Episodes

  • Uncorking the Truth: How Alcohol Masks Anxiety and What to Do About It
    Oct 27 2024

    Hey there, it's Dr. Russ. In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Colleen Kachman. Colleen is a real-life superhero helping women conquer their pasts and build brighter futures.

    She opens up about her own struggles with anxiety and how she used alcohol as a crutch to cope. We talk about how booze might seem like a quick fix for anxiety, but it actually makes things worse in the long run and how it can leave you feeling lost and disconnected.

    But don't worry, Colleen shares her wisdom on mindful drinking and the power of self-awareness.

    Join us as we explore the tricky relationship between anxiety, alcohol, and self-connection.

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    02:01 - Realization of Underlying Issues

    02:50 - Connection Between Chaos and Anxiety

    04:06 - Self-Perception and External Validation

    05:11 - Understanding Alcohol's Role

    12:18 - The Biphasic Nature of Alcohol

    17:01 - The Challenge of Overcoming Urges

    19:01 - Current Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption

    20:17 - The Risks of Alcohol

    21:41 - Humor in Alcohol Discussion

    22:12 - Understanding Emesis

    23:31 - Emotional Resilience and Mental Health

    24:36 - Managing Anxiety and Trauma

    25:27 - Connection with Self

    26:35 - Facing the Alarm

    28:27 - Cold Plunges as Metaphor

    29:39 - Avoiding Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism

    33:24 - Mindful Drinking Practices

    36:22 - Challenging Traditional Views on Alcoholism

    38:45 - The Role of Trauma in Alcohol Use

    39:27 - Understanding Self-Referential Thought

    40:28 - Feeling Your Way Out of Addiction

    41:57 - Grounding in the Body

    42:33 - Cognitive Strategies Post-Grounding

    43:12 - Recognizing Cravings as Notifications

    44:20 - Thoughts vs. Bodily Sensations

    45:17 - The Power of Breathwork

    46:33 - Sensation Without Explanation

    47:30 - Staying with Uncomfortable Sensations

    49:02 - Creating a Safe Space in the Body

    51:36 - Connecting with the Younger Self

    53:04 - Healing at a Feeling Level

    55:57 - Misconceptions About Drinking Problems

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    1 hr
  • Finding Stability in a Stressful World: Breathing for Balance
    Oct 20 2024

    In this episode, I sat down with happiness expert Emma Seppala to talk about anxiety.

    Emma shares her personal story and how she found relief through a simple breathing technique.

    We dive deep into the science behind anxiety and discuss why breathing can be a powerful tool for managing it.

    Plus, we'll challenge some of the traditional approaches to therapy and explore why a holistic approach, focusing on both mind and body, is key to lasting happiness.

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:00 - The Prevalence of Anxiety

    02:10 - Emma's Personal Experience with Anxiety

    02:40 - Discovery of Breathing Techniques

    03:13 - Research on Veterans and Anxiety

    04:05 - Sky Breath Meditation Study

    05:18 - Physiological Measurements of Anxiety

    06:55 - Documentary: Free the Mind

    07:16 - Understanding Anxiety's Physiological Effects

    08:46 - Breath Control and Anxiety Management

    10:37 - Acute Breathing Exercises

    11:36 - Long-term Conditioning Through Breathing

    12:51 - Sky Breath Meditation vs. Traditional Therapies

    13:11 - Mindfulness and Anxiety

    14:43 - Sovereignty Over Thoughts

    15:40 - Breath as a Tool for Control

    16:36 - Overview of Sky Breath Meditation

    18:05 - Researching Breathing Techniques

    18:38 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Limitations

    19:47 - Breathwork and Anxiety

    20:42 - Ego and Worry

    21:51 - Psychological Sovereignty

    22:57 - Victim Mentality and Empowerment

    24:57 - Self-Care and Self-Love

    26:43 - Impact of Nature

    27:44 - Default Mode Network and Self-Perception

    28:47 - Breathwork and Trauma

    33:10 - Regaining Sovereignty

    36:13 - Holistic Healing and Breathwork

    38:27 - Creating Safety in the Body

    39:06 - The Limitations of Cognitive Therapy

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    40 mins
  • Emotional Alchemy: Transforming Anxiety into Empowerment
    Oct 13 2024

    In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I’m chatting with another MBRX student, Katherine from Calgary.

    Katherine's got a story to tell – she's been dealing with anxiety her whole life, it’s been a tough road, and it got really tough when her dad got sick and passed away when she was a kid.

    We talk about different ways to manage anxiety, like meditation and body-focused therapies, how childhood trauma can stick with you, and how important it is to connect with your emotions and heal.

    It's all about creating a safe space for yourself and being kind to your mind and body.

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    02:58 - Performance Anxiety Emerges

    03:44 - Lack of Emotional Repair

    04:33 - Support from Family

    05:25 - Connection Between Parents and Children's Anxiety

    08:38 - Understanding Emotional Trauma

    12:05 - Katherine's Coping Strategies

    13:45 - The Challenge of Resisting Emotions

    14:05 - Power of Awareness in Anxiety

    15:03 - Crescendo of Anxiety During Healing

    15:59 - Understanding EMDR's Effectiveness

    16:43 - Chronic vs. Acute Trauma

    17:32 - Book Insights and Comparison

    18:30 - The Importance of Emotional Connection

    20:22 - Healing the Inner Child

    21:13 - Neuroscience of Trauma

    23:20 - The Role of Physical Activity

    24:47 - Cognitive vs. Emotional Processing

    26:38 - The Power of Repetition in Healing

    27:30 - Meditation and Mind State

    29:37 - Creating Empowerment Through Body Language

    31:11 - Safety and Relaxation in Healing

    32:05 - Changing Physiology Over Psychology

    33:10 - Anxiety Before Performance

    34:08 - Reassuring the Inner Child

    36:57 - Performance Anxiety and Excitement

    37:12 - Focusing on Positive Outcomes

    39:24 - Learning to Feel Good

    41:14 - Humor in Heavy Topics

    45:25 - Mindfulness and Present Moment

    46:40 - Understanding Emotional Healing

    49:07 - Importance of Connection

    51:21 - Gradual Healing Process

    52:14 - Managing Stress Responses

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    54 mins
  • Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Influences Mental Health
    Oct 6 2024

    Hey there, it's Dr. Russ! In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Christine Bishara, a total rockstar in the world of gut health. She's the author of "The Gut Revolution" and she's here to spill the tea on how your gut is totally connected to your mental health.

    We're talking about how your gut can influence anxiety, chronic illnesses, and even childhood trauma. And the best part? We're not just throwing pills at the problem. Dr. Bishara's all about addressing the root causes, from your diet to neurotransmitters.

    Get ready for practical tips on what to eat, what supplements to take, and why a holistic approach is key. This episode is a game-changer, folks. Let's dive in!

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:06 - The Gut as a Root Cause

    02:03 - Alcohol's Impact on Gut Health

    03:45 - Social Connections and Health

    04:59 - Anxiety and Childhood Trauma

    05:35 - Neuroplasticity and Negative Thinking

    06:56 - Improving Gut Health

    10:02 - Role of Neurotransmitters

    12:11 - Supplements vs. Diet

    12:35 - Probiotics and Gut Health

    13:18 - Fermented Food

    14:02 - Vitamin D and Health

    17:10 - Gluten and Gut Health

    20:30 - Diet's Impact on Anxiety

    21:23 - Food Tolerance and Anxiety

    22:09 - The Body's Survival Mechanism

    22:25 - Cravings and Neurotransmitters

    23:27 - Gut-Brain Questionnaire

    24:16 - Genetically Modified Foods

    25:13 - Adverse Childhood Experiences

    26:31 - Impact of Trauma on Gut Health

    27:36 - Repetition Compulsion in Relationships

    28:29- Mind-Body Connection in Healin

    29:19 - Diet and Trauma Responses

    30:16 - Vagus Nerve and Anxiety

    30:31 - Spirituality and Gratitude

    31:19 - Connection and Self-Care

    32:15 - Comfort Foods and Childhood Patterns

    34:47 - Diet as Self-Care

    35:25 - Familiarity and Security in Relationships

    36:46 - Food Choices Reflecting Childhood

    40:15 - Motivation for Dietary Change

    41:38 - Inositol Recommendations

    45:57 - Dietary Supplements for Anxiety

    46:36 - Ozempic and Weight Management

    54:04 - Intermittent Fasting Benefits

    01:01:17 - Building a Positive Mindset

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Healing Anxiety Through Creative Expression and Self-Discovery
    Sep 29 2024

    In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, we're diving deep into the messy world of anxiety, family drama, and career blues.

    My guest, Michelle - another MBRX student - is an internal auditor who's been on quite a journey. She has tried everything from CBT to IFS to brain spotting to tackle her anxiety, and she's finally figuring it out.

    We're talking about how her job didn't quite fit and how family issues were adding to the stress, exploring the importance of self-awareness, the role of safety in therapy, and finding healthy coping strategies.

    Michelle's story is a real eye-opener. It's a powerful reminder that healing isn't always easy, but it's totally possible. Tune in to hear more!

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:38 - Discussion on Career

    02:24 - Family Influence on Career Choices

    03:52 - Loss of Connection with Self

    08:04 - Mother's Death and Its Impact

    09:44 - Anxiety After Mother's Death

    10:39 - Career Misalignment and Grief

    11:33 - Job Market Struggles

    12:20 - Self-Awareness and Change

    12:46 - Complaining and Mental State

    14:41 - Childhood Trauma and Anxiety

    15:05 - Mother Hunger and Attachment Issues

    16:05 - Separation of Self and Anxiety

    17:36 - Processing Grief and Moving Forward

    17:42 - The Importance of Sports

    18:27 - Exploring Anxiety's Roots

    19:20 - Challenges with EMDR

    20:18 - Referring to Inner Parts

    20:44 - Discovering Brain Spotting

    22:51 - Neuroscience of Anxiety

    24:41 - The Illusion of Protective Anxiety

    25:27 - Creating Safety in Therapy

    27:19 - Combining Modalities

    28:14 - Witnessing in Therapy

    29:02 - The Role of the Body in Healing

    31:45 - Future Aspirations in Therapy

    32:29 - The Intersection of Mind, Body, and Spirit

    33:19 - Reflecting on Personal Growth

    35:52 - Exploring Maladaptive Patterns

    37:36 - Healing Attachment Trauma

    38:41 - Writing as a Healing Tool

    39:38 - Identifying Sources of Grief

    41:32 - Relationship Anxiety

    42:33 - Recognizing Healing Potential

    44:07 - Curiosity and the Unknown

    49:52 - Trauma Bonds

    51:29 - Morning Panic Attacks

    52:33 - Self-Soothing Techniques

    53:22 - Breathwork and Dysregulation

    54:24 - Childhood Experiences and Breathing

    55:26 - Finding Safe Breathwork

    57:10 - Intellectual vs. Emotional Safety

    59:02 - Healing Through Safety

    01:01:36 - Using Poetry for Healing

    01:03:51 - Right Brain and Poetry

    01:05:27 - Incremental Healing

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Anxiety: The Uninvited Guest That Just Won't Leave—How to Kick It Out!
    Sep 22 2024

    In this episode, I sit down with Danielle to talk about our personal struggles with anxiety. We both grew up with some pretty tough stuff – my dad had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and Danielle was raised in an alcoholic home.

    We dive deep into how that trauma can really mess with your mental health. But the good news is, there's a way out. It's all about understanding where your anxiety comes from and being kind to yourself.

    Danielle shares how she healed from panic attacks and agoraphobia by connecting with her inner child and practicing self-compassion.

    So if you're dealing with anxiety, this episode is for you. Let's break down those walls and find some healing together.

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    02:08 - Early Signs of Anxiety

    04:21 - Dissociation Experiences

    05:30 - The Development of Agoraphobia

    06:12 - Therapy and Medication Attempts

    08:56 - Anxiety Disorder Clinic Experience

    09:57 - Television Appearances

    11:05 - Genetic Study Participation

    12:15 - Recognition of Childhood Trauma

    13:05 - Importance of Connection

    14:51 - Understanding the Root Causes

    18:13 - Safety and Grounding

    20:44 - Realization of Stored Trauma

    22:11 - Compassion for Self

    24:21 - Meditation as a Game Change

    25:26 - Being Present in the Moment

    26:31 - Traveling with Anxiety

    27:35 - Welcoming Emotions

    29:55 - Reassuring the Inner Child

    32:53 - Transforming Fear into Empowerment

    35:32 - The Role of Resilience

    41:37 - Honoring Trauma

    44:32 - Understanding Avoidance

    45:23 - Finding Safety in the Moment

    47:10 - Body Intelligence vs. Mental Intelligence

    48:13 - Transformative Life Changes

    48:43 - Wasting Time in Anxiety

    52:00 - Regrets of Living in Alarm

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    55 mins
  • The Intersection of Culture, Religion, and Anxiety: Understanding Our Emotional Landscape
    Sep 15 2024

    Hey everyone! In this episode I'm joined by Amy Green Smith, a personal development coach from North Carolina.

    We're diving deep into the world of anxiety, and Amy shares her own personal journey. She talks about growing up in a conservative religious household and the impact of her father's passing.

    We discuss how these experiences led to people-pleasing behaviors and affected her self-worth.

    Together, we explore the effects of cultural conditioning, the power of emotional intelligence, and practical strategies for self-advocacy and setting healthy boundaries.

    It's a conversation that's both relatable and inspiring.

    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/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:13 - Amy Green Smith's Journey

    02:13 - Father's Death Impact

    03:32 - Family Dynamics and Expectations

    04:42 - Learning to Advocate for Oneself

    06:50 - Litigating for Rightness

    09:43 - Complexity of Childhood Emotions

    11:57 - Roots of People-Pleasing

    13:08 - Misconceptions about People-Pleasing

    14:10 - Self-Worth and People-Pleasing

    15:29 - Pain of Breaking the Cycle

    16:45 - Understanding Motivations for People-Pleasing

    18:24 - Oxytocin and Gender Dynamics

    19:22 - Cultural Conditioning of Women

    20:23 - Primitive Defense Mechanisms

    22:07 - Cultural Reinforcement of Gender Roles

    23:40 - The Impact of Religious Upbringing

    25:09 - Cultural Shifts Post-WWII

    25:59 - The Role of Medication in Women's Mental Health

    26:17 - Pain and Change in Society

    26:45 - Political Figures as Cult Leaders

    27:45 - Religious Trauma and Identity

    29:49 - The Search for Validation

    30:11 - The Concept of the 'Magical Other'

    31:36 - Critique of Religious Narratives

    33:20 - Order vs. Chaos in Society

    34:33 - The Feminine Perspective in Religion

    40:48 - The Pressure of Social Media on Identity

    42:09 - The Nuance of Societal Order

    44:03 - Political Divisions and Identity

    47:23 - Media Influence and Extremism

    49:42 - Emotional Intelligence as a Solution

    51:26 - Cultural Messaging of Emotions

    52:36 - The Role of Emotions in Decision Making

    53:35 - Order and Uncertainty

    01:00:01 - Creating Emotional Intelligence in Women

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Hidden Costs of Resilience: Insights from a War Survivor
    Sep 8 2024

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helen Sairany, a war survivor from Iraq. We dive deep into the world of trauma and how it can shape our lives.

    Helen shares her incredibly brave story of surviving war as a Kurdish child. Together, we talk about the psychological effects of trauma, the importance of feeling safe, and why we need a world that understands and supports people who've been through tough times.

    It's a powerful conversation about community, connection, and learning to be kind to ourselves.

    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 3800+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:10 - Dr. Sairany's Background

    01:24 - The Impact of War

    03:34 - Connection vs. Protection

    04:53 - Trauma and Sensitivity

    07:23 - Struggles with Safety

    09:44 - Coping Mechanisms

    11:19 - Understanding Emotional Responses

    13:15 - Healing as a Process

    17:23 - The Importance of the Present

    18:21 - The Healing Journey

    20:22 - Feeling Like an Outsider

    21:20 - Subconscious Identity Struggles

    22:05 - The Price of Authenticity

    24:09 - Importance of Safe Communities

    25:04 - Quality Over Quantity in Friendships

    26:29 - The Power of Friendship

    27:09 - The Role of Professionals in Healing

    29:03 - Understanding Trauma Beyond War

    30:16 - The ACE Study's Importance

    32:51 - Burnout in Medical Professionals

    35:23 - Trauma's Overwhelming Nature

    40:14 - Moral Injury in Healthcare

    43:43 - The Cost of Change

    45:06 - Delayed Action in Mental Health

    45:53 - Awareness of Trauma in Society

    49:17 - Moving from Head to Body

    50:29 - Compassionate Connection

    56:18 - Wisdom from a Trauma Survivor

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    1 hr