It’s Not Just Anxiety, Stress, or Nerves: 7 Neurohacks for Managing Fear with Biopsychologist Dr. Mary Poffenroth

Delanie Fischer chats with biopsychologist and Brave New You author Dr. Mary Poffenroth about how fear drives what we often label as anxiety, stress, and nerves. They explore the root causes of fear and share practical, science-backed strategies and neurohacks for calming the nervous system, navigating intimidating situations, and building trust and confidence in our ability to manage life's challenges—and accomplish cool stuff. Episode Highlights:  Fears: Internal, External, Fictional, and Nonfictional The 2 Feelings at the Root of Our Fear Response Why We Like True Crime & Scary Movies The RAIN Method + 5 Neurohacks for Quick Calm What's The Deal With Nervous Poops?! Worry and the "10 Coins Per Day" Analogy Why Cringing is Actually Fear (and What It Means) ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means a lot! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Doc & Book List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Mortality Awareness: Meaning, Motivation, and Your To-Die-For Life with Karen Salmansohn: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2367345e/mortality-awareness-meaning-motivation-and-your-to-die-for-life-with-karen-salmansohn Hurry Sickness And The Busy Brain Cure with Dr. Romie Mushtaq: ⁠https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/243d15fa/hurry-sickness-and-the-busy-brain-cure-with-dr-romie-mushtaq How To Approach Your Loved One About PTSD with Licensed Therapist, Nadirah Habeebullah: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2305ae72/self-helpless-snack-how-to-approach-your-loved-one-about-ptsd-with-licensed-therapist-nadirah-habeebullah Overcoming the Fear of Death with Kelvin Chin: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/20d70e6d/overcoming-the-fear-of-death-with-kelvin-chin 15 Tips For Managing Stage Fright In Work And Life with Em Schulz and Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/21e3bc9e/15-tips-for-managing-stage-fright-in-work-and-life-with-em-schulz-and-delanie-fischer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Kathy Oneto, strategy executive and author of Sustainable Ambition, challenging what we've learned about ambition, productivity, and success. They explore how to avoid burnout, create life-work sustainability, and prioritize focus, fulfillment, and manageability in career and personal life—so you can achieve what you want, when you want, and actually enjoy yourself along the way. Episode Highlights:  The Myth of Work-Life Balance Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort Ambition as a State, Not a Trait Constraints as a Catalyst for Creativity 3 Questions to Ask at Your Next Party Making Your World Smaller When Needed Identifying the Tradeoffs of Your Current Ambition ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Creating A Life Brief And Getting "Fuzzy Clear" with Bonnie Wan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/251bf5df/creating-a-life-brief-and-getting-fuzzy-clear-with-bonnie-wan Hurry Sickness And The Busy Brain Cure with Dr. Romie Mushtaq: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/243d15fa/hurry-sickness-and-the-busy-brain-cure-with-dr-romie-mushtaq Is The "Dream Job" Concept A Lie? What To Look For Instead + Tips For Transitioning with HR Expert Shelby McGuire Canlas: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2279bacd/is-the-dream-job-concept-a-lie-what-to-look-for-instead-tips-for-transitioning-with-hr-expert-shelby-mcguire-canlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Jacob Ward, veteran technology journalist and correspondent, about how AI differs from past technological inventions and why this moment feels fundamentally different. They explore some of the inner workings of artificial intelligence including LLMs, the effects of over-reliance on these tools, and what the future may look like for regulation, responsibility, and human connection. Episode Highlights:  AI Psychosis, Addiction, Romance, Friendship, And How We’ll Define It The Risk Of Outsourcing Critical Thinking, Creativity, And Connection Two Problematic Features Of Large Language Models (LLMs) AI Slop, Clanker Culture, And Undetectable Fake Imagery Is Ad Placement Next, And Will We Know We’re Being Sold To? Tech Leaders: Responsibility, Ideology, And Profit Motives Desire And Purpose: The “Smoker” And “Heroin” Problem Analogies ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: AI, Robotics, and The Future of Work and Life with Dr. Catie Cuan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2458ba1f/ai-robotics-and-the-future-of-work-and-life-with-dr-catie-cuan The Lost Secrets of Civilization: Ancient Innovation and Forgotten Wisdom with Jack R. Bialik: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/d6769440/the-lost-secrets-of-civilization-ancient-innovation-and-forgotten-wisdom-with-jack-r-bialik It’s Not a Mental Health Crisis: Human Reactions to a Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Jody Carrington: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2d626d7b/its-not-a-mental-health-crisis-human-reactions-to-a-loneliness-epidemic-with-dr-jody-carrington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Erin Claire Jones, author of How Do You Choose? and founder of Human Design Blueprint, to discuss how a system integrating astrology, the I Ching, chakras, and Kabbalah can serve as a practical framework for self-awareness, effective communication, and informed career choices—helping us navigate work, relationships, and life with greater ease, confidence, and fulfillment. Highly recommend looking up your HD type so you can follow along and get the most out of this episode! Episode Highlights:  A Snapshot of the 5 Human Design Types 1 Question to ask Yourself Based on Your Type Common Pitfalls When Integrating HD Strategies The Now vs. Not Now Framework for Projects You Won't Look at The Rock's Career the Same Way Again This Unconventional Move Saved a Relationship Examining Mystical Origins in Modern Tech & Tools Erin's book, How Do You Choose?: ⁠https://humandesignblueprint.com/order-book/⁠ Erin on Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/erinclairejones⁠ Find your design here: https://humandesignblueprint.com  You can buy a custom guide here: https://humandesignblueprint.com/guide (code HELPLESS gets you a discount) ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Human Design: Origin, The Basics & Readings with Krystle Alfarero: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/4eebd9b0/whats-the-deal-with-human-design-origin-the-basics-and-readings-with-krystle-alfarero What's The Deal with Astrology? 12 Archetypes and Your Cosmic Zone with Madi Murphy: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2588a22f/whats-the-deal-with-astrology-12-archetypes-and-your-cosmic-zone-with-madi-murphy Enneagram Personality Test Results with Taylor Tomlinson, Kelsey Cook, and Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/93ee0232/enneagram-personality-test-results-with-taylor-tomlinson-kelsey-cook-and-delanie-fischer Myers Briggs Personality Test Results with Taylor Tomlinson, Kelsey Cook, and Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/82eb04b2/myers-briggs-personality-test-results-with-taylor-tomlinson-kelsey-cook-and-delanie-fischer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Brian Karr, environmental consultant and co-founder of We Inspect, about the hidden world of mold, mycotoxins, and the surprisingly wide range of symptoms and health conditions that result from exposure—many of which are often misdiagnosed. Brian also debunks common mold myths and shares practical tips for finding, removing, and preventing mold in your home. Episode Highlights:  Signs of Exposure: Brain Fog, Skin Reactions, and More Where to Get Reliable Mycotoxin Testing for Your Body How To Avoid Scams From Inspectors and Remediators Debunking The 3 Most Common Myths About Mold Simplifying Mold Detection and Remediation 2 Everyday Tools To Prevent Mold Growth at Home Navigating Mold Issues at Rentals and Workplaces ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Mysterious Symptoms (And Finally Getting Answers) with Sharon Okun: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2248a087/mysterious-symptoms-and-finally-getting-answers-with-sharon-okun Flip the Script on Aging: Strength, Vitality, and Purpose with 74 Year-Old Icon Babette Davis: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/23c49ad2/flip-the-script-on-aging-strength-vitality-and-purpose-with-74-year-old-icon-babette-davis Heal Your Gut, Change Your Life: Insights on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis & Everyday Digestive Issues with Dane Johnson: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/1ac8b40e/heal-your-gut-change-your-life-insights-on-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-crohns-ulcerative-colitis-and-everyday-digestive-issues-with-dane-johnson Dr. Joel Warsh on Vaccine Research, Public Trust, and What's Not Taught in Medical School: ⁠https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/28a85104/dr-joel-warsh-on-vaccine-research-public-trust-and-whats-not-taught-in-medical-school⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Jessica Frew, author of Shove Your Shoulds, about building confidence around decision-making. They dive into practical strategies for identifying and shifting out of “should” thinking, learning to make value-based decisions (big or small) more swiftly, and overcoming the overwhelm that can keep us stuck in indecision.  Episode Highlights:  How to Build Your Decision-Making Muscle Identifying Your Daily “Shoulds”  Looking for “Proof” vs. Trusting Your Gut  When to Stay or Leave a Situation  7 Practical Tips for Getting Decisive Why Judging Others Is Hurting You Most The 1 Small Decision To Make When Overwhelmed  ⁠CozyEarth.com ⁠- Right now, my code HELPLESS can give you up to 40% off in savings. ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: When My Husband Came Out: Sexuality, Betrayal, and Healing with Jessica Frew: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/229e6642/when-my-husband-came-out-sexuality-betrayal-and-healing-with-jessica-frew Stop Asking Yourself the Wrong Questions: How to Unlock Deeper Fulfillment with Elliott Connie: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/365204fb/stop-asking-yourself-the-wrong-questions-how-to-unlock-deeper-fulfillment-with-elliott-connie Release Your Perfectionism Handbrake: Power Planning, Clean Rest, and Demystifying Procrastination with Sam Laura Brown: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/22e1c287/release-your-perfectionism-handbrake-power-planning-clean-rest-and-demystifying-procrastination-with-sam-laura-brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Jack R. Bialik, technologist and author of Lost in Time: Our Forgotten and Vanishing Knowledge, to explore the mind-bending question: If only a fraction of history is recorded, what has been lost that we're rediscovering—and what has been lost forever? From ancient medical breakthroughs to engineering feats that outperform our modern technology, this episode dives into the forgotten brilliance of past civilizations, the cycles of destruction, and what these revelations mean for us as a society and personally. Episode Highlights:  The Process and Efficacy of Cranial and Cataract Surgery as Early as 800 BC 2010 BC Swords That Are Still Sharp (Plus a New, Old Discovery) An Ancient Battery, Roman Vending Machine, and Superior Concrete Disposal and Sanitation Solutions That Rival and Surpass Modern Systems How Do We Know If We’re Interpreting Artifacts Correctly? The Secrets of the Pyramids: Calculations and Construction Theories The Cycle of Destruction and What Could Wipe Out Modern Knowledge What Knowledge of Ours Might Survive a Civilizational Collapse? Wise Practices to Reclaim for Sustainable Living and Preservation What's Stood the Test of Time: Materials, Tools, and Concepts That Endure ⁠CozyEarth.com ⁠- Right now, you can stack my code HELPLESS on top of their sitewide sale - giving you up to 40% off in savings. ____ A quick 5-star rating means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: 20 Documentaries To Watch This Year: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2542cab6/self-helpless-snack-whats-your-favorite-documentary-20-documentaries-to-watch-this-year AI, Robotics, and The Future of Work and Life with Dr. Catie Cuan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2458ba1f/ai-robotics-and-the-future-of-work-and-life-with-dr-catie-cuan The Future of Mental Health and Medicine: Psychedelic Therapy, Technology, and Ancient Healing with Dr. Dave Rabin: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/f08920eb/the-future-of-mental-health-and-medicine-psychedelic-therapy-technology-and-ancient-healing-with-dr-dave-rabin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with licensed therapist and relationship specialist, Dr. Joy Berkheimer, about the challenges and rewards of adult friendships. Dr. Joy shares practical strategies for finding new friends as an adult, building trust, navigating conflict, and knowing when it’s time to let a friendship go — all while honoring your own capacity, interests, and boundaries. Discussed in this episode:  Find Your Purpose, Find Your People Clarify Desire & Capacity: Close Friend or a Casual One? 7 Ways to Make New Friends as an Adult 3 Apps That Help You Build Aligned Friendships Effective Conversation Skills for New Friendships When "Letting It Fizzle" Doesn't Work Friendship Breakups: Talking vs. Blocking Let’s Talk About the Term “Best Friend” Setting New Boundaries in Old Friendships Friendship Takes Many Forms: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin ⁠CozyEarth.com ⁠- Right now, you can stack my code HELPLESS on top of their sitewide sale - giving you up to 40% off in savings. ____ If Self-Helpless has supported you, a quick 5-star rating or review (if you haven’t already) means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies including The Quote Buffet and The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes now available on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Episodes related to this topic: Craving A Healthy Relationship? Understand Your Attachment Style with Thais Gibson: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/228cc412/craving-a-healthy-relationship-understand-your-attachment-style-with-thais-gibson How To Un-F*** Your Relationships: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/22c987e4/how-to-un-fck-your-relationships The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/dd3a637b/the-5-love-languages-by-gary-chapman How Enmeshment Trauma Impacts Every Relationship You Have with Dr. Kate Balestrieri: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/316bfe5c/how-enmeshment-trauma-impacts-every-relationship-you-have-with-dr-kate-balestrieri Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington—flipping the narrative of “we’re in a mental health crisis." They explore the loneliness epidemic sweeping our generation, even amid unprecedented access to people and information. They unpack record levels of burnout, the real dangers of disconnection (including life-threatening consequences), and how our society (not our minds) is often the problem. Dr. Jody shares practical tools for emotional regulation, fostering authentic interactions, and reconnecting with the best parts of ourselves—and why nothing can replace the power of in-person connection in a hyper-digital world. Discussed in this episode:  A Jaw-Dropping Parenting Stat From Our Great-Grandparents’ Era  #1 Skill Every Kid and Adult Needs To Learn For Consistent Wellbeing  Hidden Cost of Lost Proximity (and How to Get it Back)  The 4-Minute Challenge That Exposes Your Capacity for Connection  Why “Boys Don’t Cry” Culture Must End For Good  The Greatest Predictor and Habit of Mental Wellness Today The Difference Between Being Alone vs. Being Lonely  What If It’s Not Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, or Autism? What’s Behind The 2006 & 2009 Decline in Mental Health  Does Your Daily Routine Reduce Cortisol or Heighten It? ⁠CozyEarth.com ⁠- Right now, you can stack my code HELPLESS on top of their sitewide sale - giving you up to 40% off in savings. ____ If Self-Helpless has supported you, a quick 5-star rating or review (if you haven’t already) means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies including The Quote Buffet and The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes now available on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Episodes related to this topic: Netflix Documentary Discussion: The Social Dilemma: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/230bfddf/netflix-documentary-discussion-the-social-dilemma The Future of Mental Health and Medicine: Psychedelic Therapy, Technology, and Ancient Healing with Dr. Dave Rabin: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/f08920eb/the-future-of-mental-health-and-medicine-psychedelic-therapy-technology-and-ancient-healing-with-dr-dave-rabin 12 ADHD Life Hacks with Em Schulz: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/252910dc/12-adhd-life-hacks-with-em-schulz 7 Reasons Why You May Have Insomnia (And How To Treat It) with Dr. Brian F. Licuanan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/215f937b/7-reasons-why-you-may-have-insomnia-and-how-to-treat-it-with-dr-brian-f-licuanan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Dane Johnson, founder of CrohnsColitisLifestyle and Board-Certified Nutritionist, who specializes in supporting people with Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. They explore the factors that contribute to IBD, IBS, Crohn’s, and Colitis, practical ways to take control of your health and environment, and how to step away from the “culture of fake.” Dane also shares his life-threatening experience with Crohn’s and the strategies he used to reverse his symptoms without medication or surgery. Whether you have one of these conditions or simply want to elevate your health, there are 50+ actionable takeaways from this episode. Discussed in this episode:  Navigating Conflicting Health Info (and Becoming Your Own Sherlock Holmes) 3 Areas of Focus for Creating Your Healing Home What To Audit in Your Bedroom for Optimal Sleep Made Lifestyle Changes but Still Unwell? Try This Next What’s Really in Your Peanut Butter and How It Impacts Your Gut 2 Book Recommendations for Understanding Toxins & Mold This Could Help Clear Your Skin and Reverse Acne Why You Might Be Exhausted — and Why Coffee Isn’t Working You Don’t Need To Eliminate, Swap! (+ Product Tips) 4 Questions To Ask Before Trying Something New ⁠CozyEarth.com ⁠- Right now, you can stack my code HELPLESS on top of their sitewide sale - giving you up to 40% off in savings. ____ If Self-Helpless has supported you, a quick 5-star rating or review (if you haven’t already) means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies including The Quote Buffet and The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes now available on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Episodes related to this topic: What's Your Poo Telling You? With Dr. Anish Sheth: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/72b07ffc/whats-your-poo-telling-you-with-dr-anish-sheth Mysterious Symptoms (And Finally Getting Answers) with Sharon Okun: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2248a087/mysterious-symptoms-and-finally-getting-answers-with-sharon-okun Adrenal Insufficiency with Dr. Shirisha Avadhanula: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/19d5b231/adrenal-insufficiency-with-dr-shirisha-avadhanula A Shocking Connection Between Trauma And Thyroid Health with Judith Gonzalez: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/22ae66d2/a-shocking-connection-between-trauma-and-thyroid-health-with-judith-gonzalez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices