Episodes

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society podcast! In today’s Q&A episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale & Cali Werner tackle listener questions on a variety of topics related to anxiety, therapy, & life changes. Join us for a quick, fun, & informative discussion that offers valuable insights and actionable advice. In this episode, we cover: [00:01:12] Cali’s Anxious Moment: Navigating the anxieties of pregnancy + preparing for twins while managing a household with two toddlers. [00:02:16] Elizabeth’s Anx...

Episode Overview: This episode explores the intricate connection between physical health, particularly gut health and hormonal balance, and its impact on anxiety and overall well-being. Dr. Elyse Martin (Cho), a certified nurse midwife and women's health expert, joins the podcast to discuss functional medicine and its role in addressing the root causes of anxiety, rather than just managing symptoms. She highlights the importance of understanding the body as an interconnected system and emphasize...

This special episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast brings back Evan Weinberger, founder of Staying Ahead of the Game, to answer listener questions on executive functioning. Hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner explore practical strategies for overcoming procrastination, building problem-solving skills, and understanding cultural influences on productivity. Evan shares insights on how parents, professionals, and students can develop systems tailored to their unique challenges. Key Poin...

The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the intricate dynamics of anxiety within relationships, particularly as we explore how it manifests in the lives of our guests, Callie and Tyler. As therapists who have personally navigated their own journeys with anxiety, we delve into the nuances of communication and support that are vital in fostering a healthy partnership. Throughout our discussion, we highlight the importance of understanding one another’s triggers and the necessity ...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner sit down with Evan Weinberger, an expert in executive functioning. Together, they explore the essentials of executive functioning skills—what they are, why they matter, and how to develop them. Evan shares practical strategies for improving organization, time management, and self-presentation while reflecting on personal and professional anecdotes that highlight the importance of building effective syst...

In this Q&A episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner tackle listener questions about anxiety's root causes, diagnosis, and treatment. From understanding the differences between generalized anxiety and OCD to exploring the challenges of cultural stigma, this episode is packed with actionable advice and expert insights. Plus, a teaser for a future episode on parenting anxieties! Key Points: - [0:25] - Embracing Listener Questions Why Q&A episodes fost...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by the dynamic Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston. Deborah shares her inspiring journey through adversity, reflecting on personal growth, resilience, and leadership. Together, they explore the role of anxiety in shaping our responses to challenges, discuss the importance of embracing failure, and reveal how we can turn life’s obstacles into opportunities for growth. Key Points: - [0:40] - I...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Cali Werner and Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, tackle the underlying fears driving anxiety. Listen in as they dive deep into the concept of core fears—the hidden drivers behind anxiety that shape behaviors and emotions. Through personal stories and candid conversations, they explore how core fears manifest in our daily lives, from health concerns to relationship struggles Key Points: - [0:01] - Defining Core Fears The hosts intr...

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Cali Werner and Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale are joined by Jon Hershfield, MFT, the Director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety, for a compelling discussion on the rise of anxiety in today’s world. Together, they dive into the uncomfortable truths about how anxiety takes root in our daily lives and uncover actionable strategies to break its hold. From the transformative power of mindfulness to the life-changing tools of dialectical behavior therapy...

In this heartfelt episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, host Cali Werner dives into the complexities of grief with guest Megan Jarvis, a trauma-trained psychotherapist, podcast host and author. They discuss the interplay between grief and anxiety, the importance of learning to "live with loss," and practical tools for managing grief during the holiday season. Megan shares her personal journey with grief and explains how understanding the body's response to trauma can help us navigate profound ...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner share their personal journeys with anxiety and how it has shaped their professional paths. The duo dive into the roots of anxiety, societal impacts, and transformative strategies to regain control over our lives. This raw, unfiltered conversation aims to empower listeners to challenge their perceptions of anxiety and take steps toward freedom and self-discovery. Key Points: [0:00] - Welcome to The Anxiety So...

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner tackle the ways loved ones can unintentionally fuel anxiety by accommodating it. They delve into practical, evidence-based strategies for reducing anxiety-supportive behaviors, enabling both individuals and their families to regain control and live more fully. The hosts share personal stories and expert advice on navigating common struggles like reassurance-seeking, understanding anxiety's ego-dystonic nature, and how to communicate bounda...

In this holiday edition of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the stress, pressure, and blues that the festive holiday season can bring. From financial concerns to family dynamics and time management struggles, they share practical tips, reframing strategies, and personal insights to help you embrace the joy of the season without letting anxiety take the reins. Discover how boundaries, self-care, and small mindset shifts can turn holiday chaos in...

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner tackle the difficult topic of how we avoid anxiety through escapist behaviors and quick fixes. They discuss how ignoring or avoiding distress only strengthens anxiety and provide practical strategies for leaning into discomfort, facing it head-on, and ultimately living a life driven by values instead of fear. Tune in to hear about the dangers of relying on quick fixes like CBD gummies and other fads, and how to embrace the uncomfortable jo...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society podcast, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the pervasive issue of people-pleasing. With personal stories and professional insight, they explore the impact of prioritizing others' needs over your own and the internal conflict it creates. They offer practical strategies for recognizing when you're caught in the people-pleasing trap and discuss how setting healthy boundaries can preserve your energy, strengthen your relationships, and protect y...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and guest clinician Ryan Judd, take a deep dive into depression. They discuss the challenges of recognizing and managing depression and share practical strategies to help listeners take control of their emotions. With insights on behavioral activation, the importance of community, and how depression intertwines with anxiety, this episode offers clear steps to get back on track when life feels overwhelming. Key Points: [0:00]...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into a Q&A format, tackling a wide range of listener-submitted questions. From understanding the difference between anxiety and OCD to overcoming performance anxiety, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. They also explore how avoidance can fuel anxiety, discuss the role of therapy, and offer tips on how to maintain a healthy mindset amidst life’s challenges. Whether you’re cur...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society, hosts Dr. Elizabeth Mcingvale and Cali Werner welcome special guest Rogelio Gonzalez, M.A.,Pre-Doctoral Fellow, to dive into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome. Sharing personal experiences and professional insights, they unpack why so many of us feel like frauds, even when we're more than qualified. Together, they explore strategies for overcoming these self-doubts through mindset shifts, setting realistic goals, and embracing growth. This conversat...

Mom guilt—we all face it and together we can change it. In this episode of The Anxiety Society, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner discuss this universal struggle with special guest Ericka Graham. Together, they explore how conflicting priorities and societal expectations fuel guilt, while offering practical tips to manage it. From setting healthy boundaries to reframing guilt as a tool for growth, this episode provides a compassionate and candid look at what it really means to naviga...

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the topic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the difference between OCD and perfectionism. They explore the nature of obsessions and compulsions, and discuss effective treatment strategies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Using real-life examples the hosts illustrate how OCD can manifest, and how treatment offers a path to freedom. Tune in to learn how you ...

In this episode, your hosts Dr. Liz McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the intense feelings of political anxiety that often surface during election times. They explore how political beliefs, personal experiences, and the divisive nature of politics impact mental health, especially when the political climate feels overwhelming. Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode offers practical strategies for managing anxiety without being consumed by the turmoil, focusing on settin...

Join Dr. Elizabeth McConville and Cali Werner as they return after a two-week hiatus caused by Hurricane Beryl. In this episode, we dive into a Q&A session centered around the impact of the hurricane on our lives, our mental health, and the anxiety lingering in its aftermath. From dealing with heat exhaustion to managing work and personal stress, we share our personal stories and professional insights to help you navigate these challenging times. Tune in for real, raw, and unfiltered discussions...

In this episode of The Anxiety Society podcast, Cali Werner are joined by Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY, an Olympic steeplechaser and sports psychologist, to explore the phenomenon of post-Olympic blues. The discussion delves into how the high of major achievements, like competing in the Olympics, can lead to emotional dips and anxiety afterward. They also discuss how this issue extends beyond athletes, affecting anyone who experiences a significant build-up to a major life event. Tune in for valua...

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the concept of the "inner critic" and how it fuels anxiety through cognitive distortions. They explore how negative stories we tell ourselves can shape our reality, discussing practical strategies to identify, challenge, and reframe these unhelpful thoughts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). They share personal anecdotes, clinical insights, and relatable examples that highlight how to break the cycle of self-criticism and ...