The Spin Cycle

Today's episode features Dr. Jud Brewer, psychiatrist, habit change specialist, bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and all-around great guy. You do not want to miss Dr. Jud's convo with Abs and Mags in which they discuss how anxiety is actually a habit and strategies to manage it accordingly. And, if you get panic attacks, there's some really helpful info for you in this show. As always, there's a lot of laughing and even a special prescription from Dr. Jud...

You probably know Joey Pantoliano (aka, Joey Pants) from his roles in blockbuster movies such as The Matrix, Memento, and Risky Business or for his award-winning portrayal of Ralph in The Sopranos, but after this episode, you will remember him as unflinchingly honest in his role as mental health advocate. Together with his daughter Daniella--who is also in the film industry and an Anxiety Sister--Joey joins us to discuss his own journey through depression, addiction, and anxiety and how these disorders affected his acting career and family life. We had so much fun interviewing this father-daughter pair who show us all how to talk about mental health struggles with honesty, compassion and humor. Lots and lots of humor. This is definitely one of our favorite shows!

In this episode, Abs & Mags are joined by Dr. Robert C. Smith--University Distinguished Professor and a Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Michigan State University. With many publications, awards, and strong grant support, he has been involved in teaching and research in patient-centered communication and in primary care mental health since 1985. Our sometimes shocking conversation about "How Medicine Has Lost Its Mind" (which is also the title of Dr. Smith's forthcoming book)will change your view of the practice of medicine, particularly regarding mental health care. It is a must-listen!

Join the Anxiety Sisters in their deeply personal conversation with Alison Malmon, the Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds, the largest nonprofit mobilizing young adults to change the conversation about mental health in America. As a suicide loss survivor, Alison is determined to normalize and destigmatize the subject of mental health so that young people struggling with anxiety, depression and other issues can receive the help they need. Listen to this powerful and sometimes difficult discussion and learn real ways you can help the people in your life who face mental health challenges.

Join Abs, Mags and their special guest, Dr. Aron Tendler (Chief Medical Officer of Brainsway)as they discuss Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which is a relatively new treatment for depression and now Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Learn how it works and if you may be a good candidate for the treatment.

We are back!! After a long pandemic-induced hiatus, we are beginning Season 4 of The Spin Cycle with a very appropriate topic:  catastrophizing. Our special guests are 2 of the world's most celebrated catastrophizers (us!). Join us for our conversation about what causes catastrophizing and how to manage it. We guarantee you will laugh!

In response to the current public health crisis, we are interrupting our regular monthly episodes to bring you 2 "mini-pods" each week. This first mini episode features the technique of diaphragmatic breathing with a step by step tutorial.

If you have a “quirky” brain (or if anyone you work with has one), this episode is for you! Joining the Anxiety Sisters is Denise Brodey–author, former editor of several big publications including Shape and Fitness, reporter for Forbes.com and founder of Rebel Talent, an organization dedicated to improving workplaces and productivity for people with neuro-diverse minds and those who work with them. Abs, Mags and Denise–quirky workers themselves–have a lively discussion about mental health issues in the workplace and some possible solutions for the challenges being an Anxiety Sister in a traditional office can present.

This episode is all about BFRBs (Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors) including skin picking, hair pulling and nail biting. Joining Abs and Mags are Ellen Crupi, trichotillomania sufferer and Director of Awareness at HabitAware and Lauren McKeaney, dermatillomania sufferer and founder/CEO of Picking Me Foundation. You do not want to miss this highly informative conversation!

Got a mother? Or a daughter? Then you will not want to miss this episode in which Abs and Mags chat with Karen C. L. Anderson, author of Difficult Mothers, Adult Daughters, A Guide For Separation, Liberation & Inspiration and the forthcoming The Difficult Mother-Daughter Relationship Journal: A Guide For Revealing & Healing Toxic Generational Patterns (January, 2020). Listen in as we discuss why the mother-daughter relationship can be so challenging as well as how to manage the anxiety that often accompanies challenging relationships. We also talk about the path to healing and a new definition of forgiveness.