Episodes

  • The Power of Presence: Bridging Science and Spirituality for a Holistic Approach
    Nov 17 2024

    Today we’re diving into a fascinating conversation with Debra Doerksen, a spiritual medium and author.

    In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of anxiety, spirituality, and healing. Debra will bring her wisdom on the energetic side of our existence, showing how spirituality can be a key piece in managing anxiety.

    Together, we’ll talk about the importance of a holistic approach to healing—one that brings together the mind, body, and spirit—and the critical roles of curiosity, connection, and community in navigating anxiety.

    It’s an open, honest, and deeply insightful conversation you won’t want to miss!

    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

    01:05 - Spiritual Connection in Healing

    01:30 - Rigid Nature of Medicine

    02:47 - Merging Science and Spirituality

    04:12 - Childhood Trauma and Anxiety

    05:32 - Energetic Nature of Existence

    06:36 - Anxiety and Spiritual Awareness

    07:27 - Misunderstanding Anxiety Symptoms

    08:25 - Energy Exchange in Relationships

    09:09 - Societal Views on Anxiety

    10:54 - Skepticism and Spirituality

    12:00- Crisis and Energetic Awareness

    15:24 - Anxiety Symptoms and Energy

    16:19 - Mind as a Servant

    17:37 - Healing and Sensitivity

    18:31 - Therapeutic Tools for Healing

    19:27 - Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience

    20:21 - Experiencing Detachment

    21:21 - Understanding Anxiety

    23:16 - Objecting Without Contracting

    24:04 - Connecting to the Body

    25:00 - Navigating Sensitivity

    26:02 - Curiosity Over Fear

    28:01 - Trauma and the Body

    30:41 - Acknowledging Pain

    32:26 - Energy and Spirit Connection

    33:43 - The Role of Faith

    38:13 - Healing Through Mediumship

    40:09 - Skepticism and Openness

    42:15 - The Importance of Connection in Healing

    44:10 - Medical Training vs. Spirituality

    45:07 - The Complexity of Healing

    46:27 - Intergenerational Trauma and Healing

    49:08 - Anxiety and Grief Connection

    51:53 - The Role of Thoughts in Anxiety

    53:12 - Separation and Anxiety

    55:12 - Body Awareness in Trauma

    57:40 - Mind-Body Connection

    58:51 - Recognizing Unproductive Thoughts

    59:50 - Trauma and Energy

    01:00:20 - Breath and Color as Connection

    01:01:40 - Sensation Without Explanation

    01:03:14 - Writing and Vulnerability

    01:04:12 - Eternal Connection

    01:05:00 - Skepticism and Growth

    01:06:39 - Practical Spirituality

    01:07:35 - Community and Sharing

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Dancing with Discomfort: The Surprising Benefits of Play in Healing Trauma
    Nov 10 2024

    Hey there, welcome back to The AnxietyRX Podcast! I’m Dr. Russ, and today I’ve got a special guest, Chelsea Horton, who’s an amazing expert in body-based therapy. We’re going to chat about something really important: the connection between anxiety, trauma, and creative expression.

    We often think of therapy as just sitting and talking, but Chelsea and I explore why that’s not always enough.

    We’ll dig into how movement and play can really help us work through trauma. Chelsea also shares why hands-on learning is so crucial in therapy.

    We talk about the need to reconnect with our bodies, create a safe space, and empower ourselves in the healing process. It’s all about taking a holistic approach—mixing mind, body, and creativity for deal healing.

    So, grab a comfy seat and join us for this enlightening conversation!

    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

    03:16 - Chelsea's Background

    04:32 - Experiencing Trauma

    05:03 - Movement and Trauma Processing

    06:29 - Play and Safety in Healing

    08:46 - Choice and Agency in Healing

    10:05 - Evolving from Childhood Trauma

    11:55 - Overcoming Inertia

    14:47 - The Alarm-Anxiety Cycle

    16:38 - Building Trust with the Inner Child

    18:43 - Neuroscience of Trauma

    19:10 - Understanding Body Connection

    20:16 - Mind-Body Disconnect

    21:23 - The Role of Neuroscience

    22:30 - Living in the Moment

    23:17 - Grounding Techniques

    24:18 - Familiarity and Security

    27:06 - Healing Through Discomfort

    28:45 - Coping Mechanisms and Anxiety

    29:47 - Understanding the Body's Role

    30:31 - Creating Expression Through Movement

    32:07 - Rewiring Emotional Pathways

    34:08 - Science vs. Healing

    35:02 - Embodiment and Creativity

    37:41 - Connecting with the Inner Child

    41:01 - Relational Patterns in Trauma

    43:59 - Concerns About Trauma Practices

    45:17 - The Limitations of Academic Training

    46:15 - Importance of Repetition in Healing

    47:02 - Criticism of the Term 'Empath'

    47:58 - Cognitive vs. Experiential Healing

    48:04 - Skills-Based Approach in Somatic Practice

    49:10 - Concerns About Rapid Trauma Transformation

    50:05 - The Long Process of Unlearning

    51:50 - Importance of a Year-Long Program

    56:19 - The Role of Community in Healing

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    59 mins
  • Why Avoiding Your Feelings is Like Trying to Hide a Hippo in a Phone Booth
    Nov 3 2024

    In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I chat with Terry Baranski, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, about some fresh, non-traditional ways to tackle anxiety.

    Terry shares his interesting path from computer science to therapy, stressing how crucial it is to understand trauma and the mind-body connection. We also take a closer look at why some traditional therapies miss the mark and explore how IFS and compassionate inquiry can lead to real healing and self-compassion.

    Join us for an insightful conversation that might just change your perspective on anxiety!

    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

    01:44 - Terry Baranski's Background

    03:04 - Critique of Traditional Therapy

    04:37 - IFS Therapy Overview

    05:48 - The Importance of Curiosity in Therapy

    07:30 - Analogy of Itching and Scratching

    09:45 - Managing vs. Healing Anxiety

    11:24 - Mind-Body Connection

    12:29 - Critique of Somatic Approaches

    13:22 - Integration of Mind and Body in Therapy

    16:17 - Overview of IFS Parts

    18:04 - Self-Compassion in IFS

    19:56 - Trauma and Energy Disruption

    22:06 - Conflict Among Parts

    23:01 - Self-Blame in Childhood Trauma

    25:43 - Repetition Compulsion

    26:44 - Anger as a Defense Mechanism

    27:46 - Negative Self-Perception

    28:09 - Dissociation and Coping Strategies

    29:29 - The Role of Self in Healing

    31:03 - Childhood Trauma and the Amygdala

    32:29 - Connecting Body and Mind

    33:20 - Age Regression in Emotional Reactions

    36:06 - Recognizing Triggers as Guidepost

    37:10 - Healthy Expression of Anger

    38:48 - Understanding Trauma and Healing

    39:55 - Building Trust with the Self

    41:35 - Child Development and Trust

    42:04 - The Impact of Trauma on Trust

    43:45 - Ego Dragon and Panic Attacks

    44:56 - Rapid Trust Development in Therapy

    45:29 - Personal Journey of Confidence

    46:26 - Sensitivity and Trauma

    47:13 - Healing from the Bottom Up

    48:07 - Self-Compassion and Trauma

    48:58 - Clearing Trauma for Emotional Freedom

    50:07 - Coping Strategies vs. Healing

    51:24 - Gradual Exposure to Emotional Pain

    52:55 - The Midlife Crisis and Healing

    53:22 - Cold Plunge Analogy

    54:36 - Building Resilience Through Discomfort

    56:09 - Preference for Healing Over Discomfort

    57:21 - Empowerment through Facing Pain

    58:49 - A Different Path in Therapy

    59:37 - Finding Terry Online

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 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

    Show More Show Less
    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins