Grounded Confidence: Social Anxiety, Self-Awareness, and Authentic Communication

How to Sound More Confident Without Sounding FakeMost people trying to sound confident just end up sounding stiff. In this episode of Grounded Confidence, I sit down with vocal and communication coach Helen von Dadelszen to break down why chasing "perfect" is what actually kills connection, and what to do instead.We get into:Why perfectionism makes you sound flatter, more rushed (or more hesitant), and more self-focused than audience-focusedHow to define your own communication intention with concrete words (grounded, warm, thoughtful, etc.) and translate that into actual pace, pitch and pause choicesWhy your voice is a habit, not a fixed trait, and how to retrain it with small daily drillsThe link between breathing, nervous system regulation and vocal control, including a simple diaphragm breathing exercise you can do before any call or recordingHow posture and hand movement directly affect your energy and pacing on cameraWhy "louder" isn't the fix for sounding flat, it's more air, not more volumeHelen also breaks down my own voice live on the episode, if you want a real example of this process in action.If this episode helped, subscribe to my channel for more conversations on movement, mindset and communication.About Helen von DadelszenHelen von Dadelszen is a communication and vocal coach, speaker and author who helps smart, thoughtful professionals express their ideas with clarity, confidence and impact. Through Present Potential, she provides practical coaching and training in public speaking, vocal presence and confident communication. Her clients include professionals and teams working across technical, scientific, academic and humanitarian fields. Helen is also the author of Courageous Action, a practical guide to building communication confidence by taking small, achievable steps.Connect with Helen:LinkedIn:   / helen-von-dadelszen  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/present_pot...YouTube:    / @presentpotential2090  Her book, Courageous Action: https://courageousaction.ch/Her business, Present Potential: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/

In this episode I'm joined by Anan Davis, a rehab specialist and postural coach based out of Malaysia. We get into his own injury story (shin splints that turned into chronic lower back pain), why generic physio advice never fixed it, and how he ended up building a coaching business around finding the actual root cause instead of just treating symptoms.We cover:His injury journey during COVID and why standard physio fixes didn't workWhy the nervous system, not just "weak muscles," drives most painRib cage compression, breathing mechanics and how it connects to your pelvis and postureHis go to breathing drill (sideline breathing) and why he starts every client thereWhat actually changes when clients dial in their breathing (posture, grounding, hip pressure release)Building an Instagram following from 10 views a video to 28K followersWhy he moved away from selling a course and switched to 1:1 coaching for accountabilityWhere AI tools like Claude fall short when it comes to programming your own trainingHis future plans, including the dream of running his own gymTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:56 Where Anan is based and his background02:23 What got him into coaching06:10 How long he's been coaching06:40 Digging into his injury and finding the root cause09:10 Why breathing gets overlooked and how rib compression happens13:45 What clients notice after breathing drills16:33 His go to breathing drill18:33 Building his page from scratch21:15 Growing to 28K followers and the slow start24:19 The video that finally broke through24:47 Course vs 1:1 coaching and why he made the switch26:34 Accountability and where AI falls short28:00 Future plans and his dream gym28:41 Coaches he looks up to30:00 Where he sees himself in 5 years30:33 Where to find himFollow Anan Davis:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anan_davisw/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@anandavisFollow Grounded Confidence for more conversations on movement, mindset and communication.

What does it actually take to become a great speaker, presenter, or performer? In this episode, Andrew Eggelton — an actor, TV presenter, and public speaking coach with over 30 years of experience — shares the real trials and tribulations behind a career most people only see the highlight reel of.We talk about the difference between confidence and craft, how to prepare for high-pressure moments (auditions, keynotes, big stages), why early success can actually work against you, and what mentors, mistakes, and decades of practice actually teach you that talent alone can't.In this episode:Andrew's early acting career, working alongside a young Ryan GoslingThe audition that taught him confidence isn't the same as skillHow to build "craft" — the difference between feeling ready and being readyWhy preparation, not talent, separates people who make it from people who don'tHis current work using horse-assisted training to teach speakers authenticityWhat he'd tell his younger self starting out todayWhether you're into public speaking, acting, communication skills, or just like hearing honest stories about failure and growth from someone who's actually lived it — this conversation is for you.Follow Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/andreweggelton/Subscribe for more real conversations on movement, mindset, and communication.

What if the problem isn't your anxiety or OCD, but your relationship with it?

In this episode of Grounded Confidence, I sit down with Brian Briskey, who spent 45 years living with anxiety, OCD, panic, and chronic fight or flight.

After years of therapy, medication, and searching for answers, Brian shares his personal journey and the mindfulness practices that helped him change his relationship with his thoughts, emotions, and anxiety.

This conversation explores anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, panic, overthinking, and what it means to live with greater awareness and acceptance.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Brian's 45 year journey with anxiety and OCD

• What living in constant fight or flight felt like

• How he changed his relationship with anxious thoughts

• The difference between thoughts, emotions, and awareness

• How mindfulness and meditation influenced his journey

• Learning to observe thoughts instead of being controlled by them

• Why acceptance and surrender became important parts of his approach

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This episode shares Brian's personal experience, reflections, and perspectives on anxiety and OCD.

The information shared is for educational and conversational purposes only and is not medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Brian also discusses periods of significant mental distress, including past experiences with suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or is in crisis, please seek immediate support through emergency services or a crisis support service available in your region.

If you are experiencing anxiety, OCD, or other mental health concerns, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.

Connect with Brian:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/brianbriskeyrememberpeace/

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@bbriskeyrememberpeace/

About Grounded Confidence:

Grounded Confidence is hosted by Dylan Wheatley, exploring movement, mindset, mental health, and communication through conversations with experts and people with lived experience.

Follow the podcast for more conversations around personal growth, mental health, movement, and communication.

The Lie Social Anxiety Tells YouSocial anxiety tells you that hiding it and controlling every interaction keeps you safe. It doesn't, it keeps you stuck.This episode: therapist Charlie (Calm Confidence) on his own social anxiety, why traditional therapy didn't work for him, why hiding your anxiety makes it worse, and why it's a presence problem, not a skills problem.Subscribe, and leave a comment with what you'd like me to talk about more.Charlie's links:Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4EdDP9fkklpSaLZhMxPwVEYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalmConfidencePodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmconfidencepodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calmconfidencepodcastWebsite: https://calmconfidencetherapy.com/

Learn how to use your voice with confidence in this episode of the Dylan Wheatley Podcast! I chat with two expert voice coaches, Andrew Eggelton and Toddy K (Todd Keys), as they share personal stories, mindset strategies, and practical exercises for speaking, performing, and presenting with authenticity.Topics covered:Overcoming fear and self‑doubtWhy perfectionism backfires and how to be authenticPreparation and practice techniques for confident deliveryStories from acting, public speaking, and musical theatreWhether you're a speaker, performer, or just want to communicate more confidently, this episode gives you actionable insights you can start using today.Connect with Our GuestsAndrew Eggelton – Presenting Mentor & Speaker🌐 Website: https://andreweggelton.au/📸 Instagram:   / andreweggelton  💼 LinkedIn:   / andreweggelton  📘 Facebook:   / andreweggelton  Toddy K (Todd Keys) – Founder, 3T’s Vocal Academy📸 Instagram:   / 3ts.vocalacademy  📘 Facebook:   / 3tsvocalacademy  🌐 Website: https://www.3tsvocalacademy.com/Tags:voice confidence, public speaking tips, improve your voice, presentation skills, speaking anxiety, overcome fear, self‑doubt, performance mindset, vocal training, Andrew Eggelton, Toddy K, 3Ts Vocal Academy, Dylan Wheatley podcast, communication skills, mindset for success, authenticity in speaking

In this episode of Learn with Dylan, I sit down with Andrew Eggelton to explore communication, authenticity, and what it really means to speak your truth.Andrew shares his journey from acting and TV presenting to coaching leaders and performers. We break down the difference between performing and being authentic, how to overcome stage fright, why preparation matters, and how your language becomes your leverage. We also discuss his unique coaching approach using horses to reflect emotional intelligence and energy in communication.If you want to improve your public speaking, coaching, performance, or personal development, this episode is for you.Connect with Andrew Eggelton:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreweggeltonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreweggeltonWebsite: https://www.andreweggelton.com#communication #authenticity #publicspeaking #personaldevelopment #coaching #emotionalintelligence #podcast

Welcome to Learn With Dylan! I’ve been a bit sick this week, so if I sound a little nasally — now you know why! I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jon Prince.In this episode, Jon Prince — former Pro Poker Player turned Mindset Coach, mentor, creator, and podcaster — shares practical insights on mindset, confidence, self‑acceptance, and taking action in life. Jon helps people around the world create the life they want and is the founder of The Perception Coach.🔥 Get Jon Prince’s Book — Start Before You’re ReadyStop procrastinating, overcome fear, and take control of your life.📘 Paperback & eBook: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790587/start-before-youre-ready-by-jon-prince/🎧 Audiobook on Audible: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Start-Before-Youre-Ready-Audiobook/B0DS6KKS5Q📚 Audiobook on Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/start-before-you-re-ready-jon-prince/audiobook/9781837823383.html📖 Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/fr/book/start-before-youre-ready/id6744429594📱 Connect With Jon — The Perception Coach🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theperceptioncoach/?hl=en🌟 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@theperceptioncoach🌟 TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/theperceptioncoach/?hl=en (same handle)🌐 Website: https://www.theperceptioncoach.com/🎙️ Listen to The Perception Coach PodcastExplore Jon’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-perception-coach-podcast/id1565733976You can also find it on Spotify and other podcast platforms.👇 Stay Connected With Learn With Dylan🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!💬 Let me know your thoughts — reach out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dylanwheatley_#Mindset #Confidence #PerceptionCoach #StartBeforeYoureReady #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

We Winged It… But Hopefully You Learn Something!
First, a quick apology — we kind of winged this episode, so it might go all over the place 😅. That said, we hope you still take away something useful.

I’m Dylan, a lifelong learner, and I’m joined by Madhav — another curious mind who has spent years interviewing people from all walks of life. Together, we’re just openly sharing what we’ve learned so far about communication, self-understanding, and somatic work.

Connect with our guest, Madhav:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefireofknowing/

• Life Lab: https://madhavlifelab.com/

• The Fire of Knowing: https://thefireofknowing.com/

👉 Subscribe to the Learn with Dylan podcast to stay up to date with future episodes and insights!

Biomechanics expert Ankoor Bhattacharjee shares how breathing techniques, posture, and body awareness can improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance performance. Learn strategies to move better, manage stiffness, and understand your nervous system—perfect for recovery, fitness, or daily life.

Want more? Subscribe to the Learn With Dylan Podcast!

Connect with Ankoor / Fractal Biomechanics:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fractal.biomechanics/

Website: https://www.fractalbiomechanics.com/

Book a FREE 30-min discovery call: https://www.fractalbiomechanics.com/services

Chapters:

00:00 Intro to Biomechanics

03:42 Personal Journey

07:58 Breathing & Movement

19:07 Breathing Techniques

28:04 Nervous System & Movement

Keywords: biomechanics, pain management, breathing, posture, movement, body awareness, nervous system, health, fitness