

the tara bixby podcast
Tara Bixby
If you’re tired of struggling alone in silence and crave real, unfiltered conversations about the good, the hard, the messy, and the inspiring parts of life, you’re in the right place.
Hi, I’m Tara — wife, momma, therapist, and the voice behind the tara bixby podcast. Nothing is off limits here. We talk about mental health, motherhood, addiction, trauma, holistic healing, spirituality, personal growth, and everything in between.
This podcast is a safe space to heal. My hope is that every episode leaves you feeling seen, supported, and just a little more empowered. Whether you're working through the hard stuff, regulating your nervous system, or simply searching for more joy and calm, you’ll find conversations here that meet you where you are.
New episodes drop every Wednesday, with surprise solo chats on Sundays.
If you’re enjoying these conversations, please follow, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear these chats too.
Come say hi on Instagram @thetarabixby. I always love meeting new friends.
Hi, I’m Tara — wife, momma, therapist, and the voice behind the tara bixby podcast. Nothing is off limits here. We talk about mental health, motherhood, addiction, trauma, holistic healing, spirituality, personal growth, and everything in between.
This podcast is a safe space to heal. My hope is that every episode leaves you feeling seen, supported, and just a little more empowered. Whether you're working through the hard stuff, regulating your nervous system, or simply searching for more joy and calm, you’ll find conversations here that meet you where you are.
New episodes drop every Wednesday, with surprise solo chats on Sundays.
If you’re enjoying these conversations, please follow, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear these chats too.
Come say hi on Instagram @thetarabixby. I always love meeting new friends.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 6min
quick tip tuesday... using stillness to calm your nervous system.
Hey friend. In a world that never slows down, stillness isn’t just nice — it’s necessary. Today I’m sharing why stillness is so important for calming your nervous system, easing anxiety, and reconnecting with your inner knowing. I also walk you through my three favorite ways to invite more stillness into your day. Loved this tip? Please share it with a friend who could use a little more calm and stillness in their life. And if you’re tuning in today, I’d love to know! Tag me on Instagram @thetarabixby so I can say hi and cheer you on.

Aug 6, 2025 • 46min
173. Dr. David Rosmarin: How to stop fighting anxiety and start using it to your advantage.
Hey friend. Are you an anxious soul who’s hell-bent on making your anxiety disappear? If you’re nodding your head yes, this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Dr. David Rosmarin — Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of the Center for Anxiety. He’s a clinical psychologist, scientist, author, educator, and keynote speaker who’s been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to TED.com. And his message is powerful: Anxiety isn’t something to get rid of — it’s something to understand, and even embrace. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about... The two different types of anxiety and how to know which one you’re experiencing. Why so many people are struggling with anxiety (and why we’ve become so afraid of our anxious feelings). Why trying to get rid of anxiety can keep you stuck — and what to do instead. Why the mental health system may be over-diagnosing people. The role uncertainty plays in anxiety, and how avoidance makes it worse. The four-step process that'll help you thrive with anxiety. How to support a child who may be struggling, too. ...and so much more! If this episode gives you even a small burst of hope, would you take a second to share it with another anxious soul who might need to hear it too? Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-david-rosmarin-how-to-stop-fighting Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/ Sponsor... Feeling tired, foggy, or just meh? These electrolytes changed the game for me. You can try all 8 flavors FREE with any order — click here to feel the difference!

Aug 5, 2025 • 8min
Quick tip tuesday... 3 ways to calm your nervous system (and reduce anxiety) fast.
Hey, friend. Welcome to the very first quick tip tuesday! 🥳 Today's tip is all about how to send signals of safety to your amygdala — so you can calm your nervous system, reduce your anxiety, and find a little more joy in life. If you find this helpful, please share it with a friend who's feeling a little anxious, a touch stressed out, or just craving more joy and calm in their life. And if you’re tuning in today, I’d love to know! Tag me on Instagram @thetarabixby so I can say hi and cheer you on.

Jul 30, 2025 • 58min
172. Dr. Whitney Casares: Moms, stop trying to do it all — and start doing what matters.
Hey friends. If you’re a working mom feeling stretched too thin, drowning in demands, and simmering with that all-too-familiar mom rage… this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Whitney Casares — a Stanford-trained pediatrician, speaker, mom of two, and founder of Modern Mommy Doc and the Modern Mamas Club app. She’s also the host of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast and a powerful voice when it comes to helping moms stop doing it all and start doing what actually matters. We're talking about... Why so many women feel pressure to give 100% to everything they do — and how that belief is burning us out. Why it's important to triage what matters most in the season you’re in. What emotion coaching looks like and why mindful self-compassion is essential. The importance of giving yourself grace in the seasons you wish would move faster. The value of outsourcing and delegating, and why half-assing on purpose is important. How to create a more centered life. How to navigate resentment when it comes up and why honest communication with your partner matters. ...and so much more. If this episode resonates with you, please take a second to share it with another mom who might need to hear it too. We’re not meant to do this alone — and sometimes, one honest conversation can make all the difference. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-whitney-casares-moms-stop-trying Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Jul 27, 2025 • 31min
Solosode: My history with anxiety, panic attacks, and psych meds.
Hey friend. Today, I’m opening up about my history with anxiety, panic attacks, and my journey with psych meds. I’m sharing how anxiety first showed up in my life, what I think was really triggering my nervous system to stay stuck in survival mode, and the moment things got so dark, I started having thoughts of not wanting to live. This episode is raw, honest, and from the heart—if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or alone in your mental health struggles, I hope this makes you feel a little more seen. If it resonates, please send it to a friend who might need to hear it too. You’re not alone—and neither are they. biggest hugs.

Jul 23, 2025 • 57min
171. Dr. Claire Plumbly: Is your nervous system stuck in burnout?
Today, I’m hanging out with Dr. Claire Plumbly — Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Consultant, and author of The Trauma of Burnout. She’s also the founder of Plum Psychology, a UK-based center specializing in trauma-informed care. In today's episode, we unpack... The difference between stress and burnout Why burnout isn't your fault The invisible load that so many women carry How burnout and trauma are connected The impact chronic stress has on your mental health What it looks like when burnout leads to nervous system shutdown How to spot signs of burnout Simple ways to help your nervous system feel safe How our inner critic might be fueling burnout ...and so much more. If this conversation speaks to you, if you find yourself nodding along or thinking of a friend who needs to hear it, please share it. Post it to your stories, text it to someone who’s quietly carrying too much, or leave a quick review. It helps more women find these kinds of conversations… and it means the world to me. Episode show notes... Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/thetarabixby/

Jul 16, 2025 • 54min
170. Dr. Jessica Zucker: Why women must ditch silence, stigma and shame—and start sharing their stories.
Today I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Zucker — clinical psychologist, author of "Normalize It" and "I Had a Miscarriage", and a powerful voice in the movement to help women speak openly about what’s often left unsaid. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Vogue, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She’s been featured on NPR, CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America and earned advanced degrees from New York University and Harvard University. In today’s episode, we talk about... Why it’s essential for women to start speaking their truths — even when it feels uncomfortable How to share hard things without being labeled as negative or too much The power of normalizing struggle instead of staying silent about it How to truly support someone when they’re opening up about something difficult Why we need to talk more openly about the identity shift and emotional impact of becoming a mother What it takes for women to drop their armor and step into real vulnerability How to stop taking it personally when others can’t hold space for your pain The unspoken pressure on women to show up perfectly ...and so much more. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with a friend, post it on Instagram, or leave a quick review. You doing this helps more women find the show, and it means so much to me. Episode show notes... Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Jul 13, 2025 • 26min
Solosode: We're overcomplicating things (and a few other thoughts).
Hey friend. Today's chat comes straight from my heart to your ears. I'm opening up about why I think we're overcomplicating healing, the 6(ish) things I want you to focus on, why I really dislike when professionals act like they have it all together, and—yes—my strong craving for friendships too Can you do me a favor? I’d love your honest feedback. What do you think about solo episodes? Are they annoying, or do you actually look forward to them? Don’t hold back—friends tell the truth, right? Your input means a lot because it helps me create the episodes YOU need. You can share your feedback with me over on Instagram @courageously.u, or you can email me at hello@courageouslyu.com. Happy listening, my friend.

Jul 9, 2025 • 49min
169. Dr. Margo Lowy: The loving moments and bitter truths of motherhood.
If you ever think motherhood is hard, or maybe even hate parts of it, then this episode is a must for you. Today, Dr. Margo Lowy is hanging out with us to help me create a conversation about maternal ambivalence. Dr. Lowy is a mother to three, author of Maternal Ambivalence, and a psychotherapist who specializes in mothering. It’s safe to say that maternal ambivalence is her jam as she has spent a significant amount of time researching the topic, speaking about it at universities and in media, and has even written an academic book on the topic. In today’s episode, we talk about... What maternal ambivalence is Why it’s important to own the hard parts of parenting What causes judgment to creep in Why it’s important to surround yourself with people who don’t judge you Why mothering isn’t about being perfect The power of being vulnerable Why it’s important to be open and genuine with your kids Tips on how to observe your mothering The importance of being compassionate towards yourself ...and so much more. Episode show notes... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/p/dr-margo-lowy-the-loving-moments Join my cozy community on Substack... https://courageouslyu.substack.com/ Hang out with me on Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/courageously.u/

Jul 6, 2025 • 13min
Solosode: Sometimes I get an urge to self-medicate.
Hey friends. Today, I'm getting real about the occasional urge that creeps up to self-medicate. If you found this solosode helpful and know someone who'd benefit from hearing it, please share it with them. Want to make sure you never miss a solosode? Be sure to follow the tara bixby podcast so all solosodes (and regular episodes) automatically download when released. Until our next chat, biggest hugs