Anxiety Rx

Ever pushed yourself to eat clean and work out, hoping it would calm your anxiety, only to feel even worse? Here’s why it happens…In this episode, I dig into why gut health, exercise, and diets, while helpful, aren’t the cure for chronic anxiety. They can lower the intensity, but they don’t touch the root. The real work is creating safety in your nervous system and reconnecting with the younger version of you that still carries the alarm. I talk about the trap of chasing quick fixes, how hypervigilance keeps us stuck, and why small daily practices of safety can shift everything. By building that foundation, all the other healthy habits finally have a place to stick.You’ll Learn:The reason gut health alone won’t heal chronic anxietyWhat happens when diet and exercise are used as coping strategies instead of real healingThe surprising link between childhood hypervigilance and constant feelings of danger in adulthoodWhy quick-fix solutions like probiotics or gluten-free diets often fall shortThe damage of forcing yourself into rigid health routines without emotional regulationWhat it feels like to create “islands of safety” in your body for the first timeHow connecting with the younger version of yourself shifts the foundation of healingWhy safety is the real supplement for anxiety, not another pill or trendThe critical role of nervous system regulation before diet and exercise can truly helpTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:59] Why gut health alone won’t heal chronic anxiety[06:49] Building safety as the real foundation for healing anxiety[12:31] Why focusing only on gut health misses the deeper work of anxiety healing[17:10] Healing anxiety by creating safety and reconnecting with the inner child[20:47] Why safety and inner child connection must come before gut health and exercise in healing anxiety[23:49] Healing anxiety by reconnecting your adult and child self through safetyFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

What if burnout isn’t failure, but your body’s protective shutdown?In this episode, I open up about burning out as a doctor and why it went far beyond just being tired. Burnout showed up as a split between my mind pushing forward and the younger part of me saying, “I can’t do this anymore.” The mask of “Dr. Russell Kennedy” gave me income, status, and validation, but it also crushed my sense of self. I get into how burnout differs from stress and depression, and why rest only scratches the surface before it pulls you back under. Healing started when I finally listened to the alarm in my body, reconnected with the child in me, and practiced things like yoga nidra, breath work, and inner child work.You’ll Learn:The real reason burnout can feel more like a spiritual crisis than simple exhaustionHow early childhood experiences of not being heard can set you up for people-pleasing and burnoutThe surprising link between external validation and staying too long in a career that’s hurting youWhat it feels like when your mind drives your body far past its limitsWhy leaving a job can trigger shame and how to work through itThe quiet damage of tying your identity to your professionHow burnout differs from depression in symptoms and recoveryPractical ways to reconnect with the “younger version” of yourself to begin healingWhy burnout can be your body’s last attempt to get your attentionHow practices like yoga nidra, breathwork, and inner child work can help rebuild safety in your bodyTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:17] How chasing external validation led to burnout and identity loss[06:39] The cost of tying identity to caregiving and medicine[10:10] When identity and overwork lead to burnout and breaking points[14:25] The difference between depression and burnout as self-betrayal[16:22] How people pleasing and endless demands drive burnout[17:47] Healing burnout by reconnecting with the younger self and bodyFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

What if the very things that feel like they’re protecting you are actually keeping you stuck?In this episode, I break down the five unconscious strategies that block healing from anxiety. I call it MADDS: medication, addiction, distraction, dissociation, and suppression. Each of these starts as a survival tool, but over time they numb us, disconnect us from our bodies, and cut us off from the younger self that needs our attention. I get real about the role medication plays, why worry itself can become addictive, and how dissociation becomes a default setting for many of us. Most importantly, I show how awareness, acceptance, and compassion can start to break the cycle so we can finally move toward real healing instead of just coping.You’ll Learn:The five nervous system strategies that quietly block anxiety healingWhy medications can help in crisis, but often numb long-term emotional recoveryThe surprising link between worry and the brain’s dopamine reward systemHow addictions form as self-medication for the body’s stored alarmThe subtle ways distractions like social media pull you further from your bodyWhat it feels like to live in dissociation and why it’s so hard to stopHow suppression of emotion can lead to deeper anxiety and physical illnessThe role of awareness and acceptance in breaking the anxiety coping cycleA simple ABC method to reconnect with your younger self and release the need for coping strategiesTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:30] The role and limits of medication in healing anxiety[09:17] How addictions and worry become coping mechanisms for anxiety[13:00] How distraction masks anxiety and deepens disconnection[14:58] How dissociation protects us from pain but blocks healing[17:10] How suppression of emotions leads to disconnection and illness[19:11] How awareness and self-compassion break the cycle of anxiety coping strategiesFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

Why does manifestation backfire when you need it most?In this episode, I look at why affirmations and vision boards don’t land when your body is stuck in protection and alarm. That state makes it almost impossible to think positively, no matter how many times you repeat the words. The nervous system drives what you’re able to manifest, and when it’s wired for survival, positivity just slides off while negativity sticks. Real tools like hypno meditations, visualization, and the physiological sigh can shift the body out of alarm so the mind can believe what it’s saying. That’s when manifestation stops feeling fake and starts working.You’ll Learn:Why manifestation often failsThe tools I use to regulate my body first so that my mind and body can align and manifestation can take rootThe surprising link between childhood disconnection and difficulty creating positive changeHow the nervous system shapes what you notice, and why it can trap you in a negative echo chamberWhat it feels like to try affirmations that your body doesn’t believeWhy regulating your body first makes manifestation more powerful and sustainableHow your reticular activating system filters your reality based on what you expectThe quiet damage of bypassing discomfort with positive thinkingHow breath work, hypno meditations, and somatic tools can align your body and mind for changeWhat really happens when you manifest from connection instead of protectionTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:02] Living in self-protection blocks manifestation. Focus on connection instead.[05:32] Rewiring the unconscious mind with visualization and hypno meditations[08:17] The science behind the chronic alarm system and why it blocks manifestation and reinforces negativity[11:04] How to align your body and mind before working on manifestation[14:48] Using somatic practices and inner child work to make manifestation real[16:49] Healing anxiety by reconnecting with love and creating a positive echo chamberResources Mentioned:MBRX Program by Russell Kennedy | WebsiteAnxiety Rx by Russell Kennedy | Book or AudiobookFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

In this episode, I cover why chaos feels so familiar and why we keep getting pulled into it even when it makes us anxious.Today’s uncertainty from news, politics, money issues, AI, and climate change mirror the unpredictability many of us grew up with. That early wiring can make us attracted to chaos, even as it increases our alarm. The pull of distraction, overstimulation, and loneliness keep the body’s alarm system activated… but what helps? Reconnecting with the younger version of ourselves who didn’t feel safe, meeting their needs now, and finding ways to calm our alarm from the inside, no matter what’s happening in the world — this is a good place to start.You’ll Learn:Why uncertainty in world events can spike old childhood anxietyWhat happens when distraction and overstimulation become your nervous system’s default stateThe link between growing up in chaos and feeling drawn to global chaos todayWhy financial stress often triggers a survival-level alarm in people raised with scarcityHow AI and not knowing what’s real can recreate the same insecurity you felt as a childThe quiet damage of loneliness, even when you’re surrounded by peopleWhy accepting love and connection can be harder than you thinkHow climate change anxiety taps into early feelings of helplessness and griefThe specific practices that help you reparent the part of you that never felt safeWhy real relief comes from changing your inner world, not waiting for the outer world to calm downTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:00] Why uncertainty fuels anxiety by mirroring childhood chaos[07:36] How childhood scarcity shapes money anxiety and safety beliefs[09:41] How AI fatigue and overstimulation trigger old childhood fears[12:19] How healing loneliness through self-connection reduces anxiety[15:11] How climate grief and ancestral trauma mirror childhood powerlessness[18:43] How connecting with your inner child creates peace in a chaotic worldResources Mentioned:Anxiety Rx by Russell Kennedy | Book or AudiobookFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

In this episode, I unpack why your TikTok anxiety hacks might actually be keeping you stuck.I get into the good, the bad, and the harmful when it comes to viral mental health content, like anxiety dance trends, “cortisol cocktails,” and trauma confessionals set to sad songs. I talk about why these things can help in the short term, but also why they fall short if you’re serious about actually healing your anxiety. I explain how most of these trends miss the deeper point: your anxiety isn’t just in your head; it lives in your body. And if you’re only reaching for quick fixes, you’re probably just kicking the anxiety can down the road.You’ll Learn: The real reason TikTok anxiety hacks can keep you stuck in chronic symptomsWhat happens when emotional expression online turns into performative painThe quiet damage of reframing panic attacks as “just anxiety”Why movement and music help anxiety, but only up to a pointHow dance trends disrupt your freeze state and shift nervous system patternsThe surprising link between lemons, cold plunges, and present-moment awarenessWhy most viral “cortisol cocktails” are a placebo at bestWhat it feels like to rely on comfort instead of doing the deeper workHow misusing therapy language online confuses discomfort with pathologyA practical framework for evaluating mental health advice on social mediaTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:44] The TikTok anxiety song trend and its impact on mental health[04:48] The TikTok anxiety dance trend and its benefits and drawbacks[07:58] The "It’s just anxiety" TikTok trend and how it impacts coping and healing[10:44] DIY sensory hacks for anxiety[14:14] Therapeutic life hack trends and why comfort is not the same as healing[15:39] Misinformation and misuse of therapy language on TikTokResources Mentioned:MBRX Program by Russell Kennedy | WebsiteFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

What if someone can make you feel something, and the real problem is pretending they can’t?In this episode, I talk about a phrase I used to hear all the time: “Nobody can make you feel anything.” I break down why I no longer believe that’s true, and what actually happens in the brain and body when we’re triggered. I get into how emotional responses are often reflexive, how easily anxiety hijacks intense feelings, and why staying grounded in the body, not the mind, is what really gives us choice.You’ll Learn:The real reason “nobody can make you feel anything” doesn’t hold up to neuroscienceWhat happens in your brain when someone triggers a strong emotional reactionWhy fear responses can bypass your thinking mind entirelyHow anxiety often hijacks other emotions and turns them into alarmThe quiet damage of suppressing anger in childhoodWhat it feels like to lose your rational mind in a moment of overwhelmWhy grounding in your body is more effective than “just thinking differently”The difference between emotional reflexes and how you choose to respondWhat the physiological sigh does for nervous system regulationWhy emotional regulation takes practice and why that practice has to start before the trigger hitsTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[11:31] Why intense emotions often get mistaken for anxiety and feed the victim loop[14:26] How to break the fear habit by practicing emotional awareness and response[17:01] Why intense emotions shut down your rational brain and how to stay in control[20:37] How to stay grounded and choose your response when you're triggered [21:54] How to train your body to stay calm during emotional overwhelmFind more from Russell:Russell Kennedy | LinkedInRussell Kennedy | Facebook The Anxiety MD | WebsiteThe Anxiety MD | InstagramThe Anxiety MD | YouTube

Welcome back! In today’s episode of Anxiety Rx, we’re diving into the real root of social anxiety…and spoiler alert: it’s not just about being shy at parties. Social anxiety is often misunderstood as a surface-level fear of people, but it runs much deeper than that. It’s a fear of connection - especially with yourself. In this episode, I break down how social anxiety stems from a body-based alarm, not just overthinking or awkwardness. If you grew up feeling like love had strings attached or rejection was around every corner, your nervous system probably learned to associate connection with danger. I’ll walk you through why that happens, what’s really going on in your body, and how to gently start rewiring that alarm. We’ll talk about courage (not confidence), co-regulation, and why healing starts with reconnecting to the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding. Because you can’t truly connect with others until you start feeling safe inside your own skin. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Understanding Social Anxiety 07:16 The Role of Childhood Experiences 13:39 Connecting with Your Inner Child 18:50 Courage and Connection in Social Situations

Hello everyone! You’ve probably heard me talk about alarm - that raw, uncomfortable sensation in the body that actually drives anxiety. But in this episode, I break it down further into two distinct types: foreground alarm and background alarm. Foreground alarm is the big, loud stuff (like someone jumping out and scaring you, or feelings of unease before a big presentation). It’s sharp, intense, and impossible to ignore. Background alarm is quieter. It hums under the surface (like chronic tension, unease, a vague sense that something’s off, even when nothing obvious is happening.) These two types of alarm shape your experience with anxiety in very different ways, and in this episode, I’ll walk you through how they interact, why they often go unrecognized, and how they can make it feel like anxiety is coming out of nowhere. More importantly, I’ll share what to do about it. Not by trying to outthink it (you know how I feel about that), but by learning how to soothe the alarm in your body - through presence, breath, and connection. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by panic or trapped in chronic anxiety without knowing why, this episode will help you finally understand what’s really going on. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Understanding Anxiety as Alarm 07:58 Foreground vs Background Alarm 15:39 Panic Attacks and Their Triggers 17:26 Understanding the Alarm in Your Body 17:55 Metabolizing Your Feelings 18:52 Healing Through Acceptance

Hello everyone! In this episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast, I talk about something we cannot heal anxiety without: faith. Not necessarily religious faith (unless that’s your thing) - I mean the kind of faith that says, I can handle what’s coming. I’ll figure it out. I’m not alone in this. But if you grew up in chaos, unpredictability, or even emotional disconnection, that faith (especially in yourself) might have never had a chance to grow. And when there’s no faith, there’s fear. Anxiety steps in to fill the gap, and your nervous system whispers, you’re not safe, and your mind scrambles to make sense of it with endless worry. In this episode, I walk you through how that loss of faith happens, how it wires itself into your body, and most importantly, how to begin building it back. Not through thinking, but through feeling. Through self-soothing, grounding, and connecting with the younger part of you that still needs to hear, you’re safe now. Because real healing—the kind that actually lasts—doesn’t come from managing symptoms. It comes from restoring faith, so you can feel safe in your body, and in your adult self’s ability to handle whatever comes your way. In your ability to stay present, even when life gets wobbly. If you’ve lost that inner knowing, this one’s for you. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Power of Belief and Faith in Healing Anxiety 02:41 Understanding the Alarm System in Our Bodies 05:06 The Cycle of Worry and Anxiety 07:25 The Role of Childhood Experiences in Anxiety 09:52 Faith as a Tool for Managing Uncertainty 12:13 Connecting with the Inner Child for Healing 14:52 The Importance of Trusting Love 16:47 Creating Safety Through Self-Love 19:31 Breaking the Cycle of Alarm and Anxiety 21:52 Embracing Uncertainty for Growth 23:47 The Journey to Healing Anxiety 26:27 Conclusion: Awareness, Self-Compassion and Faith as Keys to Healing

Welcome back everyone! In this episode, I dive into the sneaky nature of worry—how it masquerades as a helpful strategy when really, it’s just our nervous system trying to avoid the discomfort of uncertainty. Worry gives us the illusion of control, but underneath it is a scared, younger part of us that never learned how to feel safe in the unknown. I talk about how this starts in childhood, when unpredictability wires us to constantly scan for “what ifs” as a way of preparing for the worst. But the problem is, this habit doesn’t actually keep us safe—it just keeps us stuck. Instead of spiraling in our thoughts, the way out is through the body. I’ll explain why real healing from anxiety happens when we learn to feel our way through it, not think our way out. And yes, that means learning to sit with discomfort and build a new relationship with uncertainty—not as a threat, but as a doorway to deeper trust in ourselves. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Understanding Worry and Anxiety 05:43 The Paradox of Worry and Uncertainty 12:51 Healing Through Sensation Without Explanation 20:12 Breaking the Cycle of Alarm and Anxiety

Hey Everyone! In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the real driver of anxiety: the overprotective, fire-breathing ego dragon we forged in childhood. We talk a lot about anxiety being in the mind—but it’s not. It’s a body-based response, rooted in old pain and fear that never got processed. That pain creates a background alarm in your system, and in comes the ego dragon: a powerful internal protector built by a scared, overwhelmed child. Its job? Keep you safe. Its strategy? Constant hypervigilance, control, and worry. The problem is, the ego dragon doesn’t know the danger is over. So it keeps you stuck in fear, biting your own tail, creating more alarm through the very worries you hope will save you. In this episode, I show you how to unmask this dragon—not to slay it, but to soothe it. To recognize that your anxiety isn’t weakness. It’s your nervous system doing too good a job of trying to protect you. We talk about how to come back to the present, connect with that inner child, and melt the alarm that fuels your thoughts—so you can finally step out of survival mode and into something that feels more like peace, and living. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety RX Podcast 00:27 Understanding Anxiety: Mind vs Body 02:00 The Concept of Background Alarm 03:03 The Alarm Anxiety Cycle 05:07 The Iceberg Analogy of Anxiety 05:42 The Ego Dragon: Protection vs. Fear 06:56 Hypervigilance and Its Effects 08:23 The Role of the Ego in Anxiety 10:29 Present Moment Awareness as a Tool 12:21 Understanding the Fear Bias 13:42 Healing Through Connection with the Inner Child 16:40 The Importance of Feeling to Heal 18:07 Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Healing

Welcome back! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own anxiety story—from growing up with a father who had schizophrenia, to nearly losing myself during medical school, and finally (after many failed attempts) learning how to actually heal anxiety, rather than just manage it. I talk about how my early life wired me for chronic alarm in my body, long before I even knew what “anxiety” was. I share what it was like navigating that as a physician and neuroscientist who, ironically, couldn’t fix his own mind with logic. (Spoiler: healing doesn’t happen in the mind.) This episode is personal. It’s the origin story of the work I do now—and a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like they were broken. You’re not. But you are likely carrying a scared inner child who needs you to come back for them. Let’s talk about what that really means—and how reconnecting with your alarm is where real healing begins. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Russell's Personal Journey with Anxiety 09:53 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 19:58 Navigating Medical School and Anxiety 30:05 Understanding Alarm and Healing

Hey Everyone! In this episode, I dive into something I know far too well—that frozen, stuck, can't-move-no-matter-how-hard-you-try feeling that so often comes with anxiety. It’s not just in your head—it’s in trapped in your nervous system. That freeze response? That immobility? That’s not laziness or weakness. That’s trauma. We talk about how early life experiences can lock us into patterns of helplessness and victimhood, and how reclaiming your healthy anger (yes, it has a good side!) can be the key to unfreezing your system. I share some practical ways to start moving again—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—so you can start breaking the cycle of anxiety and alarm, and get back in the driver's seat of your own life. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety RX Podcast 00:30 Understanding Immobility and Anxiety 02:46 The Role of Anger in Overcoming Anxiety 03:58 Breaking the Cycle of Victimhood 06:12 The Science Behind Immobility and Anxiety 07:28 Strategies to Overcome Immobility 14:32 Empowerment Through Movement

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I dig into the sneaky link between anxiety and victim mentality—and how we often don’t even realize we’re caught in that loop. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your worries or like life is just happening to you, this one’s for you. We talk about how early emotional wounds can wire our nervous systems into a constant state of protection, and how that can quietly evolve into a mindset of helplessness. I walk you through the alarm-anxiety cycle—my term for what happens when unresolved pain in the body sparks anxious thoughts in the mind, which only feed the alarm even more (fun, right?). But there’s hope. With awareness, curiosity, and a few grounding techniques, you can start to separate from those thoughts and reconnect with your body in a way that actually heals—not just copes. This episode is about moving from surviving to thriving, without shaming yourself for where you are now. Let’s untangle it together. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Awareness 01:26 Victim Mentality and Its Impact on Anxiety 04:18 Understanding Awareness and Its Role 06:55 The Alarm Anxiety Cycle 09:47 The Role of Childhood Experiences 11:27 Curiosity vs. Judgment in Managing Worries 14:44 Breaking the Cycle of Victim Mentality 17:40 The Illusion of Safety and Its Consequences 20:10 Creating Awareness and Grounding Techniques 23:26 Moving from Surviving to Thriving

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Dimitrios Tsatiris to unpack a spicy little tangle many of us know all too well: anxiety and achievement. We dive into how our culture’s obsession with success can quietly (or loudly) erode our mental health—think burnout, chronic worry, and that nagging sense that no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. We explore how trauma can wire us to chase gold stars at the expense of our nervous systems, and why learning to be here—not three steps ahead—is actually the most revolutionary act of self-care. Dimitrios brings a grounded clinical lens, I bring my usual blend of neuroscience, stand-up comedy, and soul (yes, that’s a combo now), and together we offer some real-world tools to soften your grip on striving and build a gentler, more present relationship with success. Come for the insights, stay for the laughter... and maybe, just maybe, leave with a little less anxiety in your achievement. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Achievement 00:57 The Pressure of Achievement in Society 03:51 The Illusion of Happiness Through Achievement 07:01 Recalibrating Our Relationship with Achievement 09:54 Mindfulness and Presence in Nature 13:00 Understanding the Default Mode Network 15:53 Agency and Control in Managing Anxiety 19:00 The Role of Trauma in Anxiety 22:01 Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety 30:46 Understanding the Amygdala's Role in Stress Responses 33:34 The Importance of Somatic Awareness in Managing Anxiety 36:46 Repetition Compulsion: Patterns from Childhood to Adulthood 39:30 The Pressure of Achievement and Its Psychological Impact 42:04 Finding Happiness in the Present Moment 45:32 The Power of Expression: Talking and Writing as Healing Tools

Hello Everyone! We're kicking off Mental Health Month with a mind-expanding episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast—literally! I sat down with the insightful Julie Hagen to dive into the fascinating world of psychedelics, healing, and personal transformation. In this episode, we explore how psychedelics can shift our perspective on anxiety, trauma, and the default mode network (yes, we get a bit nerdy—but in a good way). Julie shares her inspiring journey from the world of corporate law to becoming a coach, and we both open up about the deep impact childhood trauma can have on our adult lives. We also talk about the power of somatic awareness (getting out of your head and into your body) and why intention and integration are absolutely essential when working with psychedelics. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about meaningful, mindful healing. Tune in if you're curious about the intersection of neuroscience, emotional healing, and some of the most fascinating tools we have for growth. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Psychedelics and Personal Journeys 03:08 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact 05:44 Transitioning from Law to Coaching 09:02 The Role of Therapy and Coaching 11:52 Discovering Psychedelics and Their Effects 15:04 Understanding Anxiety and the Alarm Cycle 17:46 The Default Mode Network and Presence 20:59 The Future of Therapy with Psychedelics 23:17 Understanding the Default Mode Network 26:48 The Impact of Trauma on Present Moment Awareness 30:42 Navigating Pain and Anxiety Through Somatic Awareness 37:20 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing and Self-Discovery 46:51 Integrating Intentions in Psychedelic Experiences

Hi everyone! In this episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast, I sit down with the awesome Ben Azadi—author of Metabolic Freedom—to chat about something that’s not always on people’s radar when it comes to anxiety: metabolic health. Yep, your metabolism and your mind are more connected than you might think! We dive into why understanding metabolic dysfunction is so important, how the way we see ourselves can actually help (or hinder) our healing, and why gratitude isn’t just some fluffy feel-good thing—it’s a legit superpower. Ben brings the goods with practical tips on improving your sleep, making smarter food choices, and how ketosis might just give your mental health a boost. We also talk about the magic of small wins—those little victories that add up and make a big difference in your journey toward better health and peace of mind. It’s a fun, insightful conversation packed with real talk and real tools. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Metabolic Freedom 03:03 Understanding Metabolic Dysfunction 05:59 The Role of Self-Image in Change 08:54 The Journey from Rock Bottom 12:02 Finding Purpose and Small Wins 14:59 The Power of Gratitude and Mindset 20:57 The Power of Gratitude 22:31 Transforming Gratitude into a Feeling 24:16 Retraining the Brain with Gratitude 26:13 The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Health 29:54 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 32:14 The Role of Fasting and Nature in Mental Clarity 36:40 Navigating Social Media and Dopamine Levels 40:51 Understanding Ketosis for Brain Health

Welcome back everyone! In this episode of Anxiety Rx Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my friend Dr. Drew Ramsey—he’s a rockstar psychiatrist and the author of Healing the Modern Brain. We dove into the fascinating world of nutritional psychiatry (yes, your brain really does care about what's on your plate!) and explored how food, family, and mental fitness all tie together. Dr. Drew shared some eye-opening insights on taking a proactive approach to mental health—think of it as personal training, but for your mind. We talked about the emotional bonds we build through food, the underrated magic of family meals, and simple, realistic ways to boost your brainpower every day. It was a fun, inspiring convo that reminded me (and hopefully you too!) that mental fitness isn't just about coping—it's about thriving. So whether you're whipping up dinner or just thinking about your next snack, this episode is a great reminder to stay curious, stay connected, and take care of that incredible brain of yours. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX To dive deeper into Dr. Drew’s work, here’s where you can find him: https://drewramseymd.com/ ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Healing the Modern Brain 03:07 The Nine Tenets of Mental Fitness 05:55 Nutrition's Role in Mental Health 08:59 Family Dynamics and Food Relationships 11:49 The Importance of Connection 15:02 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 17:56 The Role of Self-Care in Mental Fitness 20:52 Exploring Therapy and Treatment Options 24:02 The Intersection of Mind and Body 27:03 Integrative Approaches to Mental Health 35:04 Exploring Ketamine and Psychedelics 38:48 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Mental Health 40:28 Mental Fitness: Beyond Symptom Management 42:16 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships 44:15 Building Resilience Through Knowledge and Support 46:10 Engaging with Nature for Mental Health 49:47 The Power of Purpose and Connection 52:20 Journaling and Self-Reflection Techniques 56:35 Understanding Emotional Regulation and Tolerance 01:01:31 The Interconnectedness of Mental Health and Society

Hey friends!In this episode of Anxiety Rx, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph—a psychiatrist who took an unexpected detour from anesthesiology to psychiatry after realizing she was personally numbing more than just patients. Turns out, she was dealing with high-functioning depression. We dive deep into what high-functioning depression actually looks like (hint: it’s not just sadness in a power suit), how childhood experiences sneak into adulthood, and why self-compassion isn’t just a fluffy buzzword—it’s a game-changer. Dr. Joseph gets real about her own journey, shares insights from her therapy practice, and reminds us all to slow down and actually feel our emotions (yes, even the uncomfortable ones). We also tackle societal pressures, the sneaky ways childhood trauma shapes our adult brains, and get a sneak peek at Dr. Joseph’s upcoming book, High Functioning—a much-needed guide to understanding happiness and mental health without the fluff. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing fine” on the outside but struggling beneath the surface, this one’s for you. Tune in for wisdom, warmth, and a few aha moments along the way!Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below:https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRXTo pre-order Dr. Judith's book "High Functioning" click the link below:https://drjudithjoseph.com/book-preorder/ ____________________________TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Psychiatry 02:38 High Functioning Depression: Understanding the Symptoms 05:40 The Importance of Slowing Down 09:46 Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health 15:04 Masochism and People-Pleasing in Mental Health 19:50 The Role of Relationships in Self-Love 25:05 The Science of Happiness and Mental Health