Episodes
Hey everyone, Dr. Russ here! This week on The AnxietyRX Podcast, we're diving deep into the world of anxiety – not just the racing thoughts, but the physical sensations too. We'll explore how our bodies actually throw us an "alarm" when we're anxious, and why learning to recognize these signs is key to healing. I'll be sharing my own story about anxiety, and how stuff like social media can seriously stoke the flames. We'll also talk about this concept of "the gap" – that space between feeling...
Published 05/07/24
Hey Anxiety Fam, Dr. Russ here! This week's episode is for all the amazing dads out there. We're tackling a big one: emotional well-being in fatherhood. Joining me is Ian Abbott, a single dad on a mission to help dads embrace their feelings. We'll chat about the challenges men face, how it impacts kids, and (bonus!) how to break free from those "tough guy" stereotypes. This episode is your invitation to prioritize your emotional health for a stronger, happier family.  Thank you for listening...
Published 04/28/24
Published 04/28/24
Hey everyone, Dr. Russ here. This episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast hits a little closer to home than usual. My mom's health is declining, and on top of that, I've been editing my book. Let's just say my brain is fried. Because of this personal situation, you might notice some bumps in the podcast this week. I apologize in advance, and I truly appreciate your understanding. That being said, the show must go on! And today's topic is something we can all relate to: emotions. You know, those...
Published 04/22/24
Welcome to another episode of The Manxiety Podcast. This episode's about something close to all our hearts: our kids. We all want them to thrive, but sometimes our good intentions can backfire. You know, like pushing them a little too hard. Dr. Nima explains how we, as parents, can unknowingly fuel anxiety in our little ones. By working through our own stuff, we can build those strong, secure bonds with our kids and ditch the anxiety. We also chat about some cool brain science – confirmation...
Published 04/09/24
Guess who's joining me this episode? My amazing friend, Amanda Johnson, an author and CEO of Awaken Village Press, the awesome folks who published my very first book! We're getting real about anxiety in this one. Amanda opens up about her own experiences and how her anxiety style (spoiler alert, it's the "worried I'll lose everyone" kind) has impacted her life. Plus, we'll be chatting about that fear of never finishing things – you know, the struggle that keeps us all hitting snooze on those...
Published 04/01/24
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You're not alone. In this podcast, we'll be diving deep into what makes anxiety tick, but ditch the stuffy lectures. We'll chat about how stuff from our childhood can show up in our grown-up worries, and how our bodies can get stuck in a bit of an alarm state. But hey, there's good news! We'll explore ways to connect with that inner part of us that feels scared (think inner child) and learn to deal with those uncomfortable feelings head-on. No more just trying...
Published 03/24/24
Welcome to another episode of the Anxiety RX podcast! Today, I'm joined by Erica Hornthal, a dance movement psychotherapist, author of Body Aware and the creator of the Movement Therapy Deck. In our conversation, Erica explores the important connection between movement and mental health. She shares insights into how even the smallest movements can help us break free from anxiety and trauma, emphasizing the importance of meeting our bodies where they are. We delve into the role of movement in...
Published 03/17/24
Welcome to a combo episode of the AnxietyRX and the Manxiety Podcast! Join me, Dr. Russ Kennedy, and my co-host, Dr. Nima Rahmany, as we dive into the fascinating world of boundaries in interpersonal relationships. In this episode, we define boundaries as vital limits that separate our needs from others', and discuss how setting and communicating them can prevent resentment and foster healthy connections. From understanding trauma responses like fawning to navigating codependency and...
Published 03/09/24
Hey gang! Welcome to another episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast. In the latest episode of my podcast, I had the delightful opportunity to engage in an enlightening conversation with none other than Dr. David Spiegel, a true virtuoso in the realm of hypnosis.  Dr. Spiegel, a Wilson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, is not only a prolific author and researcher but also the co-founder and chief scientific officer of the...
Published 03/03/24
Welcome to the AnxietyRx podcast. Today, I want to explore how trauma becomes entrenched in our bodies, forming the basis of an ongoing cycle of anxiety. My theory suggests that trauma isn't just a mental construct; it's physically stored in our bodies, perpetuating what I call the "alarm anxiety cycle." Contrary to common belief, anxiety isn't just a mental issue; it's rooted in unresolved trauma. True healing requires reconnecting with our younger selves, acknowledging and resolving the...
Published 02/26/24
In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Scott Lyons, a holistic psychologist and mind-body medicine specialist, we explore the relationship between trauma, healing, and the mind-body connection. The conversation touches on the concept of "drama bonding," where individuals find themselves drawn to relationships or situations that replicate past traumas, leading to a cycle of stress and dysfunction. Exploring the physiological aspects of healing, we discuss the impact of stress on the body...
Published 02/18/24
Today I have a very special guest, Dr. Nima Rahmany, a good friend and a retired chiropractor who now teaches people how to break free from trauma bonds. In this episode we explore the concept of 'fawning' - a trauma response where individuals suppress their true feelings to please others, affecting their identity and mental health. We discuss how this behavior, rooted in childhood experiences, leads to chronic anxiety and physical health issues like chronic pain and autoimmune disorders. The...
Published 02/13/24
Today, I am excited to share with you the first episode of The Manxiety Podcast, hosted by my colleague, Dr. Nima Rahmany. As I will be an occasional guest on the show, I'm thrilled to kick off our dialogue with a deep dive into the complex topic of trauma bonds. Join us as we chat about how these bonds from childhood impact our relationships. Trauma bonds are like glitches from our past that mess up how we relate to others. It's a cycle—the cycle involves love bombing, devaluing, and...
Published 02/13/24
In this episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast, I want to emphasize something deeply personal and transformative: the importance of reconnecting with your inner child to heal from the deep-seated wounds of anxiety, depression, and other struggles born from childhood trauma. Using the S.H.O.U.L.D. Method (See, Hear, Open, Understand, Love, Defend), I walk alongside you, offering guidance to reconnecting with your younger self, helping you provide the nurturing love and protective care that may have...
Published 02/12/24
Today, I'm sharing a personal struggle – my beloved dog, Buddha, is facing health challenges, and I'm contemplating saying goodbye. The impending loss brings up past wounds, highlighting the unique bond between those with anxiety and their pets. Pets offer a trustworthy love, a stark contrast to our struggles with self-love. As Buddha's situation unfolds, I reflect on the healing journey from anxiety, emphasizing the need to integrate our adult and child selves and connect our minds and...
Published 02/04/24
Welcome to the AnxietyRx podcast! After a rejuvenating break, I'm thrilled to share exciting news about the revised edition of my book, Anxiety Rx. In this upcoming edition, I've seamlessly integrated isolated points from the first version, creating a more cohesive and insightful narrative. This isn't just a book; it's a guide to reclaiming control over your anxiety, one step at a time. In today's episode I talk about the ABCDEFGHIs—Awareness, Body and Breath, Compassion, Discipline, Ego,...
Published 01/28/24
Welcome to the Anxiety RX podcast! Today's episode features Jessica Baum, LMHC and psychotherapist. We dive into the world of attachment, breaking down misconceptions and emphasizing its dynamic nature. Jessica shares insights on the importance of understanding our inner child and creating a safe space for healing. We explore the connection between body and mind, urging listeners to go beyond quick-fix strategies for anxiety. The conversation deepens into developmental trauma and the...
Published 01/07/24
Welcome to another episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast. Today's special guest is Vienna Pharaon, an experienced marriage and family therapist from New York City. Vienna combines clinical expertise with personal experience in her work and her insightful book, "The Origin of You". In this episode we explore the power of psychological blind spots and the importance of trust and safety in therapy which allows people to face challenging truths at their own pace. A key focus of our discussion is the...
Published 12/17/23
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, I dive deep into the impact of faith and trauma in our lives. Childhood trauma often shakes our faith in the world, burdening us with a belief that everything relies on our shoulders, especially for sensitive individuals. The central message revolves around faith as an antidote to worry and anxiety. I discuss the tendency to lose our authentic selves while trying to protect others, even if those we protect are negative influences, while introducing...
Published 12/10/23
In this episode, I want to introduce you to an acronym I've created called JABS: Judgment, Abandonment, Blame, and Shame, primarily directed inward. These emotional punches not only impact us but reverberate through our relationships and daily lives. Anxiety often has roots in unresolved childhood trauma stored in our bodies, not just our thoughts. Self-judgment can activate a cycle of self-criticism, hindering our nervous system regulation. Healing begins with self-awareness. Recognizing...
Published 11/20/23
Welcome to another enlightening episode of the AnxietyRx podcast! In this episode, we meet Dr. Lorne Brown, a fertility specialist with a unique blend of traditional Chinese medicine and clinical hypnotherapy. Together, we explore the intricate relationship between physical and emotional health. We discuss how anxiety can have a bidirectional impact on our well-being and how it's often rooted in our subconscious programming. Dr. Brown's "Notice, Accept, Choose Again" approach provides a...
Published 11/12/23
Welcome back to another episode! In my most vulnerable moments, battling with the crippling grip of anxiety, the thought haunted me: "Is this it? Is this life?". It was a cycle of fear that I lived in, punctuated only by fleeting moments of happiness. Traditional therapies, while helpful, often fell short. They didn't heal; they offered temporary relief. Join me this week where I reveal the transformative essence of MBRX—Your Mind Body Prescription for Permanent Anxiety Healing. MBRX is my...
Published 11/06/23
In today's episode, I share an intimate reflection on my own journey through understanding my avoidant attachment style, the challenges of truly connecting, and the pervading sense of loneliness that can shadow success. Drawing from my own experiences, I uncover the roots of our human tendency to both crave and fear connection and how our past shapes our present behavior. I delve into the power of self-soothing, the dangers of external validation, and the weight of unchecked negative...
Published 10/29/23
Dive into the intricate dance between our primal instincts and modern anxieties.In this week's episode, my friend Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, and I unpack how our 'animal brains' still dictate much of our reactions, particularly fear - a survival tool turned complex emotion. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. We'll journey through the intriguing landscape of human emotion, discussing how our past traumas shape our present relationships, whom we're drawn to or...
Published 10/22/23