles affecting his sense of safety as a child. The Importance of Feeling Safe (00:02:02)   Dr. Kennedy emphasizes that feeling safe is crucial for healing from anxiety and overcoming childhood trauma. Hypervigilance and Its Impact (00:04:13)   He discusses how hypervigilance prevents individuals from experiencing safety and contributes to ongoing anxiety. Creating Safety in the Body (00:06:25)   Dr. Kennedy explains the need for physical safety to combat hypervigilance and promote healing. The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (00:10:08)   He describes how the nervous system's balance affects feelings of safety and anxiety. Connection and Safety (00:11:10)   Dr. Kennedy highlights the importance of social connections in establishing safety and overcoming anxiety. Developing a Sense of Safety (00:12:33)   He suggests methods for creating safety through body awareness and present-moment sensations. Addressing Childhood Trauma (00:15:44)   Dr. Kennedy reflects on how childhood experiences of trauma impact current perceptions of safety. Using the Mind to Acknowledge Safety (00:16:55)   He discusses the interplay between mind and body in recognizing and establishing a sense of safety. Overcoming Hypervigilance (00:17:57)   Dr. Kennedy explains how hypervigilance blocks connection and healing, leading to addictions and distractions. Practical Ways to Create Safety (00:19:10)   He offers strategies for improving breathing and staying present to cultivate safety within oneself. Creating a Sense of Safety (00:20:20)   Dr. Kennedy discusses the importance of recognizing safety in the moment, despite discomfort. Daily Practices for Safety (00:21:21)   He emphasizes the need for daily practices to foster a sense of safety and reduce hypervigilance. Reversing Childhood Coping Strategies (00:21:21)   Dr. Kennedy explains how to reverse childhood coping strategies related to hypervigilance and safety. Small Steps to Safety (00:22:33)   He encourages taking small steps to create safety, which can accumulate over time for greater security.

Hey everyone, welcome back to The AnxietyRX Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Megan Lyons, a functional medicine expert who specializes in endocrine health and nutrition. Dr. Lyons opens up about her own journey with anxiety and hormonal imbalances, which were heavily tied to her high-achieving lifestyle. We dive into how our childhood experiences can shape the way we show up as adults, and explore the complex link between hormones and mental health. We also talk about why taking a personalized approach to nutrition and lifestyle changes is so important for long-term healing. Dr. Lyons makes a powerful case for looking at the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—when it comes to achieving real wellness. It’s a great conversation, and I think you’ll find it really insightful. Tune in! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX If you liked this conversation with Dr. Lyons, you can take a short quiz and receive a file with a useful guide, by clicking the link below: https://form.typeform.com/to/DrqW4qlv?typeform-source=www.thelyonsshare.org ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 00:33 - Dr. Lyons' Work 01:24 - Personal Journey into Functional Medicine 06:22 - Understanding Anxiety and Its Roots 07:50 - Patient Assessment Process 10:40 - Adrenal Burnout Discussion 12:34 - Hormonal Changes and Anxiety 14:22 - Impact of Antidepressants 16:31 - Supporting Patients on Medications 17:05 - Recommended Supplements for Anxiety 18:28 - Ideal Patient Profile 20:05 - Importance of Connection in Healing 21:26 - Initial Steps with New Clients 22:51 - Insulin Resistance and Surprising Health Markers 23:32 - Intermittent Fasting Insights 24:56 - Importance of Real Nutrition 26:36 - B Vitamins and MTHFR 27:50 - Top Supplements for Perimenopausal Women 29:48 - Cod Liver Oil and Omega Supplements 31:33 - Adaptogens for Anxiety 33:08 - Nutrition and Anxiety Connection 37:03 - Hydration and Food Colorings 39:11 - Blood Sugar Balancing 41:00 - Empowering Nutrition Awareness 42:14 - Celebrating Small Wins in Nutrition

In this episode, I chat with Ian Abbott about the challenges of parenting, especially from a dad's point of view. We talk about how being aware of emotions is key and how parental anxiety can affect kids. Ian shares some great tips from his parenting classes for dads, focusing on how important it is for fathers to connect with their children's feelings. We discuss how to find the right balance between pushing kids to grow and giving them support, how curiosity helps us understand emotions, and how parenting roles are changing. The conversation centers on creating a safe space for open talks and emotional growth. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - Challenges in Parenting  01:38 - Emotional Awareness in Parenting 02:59 - Men Seeking Help   04:07 - Energetic Influence on Children 05:49 - Stereotypes of Fatherhood   06:52  -Guiding Children Through Challenges   07:27 - Emotional Development in Boys   09:17 - Goals of Parenting Classes  10:07 - Cultural Stigma Around Men's Emotions    10:26 - Benefits of Men's Groups 11:20 - Single Dads vs. Single Moms   12:14 - Nurturing and Challenging Dynamics   13:01 - Importance of Emotional Resilience  14:01 - Experiences of Discomfort   15:52 - Personal Growth Through Challenges 17:42 - Validating Emotions in Parenting  18:52 - Understanding Immersion in Parenting   19:10 - Information vs. Conversation in Courses  20:19 - The Importance of Slowing Down 23:03 - Curiosity Over Fixing 23:59 - Building Resilience in Parenting 26:44 - Emotional Immaturity in Parenting   27:16 - Role Reversal in Parenting   29:02 - Modeling Healthy Behavior   30:20 - Humor as a Coping Mechanism 31:54 - Parenting Daughters Softly   32:08 - Common Challenges in Parenting  33:17 - Self-Awareness and Reflection   34:43 - Visualizing Conflict and Repair 35:03 - The Importance of Repair 36:01 - Handling Discomfort in Parenting  36:59 - Listening vs. Fixing 38:00 - Asking for Understanding   39:16 - Girls and Emotional Expression 40:18 - Creating Open Conversations  41:01 - Body Awareness and Emotional Regulation  42:35 - Using Self as a Reference Point 43:49 - The Power of Connection  44:34 - Normalizing Male Emotions  45:14 - Emotional Sovereignty 46:30 - Shame and Emotional Disconnect   47:07 - Finding Ian's Course 48:37 - Shared Experiences in Parenting Classes 49:27 - Learning and Empowerment  50:00 - Managing Children's Emotional Outbursts

In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Holton and Dr. Adam Wright as we explore the powerful connection between trauma, resilience, and well-being. I dive into why I believe the traditional medical focus on medication isn't enough and why a holistic approach, including spiritual healing, is so important. Dr. Holton shares his thoughts on how having a clear sense of purpose and value-based goals can help us unlock our full potential. Dr. Wright offers insights from sports psychology, explaining how controlled exposure to stress is key to building resilience. We wrap up by discussing the concept of "anti-fragility" — how, with the right support, we can actually thrive through adversity. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Dr. Nick Holton's Background   01:53 - Dr. Adam Wright's Experience  03:08 - Disenchantment with Systems   04:32 - Importance of Purpose 05:09 - Concept of Anti-Fragility   07:31 - Proactive Resilience Building 09:10 - Childhood Trauma and Resilience 10:14 - Defining Anti-Fragility 12:42 - Cultural Influence on Resilience   13:55 - Trauma's Impact on High Achievers  14:38 - Talent and Trauma Correlation    18:27 - Trauma and Cellular Memory   19:06 - Understanding Trauma and Sensitivity   20:01 - Expanding Capacity and Resilience  21:15 - Cortisol Response and Inherited Trauma  22:15 - Reframing Trauma Perspectives  24:44 - The Importance of Safety in Healing  25:17 - Neurogenesis and Safety 27:37 - Applying Skills to Real-Life Challenges  28:30 - Navigating Stress Responses    31:02 - Health Management vs. Sick Management 32:12 - Client Goals and Progression   34:04 - Case Studies in Performance Improvement 37:44 - Defining Mental Health   38:18 - The Reward of Worry 40:10 - Defining Mental Wellness 42:01 - The Role of Joy  44:13 - Contrast in Life   45:06 - Tolerating Negative Feelings   48:27 - Creating a New Narrative 50:19 - Optimizing Performance 51:12 - Finding Resources 

Today I sit down with comedian Damonde Tschritter to chat about our personal experiences with anxiety, alcohol, and psychedelics. We share some funny and heartfelt stories from our stand-up comedy careers, including one wild tale where Damonde performed with severe alcohol poisoning—talk about pushing through! We also dive into the world of psychedelics, with Damonde opening up about his life-changing experience with ayahuasca, while I talk about the more challenging side of my own journey. Along the way, we discuss the power of faith, grounding techniques, and how a shift in perspective can make all the difference when it comes to managing anxiety and facing the uncertainty life throws our way. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:40 - Alcohol Poisoning Story  03:09 - Medical Intervention  04:28 - Unexpected Performance  05:25 - Adrenaline and Performance  07:23 - Sobriety and Stand-Up   09:14 - Panic Attacks Experience  11:32 - Comparison of Professions 15:33 - The Art of Timing in Comedy  18:49 - Life-Altering Health Scare 20:27 - Impact of Near-Death Experience  23:04 - Ayahuasca Experience Discussion   24:18 - Transformation After Ayahuasca 25:10 - Spiritual Insights from Ayahuasca 28:10 - Change in Alcohol Consumption  29:26 - Varied Experiences with Ayahuasca 31:06 - Neuroscience of Psychedelics 32:16 - Psychedelics and Experience   33:36 - Control and Anxiety 34:38 - Perception of Time   35:17 - Facing Fears Through Purging 36:26 - Imagery and Messages   37:38 - The Encounter with an Entity 39:09 - The Messenger Show  40:16 - Messages to Share 42:43 - Connecting Through Shared Experiences 44:44 - Spiritual Component in Medicine 46:43 - Microdosing as an Introduction   50:35 - Personal Reflections on Ayahuasca 51:30 - The Concept of Greater Existence   52:44 - Perception Limitations 54:25 - Facing Fears 59:51 - The Reward Beyond Fear 01:00:46 - Morning Rituals and Calmness 01:02:33 - The Importance of Faith   01:04:27 - Reflections on Adversity 01:06:14 - Faith in the Journey  01:06:29 - Daily Mantra 

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole Cain, a therapist and author of Panic Proof. We dive into a heartfelt conversation about the roots of anxiety, especially how childhood experiences shape what we feel as adults. Dr. Cain opens up about her own journey with anxiety and shares valuable insights from her work, including why it's so important to address the deeper issues behind our anxiety—not just the symptoms. We talk a lot about the power of self-care, reconnecting with your inner child, and taking a more holistic approach to healing. If you're looking for lasting relief, this episode will encourage you to face your emotions and start the healing process. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:17 - The Role of the Oldest Child  02:55 - Core Memory of Anxiety 03:56 - Understanding Family Dynamics 04:20 - The Impact of Anxiety 05:53 - Adaptive Mechanisms in Anxiety 07:07 - Fragmentation of Self 09:23 - Fractured Identity and Anxiety  12:59 - Mind-Body Connection  14:15 - Writing "Panic Proof" 18:40 - The Journey to Recovery  19:38 - Unresolved Grief and Anxiety   20:58 - Connecting with the Inner Child 22:01 - Processing Mechanisms in Healing 23:46 - Using Photographs for Emotional Evocation  24:43 - The Role of Psychedelics in Healing   26:25 - Addiction as a Temporary Connection Tool 29:05 - Understanding Panic Attacks 30:56 - The Role of Awareness in Anxiety  33:21 - Survival Mode and Rational Thinking 37:26 - The Therapeutic Order in Naturopathy  39:35 - Addressing Obstacles to Cure  42:25 - The Limits of Conventional Medicine 43:47 - Discussion on Medication vs. Root Cause  45:12 - Case Study of Panic Colitis 48:22 - The Alarm Anxiety Cycle 51:31 - Inner Child Work and Healing 55:25 - Personal Agency as an Antidote to Anxiety 56:49 - Reflection on Fear of Flying

Today we’re diving into a fascinating conversation with Debra Doerksen, a spiritual medium and author. In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of anxiety, spirituality, and healing. Debra will bring her wisdom on the energetic side of our existence, showing how spirituality can be a key piece in managing anxiety. Together, we’ll talk about the importance of a holistic approach to healing—one that brings together the mind, body, and spirit—and the critical roles of curiosity, connection, and community in navigating anxiety. It’s an open, honest, and deeply insightful conversation you won’t want to miss! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:05 - Spiritual Connection in Healing   01:30 - Rigid Nature of Medicine  02:47 - Merging Science and Spirituality 04:12 - Childhood Trauma and Anxiety 05:32 - Energetic Nature of Existence   06:36 - Anxiety and Spiritual Awareness   07:27 - Misunderstanding Anxiety Symptoms   08:25 - Energy Exchange in Relationships   09:09 - Societal Views on Anxiety 10:54 - Skepticism and Spirituality 12:00- Crisis and Energetic Awareness   15:24 - Anxiety Symptoms and Energy   16:19 - Mind as a Servant 17:37 - Healing and Sensitivity  18:31 - Therapeutic Tools for Healing   19:27 - Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience  20:21 - Experiencing Detachment 21:21 - Understanding Anxiety   23:16 - Objecting Without Contracting 24:04 - Connecting to the Body  25:00 - Navigating Sensitivity 26:02 - Curiosity Over Fear 28:01 - Trauma and the Body 30:41 - Acknowledging Pain 32:26 - Energy and Spirit Connection  33:43 - The Role of Faith 38:13 - Healing Through Mediumship   40:09 - Skepticism and Openness 42:15 - The Importance of Connection in Healing  44:10 - Medical Training vs. Spirituality 45:07 - The Complexity of Healing 46:27 - Intergenerational Trauma and Healing 49:08 - Anxiety and Grief Connection  51:53 - The Role of Thoughts in Anxiety 53:12 - Separation and Anxiety 55:12 - Body Awareness in Trauma  57:40 - Mind-Body Connection   58:51 - Recognizing Unproductive Thoughts 59:50 - Trauma and Energy 01:00:20 - Breath and Color as Connection 01:01:40 - Sensation Without Explanation 01:03:14 - Writing and Vulnerability  01:04:12 - Eternal Connection  01:05:00 - Skepticism and Growth    01:06:39 - Practical Spirituality  01:07:35 - Community and Sharing   

Hey there, welcome back to The AnxietyRX Podcast! I’m Dr. Russ, and today I’ve got a special guest, Chelsea Horton, who’s an amazing expert in body-based therapy. We’re going to chat about something really important: the connection between anxiety, trauma, and creative expression. We often think of therapy as just sitting and talking, but Chelsea and I explore why that’s not always enough. We’ll dig into how movement and play can really help us work through trauma. Chelsea also shares why hands-on learning is so crucial in therapy. We talk about the need to reconnect with our bodies, create a safe space, and empower ourselves in the healing process. It’s all about taking a holistic approach—mixing mind, body, and creativity for deal healing. So, grab a comfy seat and join us for this enlightening conversation! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 03:16 - Chelsea's Background 04:32 - Experiencing Trauma 05:03 - Movement and Trauma Processing 06:29 - Play and Safety in Healing 08:46 - Choice and Agency in Healing 10:05 - Evolving from Childhood Trauma 11:55 - Overcoming Inertia 14:47 - The Alarm-Anxiety Cycle 16:38 - Building Trust with the Inner Child 18:43 - Neuroscience of Trauma 19:10 - Understanding Body Connection  20:16 - Mind-Body Disconnect  21:23 - The Role of Neuroscience 22:30 - Living in the Moment 23:17 - Grounding Techniques 24:18 - Familiarity and Security 27:06 - Healing Through Discomfort 28:45 - Coping Mechanisms and Anxiety 29:47 - Understanding the Body's Role 30:31 - Creating Expression Through Movement 32:07 - Rewiring Emotional Pathways 34:08 - Science vs. Healing 35:02 - Embodiment and Creativity 37:41 - Connecting with the Inner Child 41:01 - Relational Patterns in Trauma 43:59 - Concerns About Trauma Practices 45:17 - The Limitations of Academic Training 46:15 - Importance of Repetition in Healing 47:02 - Criticism of the Term 'Empath' 47:58 - Cognitive vs. Experiential Healing 48:04 - Skills-Based Approach in Somatic Practice 49:10 - Concerns About Rapid Trauma Transformation 50:05 - The Long Process of Unlearning  51:50 - Importance of a Year-Long Program 56:19 - The Role of Community in Healing

In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I chat with Terry Baranski, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, about some fresh, non-traditional ways to tackle anxiety. Terry shares his interesting path from computer science to therapy, stressing how crucial it is to understand trauma and the mind-body connection. We also take a closer look at why some traditional therapies miss the mark and explore how IFS and compassionate inquiry can lead to real healing and self-compassion. Join us for an insightful conversation that might just change your perspective on anxiety! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:44 - Terry Baranski's Background 03:04 - Critique of Traditional Therapy 04:37 - IFS Therapy Overview 05:48 - The Importance of Curiosity in Therapy 07:30 - Analogy of Itching and Scratching 09:45 - Managing vs. Healing Anxiety 11:24 - Mind-Body Connection 12:29 - Critique of Somatic Approaches 13:22 - Integration of Mind and Body in Therapy 16:17 - Overview of IFS Parts 18:04 - Self-Compassion in IFS 19:56 - Trauma and Energy Disruption 22:06 - Conflict Among Parts 23:01 - Self-Blame in Childhood Trauma 25:43 - Repetition Compulsion 26:44 - Anger as a Defense Mechanism 27:46 - Negative Self-Perception 28:09 - Dissociation and Coping Strategies 29:29 - The Role of Self in Healing 31:03 - Childhood Trauma and the Amygdala 32:29 - Connecting Body and Mind 33:20 - Age Regression in Emotional Reactions 36:06 - Recognizing Triggers as Guidepost 37:10 - Healthy Expression of Anger 38:48 - Understanding Trauma and Healing 39:55 - Building Trust with the Self 41:35 - Child Development and Trust 42:04 - The Impact of Trauma on Trust 43:45 - Ego Dragon and Panic Attacks 44:56 - Rapid Trust Development in Therapy 45:29 - Personal Journey of Confidence  46:26 - Sensitivity and Trauma 47:13 - Healing from the Bottom Up 48:07 - Self-Compassion and Trauma 48:58 - Clearing Trauma for Emotional Freedom 50:07 - Coping Strategies vs. Healing 51:24 - Gradual Exposure to Emotional Pain 52:55 - The Midlife Crisis and Healing 53:22 - Cold Plunge Analogy 54:36 - Building Resilience Through Discomfort 56:09 - Preference for Healing Over Discomfort 57:21 - Empowerment through Facing Pain 58:49 - A Different Path in Therapy 59:37 - Finding Terry Online

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ. In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Colleen Kachman. Colleen is a real-life superhero helping women conquer their pasts and build brighter futures. She opens up about her own struggles with anxiety and how she used alcohol as a crutch to cope. We talk about how booze might seem like a quick fix for anxiety, but it actually makes things worse in the long run and how it can leave you feeling lost and disconnected. But don't worry, Colleen shares her wisdom on mindful drinking and the power of self-awareness. Join us as we explore the tricky relationship between anxiety, alcohol, and self-connection. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - Realization of Underlying Issues  02:50 - Connection Between Chaos and Anxiety 04:06 - Self-Perception and External Validation 05:11 - Understanding Alcohol's Role 12:18 - The Biphasic Nature of Alcohol 17:01 - The Challenge of Overcoming Urges 19:01 - Current Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption 20:17 - The Risks of Alcohol 21:41 - Humor in Alcohol Discussion 22:12 - Understanding Emesis 23:31 - Emotional Resilience and Mental Health 24:36 - Managing Anxiety and Trauma 25:27 - Connection with Self 26:35 - Facing the Alarm 28:27 - Cold Plunges as Metaphor 29:39 - Avoiding Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism 33:24 - Mindful Drinking Practices 36:22 - Challenging Traditional Views on Alcoholism  38:45 - The Role of Trauma in Alcohol Use  39:27 - Understanding Self-Referential Thought 40:28 - Feeling Your Way Out of Addiction 41:57 - Grounding in the Body 42:33 - Cognitive Strategies Post-Grounding 43:12 - Recognizing Cravings as Notifications 44:20 - Thoughts vs. Bodily Sensations 45:17 - The Power of Breathwork 46:33 - Sensation Without Explanation 47:30 - Staying with Uncomfortable Sensations 49:02 - Creating a Safe Space in the Body 51:36 - Connecting with the Younger Self 53:04 - Healing at a Feeling Level  55:57 - Misconceptions About Drinking Problems