Anxiety Makes Me Poop

Wowee - a reflection on turning 50.

I don’t usually talk about my faith on social media, because everyone has different beliefs. But today feels different. I’m a believer in God, and His guidance has shaped my journey.

Whatever you believe in: God, spirit, faith, your own path - I encourage you to stay strong in it and let it guide you.

I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes along the way, but I’ve asked for forgiveness and forgiven myself so that I could find peace.

I’m so grateful for my amazing husband of 25 years, my children who inspire me every day, my family and friends who lift me, and a life filled with work I love — 17 (almost 18!) books and two podcasts that reach so many.

I’ve overcome self-doubt, fear, and the challenges of my younger days to become the woman I am today. I hold my head high, walk lighter, and give freely of my heart.

Here’s to 50 years of living and learning… and to the next 50 with love, laughter, faith, and gratitude. 💛🙏

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Music Credit: GarageBand Loop, Meson Meditation. #mesonmeditation

I’m breathing in… and letting it out.

Today, I’m grateful for this moment, for the chance to pause and really feel.

I’ve found that peace comes when I let go of the questions I can’t answer and trust the timing of life.

May we carry a little more kindness, a little more hope, and a little more calm with us through the rest of the day.

And may we remember… we don’t have to have it all figured out to be exactly where we’re supposed to be.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Opening story: The New Prescription Supplier.

Then Meredith goes seven full days without sugar or carbs — and somehow gains weight. What the heck?! In this solo episode, she gets real about what happens when you try to break your sugar addiction, why your body might freak out in the process, and how to keep going even when the scale seems to betray you.

From exhaustion and migraines to surprising mindset shifts, Meredith shares what’s happening inside your body — and reminds you why patience always beats perfection.

Quick note: Meredith’s sharing her own experience, not medical advice. Always check with your doctor if you have questions about your health or nutrition.

Key takeaway:

You’re not failing — your body’s just rebooting.

All the links:

https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Meredith opens up about one of life’s hardest lessons — realizing that no matter how kind or thoughtful you are, you can’t make everyone happy.

She explores why people sometimes get mad at you for reasons that have nothing to do with you, and how learning to release that need for approval can bring real freedom. With honesty, humor, and heart, Meredith reminds listeners that being nice doesn’t mean being a doormat — and that true happiness starts from within.

Key Takeaway:

“When you step back and say, ‘Okay, they’re allowed to feel how they feel, and I’m allowed to not absorb it,’  that’s where your peace begins.”

This episode is for anyone who’s ever carried other people’s moods, tried too hard to keep everyone happy, or felt guilty for protecting their peace.

It’s a gentle reminder that letting go isn’t giving up — it’s growing up.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Today, we talk about the importance of alone time; why it matters, how to recognize when you need it, and, most importantly, how to ask for it without guilt. Alone time isn’t selfish; it’s maintenance. It keeps us from turning into that cranky, overstimulated version of ourselves.

We discuss a few signs you’re running on empty, such as snapping at small things or feeling overstimulated, and shared some simple ways to ask for space, including using “I” statements, setting a clear boundary, or even using humor to lighten the request.

The bottom line: needing space doesn’t mean you’re pushing people away. It means you’re taking care of yourself so you can come back calmer, kinder, and more present.

If you feel like you don't have anyone to help you, please find someone whom you trust can assist, even if it's just for a short moment. You need YOU time.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Today, I talk about something that might feel really familiar: those moments when you feel uninspired, or like no matter how much effort you put in, it might not be making a difference. Maybe it’s a project, a goal, or even just managing life, and it feels like you’re standing still.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

JUST A QUICK CHAT - there's so much more to this, but here's a quick reminder.

Meredith quickly talks about what it really means to be a great leader and why a title alone doesn’t cut it. Being a leader isn’t about the word on your name badge; it’s about how you show up, treat people, and inspire others.

Meredith breaks down the difference between a boss and a leader, shares the key qualities every great leader should have, and calls out the classic signs of when you’re dealing with a “boss” who definitely isn’t leading.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is earned, not assigned, and some of the strongest leaders out there don’t even have an official title.

Takeaway: Leadership is about action, integrity, and empathy - not a job title.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Today, we explore the wild, wonderful, and sometimes weird world of dreams. Both the ones we sleep through and the ones we carry with us in life.

Example of Life Dreams:

• A little girl dreaming of being a ballerina, spinning under stage lights.
• Kids imagining themselves as astronauts, explorers, or superheroes.
• Adults holding onto dreams of writing books, opening businesses, or traveling the world.
• And the universal dream: escaping reality for a sweeter, simpler place (hello, Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory).

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

Yes - I said manipulation 500 times in this episode. The Silent Treatment is a form of manipulation and it is HURTFUL for the recipient. While silence can sometimes be a temporary response, prolonged use is detrimental to relationships. Open, honest communication is essential. Recognizing and addressing it early can prevent long-term emotional harm and foster healthy relationships.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System reports that over 600,000 people go missing in the United States every single year. Many are found safe, but some are not. And some stories start just like this: walking alone, a vulnerable moment, the wrong place, the wrong time.

Here are some real talk reminders for us:

• We don’t go out alone. I know it sounds obvious, but sometimes we forget.
• We stick with people we trust.
• We watch our drinks, always.
• We never leave a glass unattended, and if we set it down, we get a new one.
• We share our location because phones make it so easy, and someone we trust should know where we are.
• We have an exit plan, and if we feel uncomfortable, we don’t owe anyone an explanation. We can always leave.
• And most importantly, we trust our gut. If something feels off, it usually is.

All the links: https://linktr.ee/anxietymakesmepoop

We are so grateful you’re here. THANK YOU for your monthly support. Your $2 a month helps us cover editing tools, hosting fees, equipment costs, and the behind-the-scenes work that allows us to keep creating meaningful episodes for listeners like you. Your support truly helps us continue important conversations around mental health, anxiety, and the real, unfiltered parts of life: Support us here! https://anxietymakesmepoop.captivate.fm/support

Building Resilience in the Workplace course online! https://www.udemy.com/course/buildingresilienceatwork_in30days/?referralCode=BD92C36502C5E19AA273

Meredith's author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CSF3812J/allbooks

This episode contains content that some may find emotionally challenging. This is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health support. If you are struggling with persistent or severe mental health challenges, it's essential to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for guidance and assistance. Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting positive changes. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward overall mental well-being.

All original content, unless otherwise stated, and music written and performed by Anxiety Makes Me Poop.