Anxiety Rx – Details, episodes & analysis

Hello everyone! In this episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast, I sit down with Nicole Sachs, LCSW, to explore the deep connection between chronic pain, emotional trauma, and the mind-body relationship. We share our personal journeys through pain and healing, emphasizing how understanding the emotional roots of physical symptoms is key to true recovery.

Throughout our conversation, we highlight the power of curiosity, self-compassion, and community in the healing process, while also addressing the challenges of resistance and the importance of living awake—making conscious, empowered choices in our journey toward healing.

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: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

To dive deeper into Nicole’s work and explore her approach to healing chronic pain, check out these resources:
Her new book
Freedom From Chronic Pain Course
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Personal Journeys of Healing
04:36 The Impact of Chronic Pain on Life
09:36 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
14:24 The Role of Emotional Trauma in Physical Pain
19:04 Resistance and Curiosity in Healing
24:01 The Choice Between Pain and Healing
29:13 Empowerment Through Acknowledgment
29:52 The Neuroscience of Worry and Pain
30:52 Navigating Anxiety and Emotions
32:26 The Cycle of Worry and Familiarity
33:51 Living in Solutions, Not Problems
36:07 The Power of Personal Stories
37:55 Agency in Healing and Transformation
39:43 Facing Pain: Choices and Agency
41:54 Chronic Pain as a Path to Growth
43:43 Sensation Without Explanation
45:28 The Human Stories Behind Healing
48:52 Finding Connection and Community

In this episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jonathan Fisher about the profound connection between anxiety, emotional health, and physical well-being, particularly in the field of cardiology. Dr. Fisher, a cardiologist and author, delves into the often-overlooked emotional aspects of heart health that are not typically emphasized in medical training. As someone who has battled severe anxiety myself, I share my journey toward alternative medicine and critique conventional approaches for merely treating symptoms. Together, Dr. Fisher and I advocate for a holistic healthcare approach that addresses emotional roots and promotes compassion, empathy, and systemic changes to support both providers and patients.

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 to the Episode
01:00 - Welcome Dr. Fisher
01:31 - Breaking from Mainstream Medicine
02:49 - Personal Story of Anxiety
03:45 - The Left Hemisphere Hall of Mirrors
05:04 - Science-Based Therapy Critique
05:33 - Observer of Thoughts
09:55 - Conflict with Self
10:14 - Addiction to Worry
12:36 - Rethinking Health
13:07 - The Role of Spirit in Healing
14:14 - Curiosity and Mindfulness
17:13 - Understanding Emotions vs. Feelings
18:01 - Paving Negativity
19:14 - Understanding Age Regression
20:07 - Healing Through Compassion
22:10 - The "Should" Acronym
23:54 - Attachment Theory and Self-Love
26:33 - The Role of the Default Mode Network
28:38 - Psychedelics and Self-Discovery
33:12 - Healing Requires Support
34:45 - Attention and Life Experience
35:21 - Becoming the Observer
36:45 - Metabolizing Emotional Pain
38:26 - Understanding Anxiety and Healing
39:06 - Childhood Issues and Chronic Illness
39:26 - Changing Medical Ethos
40:01 - Mind-Heart Connection in Medicine
40:18 - Empathy and Compassion in Medical Education
41:44 - Erosion of Empathy in Medicine
42:45 - Factors Affecting Compassion
43:58 - Self-Compassion Practices
44:07 - Connection Over Division
44:54 - Internal Constructs and Compassion
45:57 - Social Engagement System
46:46 - Scientific Basis for Compassion
48:05 - Addressing Burnout in Healthcare
49:04 - External vs. Internal Factors
50:04 - Compassion as a Financial Concern
51:01 - Cultural Differences in Healthcare
51:53 - Managing Suffering in Life
52:03 - The Challenge of Modern Medicine
54:43 - Historical Wisdom in Medicine
55:02 - Motivation Beyond Anger

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

I've had many people ask me about psychedelics in the past couple of weeks. Specifically, if psychedelics could help them overcome their anxiety.

I learned things by taking LSD, Ayahuasca and Psilocybin that I would NEVER known or come across as a traditional medical doctor.

In this episode I include chapter 53 of my book ANXIETY RX, entitled, "Dark Night of the Soul".

It discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly in my very personal journey taking psychedelics —and the role they played in showing me what anxiety TRULY was, and how they helped me heal it in myself and others; but not without paying a significant emotional price.

If you ever would like to contact me, find me on IG under @theanxietymd and drop me a message.

Your biggest supporter,

dr. Russ

Many of us with anxiety devalue ourselves.

We look after others' needs ahead of our own and often succumb to the stigma of being "anxious" or say "I have anxiety".

When we devalue ourselves like this, it makes it much harder to accept ourselves —and self acceptance is one of the cornerstones to healing...

Head on over to my IG, @theanxietymd and let me know how this episode resonated with you.

Thanks for being here.

Your biggest supporter, 

dr. Russ

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

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

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

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

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