Anxiety Makes Me Poop

I know NOTHING about birds so do not judge me. LOL.

Here’s the scene: I’m sitting at my kitchen table sipping coffee this morning, watching the birds at my new feeder. They're hopping in, pecking at seeds, wings twitching and every two seconds, they're moving their heads around like they just heard a loud noise behind them. To me, these birds seem anxious, filled with anxiety, and stressed out even while being at a safe space.

And suddenly it hit me: These birds are me. They’re you. They're anyone who lives with anxiety.

They're trying to enjoy the moment, getting nourishment, literally feeding themselves but they’re wired to stay on high alert. They're head is on a swivel and their nervous system is screaming What if?

Sound familiar? Let's talk about it!

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.

Inspired by a friend's meme and the Glimmer Concept by Deb Dana, Meredith talks about glimmers, those small moments that help calm your nervous system and remind you that you are safe.

Second half of the episode: Meredith shares how a song, music, silence, and a few seconds of stillness can help shift your mood when anxiety takes over.

This episode includes ideas from Polyvagal Theory, neuroception, and neuroplasticity. Meredith gives it her best shot trying to pronounce all the science words, no guarantees. Whether you find comfort in a favorite song or a rare quiet moment, this episode is about finding what actually works for your body and mind.

All the credits here:

The concept of the glimmer was introduced by Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who specializes in Polyvagal Theory. She works closely with Dr. Stephen Porges, the neuroscientist who developed the theory itself.

Deb Dana used the word glimmer to describe the tiny cues of safety that our nervous system picks up, the opposite of a trigger. Her work focuses on making complex nervous system science more accessible and applicable in daily life, especially around trauma and emotional regulation.

You can find her books like:

• The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy
• Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory

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.

In this episode, we talk about that strange feeling in your stomach when something just feels off. Is it your gut instinct? Is it anxiety? Is your body trying to protect you, or is it reacting to old fears?

Meredith shares a personal story about being invited to dinner and instantly feeling unsettled. There was no drama, just a clear feeling of discomfort that led to the big question: how do you know when to trust that feeling?

Let's explore how instinct and anxiety show up differently, how to read what your body is trying to say, and how to respond when you are not sure what to do. Sometimes your body gives you a quiet no. Sometimes your brain jumps in with panic. Both are trying to help, but they do not always mean the same thing.

If you have ever felt unsure about a gut feeling, this episode will help you slow down, listen in, and remind yourself that you are not overreacting. You are just learning how to trust yourself.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.

Ever feel like the universe is out to get you? Like the second you try to be responsible, something breaks. Your computer dies, your plans fall apart, and your bank account takes the hit.

In this episode, Meredith shares a very real moment of frustration (hello, unexpected $2,500 computer purchase) and how easy it is to spiral into the belief that life is happening to us. Like it’s personal. Like we did something wrong.

But here’s the truth. Life just happens. Things go wrong sometimes, not because we are cursed or broken, but because that is how life works. And if you are not at your goal yet, that does not mean you have failed. It just means you are in the middle, and the middle still counts.

We are talking about how to stop blaming ourselves when things go wrong, how to stay grounded when progress feels slow, and how to keep going even when it feels like nothing is working. You are doing better than you think. And yes, you got this.

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

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

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.

First and foremost, cancer is not funny. But sometimes, if we don’t laugh at the situation… we cry.

In this episode, Cassandra shares a unique and unexpected moment with a customer who opened up about something deeply personal and incredibly detailed. The conversation left her standing there, somewhere between compassion and confusion, wondering: “Why me? And what do I even say next?”

We chat about the real, human side of these moments; why people overshare with strangers, what science says about emotional unloading, and how it feels when you're on the receiving end of someone else’s raw truth

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.

This one was inspired by a drive to Chicago. Classic traffic chaos.

People were weaving in and out of lanes, and it hit me… That’s exactly how anxiety feels.

When we emotionally swerve, trying to fix people’s moods, comparing ourselves, taking on too much, we’re disrupting our own goals and thoughts.

Just like traffic, that kind of mental zig-zagging creates gridlock.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why staying in your own emotional lane helps reduce overwhelm
• And how to pause, breathe, and ask: “Is this even my lane?”

There’s some real psychology and even traffic science behind it, and yes, it all makes way too much sense.

Thanks for being here. 💛

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

We're grateful that 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 is a runner and she shidded her pants on a run last week (sort of!). Listen and laugh with us and find out if it was corn! LOL

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

We're grateful that 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 brain and body keep the score. And sometimes they gently (or not-so-gently) demand a reset. A slow day. A quiet mind. A mental exhale.

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.

#thespacebetween

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

Red flags a coworker may not like you

• Minimal eye contact

• Cold, one-word replies

• You’re left out of conversations, lunches, or meetings

• They skip giving you credit or take it for themselves

• You hear they’ve been talking about you

• They avoid working with you unless absolutely necessary

• Body language is closed off or annoyed

• Sarcasm and passive-aggressive behavior

What it really means

• It’s not about you

• Your presence might threaten their comfort

• You’re likely doing something right if they feel triggered

How to handle it

• Stay professional but don’t fake friendliness

• Set boundaries and stop trying to win them over

• Document anything that crosses a line

• Put your energy into people who respect you

• Keep doing excellent work and protect your peace

Mindset shift

• I don’t need to be liked

• I need to be respected

• I don’t lower myself to match their energy

• I rise above and stay focused

Mic drop

They don’t have to like you.

They don’t get to dim you.

We're grateful that 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.

This week’s listener submitted plate: IMF1N3. Which, of course, means ‘I'm fine.’... Said no anxious person ever.

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.