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A Healthy Push
A Healthy Push
Author: Shannon Ireland
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© Copyright 2026 Shannon Ireland
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How do I recover from anxiety? How do I recover from panic disorder? How do I recover from agoraphobia? How do I overcome panic attacks? How do I find peace from my anxious and intrusive thoughts? How do I stop fearing and start actually living my life?
You might even be questioning whether or not recovering from anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia is even possible! Whether you’ve been struggling for months, years, or even a decade or more, this is the show for you.
On the A Healthy Push Podcast, you’ll be learning practical, actionable, and healthy steps that will help you heal from anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia and start living the life you’re worthy and deserving of living - a life of peace, joy, and freedom!
Each week, host Shannon Ireland shares the tips, tools, truths, and actions that helped her to overcome her 15-year journey with anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia and start living the adventurous life that she lives today! Along with sharing her knowledge and inspiration, she interviews top mental health experts and former sufferers turned educators, to prove to you that recovery is possible and that you’re absolutely not alone (or crazy)!
Make sure to Subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode! And if you aren’t already following me on Instagram, make sure to follow me @ahealthypush.
And if you’d like to connect with me on a more personal level and get even more support, head on over to www.ahealthypush.com.
You might even be questioning whether or not recovering from anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia is even possible! Whether you’ve been struggling for months, years, or even a decade or more, this is the show for you.
On the A Healthy Push Podcast, you’ll be learning practical, actionable, and healthy steps that will help you heal from anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia and start living the life you’re worthy and deserving of living - a life of peace, joy, and freedom!
Each week, host Shannon Ireland shares the tips, tools, truths, and actions that helped her to overcome her 15-year journey with anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia and start living the adventurous life that she lives today! Along with sharing her knowledge and inspiration, she interviews top mental health experts and former sufferers turned educators, to prove to you that recovery is possible and that you’re absolutely not alone (or crazy)!
Make sure to Subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode! And if you aren’t already following me on Instagram, make sure to follow me @ahealthypush.
And if you’d like to connect with me on a more personal level and get even more support, head on over to www.ahealthypush.com.
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Have you ever been gripped by the fear that you wont make it to a bathroom in time?In this episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that many people struggle with, but almost nobody talks about: toilet anxiety. Specifically, the distressing fear of pooping your pants in public or while "trapped" in situations like traffic or meetings.If you’ve ever felt like your life revolves around the nearest restroom, I want you to know right now: you are not weird, you are not broken, and you are definitely not alone. I struggled with this for years, and I know the absolute torture of feeling like you can't trust your own body. Today, I’m sharing my personal journey, the science behind the gut-brain connection, and how you can finally break the cycle of hypervigilance and reclaim your freedom.CHECK OUT MY MINI-COURSE - FREEDOM FROM TOILET ANXIETY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/toilet-anxietyTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/toilet-anxiety
Have you ever felt like you’re a nervous wreck for absolutely no reason at all? Maybe you’re just sitting on the couch, watching a show, or grabbing a coffee, and suddenly your heart is racing and your brain is screaming "danger!" even though everything is fine. If you feel like your anxiety is "24/7" or you’re trapped by agoraphobia, this episode is for you.Mari is back on the podcast today, and we are diving into some of your most "in the thick of it" questions. These aren't entry-level questions! These are for those of you who have been struggling for a while and are ready to understand why your recovery feels stalled and how to finally start moving forward.GET MY FREE GUIDE - WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR BRAIN WHEN YOU'RE SPIRALING: https://ahealthypush.myflodesk.com/calmpanicTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/q-and-a-with-mari
What do you do when the world feels like it’s on fire, and your nervous system is simply running out of capacity to hold it all?Today, I’m stepping away from the usual "teaching" and "fixing" to have a very honest, human-to-human check-in. If you are sensitive, empathetic, and anxiety-leaning, you’ve likely been feeling the weight of the world's chaos, uncertainty, and pain. It is heavy, it is exhausting, and quite frankly, it makes sense that you’re struggling.I want to remind you that your dysregulation isn't a sign of weakness, it’s biology. In this episode, I share the personal practices I am leaning on right now to stay grounded when everything feels out of control.JOIN PANIC TO PEACE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/support-in-hard-times
Have you ever felt like you've talked about your anxiety until you're blue in the face, yet the panic still feels "stuck" in your body?In this episode, I'm joined by Lilly Risch, an expert EMDR therapist and consultant. We’re moving beyond traditional talk therapy to explore Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—a body-based modality specifically designed to target the root of panic and anxiety disorders."EMDR is a really powerful way to look at symptoms and help people make progress a lot quicker than traditional talk therapy... because our brains and our nervous systems are complex." — Lilly Risch------------------------------------------------------------------JOIN PANIC TO PEACE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/emdr-therapy
Is your search for a "reason" behind your panic actually the thing keeping you stuck?When panic feels random and unpredictable, our natural human instinct is to figure out why. We scan our lives for patterns... asking what we ate, where we were, or what we were thinking, convinced that if we can just solve the mystery of the trigger, we can finally make the panic stop. In this episode, I explain why this constant monitoring is actually a trap that keeps your nervous system on high alert.Recovery isn't about building a "panic-proof" life or eliminating every trigger; it’s about changing your internal response to discomfort. I want to help you reframe the panic not as a reaction to a dangerous world, but as a misfiring of a protective system that is simply trying a little too hard to keep you safe.GET ON THE PANIC TO PEACE WAITING LIST HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/what-triggers-panic
What do you do when your world becomes so small that even the second floor of your own home feels like a place you need to escape?In this episode, I’m sitting down with Megan, a graduate of my Panic to Peace program, to talk about the raw reality of agoraphobia. Megan shares the "underwater" feeling of her first traumatic panic attack during an MRI and how her life eventually shrank until she was white-knuckling her way through every single day just to show up for her two daughters.Megan’s story is a beautiful look at the shift that happens when you stop fighting the feelings and start changing the way you talk to yourself. We talk about how she went from being housebound to navigating a four-day hospital stay with her child with a newfound sense of calm. If you feel stuck in the "noise" of anxiety, this conversation will show you exactly how Megan turned the volume down and reclaimed her life.SIGN UP FOR DRIVE WITH PEACE & CONFIDENCE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/drive-with-peaceTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/anxiety-success-megan
Agoraphobia doesn’t always look like being housebound (pst, it often doesn't).In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 common (and often overlooked) signs of agoraphobia, especially for people who are still “doing life..." going to work, running errands, traveling, or showing up for others, but feel like their world is quietly shrinking on the inside.I share from both my personal experience of living with panic disorder and agoraphobia for 15 years and the patterns I see every day in my work with clients and students.If you’ve ever thought, “This can’t be agoraphobia because I still do things,” this episode is for you.SIGN UP FOR DRIVE WITH PEACE & CONFIDENCE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/drive-with-peaceCHECK OUT PANIC TO PEACE HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/live-panic-to-peaceA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/4-signs-of-agoraphobia
Is your anxiety suddenly through the roof, are you easily irritated, or do you feel a persistent sense of "something is off" and you just don't know why?I sat down with the amazing Dr. Noor Al-Humaidhi, a physician specializing in menopause, who brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to the table. This conversation is an absolute must-listen if you're in your mid-30s, 40s, or 50s. You are not crazy, and you are so much less alone than you think!CHECK OUT MY COURSES HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/panic-with-perimenopause
Are you tired of feeling stuck in the same anxiety cycle?If you've tried everything and are ready for real change, you need to hear this! I’m sitting down with Bella, an incredible success story from the Healthy Push Community, to share her raw, honest journey. Bella was once totally housebound, experiencing constant panic, and grappling with a history of trauma. Now, she's driving, going to social events, and rebuilding her self-trust.We talk about the truth of anxiety recovery and why years of 'exposure therapy' and 'quick fixes' failed her, and how she finally found movement.JOIN MY AHP COACHING & COMMUNITY HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/freedom-from-agoraphobia
Do you constantly worry about making the "right choice" for your kids and fear that you're going to "mess them up?"I was so excited to talk with Dr. Tuesday Watts, a psychologist and incredible advocate for maternal mental health, to dive into the messy, raw, and unspoken parts of motherhood that fuel our anxiety. We tackle the toxic idea of "perfectionism" head-on and share why dropping the impossible standards is the only way to find peace.What We Discussed:Humanizing motherhoodThe Perfectionist TrapThe Full Spectrum of FeelingsWhy "Hacks" Don't WorkThe Power of Self-TrustRupture and RepairConnect with Dr. Tuesday WattsFollow Dr. Tuesday for more honest, raw, and humanizing content on Instagram: @iamdrtuesdayCHECK OUT MY MINI-COURSES HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/stop-parent-anxiety
Are you tired of living in the overwhelming fear of your next panic attack?I spent over a decade deeply struggling with panic attacks, sometimes multiple times a day. I felt defeated, frustrated, and ended up in the emergency room more than once. The constant worry about panic attacks became a heavy fear that ran my entire life.I don't want anyone to suffer like I did, which is why I'm sharing the 10 essential, non-obvious things I did to finally stop experiencing panic attacks.---------------------------------------------------CHECK OUT OVERCOMING PANIC ATTACKS: https://www.ahealthypush.com/symptomsCHECK OUT MY OTHER MINI-COURSES HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/stop-panic-attacks
Is your adult anxiety rooted in your childhood environment?Many people minimize their childhood experiences, thinking, "It wasn't that bad." In this episode, therapist Jenn Shields joins me to explain how living in chaotic or emotionally inconsistent homes forces children to develop survival patterns that turn into adult challenges like people-pleasing and perfectionism.We break down nervous system dysregulation, discussing how early experiences of chaos train your body to constantly scan for danger, making it difficult to relax, trust, and rest in adulthood. Jenn offers actionable insights into how to cultivate internal resources (The Nurturer, Protector, and Wisdom) to support yourself and unwire the patterns that no longer serve you.CHECK OUT MY MINI-COURSES HERE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/it-wasnt-that-bad
Do you ever get overwhelmed by the absurd amount of anxiety advice floating around? All the tips, the hacks, the must-do routines? How do you tell the difference between what's actually helpful and what's just total BS?In this Q&A episode, I sit down with Mari (my podcast editor) to go through your questions about popular anxiety and panic advice. We dive into common suggestions, cutting through the noise and toxic positivity to give you honest, no-fluff answers on what truly helps and what might actually be keeping you stuck.It’s all about finding what genuinely supports you and avoiding the quick fixes that lead to overwhelm and dependence!CHECK OUT MY OVERCOMING PANIC ATTACKS MINI-COURSE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/symptomsTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/anxiety-hacks-helpful
Do you ever get a sudden rush of intense physical sensations and immediately think, "What's wrong with me?" or "Am I dying?"In this episode, I dive into the specifics of panic attacks and panic disorder, explaining that understanding what’s happening in your body is one of the most powerful steps toward healing. It’s not about "fixing" yourself with tools and hacks, but about "less doing, more understanding and acceptance."In This Episode, I dive into:What a Panic Attack Actually IsMy First Panic AttackPanic Attack vs. Panic DisorderThe Cycle of Fear & AvoidanceThe Panic LoopWhat I Wished I Knew Back When I Was StrugglingCHECK OUT MY OVERCOMING PANIC ATTACKS MINI-COURSE: https://www.ahealthypush.com/symptomsTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/am-i-dying
Ever feel stuck in a loop of hypervigilance, constantly on edge and scanning for threats?If so, this episode gives you an exclusive "sneak peek" into the exact kind of coaching that happens every week inside my Healthy Push Coaching & Community!I'm sharing one of my full weekly live teachings on how to break this exhausting cycle and finally start to feel safe again. You’ll learn practical tools for experiencing a quieter mind, and get a real taste of my teaching style.This is just a sample of the support my community members get every single Monday, in addition to:A full library of all my past teachingsAll of my mini-courses - for freeA safe, accountability-driven space to healIf this teaching resonates with you, I'd love for you to come join us!CHECK OUT MY AHP COACHING & COMMUNITY: https://www.ahealthypush.com/communityTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES:
Do you find yourself constantly overthinking in new relationships, fearing abandonment, or needing immediate resolution after every minor conflict? As someone who is formerly (and sometimes still a little bit!) anxiously attached, I know this feeling all too well.That's why I was so excited to sit down with psychotherapist Emma for a deep dive into the challenging (and often painful) intersection of anxiety and dating. We explore where anxious attachment comes from, how it shows up in modern relationships (especially with avoidant partners), and the practical steps you can take to heal and build self-trust.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: Connect with Emma: @perfectly_emmperfect
Have you ever felt the immense pressure to keep pushing forward, even when your mind and body are screaming for a break? What happens when the thing that once brought you joy becomes a source of overwhelming stress and anxiety?In this incredibly vulnerable and inspiring episode, I sit down with professional soccer player Bethany Balcer to discuss her recent decision to take a mental health break from the sport she loves. Bethany shares the raw details of reaching a breaking point, where the fear of letting her team and family down was overshadowed by the critical need to choose herself.From experiencing her first panic attack during a game to learning how to manage anxiety on the field, Bethany offers a powerful perspective on separating identity from performance. She provides practical insights into the tools that have helped her heal, including the power of neutralizing anxious thoughts, the daily practice of gratitude, and why vulnerability is one of the greatest connectors we have. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating performance pressure, burnout, or the journey of rediscovering themselves outside of their achievements.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/the-unseen-game-a-pro-athlete-on-anxiety-burnout-and-a-life-changing-mental-health-break
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the advice, routines, and “shoulds” about how to feel better (aka less anxious)? In this episode, I share why doing less, not more, is often the key to feeling grounded, calm, and supported, especially when life feels chaotic.As a divorced mom running a business, I know how tempting it is to pile on routines, strategies, and wellness hacks to “fix” ourselves, but that usually just adds stress instead of relief. I break down my simple, everyday practices that actually make a difference in supporting my mental health and presence:This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends or overcomplicated routines. It’s a reminder that less is truly more, and small, intentional actions go a long way in creating balance, presence, and joy in everyday life!CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesTAKE MY FREE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING YOU TO STAY STUCK: https://www.ahealthypush.com/blocking-quizA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/how-i-keep-it-simple-daily-habits-that-support-my-mental-health-and-relieve-anxiety
Have you ever wondered why being “present” feels so impossible sometimes? Why mindfulness exercises feel like one more thing on your to-do list instead of a genuine way to connect with life? In this episode of A Healthy Push Podcast, I sit down with John-Paul, a therapist and content creator who blends psychology, spirituality, and mindfulness in a unique, practical way.John-Paul shares his journey from growing up in a religious household, navigating depression, and discovering the power of relational therapy, to creating content that resonates with thousands online. We explore:Why identity can sometimes hold us back from truly being ourselvesHow mindfulness is not about forcing calm or stopping your thoughts, but about noticing and engaging with the present moment without judgmentThe balance between psychology and spirituality, and how connection can transform your approach to lifePractical ways to bring presence into daily life, even during discomfort or anxietyWhether you’re struggling to slow down, overwhelmed by your thoughts, or just curious about how mindfulness and spirituality intersect with psychology, this conversation is full of insights you can apply in your day-to-day.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/how-to-be-more-present-mindfulness-psychology-and-spirituality-with-john-paul-dombrowski
I’m so excited to sit down with you in this episode and just share some life updates.Lately, I’ve been thinking… I might be a little addicted to chaos. Yep, I said it! I’m constantly juggling things and not just little stuff, but big projects, personal updates, and all the things that come with running A Healthy Push. Somehow, I’m still finding ways to keep moving forward and I want to share that with you.In this episode, I’m giving you a peek into what’s been happening in my life, what I’ve been working on, and maybe a little bit of the chaos that comes with it. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast or you’re trying to keep up with a million things, you’re going to relate.Here’s what you’ll hear and learn in this episode:Why I jokingly call myself “addicted to chaos”The big projects and life updates I’ve been juggling latelyHow I balance personal life with running A Healthy PushTips for staying motivated and moving forward even when life feels overwhelmingA peek behind the scenes at what’s coming next in my worldSo grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), get comfy, and come hang out with me for a bit.CHECK OUT MY MASTERCLASSES HERE AND START EXPERIENCING LOTS MORE PEACE, JOY, & FREEDOM: https://www.ahealthypush.com/anxiety-classesA HEALTHY PUSH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ahealthypush/GET THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES: https://www.ahealthypush.com/post/204-life-updates-a-house-my-relationship-and-rediscovering-myself





why wpuld u say 'get on a dying areoplane' that make me feel worse?