Anxiety. It’s something we all experience at one point or another, but for some, it’s a constant companion, a heavy weight that can feel impossible to shake off. For many, anxiety becomes a familiar pattern of worrying thoughts, tightness in the chest, and an overwhelming sense of dread that lingers in the background of daily life. But what if everything we’ve been told about anxiety is only scratching the surface?

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we explore a radically different approach to anxiety with Dr. Russell Kennedy, a physician, neuroscience expert, somatic intuitive, certified yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and professional stand-up comedian. Dr. Kennedy has spent decades grappling with chronic anxiety, and his own journey to understand and heal it led him to develop a groundbreaking method for treatment. He shares his insights in his Amazon #1 bestselling book, The Anxiety Prescription (or Anxiety Rx for our U.S. and Canadian listeners).

Dr. Kennedy’s approach challenges the traditional understanding of anxiety, proposing that it’s not just a mental health condition, but an “alarm stuck in the body.” This shift in perspective has transformed how he heals himself and his patients.

In this conversation, Dr. Kennedy explains how anxiety is often rooted in childhood trauma and presents that all anxiety is, at its core, separation anxiety. He introduces the concept of the "alarm-anxiety cycle," describing how it keeps us trapped in a never-ending loop of stress and panic.

Throughout the episode, Gabby Sanderson and Dr. Russell Kennedy dive into the profound link between anxiety and addiction, exploring how anxiety often fuels harmful coping or masking mechanisms. They also discuss how to make peace with the alarm in your body, even when the person or people responsible for it aren’t around, or are not capable to talk things through.

Packed with practical advice, deep insights, and transformative tools, this episode will empower anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or addiction. If you’ve ever felt like anxiety is controlling your life rather than the other way around, Dr. Kennedy’s approach could shift your perspective and give you the clarity and tools to heal.

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast