Episode Overview:

In this Valentine's Day couples episode, we explore the complex interplay of relationships & anxiety with special guest, Tyler, Cali's husband. Join us as we discuss how anxiety can impact relationships, communication strategies for couples, & the importance of self-reflection + growth. We also share personal stories + practical tips for navigating anxiety in relationships, including insights into Cali & Tyler's relationship journey. This real, raw, and unfiltered conversation offers valuable tools for strengthening your relationship while managing anxiety.

Key Insights:

• Open Communication: Honest + open communication is key to navigating anxiety in relationships. Sharing your feelings + needs with your partner can create a stronger bond + understanding.
• Self-Reflection + Growth: Self-reflection is crucial for personal + relationship growth. Recognizing your role in conflicts + being open to change can dramatically improve relationship dynamics.
• Support vs. Accommodation: Providing support without accommodating anxiety is essential. Learning how to support your partner's journey without enabling unhelpful behaviors can foster resilience + independent coping.
• Finding Joy + Humor: Prioritizing joy + humor can strengthen relationships + provide relief from anxiety. Intentionally incorporating fun + laughter into your routine can make a positive impact.
• Couples Therapy: Couples therapy can be a valuable tool for improving communication + resolving conflicts. Seeking professional guidance can equip couples with the skills they need to navigate challenges effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• "You grow through what you go through." - Cali
• "Guys' natural tendencies are to fix problems." - Tyler
• "Self-reflection is scary...but once you do it, your marriage is better because of it." - Cali

Timestamps:

• [00:00:10] - Podcast Introduction
• [00:01:10] - Couple's Episode Introduction + Anxious Moments
• [00:08:46] - Cali & Tyler's Relationship Story
• [00:16:29] - How Anxiety Impacts Their Relationship
• [00:27:44] - Where Anxiety Shows Up Now in Their Relationship
• [00:41:59] - Tips + Tricks for Weathering Storms in Relationships
• [00:52:43] - Prioritizing Time Together Despite Busy Schedules

Call to Action:

• Subscribe to The Anxiety Society Podcast on your favorite platform so you don't miss any new episodes! Leave a review + share your thoughts on social media using #AnxietySocietyPodcast. Connect with us on Instagram at @theanxietysocietypod for more anxiety-related content + resources.
• Visit our website at anxietysocietypodcast.com to submit your questions for the show + join our community. Let’s change our relationship with anxiety, together!

Episode Overview: This episode explores the intricate connection between physical health, particularly gut health and hormonal balance, and its impact on anxiety and overall well-being. Dr. Elyse Martin (Cho), a certified nurse midwife and women's health expert, joins the podcast to discuss functional medicine and its role in addressing the root causes of anxiety, rather than just managing symptoms. She highlights the importance of understanding the body as an interconnected system and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Key Insights:

• Functional Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine (12:14): Dr. Martin explains the difference between functional medicine and traditional medicine, emphasizing the functional approach's focus on understanding the historical timeline of dysfunction within the body.
• The Microbiome and its Impact (13:25): The discussion delves into the microbiome, its role in overall health, and how dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) can contribute to various health issues, including anxiety and depression.
• The Importance of Comprehensive Labs (33:43): Dr. Martin discusses the value of comprehensive lab testing to uncover underlying deficiencies and imbalances that might be contributing to health problems.
• Hormonal Health and Mental Well-being (16:54): The episode explores how hormonal imbalances, such as severe PMS or PMDD, can significantly impact mental health, often leading to heightened anxiety and mood swings.
• Impact of Modern Lifestyles (20:26): The conversation touches on how modern lifestyles, including constant information input, poor diets, and lack of self-care, can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.
• Collaboration Between Mental Health Clinicians and Functional Medicine Practitioners (39:51): The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration between mental health clinicians and functional medicine practitioners to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
• Fertility, Postpartum, and Hormonal Health (41:47): Dr. Martin discusses the impact of hormonal and gut health on fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors for overall maternal well-being.
• Supplementation and its Risks (36:39): Dr. Martin cautions against blind supplementation, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches based on individual needs and genetic predispositions.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're all just kind of in this standard of care washing machine being tossed around, and we're getting tumbled out at the end, and we still don't really feel good." - Dr. Martin (09:16)
• "It's not normal to have significant mood changes prior to starting your cycle." - Dr. Martin (17:36)
• "It's all so intertwined. It's like this giant tumbleweed of things." - Dr. Martin (18:11)
• "Blind supplementation can be extremely dangerous and really detrimental for the system." - Dr. Martin (36:47)

Call to Action:

• Connect with Dr. Martin: Learn more about Dr. Martin and her practice, The Hive, by visiting hivewomenswellness.com. Telehealth appointments are available for those in and outside of Texas.
• Subscribe and Review: Subscribe to The Anxiety Society podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to support the show!

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Follow us on Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod

This special episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast brings back Evan Weinberger, founder of Staying Ahead of the Game, to answer listener questions on executive functioning. Hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner explore practical strategies for overcoming procrastination, building problem-solving skills, and understanding cultural influences on productivity. Evan shares insights on how parents, professionals, and students can develop systems tailored to their unique challenges.

Key Points:

- [0:40] - Procrastination and Productivity Hacks

The hosts and Evan discuss their personal struggles with procrastination and strategies for initiating tasks when motivation is low.

- [7:18] - Executive Functioning Defined

Evan explains executive functioning as the brain's "air traffic control system" for managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and decisions.

- [12:40] - Learned Helplessness in Families

How well-meaning parents may unintentionally reinforce dependency in kids, limiting their executive functioning growth.

- [20:45] - Teaching Problem-Solving Skills

Evan shares how failure and natural consequences can help children and employees develop better problem-solving abilities.

- [30:15] - Cultural Influences on Executive Functioning

A fascinating discussion on how cultural norms, such as attitudes toward punctuality or politeness, shape perceptions of productivity.

Quotable Moments:

[7:35] "Executive functioning is like the brain’s air traffic control system—it keeps all the planes from crashing." - Evan Weinberger

[20:20] "We don’t learn from our successes; we grow from our failures." - Evan Weinberger

[33:18] "Your system might work for you, but it might not work for everyone else—and that’s okay." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

• Staying Ahead of the Game: https://saotg.com/
• Harvard Center on the Developing Child: https://developingchild.harvard.edu
• The Anxiety Society Podcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

This episode is packed with actionable tips for tackling executive functioning challenges. Whether you're a parent looking to support your child, a professional navigating workplace demands, or someone working on personal growth, there’s something here for you. Share this episode with someone who might benefit, and don’t forget to leave a review to help others find The Anxiety Society Podcast.

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner sit down with Evan Weinberger, an expert in executive functioning. Together, they explore the essentials of executive functioning skills—what they are, why they matter, and how to develop them. Evan shares practical strategies for improving organization, time management, and self-presentation while reflecting on personal and professional anecdotes that highlight the importance of building effective systems.

Key Points:

- [0:08] - Introduction to Anxiety and Executive Functioning

Dr McIngvale and Cali kick off the episode discussing how executive functioning skills are vital for managing anxiety and staying productive.

- [2:10] - Meet Evan Weinberger

Evan shares his unique journey from studying psychology and coaching executives to helping kids master essential life skills.

- [5:44] - The Modern Attention Span Crisis

Evan delves into how today's constant digital stimulation impacts our attention spans and executive functioning.

- [25:08] - The Role of Transitions in Executive Functioning

Why life changes like becoming a parent or transitioning to college can disrupt systems—and how to adapt.

- [45:03] - Teaching Kids Early Habits

Practical tips for parents to model and teach organizational routines to children.

- [1:00:15] - Building Systems That Work for You

Evan emphasizes the importance of finding personalized systems for managing time, tasks, and impressions.

Quotable Moments:

[5:10] "The hardest part of school isn't the material—it's juggling everything without letting the balls fall." - Evan Weinberger

[27:14] "Transitions bring turbulence, but they also push us to build better systems." - Evan Weinberger

[45:46] "Modeling is the most powerful way to teach—your kids are always watching." - Evan Weinberger

Links Mentioned:

• The Anxiety Society: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com/
• Staying Ahead of the Game: https://saotg.com/
• The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/
• Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://a.co/d/aUoeV3y

Evan inspires us to rethink our relationship with organization and productivity. Whether you’re a student, parent, or professional, improving your executive functioning can lead to a more balanced, efficient life. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources, visit our website or follow us on social media.

In this Q&A episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner tackle listener questions about anxiety's root causes, diagnosis, and treatment. From understanding the differences between generalized anxiety and OCD to exploring the challenges of cultural stigma, this episode is packed with actionable advice and expert insights. Plus, a teaser for a future episode on parenting anxieties!

Key Points:

- [0:25] - Embracing Listener Questions

Why Q&A episodes foster real-world conversations and encourage audience engagement.

- [3:00] - Personal Anxious Moments

Carly and Elizabeth share recent experiences, including road rage incidents and wedding social fatigue.

- [6:00] - Understanding Anxiety’s Roots

Anxiety often stems from the fear of uncertainty and societal pressures for immediacy and certainty.

- [11:10] - How to Get Diagnosed with Anxiety

The difference between full psychological assessments and clinical diagnoses through therapy.

- [15:00] - Types of Anxiety Disorders

A breakdown of common conditions like OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and phobias.

- [20:02] - Cultural and Societal Influences on Anxiety

How cultural norms, stigma, and socioeconomic factors shape anxiety experiences and treatment access.

- [24:15] - Managing Anxiety-Inducing Situations

Tips for addressing triggers in everyday life, such as work stress, relationship conflicts, and public speaking fears.

- [28:40] - Anxiety Treatment Misconceptions

Debunking myths about quick fixes and highlighting the importance of evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy.

- [32:10] - The Role of Self-Compassion in Anxiety Management

How being kind to yourself can reduce the intensity of anxious feelings and improve resilience.

- [37:20] - Parenting and Anxiety

A sneak peek into how parental anxiety impacts children, with a promise of a deeper dive in the next episode.

Quotable Moments:

[6:35] "Anxiety latches onto what matters to us most—our values, our goals, our loved ones." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[11:50] "A psych assessment is like a full diagnostic roadmap; therapy is your car on the journey to healing." - Carly Werner

[29:40] "Treatment for anxiety isn't about getting rid of it—it's about changing your relationship with it." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

• Anxiety Society Podcast - Submit a Question: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov
• John Hirschfeld’s Book on Mindfulness for OCD: https://a.co/d/8THN7M1

Thanks for tuning in to this special Q&A episode! Keep submitting your questions at our website to be featured in upcoming episodes. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram at @theanxietysocietypod. Together, we can transform how we navigate anxiety.

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by the dynamic Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston. Deborah shares her inspiring journey through adversity, reflecting on personal growth, resilience, and leadership. Together, they explore the role of anxiety in shaping our responses to challenges, discuss the importance of embracing failure, and reveal how we can turn life’s obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Key Points:

- [0:40] - Introducing Deborah Duncan

Deborah recounts her career journey, including her time as a news anchor and talk show host, and how life’s challenges shaped her path.

- [6:02] - Anxious Moments and Public Life

A hilarious and poignant start: Deborah’s Halloween mishap and a reflective discussion on managing anxiety in public roles.

- [10:50] - The Power of Failure and Resilience

How childhood struggles with math and an empathetic teacher taught Deborah the importance of persistence and asking for help.

- [20:30] - Navigating Workplace Challenges

Deborah opens up about workplace adversities, the lessons they taught her, and how they prepared her for greater opportunities.

- [30:45] - The Cost of Overprotection

A candid conversation about how shielding younger generations from adversity can hinder growth and resilience.

- [40:20] - Leadership and Constructive Feedback

Deborah shares her approach to coaching employees, balancing humor, compassion, and accountability to foster growth.

- [48:12] - Failure as a Stepping Stone

Insights into reframing failure as a natural part of growth, and how to use it to propel you toward success.

Quotable Moments:

[10:55] "Failure isn’t the end—it’s the clearing for what’s next." - Deborah Duncan

[30:47] "We’ve done a disservice by shielding people from adversity; it’s the struggle that builds strength." - Cali Werner

[48:15] "The alligator eats the most! It’s about finding the way you learn best." - Deborah Duncan

Links Mentioned:

• Great Day Houston: https://www.greatdayhouston.com
• What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey: https://a.co/d/7hxRLsk
• The Anxiety Society Podcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

Deborah Duncan’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and perspective. By embracing adversity and reframing failure, we can all grow stronger. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the episode with friends, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Cali Werner and Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, tackle the underlying fears driving anxiety. Listen in as they dive deep into the concept of core fears—the hidden drivers behind anxiety that shape behaviors and emotions. Through personal stories and candid conversations, they explore how core fears manifest in our daily lives, from health concerns to relationship struggles

Key Points:

- [0:01] - Defining Core Fears

The hosts introduce the concept of core fears—fundamental anxieties that shape our decisions and emotions—and discuss how understanding them can lead to meaningful change.

- [15:00] - Health, Diet, and Anxiety

Personal stories and discussions around how health concerns and modern diets contribute to anxiety, with a focus on finding balance and making realistic changes.

- [25:00] - How Core Fears Impact Behavior

Using examples like fear of abandonment and fear of responsibility, the hosts break down how core fears drive anxiety responses in daily life.

- [30:00] - Addressing Intrusive Thoughts and Irrational Fears

Jon Hershfield explains the role of intrusive thoughts in anxiety disorders and offers tools for tackling them through mindfulness and CBT.

- [35:00] - Taking Action Against Anxiety

The team provides a roadmap for overcoming anxiety by identifying triggers, confronting fears, and embracing uncertainty for long-term growth.

Quotable Moments:

- [5:30] "Anxiety isn't just something we feel—it's a lens that colors how we see the world. And that lens is often shaped by our core fears." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

- [22:45] "Real change happens when you stop treating the symptoms of anxiety and start digging into its roots." - Cali Werner

- [34:00] "Freedom lies not in eliminating uncertainty, but in learning to live with it." - Jon Hershfield

Links Mentioned:

- Podcast Instagram: [@TheAnxietySocietyPod: https://instagram.com/TheAnxietySocietyPod

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode of the Anxiety Society podcast! Dive deeper into these discussions by subscribing to the show, or leaving a review.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Cali Werner and Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale are joined by Jon Hershfield, MFT, the Director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety, for a compelling discussion on the rise of anxiety in today’s world. Together, they dive into the uncomfortable truths about how anxiety takes root in our daily lives and uncover actionable strategies to break its hold. From the transformative power of mindfulness to the life-changing tools of dialectical behavior therapy ( DBT). This episode offers fresh perspectives and practical insights for anyone ready to reclaim their peace of mind and live a more empowered life. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!

Key Points:

[0:00] - Introduction to Anxiety Society Podcast

Cali and Dr. McIngvale introduce the Anxiety Society podcast, sharing their mission to dive deep into the topics surrounding anxiety in an honest and raw way.

[4:00] - The Rise of Anxiety in Society

The hosts discuss how society's collective anxiety has escalated, offering insight into how and why anxiety has become so pervasive.

[4:14] - What is DBT?

Jon H. explains the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and how it integrates mindfulness.

[13:00] - Breaking Free from Anxiety's Grip

Cali and Dr. McIngvale delve into actionable steps to overcome anxiety, emphasizing the importance of shifting perspectives and tackling it head-on.

[20:00] - The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Anxiety

Mindfulness techniques are explored as a practical tool to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms.

[27:05] - Mindfulness Practices for Anxiety

Practical mindfulness strategies from DBT that listeners can apply immediately.

[39:32] - Breaking Down Common Myths

Addressing misconceptions about mindfulness and its role in anxiety treatment.

[30:00] - Dealing with Anxiety Triggers

The conversation shifts to understanding specific triggers of anxiety and strategies for managing them in daily life.

[52:21] - Final Thoughts and Resources

Wrapping up with actionable advice and an invitation to explore additional resources on the podcast website.

Quotable Moments:

- [4:30] "We are not just talking about anxiety, we are living it, and that’s where the real conversation begins." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

- [13:30] "Anxiety isn't something we can simply 'fix.' It's about learning how to coexist with it, to understand it, and ultimately to change our relationship with it." - Cali Werner

- [30:45] "Mindfulness gives us the ability to pause, to breathe, and to regain control in the midst of our most anxious moments." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

-Shepherd Pratt: https://www.sheppardpratt.org/why-sheppard-pratt/our-experts/details/jon-hershfield-mft/

- Website: [Anxiety Society Podcast: https://anxietysocietypodcast.com

- Instagram: [@TheAnxietySocietyPod: https://instagram.com/TheAnxietySocietyPod

Thank you for tuning into this powerful episode of the Anxiety Society podcast. If you found these insights helpful, please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to help others find this message.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.