Us Anxious Folk

My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.com My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_rose My Book - https://www.amazon.com.au/Here-You-Are-Courageous-Relationship/dp/1401994415 In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I’m joined by Flo Hohenleitner, who spent years climbing the corporate ladder after moving to Malta a decade ago, eventually stepping into leadership roles—while privately battling severe anxiety. A breaking point came in New York, where a major panic attack pushed him to make a life-changing choice: to face his anxiety head-on. That decision led him to Bali, where he immersed himself in mindfulness, wellness, and connection-based practices. Today, he’s an event organiser and the host of Grow with the Flo, a podcast exploring how to grow with more presence, openness, and intention. Flo opens up about his 10-year journey with anxiety—particularly toilet anxiety and panic—and the ways it shaped his daily life, relationships, and ability to travel. From worrying about using bathrooms while apartment hunting with his girlfriend, to panic attacks in taxis, restaurants, and even while abroad, his story is both raw and deeply relatable. We dive into: * How anxiety can intensify over time, and what it looks like when it begins to dominate everyday life. * The turning point when a panic attack in New York forced Flo to confront his fears, eventually leading him to build a new life in Bali. * The complicated impact of toilet anxiety—from romantic relationships to the constant fear of being an “inconvenience” to others. * The importance of vulnerability, openness, and self-compassion in managing anxiety and connecting with others. * Practical ways Flo manages his anxiety today: mindfulness, movement, focusing on the present, and speaking openly about his experiences. Flo’s story is a reminder that even when life looks “successful” on the outside, it’s possible to be overwhelmed on the inside—and that both truths can exist at once. His journey shows the power of hitting rock bottom, choosing presence over fear, and learning to live with anxiety rather than against it. You can find Flo on instagram https://www.instagram.com/grow.with_the.flo/ YouTube @GrowWithTheFloPodcast and SpotifyIf you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com. I would love to have you! For all enquiries, please email me at "hello@iamlaurenrose.com" If you are struggling with an anxiety disorder, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help RIGHT NOW from Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636, or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support?&gclid=CjwKEAjwkPS6BRD2ioKR7K245jASJAD1ZqHOKpibw-KeAuRr2anqlMlyC8Kg0qn04AeBkubgTE1xhBoCN0Xw_wcBLauren Rose is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk about a concept that has been really helpful for me lately — the idea that two completely opposite truths can be true at the exact same time. When you live with anxiety or panic, it’s easy to get stuck in “either/or” thinking — I have to fix this before I can do anything or I have to push through fear no matter what. But what if it’s actually possible to hold both: I’m anxious and I can still do this? I share how this shift has shown up in my own life — from managing toilet anxiety to rethinking my morning routine — and how embracing this “dual truth” approach has given me more flexibility, more self-compassion, and way less pressure to get it “all right” before I live my life. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety leaves you stuck between doing nothing or burning yourself out by doing everything, this episode might just give you the middle ground you’ve been looking for. And, as always, if you feel called to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, I’d love to hear from you — you can reach me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.Lauren Rose is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I sit down with Michele from Canada to learn all about her journey with health anxiety. Michele shares how her experience with health anxiety began, how it shaped her, and how she’s learned to live alongside it with compassion (and a great sense of humour, too!) We explore the impact of peri-menopause, the gaps in the medical system, and why common tools like meditation and breathwork don’t necessarily work for everyone. Michele speaks to the importance of intention, self-trust, and redefining what a “good” life looks like on your own terms. This conversation had me in tears: from the moment we started chatting, Michele was someone I just knew I was going to adore. I hope this episode serves as a reminder that you’re not broken—and that even in the midst of anxiety, life can still be soft, joyful, and your own.If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com. I would love to have you!My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.com My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_rose My Book - https://www.amazon.com.au/Here-You-Are-Courageous-Relationship/dp/1401994415Lauren Rose is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk about the quiet shame so many of us carry when we live with anxiety or panic. These are the parts we often try to hide—the intrusive thoughts, the body symptoms (dodgy bowels, hello 🙋‍♀️), the overwhelming emotions. But what if naming them out loud is actually what helps us heal? Reflecting on my own journey with toilet anxiety videos and blogging about my mental health, I discuss how sharing our inner experiences, especially the ones we feel most alone in, can create powerful moments of connection and relief.If you've ever felt like your anxiety made you un-relatable or unworthy of support, this one's for you.As always, if you feel called to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com. I would love to have you!Lauren Rose and the Us Anxious Folk podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_rose My Book - https://www.amazon.com.au/Here-You-Are-Courageous-Relationship/dp/1401994415 In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I sit down with Sarah from Melbourne, who shares her raw and honest story of navigating postpartum depression. We talk about that emotional crash so many new mums experience — but for Sarah, it went beyond the so-called "baby blues." Despite a smooth pregnancy, strong support system, and prior experience with children, Sarah opens up about the overwhelming sadness, the sudden loss of appetite, and those confronting moments of wondering if she'd made a mistake becoming a parent. Together, we explore what it feels like to not instantly bond with your baby, how unhelpful the societal expectations around motherhood can be, and why saying “this is hard” is sometimes the bravest thing you can do. Sarah speaks openly about the decision to stop breastfeeding, the lifesaving role her husband and community played, and the importance of seeking help quickly. We also touch on identity, parenthood as a working mother, and letting go of the idea that motherhood has to look a certain way, including what it means to be a “good” parent—even when it doesn’t feel natural. If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t sure where you fit in the chaos of new parenthood, or if motherhood hasn’t felt like the magical transformation people say it should be, this conversation is for you. It’s messy, unfiltered, humorous, and a deeply real conversation about identity, expectations, and mental health. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com. I would love to have you! If you are struggling with an anxiety disorder, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help RIGHT NOW from Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636, or visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support?&gclid=CjwKEAjwkPS6BRD2ioKR7K245jASJAD1ZqHOKpibw-KeAuRr2anqlMlyC8Kg0qn04AeBkubgTE1xhBoCN0Xw_wcB Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.comMy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_roseMy Book - https://www.amazon.com.au/Here-You-Are-Courageous-Relationship/dp/1401994415In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I dive deep into the topic of fear — how it shows up for those of us living with anxiety, how we try to suppress it, and the creative ways it leaks out into our lives. I talk about my own experiences with the fear as an emotion, and how I've learned that pushing it down can turn into irrational thoughts and slew of spicy physical symptoms. I discuss the idea of making space for fear instead of battling it — letting it speak, acknowledging its presence, and recognizing the deeper fears beneath our surface worries. We'll go through a journaling exercise of writing a letter to fear, and how doing this it helped me see that so many of my anxieties come back to a core fear of not being accepted or making the wrong choices. If you’ve ever felt like fear was something you just can't escape from, I hope this episode gives you some food for thought and some compassion for yourself along the way. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.I would love to have you!If you are struggling with an anxiety disorder, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help RIGHT NOW from Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636, or visithttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support?&gclid=CjwKEAjwkPS6BRD2ioKR7K245jASJAD1ZqHOKpibw-KeAuRr2anqlMlyC8Kg0qn04AeBkubgTE1xhBoCN0Xw_wcB Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I chat with Anneka from the UK about her powerful journey through agoraphobia, panic disorder, and the healing journey. From a life-altering panic attack on the motorway to navigating enclosed spaces and hospital visits, Anneka shares the raw reality of living with anxiety—and the steps she's taken toward healing. We touch on everything from therapy and medication to small wins, self-compassion, and the community she’s built to support others. It’s an honest, hopeful conversation about facing fear and finding your way back to yourself. Anneka is an absolute ray of sunshine and I know you guys will enjoy this chat as much as I did! You can find Anneka at https://www.instagram.com/anneka.panicker/and https://www.annekapanicker.co.uk/If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.I would love to have you!For all enquiries, please email me at "hello@iamlaurenrose.com"My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.comMy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_roseMy Book - https://www.amazon.com.au/Here-You-Are-Courageous-Relationship/dp/1401994415If you are struggling with an anxiety disorder, PLEASE don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help RIGHT NOW from Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636, or visithttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support?&gclid=CjwKEAjwkPS6BRD2ioKR7K245jASJAD1ZqHOKpibw-KeAuRr2anqlMlyC8Kg0qn04AeBkubgTE1xhBoCN0Xw_wcB Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I reflect on a comment I received that really stuck with me. A listener shared how a video of mine inspired them to face discomfort because, as they put it, "I want to live." It made me think about my own struggles with wanting to live fully but often holding myself back due to anxiety, fear, and the desire to be "perfectly ready." So many of us live in the "waiting room" of life, telling ourselves we’ll do things when everything aligns—when we’re less anxious, when we have more time or money, when things feel more "right."I dive into the idea that waiting to live fully can hold us back from experiencing life right now. We get so caught up in the mental loop, waiting for the perfect circumstances or for the "perfect bus" to come, when, in reality, life is already happening. I explore how anxiety physically manifests in our bodies, making it hard to move, but how connecting with our bodies through movement—whether it’s dance, yoga, or something playful—can be a game-changer.If you're in that place of waiting or holding back, I hope this episode encourages you to take action now, in whatever way feels possible for you. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what this episode brings up for you.----- If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

Welcome to season 3 of Us Anxious Folk :)In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I chat with Elijah Cassidy - filmmaker, director and writer, and also a fellow Aussie-dweller! Elijah talks us through his lifelong experiences with anxiety, including his journey with agoraphobia after a major panic attack, and how championing the small steps and channeling his fear through creativity have helped him along his path to recovery.We discuss the importance of exercising caution when it comes to googling and the self-help industry, the non-linear nature of healing, and why fantasy has helped him to tell his story, in his new film Space Man. You can find Elijah at https://www.elijahcassidy.com/ @elijahcassidy  or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/elijahcassidy_/If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

Welcome to season 3 of Us Anxious Folk!In this rather rambly, personally-focused episode, I talk about the challenges I've been facing lately - from transition periods and the book launch, to some very confronting emotions and feeling like giving up.Please be aware, this episode includes stories about some tough feels, so please only listen if you are in a space to do so :) --------------------------If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.comMy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_roseIn this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk about the concept of 'letting the fear come with you' when you do exposures, or when you head out of your comfort zone, or...really, when you do anything with anxiety and panic! Because we all know that it can be one thing to say 'you need to accept the fear'...but it's another thing altogether to actually learn how to do that. In this ep, we find out how. I cover: how understanding our body's natural responses—like adrenaline—can help reduce panic.How reframing fear-related sensations as neutral or even positive can shift our mindset and reduce anxiety. Plus, I'll explore the power of mindfulness and being present with discomfort and fear, to build emotional resilience and foster personal growth. ------------------ If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I'm joined by licensed psychotherapist, author and trauma professional Duygu Balan.Duygu talks to us about the value of creativity in healing from anxiety and trauma, why the body is the gatekeeper to building a relationship with our fears, and how we can get to learn safety and self-compassion within a body that feels perpetually unsafe. We talk about the joys of connection, including the use of social media and the impact on our mental health, and setting healthy boundaries with one another. We discuss the nature of being human, the spectrum of human emotion and experience, and daily practices to help you connect with and harness the power and beauty of your human nature.Duygu is the co-author of Confidently Chill: An Anxiety Workbook for New Adults and Re-Write: A Trauma Workbook of Creative Writing and Recovery in Our New Normal You can find her at her website https://www.duygubalan.com/ and instagram https://www.instagram.com/duygubalan/ Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this requested episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk about what happens when you start to experience apathy with recovery. Moving through anxiety and panic can be so challenging, and takes such a physical and emotional toll, that when you get to a place of being able to exist semi-comfortably (read: still very much in a restricted 'comfort zone') it can be almost too tempting to stay there. You lose the motivation to keep 'trying', because it's already taken so long to just get where you are now.How do we get that motivation back? How do we light a fire within us to want to try, when we've worked so hard at putting out the anxiety fire within us?! How can we turn apathy into a drive to really get out there, to figure out what we want and how we want to get it?Listen to this episode to find out 😎Mentioned in this episode:https://www.instagram.com/p/C9ZnlYXogUV/ Time Will Pass Anyway - Adam Russell ( @wordswithruss )------------------ If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.comMy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_roseIn this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I bring you another discussion on the topic of toilet anxiety. I talk about the pressure of living in a world where we are pushed to be perfect and likeable, coupled with the insidious nature of social media, and how this results in us feeling like we are under a microscope. Are we forgetting that it's okay to be human? That it's normal to have bodily functions, and that in trying so desperately to exist in an 'acceptable' way, we've somehow made it impossible to be who we really are?------------------ If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk about 'fatigue of the spirit', which according to Claire Weekes (the Australian physician famous for her work with nervous suffering) is what occurs alongside mental fatigue and physical fatigue, when we are speaking of long-term anxiety and panic.I discuss the five things that I think are critical to help heal this spiritual exhaustion, and how we can find ourselves back to a place of feeling invigorated and alive in the world again.You can find Claire Weekes books here ⁠https://www.amazon.com.au/Complete-Self-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0732287073/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_3/357-6850995-8620202?pd_rd_w=YA04O&content-id=amzn1.sym.7ef4c059-30c9-4984-b131-e38134d0b653&pf_rd_p=7ef4c059-30c9-4984-b131-e38134d0b653&pf_rd_r=A15WZTZHTYH4FF88Z50D&pd_rd_wg=jqpo0&pd_rd_r=68321b21-5be4-4a98-a587-38a398f7da30&pd_rd_i=0732287073&psc=1⁠and some audio here⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlMsNAcsUSg⁠------------------ If you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.   I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

My Website - http://iamlaurenrose.comMy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenr_rose**TRIGGER WARNING: this episode discusses sensitive topics such as self-harm and sexual assault** In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk to Demi Slater, a cyber-security student from London. Demi discusses her struggles with anxiety, self-harm, and the difficulty in obtaining mental health diagnoses and treatment. She reflects on her journey of trying different forms of therapy, including CBT and DBT, and receiving specialized therapy for PTSD following a sexual assault. Demi emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, open communication about mental health, and the challenges of seeking and navigating mental health care, as well as the significance of supportive relationships and humor as coping mechanisms. We talk about stigma, medication, and the what the journey towards self-acceptance and self-love looks like.If you would like to get in touch with Demi, you can find her at https://www.instagram.com/semiquaver/If you would like to be a guest on Us Anxious Folk to share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com. I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In today's episode of Us Anxious Folk, we are delving into the concept of presence, and how we can truly 'be with' our anxiety in order to encourage and grow a nurturing and healing relationship with the stickier emotions (like panic and discomfort!)We spend so much time and energy trying to cure ourselves of the uncomfortable feelings...but what if we were instead spending time and energy on really getting to know those uncomfortable feelings. Spending time exploring their edges, becoming familiar with the depths of our fears. How would this change the relationship we have with ourselves? For me, the goalpost has been shifting for a while now; I'm less willing to spend time 'solving', and more open to spend time just being present with exactly what's here. If you would like to share your story on Us Anxious Folk, please get in touch with me at "hello@iamlaurenrose.com" Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

"All of anxiety is separation anxiety" - Dr Russell KennedyIn this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I discuss a claim I heard recently about anxiety and separation, which led me to take a trip down memory lane, back to when my anxiety first started.I explore whether or not this claim rings true for me (spoiler alert: Yes) and how a sense of separation has not only acted as a root cause of anxiety, but something I've inadvertently perpetuated by trying to cover it up.I discuss how focusing on connection rather than fixating on eliminating anxiety can lead to more sustainable relief, and how prioritizing meaningful connections and self-exploration can bridge the gap between feeling cut off from the group and feeling connected and whole. Mentioned in this episode:Dr Rangan Chatterjee - Neuroscientist: Why Trying To Eliminate Anxiety WON'T SOLVE Your Problems! | Dr. Russell Kennedyhttps://youtu.be/eSjDLjhsLdI?si=drzCmbwl0whBe4KvLauren Rose - Finding the life of your dreams...even WITH anxiety ✨https://youtu.be/_g9fSmrAAi8 Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I am joined by business owner, marketing guru and just the most all-round joyous soul, Silvia from Portugal. Silvia shares her anxiety story - from anxiety in adolescence and searching for answers, to finding relief through therapies such as CBT and EMDR (https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/) and how she managed to cultivate a passion for travel and, as she calls it, 'doing scary things'! We discuss medication, relationships and avoiding co-dependency, and how and why she is deliberate about finding the joy in everyday.You can find Silvia on instagram at   / silviaamorimb  I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, if you would like to be a guest on the podcast and share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com.I would love to have you! Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe

In this episode of Us Anxious Folk, I talk all about the impact of long-term anxiety on the body, and how to work towards a sense of ease and peace within. Anxiety is designed to have noticable (and uncomfortable) physical effects within the body. Short-term, this is fine - our bodies know how to recover. When it comes to long-term anxiety and panic, however, we start to find that our bodies are becoming a tricky place to inhabit. I discuss how it felt to be in my own body during my housebound years, and the toll of chronic fear on my emotional and physical wellbeing. From digestive issues, muscle tension, sensory sensitivities, and food stress, to that full-body feeling of "no", and what the pathway towards willingness looks and feels like.Mentioned in this episode:Mary Oliver - Wild Geese "You do not have to be good.You do not have to walk on your kneesfor a hundred miles through the desert repenting.You only have to let the soft animal of your bodylove what it loves.Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.Meanwhile the world goes on.Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rainare moving across the landscapes,over the prairies and the deep trees,the mountains and the rivers.Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,are heading home again.Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,the world offers itself to your imagination,calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -over and over announcing your placein the family of things.- Mary Oliver, Wild GeeseBloodaxe, 2004I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, if you would like to be a guest on Us Anxious Folk to share your anxiety story, please get in touch with me at hello@iamlaurenrose.com Get full access to Lauren Rose at www.iamlaurenrose.com/subscribe