In this episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast, host Cali Werner welcomes Ryan Judd, clinical director of the OCD Institute, to explore the critical role of sports psychology and performance mindset in managing anxiety and improving athletic performance. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they dive into the intricacies of athlete psychology, examining how mindset can either hinder or enhance performance.

• Mindset vs. Performance: The importance of understanding how mindset influences athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports, where mental fortitude is crucial.
• Types of Motivation: Discussion on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation and its effect on performance, highlighting the need for athletes to cultivate intrinsic enjoyment of their sport.
• Embracing Mistakes: Acknowledging that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and strategies to foster resilience instead of perfectionism.
• Process Goals: The significance of focusing on process goals over outcome goals to reduce anxiety and improve performance, allowing athletes to concentrate on what they can control.
• Coping with Performance Anxiety: Techniques to reframe anxiety as excitement and the value of pre-performance routines to enhance confidence without resorting to superstitions.

• "The best athletes aren't necessarily perfect at what they do; they just recover from their mistakes faster." - Ryan Judd
• "Every time I go and run a race, I'm more anxious if I don't have anxiety because I need to be prepared." - Ryan Judd
• "When you can make losing an enjoyable experience, that's a skill for all of us to have." - Cali Werner

• 00:00 - Introduction: Introduction of hosts and overview.
• 01:08 - Sports Psychology Discussion: Cali and Ryan share their backgrounds in sports and psychology.
• 09:14 - The Role of Mindset: Explaining how mindset affects athletic performance.
• 19:06 - Motivation Types: Discussing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• 28:04 - Learning from Mistakes: The importance of viewing mistakes as feedback.
• 46:20 - Balancing Enjoyment in Sports: Strategies for enjoying sports even in competition.

• Visit the Anxiety Society Podcast website: anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod

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Overview:

This episode dives into the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale & Cali Werner explore how avoiding discomfort hinders critical thinking & limits our ability to experience true joy. They discuss the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, the impact of societal polarization on critical thinking, & the need to challenge our own beliefs. The episode also touches on the connection between self-awareness & emotional intelligence, offering practical tips for listeners to lean into discomfort & foster personal growth.

Key Insights:

• Discomfort is essential for growth: True joy & meaningful experiences often arise from embracing uncomfortable situations.
• Critical thinking requires discomfort: The polarization of society discourages critical thinking because people avoid uncomfortable conversations and perspectives.
• Self-awareness is a starting point: Recognizing our anxieties and discomfort is the first step, but taking action to address them is crucial for personal development.
• Difficult conversations are valuable: While uncomfortable, these conversations foster deeper connections & understanding in relationships.
• Avoiding discomfort limits our potential: Rushing to decisions or avoiding difficult situations hinders growth in personal, professional, & familial relationships.

Notable Moments + Quotes:

• [00:02:08] "Growth comes from discomfort. It doesn’t come from comfort."
• [00:09:06] "…the world has gone so polarizing… that we’ve lost space for critical thinking because people don’t want to be uncomfortable."
• [00:10:13] "…individuals who have no tolerance for anxiety or no tolerance for uncertainty don’t actually get to get the real experience of joy."
• [00:25:46] "When we rush to a decision so that we don’t have to feel discomfort, is that really allowing you to grow?"
• [00:31:39] "Without discomfort, you cannot grow."
• [00:36:26] "…self awareness alone doesn’t mean other people accommodate… Self awareness is, ‘Hey. I’m aware that I struggle with this… and so can I lean into it?’”

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction
• [00:01:10] Cali’s awkward neighbor story + the importance of self-awareness
• [00:04:40] Cali’s anxious moment: Avoiding thoughts about upcoming delivery
• [00:07:50] Discussion about discomfort tolerance
• [00:08:25] Leaning into discomfort
• [00:10:41] Two types of self-awareness: Internal + External
• [00:10:50] The link between self-awareness + McDonald’s fries (a critical thinking example)
• [00:17:04] The importance of evidence-based medicine in relation to anxiety + the dangers of black + white thinking
• [00:22:18] Where do you need to grow in self-awareness?
• [00:30:32] Choosing to lean into discomfort
• [00:31:50] Algorithms + critical thinking
• [00:35:01] Self-awareness without action
• [00:36:20] Challenge: Embrace self-awareness + take action
• [00:37:51] Conclusion + Call to Action

Call to Action:

Subscribe to The Anxiety Society Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review + follow us on Instagram @theanxietysocietypod for more content + to connect with our community! Submit your questions at theanxietysocietypodcast.com! Let's get comfortable being uncomfortable together!

Episode Overview:

In this compelling episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner sit down with nationally recognized expert Dr. Robert Smith to explore the urgent intersection of medical and mental health care in the United States. Dr. Smith, author of Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, shares eye-opening research that reveals why 75% of mental health care is provided by primary care doctors who lack adequate training in this field. Together, they unpack the systemic challenges, discuss the gaps within both medical and mental health professions, and offer practical guidance for individuals seeking quality care. This episode is a frank, informative, and urgent call to action for reform, evidenced-based training, and public advocacy.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to Dr. Robert Smith and his groundbreaking work in patient-centered mental health care
• Personal "anxious moments" shared by the hosts and Dr. Smith
• The critical shortcomings of mental health training in medical education: only 2% focus on mental health
• Why 75% of mental health care is delivered by undertrained primary care physicians and the dangerous consequences
• The disconnect between medical training and real-world mental health needs
• The role and limitations of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors in current care models
• The prevalence of unregulated and unlicensed mental health support, including concerns with life coaches
• The need for integrated, supervised, and evidence-based mental health training for all medical providers including nurse practitioners and PAs
• The impact of untreated mental health disorders on physical health, medical outcomes, and healthcare costs
• Dr. Smith’s advocacy for a national investigation and systemic reform, inspired by historical public health movements
• Practical advice for patients on advocating for themselves and seeking appropriate referrals
• Clarifying the importance of specialized, evidence-based mental health care and how to identify qualified providers
• Hopeful strategies and self-help practices individuals can engage in while systemic changes take place

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• “Seventy-five percent of all mental health care in the US is provided by primary care docs like me. Here’s the problem: they forgot to train us in mental health care.” — Dr. Robert Smith [07:22]
• “Doctors like me prescribing opioids for which we are not trained are killing 15 to 17 thousand people a year in opioid overdoses.” — Dr. Robert Smith [08:02]
• “Most people think their mental health care is as good as their medical care. It’s not. And medicine isn’t doing anything about it.” — Dr. Robert Smith [06:50]
• “Mental health clinicians are often trained in non-evidence-based interventions. You can’t go to an oncologist who practices outside of evidence-based care, but in mental health, this happens all the time.” — Elizabeth McIngvale [30:16]
• “If you think you have a mental health problem, tell your doctor directly and ask for a referral to a qualified mental health professional.” — Dr. Robert Smith [18:36]
• “The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Be forward. Get your family involved. Don’t isolate yourself.” — Dr. Robert Smith [42:40]
• “This book is for the public, not just medical or mental health professionals. We want people to get angry enough to demand change.” — Dr. Robert Smith [25:02]

Timestamps for Significant Segments:

• 00:00 – Welcome and introductions by Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner
• 02:30 – Introduction of Dr. Robert Smith and his work
• 03:30 – Sharing personal...

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner welcome Dr. John Abramowitz, a renowned researcher in the field of anxiety and OCD. The discussion dives deep into the pervasive nature of anxiety in society, the role of evidence-based research in treating anxiety disorders, and the nuances of navigating information in today’s digital landscape. The trio shares personal anecdotes, professional insights, and tackles common misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and evidence over anecdotal advice.

• Understanding Anxiety: How anxiety impacts individuals and the societal pressures surrounding it.
• The Role of Research: Importance of grounding treatments in rigorous, evidence-based practices rather than anecdotal experiences.
• Critical Thinking in Information Consumption: Strategies for sifting through misinformation, especially in the digital age.
• Lived Experience vs. Professional Expertise: Exploring the gap between personal experiences and scientifically backed treatments for anxiety and OCD.

• Evidence-based research is crucial for understanding effective treatments for anxiety and OCD.
• Social media and popular influencers can skew public perception of anxiety management strategies, leading to reliance on quick fixes rather than substantiated methods.
• Personal experiences, while valuable, cannot be generalized across all individuals with anxiety disorders. Scientific research provides generalized insights that can inform effective treatment strategies.
• Critical thinking and asking "why" are essential skills for consumers to better evaluate health information and make informed decisions.

• “Everyone’s built differently on the inside and experiences different circumstances on the outside.” - John Abramowitz
• “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” - John Abramowitz

• 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
• 00:39 - Overview of Anxiety Society’s Mission
• 01:10 - Sponsor Message: Adolescent OCD Camp
• 01:53 - Discussing Personal Anxieties of the Hosts
• 08:30 - Introduction of Dr. John Abramowitz
• 10:01 - Importance of Research in Treating Anxiety
• 15:30 - Critical Thinking and Bias in Information Consumption
• 25:45 - The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Health Advice
• 45:07 - Advice on Finding Trusted Healthcare Providers
• 52:32 - Conclusion and Call to Action

• OCD Institute of Texas: Houston OCD Center
• Dr. John Abramowitz’s Publications: Google Scholar

Thank you for listening to this episode of Anxiety Society! If you found value in today’s discussion, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. We would love if you leave us a review, as your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who may benefit from our message. For more resources and to connect with our community, visit our website at anxietysocietypodcast.com and follow us on Instagram @theanxietysocietypod. Let’s continue this conversation—share your thoughts with us on social media!

Episode Overview: In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, therapists Elizabeth McIngvale & Cali Werner delve into the complexities of anxiety, particularly in children, with special guest Dr. Eric Storch. We explore the differences between anxiety + OCD, particularly in children with autism, + discuss effective parenting strategies for anxious children. Dr. Storch shares his expertise + research on childhood anxiety + offers hope + practical advice for parents navigating these challenges.

Key Insights:

• Anxiety is a normal part of development. Parents shouldn't blame themselves + can learn strategies to support their anxious children.
• CBT-based interventions are highly effective for treating childhood anxiety + OCD, offering hope for long-term improvement.
• Differentiating between anxiety + OCD in children with autism can be challenging, but understanding the functionality of behaviors is key. Rituals may be comforting for autistic children, while distressing for those with OCD.
• Parental involvement is crucial in treating childhood anxiety. However, if parents are also struggling with anxiety, their own treatment may be necessary for optimal results.
• Routine is helpful for children, especially those with autism. While strict routines can be unhelpful for OCD, flexibility + structure can be beneficial for those with autism.
• Allowing children to experience anxiety + distress (in a safe + supportive environment) is crucial for their development + ability to cope with adversity.
• Technology presents unique challenges for parents today. Finding a balance between screen time + other activities is an ongoing battle.

Notable Moments + Quotes:

• [00:00:13] "Have you ever wondered how we became a society that is so defined by anxiety?"
• [00:04:21] Cali’s anxious moment: "...these really scary things...put other things in total perspective."
• [00:26:30] Dr. Storch: "...ninety percent were doing great. Seventy-five percent were in remission..." (referring to a study on CBT-based interventions for childhood OCD).
• [00:36:43] Dr. Storch: "In difficult times + in good times, kids + adults learn how to deal with things."
• [00:46:56] Dr. Storch quotes his father-in-law: "Little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems.” (Encouraging early intervention).

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] Introduction
• [00:02:02] Anxious Moments
• [00:10:00] Interview with Dr. Eric Storch Begins
• [00:10:23] Differentiating Anxiety + OCD in Children
• [00:13:02] Autism + Anxiety
• [00:25:04] Parenting Anxious Children
• [00:46:46] Seeking Treatment + Final Advice

Call to Action:

Subscribe to The Anxiety Society Podcast on your favorite platform for more insightful discussions on anxiety. Leave a review, follow us on Instagram (@theanxietysocietypod), + visit our website (anxietysocietypodcast.com) for additional resources + to connect with our community! Don’t forget to submit your questions for the show!

In this insightful episode, Carli Werner welcomes special guest Carly Samach, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Hope Path Mental Health Counseling. Together, they dive into the transformative role of hope in overcoming anxiety, uncertainty, and life’s most challenging moments. Carly shares practical tools for fostering hope, explores its connection to mental health outcomes, and discusses how to navigate fear and discomfort while embracing a hopeful mindset. Perfect for anyone looking to rediscover purpose and resilience, this episode offers actionable advice for finding light even in difficult times.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Welcome to the Anxiety Society Podcast!

Carli Werner introduces the episode’s focus on hope and resilience, featuring special guest Carly Samach.

[3:18] - What is Hope, and Why Does it Matter?

Carly defines hope as “positive regard for an uncertain future” and explains how it differs from wishful thinking or reassurance.

[10:50] - Common Barriers to Hope

Fear of disappointment, perfectionism, and magical thinking often prevent people from embracing hope. Carly outlines how to overcome these “hope distortions.”

[18:00] - How to Make Hope Actionable

Practical tips for integrating hope into daily life, from using “uncertain hope statements” to taking small steps toward goals despite fear.

[28:22] - Risk and Resilience: The Courage to Hope

Why hope is inherently risky—and how leaning into that risk can create deeper resilience and personal growth.

[36:15] - Five Key Takeaways for Cultivating Hope

1. Understand your relationship with hope.

2. Identify where fear or discomfort is shutting hope down.

3. Make hope actionable through small, intentional steps.

4. Accept uncertainty and remain open to unexpected outcomes.

5. Recognize that disappointment is part of the process, but hope can help you navigate it.

Quotable Moments:

[15:12] “Hope is not pristine. It’s not rainbows and butterflies—it’s made of grit, dirt, and the sweat of trying again.”—Carly Samach

[22:44] “Hope doesn’t promise anything. It opens you up to what could be.”—Carly Samach

[34:18] “Even if you don’t know what’s coming next, you can still hope, act, and move forward.”—Carly Samach

Links Mentioned:

• Carly Samach’s Website: https://www.counselingwithcarly.com/

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com/

Carly Samach’s heartfelt insights remind us that hope is a tool that can be cultivated, even in life’s most difficult moments. With practical advice and relatable examples, this episode empowers listeners to embrace uncertainty, rediscover purpose, and move forward with hope. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who might need some hope!

In this insightful episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by Dr. Jon Grayson, a psychologist with over 40 years of experience treating OCD and anxiety. Together, they discuss the critical role of uncertainty in anxiety disorders, the importance of acceptance, and why coping doesn’t always feel good—but it’s essential. From practical tools for embracing discomfort to mindfulness strategies that empower, this conversation offers a compassionate and realistic perspective on living with anxiety.

Key Points:

[0:00] - Introduction to Dr. Jon Grayson

Dr. Grayson’s 40+ years of expertise, his acclaimed book, Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and his groundbreaking work in OCD treatment.

[8:00] - What OCD Teaches Us About Anxiety

The parallels between OCD and general anxiety: how uncertainty underpins them both and why facing fears matters for everyone.

[18:30] - Language Matters: “I Can’t” vs. “I Choose Not To”

Dr. Grayson explains the importance of reframing how we talk about avoidance and the empowering impact of this subtle shift.

[27:45] - Acceptance Isn’t Bliss

Why “acceptance sucks,” and how learning to sit with discomfort is key to moving forward in life—without avoiding or overcompensating.

[36:00] - Mindfulness in Practice: Coping Through Awareness

Practical examples of mindfulness as “doing two things at once” and finding moments of joy even amidst anxiety.

[43:20] - Uncertainty and Probability in Everyday Life

Understanding how low-probability events drive anxiety and how to resist the urge to control the uncontrollable.

Quotable Moments:

[19:15] “When you say ‘I can’t,’ you rob yourself of power. ‘I’m choosing not to’ gives you back control.”—Dr. Jon Grayson

[28:05] “Acceptance sucks. It’s not fun or blissful, but it’s the only way forward.”—Dr. Jon Grayson

[37:50] “You can feel anxious and still enjoy moments of your life. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.”—Dr. Jon Grayson

Links Mentioned:

• Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Dr. Jon Grayson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/042527389X?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_A54KYSKW8CEWR1DJ6G40

• OCD Institute of Texas: www.ocditexas.com

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

Dr. Grayson’s conversation is a reminder that while uncertainty is unavoidable, we don’t have to be controlled by it. By reframing how we think about avoidance, embracing mindfulness, and accepting discomfort, we can learn to live fuller, more meaningful lives. Don’t forget to subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from these empowering insights

In this episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, along with clinical director Ryan Judd, tackle a wide range of listener questions related to anxiety, OCD, and personal growth. From discussing the often-overlooked subtypes of OCD to diving into the complexities of perfectionism, this Q&A episode aims to provide insights and practical advice for coping with anxiety.

• Understanding Anxiety: The episode opens with Elizabeth and Cali exploring their own anxious moments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing personal feelings and how they contribute to the anxiety experience.
• OCD Subtypes: Ryan sheds light on less commonly discussed OCD themes, including sexual intrusive thoughts and harm OCD, highlighting the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these issues.
• Perfectionism: The hosts discuss the dual nature of perfectionism, considering how it can drive success but also lead to burnout and self-doubt. They emphasize the importance of differentiating between beneficial and harmful perfectionistic traits.
• Therapeutic Relationships: The episode addresses common concerns about therapy, including how to know if a therapist is judging you and whether it’s appropriate to ask about their personal lives.
• Coping Strategies: Practical tips for managing anxiety and panic attacks are shared, including the use of interoceptive exposures and grounding techniques.

• Recognizing and articulating anxious moments can be a powerful step toward understanding oneself better.
• Perfectionism, often viewed as an inherent trait, can be managed and redirected to enhance rather than hinder personal achievement.
• Therapy should focus on evidence-based practices, and it's essential to be comfortable discussing any concerns with a therapist.
• Building mental resilience involves accepting that mistakes are a natural part of growth, especially in performance-oriented settings.

• "When my plate is overloaded, I cling to perfectionism—it's a sign of growth." - Elizabeth McIngvale
• "You might mess up, and that’s okay. It won't define your identity as an athlete or a person." - Ryan Judd
• "The ingredient to recovery must come from within yourself." - Cali Werner

• [00:00:08] - Introduction to the episode and anxious moments
• [00:01:29] - Discussion of OCD subtypes
• [00:07:34] - Insights on perfectionism
• [00:12:47] - Therapeutic relationships and self-disclosure
• [00:21:09] - Coping strategies for panic attacks
• [00:33:05] - How to know when it's time to graduate from therapy
• [00:41:00] - Listener Q&A wrap-up

• Visit Anxiety Society Podcast for more resources and to submit questions.
• Follow the podcast on Instagram at @theanxietysocietypod for updates and community interaction.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. Consider leaving us a review; your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners who might benefit from our message. Join our community and take the first step toward understanding and managing your anxiety!