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.

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