122. Unmasking the Ego Dragon: When Worry Pretends to Be Safety

Welcome back everyone! In this episode, I dive into the sneaky nature of worry—how it masquerades as a helpful strategy when really, it’s just our nervous system trying to avoid the discomfort of uncertainty. Worry gives us the illusion of control, but underneath it is a scared, younger part of us that never learned how to feel safe in the unknown. I talk about how this starts in childhood, when unpredictability wires us to constantly scan for “what ifs” as a way of preparing for the worst. But the problem is, this habit doesn’t actually keep us safe—it just keeps us stuck. Instead of spiraling in our thoughts, the way out is through the body. I’ll explain why real healing from anxiety happens when we learn to feel our way through it, not think our way out. And yes, that means learning to sit with discomfort and build a new relationship with uncertainty—not as a threat, but as a doorway to deeper trust in ourselves. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Understanding Worry and Anxiety 05:43 The Paradox of Worry and Uncertainty 12:51 Healing Through Sensation Without Explanation 20:12 Breaking the Cycle of Alarm and Anxiety

Hey Everyone! In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the real driver of anxiety: the overprotective, fire-breathing ego dragon we forged in childhood. We talk a lot about anxiety being in the mind—but it’s not. It’s a body-based response, rooted in old pain and fear that never got processed. That pain creates a background alarm in your system, and in comes the ego dragon: a powerful internal protector built by a scared, overwhelmed child. Its job? Keep you safe. Its strategy? Constant hypervigilance, control, and worry. The problem is, the ego dragon doesn’t know the danger is over. So it keeps you stuck in fear, biting your own tail, creating more alarm through the very worries you hope will save you. In this episode, I show you how to unmask this dragon—not to slay it, but to soothe it. To recognize that your anxiety isn’t weakness. It’s your nervous system doing too good a job of trying to protect you. We talk about how to come back to the present, connect with that inner child, and melt the alarm that fuels your thoughts—so you can finally step out of survival mode and into something that feels more like peace, and living. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety RX Podcast 00:27 Understanding Anxiety: Mind vs Body 02:00 The Concept of Background Alarm 03:03 The Alarm Anxiety Cycle 05:07 The Iceberg Analogy of Anxiety 05:42 The Ego Dragon: Protection vs. Fear 06:56 Hypervigilance and Its Effects 08:23 The Role of the Ego in Anxiety 10:29 Present Moment Awareness as a Tool 12:21 Understanding the Fear Bias 13:42 Healing Through Connection with the Inner Child 16:40 The Importance of Feeling to Heal 18:07 Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Healing

Welcome back! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own anxiety story—from growing up with a father who had schizophrenia, to nearly losing myself during medical school, and finally (after many failed attempts) learning how to actually heal anxiety, rather than just manage it. I talk about how my early life wired me for chronic alarm in my body, long before I even knew what “anxiety” was. I share what it was like navigating that as a physician and neuroscientist who, ironically, couldn’t fix his own mind with logic. (Spoiler: healing doesn’t happen in the mind.) This episode is personal. It’s the origin story of the work I do now—and a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like they were broken. You’re not. But you are likely carrying a scared inner child who needs you to come back for them. Let’s talk about what that really means—and how reconnecting with your alarm is where real healing begins. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG and TikTok here: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Russell's Personal Journey with Anxiety 09:53 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 19:58 Navigating Medical School and Anxiety 30:05 Understanding Alarm and Healing

Hey Everyone! In this episode, I dive into something I know far too well—that frozen, stuck, can't-move-no-matter-how-hard-you-try feeling that so often comes with anxiety. It’s not just in your head—it’s in trapped in your nervous system. That freeze response? That immobility? That’s not laziness or weakness. That’s trauma. We talk about how early life experiences can lock us into patterns of helplessness and victimhood, and how reclaiming your healthy anger (yes, it has a good side!) can be the key to unfreezing your system. I share some practical ways to start moving again—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—so you can start breaking the cycle of anxiety and alarm, and get back in the driver's seat of your own life. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety RX Podcast 00:30 Understanding Immobility and Anxiety 02:46 The Role of Anger in Overcoming Anxiety 03:58 Breaking the Cycle of Victimhood 06:12 The Science Behind Immobility and Anxiety 07:28 Strategies to Overcome Immobility 14:32 Empowerment Through Movement

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I dig into the sneaky link between anxiety and victim mentality—and how we often don’t even realize we’re caught in that loop. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your worries or like life is just happening to you, this one’s for you. We talk about how early emotional wounds can wire our nervous systems into a constant state of protection, and how that can quietly evolve into a mindset of helplessness. I walk you through the alarm-anxiety cycle—my term for what happens when unresolved pain in the body sparks anxious thoughts in the mind, which only feed the alarm even more (fun, right?). But there’s hope. With awareness, curiosity, and a few grounding techniques, you can start to separate from those thoughts and reconnect with your body in a way that actually heals—not just copes. This episode is about moving from surviving to thriving, without shaming yourself for where you are now. Let’s untangle it together. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Awareness 01:26 Victim Mentality and Its Impact on Anxiety 04:18 Understanding Awareness and Its Role 06:55 The Alarm Anxiety Cycle 09:47 The Role of Childhood Experiences 11:27 Curiosity vs. Judgment in Managing Worries 14:44 Breaking the Cycle of Victim Mentality 17:40 The Illusion of Safety and Its Consequences 20:10 Creating Awareness and Grounding Techniques 23:26 Moving from Surviving to Thriving

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Dimitrios Tsatiris to unpack a spicy little tangle many of us know all too well: anxiety and achievement. We dive into how our culture’s obsession with success can quietly (or loudly) erode our mental health—think burnout, chronic worry, and that nagging sense that no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. We explore how trauma can wire us to chase gold stars at the expense of our nervous systems, and why learning to be here—not three steps ahead—is actually the most revolutionary act of self-care. Dimitrios brings a grounded clinical lens, I bring my usual blend of neuroscience, stand-up comedy, and soul (yes, that’s a combo now), and together we offer some real-world tools to soften your grip on striving and build a gentler, more present relationship with success. Come for the insights, stay for the laughter... and maybe, just maybe, leave with a little less anxiety in your achievement. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 5000+ anxiety HEALERS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Achievement 00:57 The Pressure of Achievement in Society 03:51 The Illusion of Happiness Through Achievement 07:01 Recalibrating Our Relationship with Achievement 09:54 Mindfulness and Presence in Nature 13:00 Understanding the Default Mode Network 15:53 Agency and Control in Managing Anxiety 19:00 The Role of Trauma in Anxiety 22:01 Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety 30:46 Understanding the Amygdala's Role in Stress Responses 33:34 The Importance of Somatic Awareness in Managing Anxiety 36:46 Repetition Compulsion: Patterns from Childhood to Adulthood 39:30 The Pressure of Achievement and Its Psychological Impact 42:04 Finding Happiness in the Present Moment 45:32 The Power of Expression: Talking and Writing as Healing Tools

Hello Everyone! We're kicking off Mental Health Month with a mind-expanding episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast—literally! I sat down with the insightful Julie Hagen to dive into the fascinating world of psychedelics, healing, and personal transformation. In this episode, we explore how psychedelics can shift our perspective on anxiety, trauma, and the default mode network (yes, we get a bit nerdy—but in a good way). Julie shares her inspiring journey from the world of corporate law to becoming a coach, and we both open up about the deep impact childhood trauma can have on our adult lives. We also talk about the power of somatic awareness (getting out of your head and into your body) and why intention and integration are absolutely essential when working with psychedelics. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about meaningful, mindful healing. Tune in if you're curious about the intersection of neuroscience, emotional healing, and some of the most fascinating tools we have for growth. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Psychedelics and Personal Journeys 03:08 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact 05:44 Transitioning from Law to Coaching 09:02 The Role of Therapy and Coaching 11:52 Discovering Psychedelics and Their Effects 15:04 Understanding Anxiety and the Alarm Cycle 17:46 The Default Mode Network and Presence 20:59 The Future of Therapy with Psychedelics 23:17 Understanding the Default Mode Network 26:48 The Impact of Trauma on Present Moment Awareness 30:42 Navigating Pain and Anxiety Through Somatic Awareness 37:20 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing and Self-Discovery 46:51 Integrating Intentions in Psychedelic Experiences

Hi everyone! In this episode of the Anxiety Rx podcast, I sit down with the awesome Ben Azadi—author of Metabolic Freedom—to chat about something that’s not always on people’s radar when it comes to anxiety: metabolic health. Yep, your metabolism and your mind are more connected than you might think! We dive into why understanding metabolic dysfunction is so important, how the way we see ourselves can actually help (or hinder) our healing, and why gratitude isn’t just some fluffy feel-good thing—it’s a legit superpower. Ben brings the goods with practical tips on improving your sleep, making smarter food choices, and how ketosis might just give your mental health a boost. We also talk about the magic of small wins—those little victories that add up and make a big difference in your journey toward better health and peace of mind. It’s a fun, insightful conversation packed with real talk and real tools. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Metabolic Freedom 03:03 Understanding Metabolic Dysfunction 05:59 The Role of Self-Image in Change 08:54 The Journey from Rock Bottom 12:02 Finding Purpose and Small Wins 14:59 The Power of Gratitude and Mindset 20:57 The Power of Gratitude 22:31 Transforming Gratitude into a Feeling 24:16 Retraining the Brain with Gratitude 26:13 The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Health 29:54 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 32:14 The Role of Fasting and Nature in Mental Clarity 36:40 Navigating Social Media and Dopamine Levels 40:51 Understanding Ketosis for Brain Health

Welcome back everyone! In this episode of Anxiety Rx Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my friend Dr. Drew Ramsey—he’s a rockstar psychiatrist and the author of Healing the Modern Brain. We dove into the fascinating world of nutritional psychiatry (yes, your brain really does care about what's on your plate!) and explored how food, family, and mental fitness all tie together. Dr. Drew shared some eye-opening insights on taking a proactive approach to mental health—think of it as personal training, but for your mind. We talked about the emotional bonds we build through food, the underrated magic of family meals, and simple, realistic ways to boost your brainpower every day. It was a fun, inspiring convo that reminded me (and hopefully you too!) that mental fitness isn't just about coping—it's about thriving. So whether you're whipping up dinner or just thinking about your next snack, this episode is a great reminder to stay curious, stay connected, and take care of that incredible brain of yours. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd P.S. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX To dive deeper into Dr. Drew’s work, here’s where you can find him: https://drewramseymd.com/ ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Healing the Modern Brain 03:07 The Nine Tenets of Mental Fitness 05:55 Nutrition's Role in Mental Health 08:59 Family Dynamics and Food Relationships 11:49 The Importance of Connection 15:02 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 17:56 The Role of Self-Care in Mental Fitness 20:52 Exploring Therapy and Treatment Options 24:02 The Intersection of Mind and Body 27:03 Integrative Approaches to Mental Health 35:04 Exploring Ketamine and Psychedelics 38:48 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Mental Health 40:28 Mental Fitness: Beyond Symptom Management 42:16 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships 44:15 Building Resilience Through Knowledge and Support 46:10 Engaging with Nature for Mental Health 49:47 The Power of Purpose and Connection 52:20 Journaling and Self-Reflection Techniques 56:35 Understanding Emotional Regulation and Tolerance 01:01:31 The Interconnectedness of Mental Health and Society

Hey friends!In this episode of Anxiety Rx, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph—a psychiatrist who took an unexpected detour from anesthesiology to psychiatry after realizing she was personally numbing more than just patients. Turns out, she was dealing with high-functioning depression. We dive deep into what high-functioning depression actually looks like (hint: it’s not just sadness in a power suit), how childhood experiences sneak into adulthood, and why self-compassion isn’t just a fluffy buzzword—it’s a game-changer. Dr. Joseph gets real about her own journey, shares insights from her therapy practice, and reminds us all to slow down and actually feel our emotions (yes, even the uncomfortable ones). We also tackle societal pressures, the sneaky ways childhood trauma shapes our adult brains, and get a sneak peek at Dr. Joseph’s upcoming book, High Functioning—a much-needed guide to understanding happiness and mental health without the fluff. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing fine” on the outside but struggling beneath the surface, this one’s for you. Tune in for wisdom, warmth, and a few aha moments along the way!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/MBRXTo pre-order Dr. Judith's book "High Functioning" click the link below:https://drjudithjoseph.com/book-preorder/ ____________________________TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Psychiatry 02:38 High Functioning Depression: Understanding the Symptoms 05:40 The Importance of Slowing Down 09:46 Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health 15:04 Masochism and People-Pleasing in Mental Health 19:50 The Role of Relationships in Self-Love 25:05 The Science of Happiness and Mental Health