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.

TIMESTAMPS

Introduction to Safety (00:00:00)  

Childhood Experiences of Unsafety (00:01:02)  

The Importance of Feeling Safe (00:02:02)  

Hypervigilance and Its Impact (00:04:13)  

Creating Safety in the Body (00:06:25)  

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (00:10:08)  

Connection and Safety (00:11:10)  

Developing a Sense of Safety (00:12:33)  

Addressing Childhood Trauma (00:15:44)  

Using the Mind to Acknowledge Safety (00:16:55)  

Overcoming Hypervigilance (00:17:57)  

Practical Ways to Create Safety (00:19:10)  

Creating a Sense of Safety (00:20:20)  

Daily Practices for Safety (00:21:21)  

Reversing Childhood Coping Strategies (00:21:21)  

Small Steps to Safety (00:22:33)  

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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