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Russell Kennedy

I am an anxious doctor. Or at least I WAS an anxious doctor. After literally decades of suffering from intractable  anxiety, and seeing over 50 different types of healers I found my way to heal my anxiety through very unconventional (for a medical doctor at least) means.

In 2013 I was so anxious I considered suicide and a friend suggested I try LSD, and although that scared the crap out of me it showed me the path to healing. You don't have to do LSD to heal, I took it for you! I'm a medical doctor, neuroscientist and intuitive. (I know, common combination!)

I found my way out and it is counterintuitive and very non conventional (but not scary!).

I will show you the way out too, you just have to listen to me, dammit!

Anxiety Rx

In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Nick Holton and Dr. Adam Wright as we explore the powerful connection between trauma, resilience, and well-being.

I dive into why I believe the traditional medical focus on medication isn't enough and why a holistic approach, including spiritual healing, is so important.

Dr. Holton shares his thoughts on how having a clear sense of purpose and value-based goals can help us unlock our full potential.

Dr. Wright offers insights from sports psychology, explaining how controlled exposure to stress is key to building resilience.

We wrap up by discussing the concept of "anti-fragility" — how, with the right support, we can actually thrive through adversity.

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/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

00:31 - Dr. Nick Holton's Background 

01:53 - Dr. Adam Wright's Experience 

03:08 - Disenchantment with Systems 

04:32 - Importance of Purpose

05:09 - Concept of Anti-Fragility 

07:31 - Proactive Resilience Building

09:10 - Childhood Trauma and Resilience

10:14 - Defining Anti-Fragility

12:42 - Cultural Influence on Resilience 

13:55 - Trauma's Impact on High Achievers 

14:38 - Talent and Trauma Correlation 

18:27 - Trauma and Cellular Memory 

19:06 - Understanding Trauma and Sensitivity 

20:01 - Expanding Capacity and Resilience 

21:15 - Cortisol Response and Inherited Trauma 

22:15 - Reframing Trauma Perspectives 

24:44 - The Importance of Safety in Healing 

25:17 - Neurogenesis and Safety

27:37 - Applying Skills to Real-Life Challenges 

28:30 - Navigating Stress Responses 

31:02 - Health Management vs. Sick Management

32:12 - Client Goals and Progression 

34:04 - Case Studies in Performance Improvement

37:44 - Defining Mental Health 

38:18 - The Reward of Worry

40:10 - Defining Mental Wellness

42:01 - The Role of Joy 

44:13 - Contrast in Life 

45:06 - Tolerating Negative Feelings 

48:27 - Creating a New Narrative

50:19 - Optimizing Performance

51:12 - Finding Resources

102. Creating Safe Spaces: Unlocking Human Potential

In this episode, I chat with Ian Abbott about the challenges of parenting, especially from a dad's point of view. We talk about how being aware of emotions is key and how parental anxiety can affect kids.

Ian shares some great tips from his parenting classes for dads, focusing on how important it is for fathers to connect with their children's feelings.

We discuss how to find the right balance between pushing kids to grow and giving them support, how curiosity helps us understand emotions, and how parenting roles are changing.

The conversation centers on creating a safe space for open talks and emotional growth.

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/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

00:52 - Challenges in Parenting 

01:38 - Emotional Awareness in Parenting

02:59 - Men Seeking Help 

04:07 - Energetic Influence on Children

05:49 - Stereotypes of Fatherhood 

06:52 -Guiding Children Through Challenges 

07:27 - Emotional Development in Boys 

09:17 - Goals of Parenting Classes 

10:07 - Cultural Stigma Around Men's Emotions 

10:26 - Benefits of Men's Groups

11:20 - Single Dads vs. Single Moms 

12:14 - Nurturing and Challenging Dynamics 

13:01 - Importance of Emotional Resilience 

14:01 - Experiences of Discomfort 

15:52 - Personal Growth Through Challenges

17:42 - Validating Emotions in Parenting 

18:52 - Understanding Immersion in Parenting 

19:10 - Information vs. Conversation in Courses 

20:19 - The Importance of Slowing Down

23:03 - Curiosity Over Fixing

23:59 - Building Resilience in Parenting

26:44 - Emotional Immaturity in Parenting 

27:16 - Role Reversal in Parenting 

29:02 - Modeling Healthy Behavior 

30:20 - Humor as a Coping Mechanism

31:54 - Parenting Daughters Softly 

32:08 - Common Challenges in Parenting 

33:17 - Self-Awareness and Reflection 

34:43 - Visualizing Conflict and Repair

35:03 - The Importance of Repair

36:01 - Handling Discomfort in Parenting 

36:59 - Listening vs. Fixing

38:00 - Asking for Understanding 

39:16 - Girls and Emotional Expression

40:18 - Creating Open Conversations 

41:01 - Body Awareness and Emotional Regulation 

42:35 - Using Self as a Reference Point

43:49 - The Power of Connection 

44:34 - Normalizing Male Emotions 

45:14 - Emotional Sovereignty

46:30 - Shame and Emotional Disconnect 

47:07 - Finding Ian's Course

48:37 - Shared Experiences in Parenting Classes

49:27 - Learning and Empowerment 

50:00 - Managing Children's Emotional Outbursts

103. Dads, Are You Listening? Lessons on Parenting and Connection

Hey everyone, welcome back to The AnxietyRX Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Megan Lyons, a functional medicine expert who specializes in endocrine health and nutrition.

Dr. Lyons opens up about her own journey with anxiety and hormonal imbalances, which were heavily tied to her high-achieving lifestyle. We dive into how our childhood experiences can shape the way we show up as adults, and explore the complex link between hormones and mental health.

We also talk about why taking a personalized approach to nutrition and lifestyle changes is so important for long-term healing.

Dr. Lyons makes a powerful case for looking at the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—when it comes to achieving real wellness.

It’s a great conversation, and I think you’ll find it really insightful. Tune in!

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/MBRX 

If you liked this conversation with Dr. Lyons, you can take a short quiz and receive a file with a useful guide, by clicking the link below:

https://form.typeform.com/to/DrqW4qlv?typeform-source=www.thelyonsshare.org

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TIMESTAMPS 

00:00 - Introduction

00:33 - Dr. Lyons' Work

01:24 - Personal Journey into Functional Medicine

06:22 - Understanding Anxiety and Its Roots

07:50 - Patient Assessment Process

10:40 - Adrenal Burnout Discussion

12:34 - Hormonal Changes and Anxiety

14:22 - Impact of Antidepressants

16:31 - Supporting Patients on Medications

17:05 - Recommended Supplements for Anxiety

18:28 - Ideal Patient Profile

20:05 - Importance of Connection in Healing

21:26 - Initial Steps with New Clients

22:51 - Insulin Resistance and Surprising Health Markers

23:32 - Intermittent Fasting Insights

24:56 - Importance of Real Nutrition

26:36 - B Vitamins and MTHFR

27:50 - Top Supplements for Perimenopausal Women

29:48 - Cod Liver Oil and Omega Supplements

31:33 - Adaptogens for Anxiety

33:08 - Nutrition and Anxiety Connection

37:03 - Hydration and Food Colorings

39:11 - Blood Sugar Balancing

41:00 - Empowering Nutrition Awareness

42:14 - Celebrating Small Wins in Nutrition

104. Hormones, Anxiety, and the Art of Mindful Eating: A Functional Approach to Well-Being

In this episode of the Anxiety Podcast, we dive into the fundamental concept of safety.

I share personal stories about my father's struggles with mental health during the holidays and how these experiences left me feeling unsafe and on edge as a child.

Feeling safe is such an important part of healing from anxiety, so I talk about ways to create that sense of safety for yourself. I include simple but effective strategies like mindful breathing and self-soothing techniques. More than anything, I want to remind listeners that healing takes time and effort, but it’s possible to find those small moments of safety and start easing the constant state of hypervigilance.

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/MBRX
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TIMESTAMPS 

Introduction to Safety (00:00:00) 
Dr. Kennedy introduces the topic of safety and its relation to anxiety, particularly during the holiday season.

Childhood Experiences of Unsafety (00:01:02) 
He shares personal anecdotes about his father's mental health struggles affecting his sense of safety as a child.

The Importance of Feeling Safe (00:02:02) 
Dr. Kennedy emphasizes that feeling safe is crucial for healing from anxiety and overcoming childhood trauma.

Hypervigilance and Its Impact (00:04:13) 
He discusses how hypervigilance prevents individuals from experiencing safety and contributes to ongoing anxiety.

Creating Safety in the Body (00:06:25) 
Dr. Kennedy explains the need for physical safety to combat hypervigilance and promote healing.

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (00:10:08) 
He describes how the nervous system's balance affects feelings of safety and anxiety.

Connection and Safety (00:11:10) 
Dr. Kennedy highlights the importance of social connections in establishing safety and overcoming anxiety.

Developing a Sense of Safety (00:12:33) 
He suggests methods for creating safety through body awareness and present-moment sensations.

Addressing Childhood Trauma (00:15:44) 
Dr. Kennedy reflects on how childhood experiences of trauma impact current perceptions of safety.

Using the Mind to Acknowledge Safety (00:16:55) 
He discusses the interplay between mind and body in recognizing and establishing a sense of safety.

Overcoming Hypervigilance (00:17:57) 
Dr. Kennedy explains how hypervigilance blocks connection and healing, leading to addictions and distractions.

Practical Ways to Create Safety (00:19:10) 
He offers strategies for improving breathing and staying present to cultivate safety within oneself.

Creating a Sense of Safety (00:20:20) 
Dr. Kennedy discusses the importance of recognizing safety in the moment, despite discomfort.

Daily Practices for Safety (00:21:21) 
He emphasizes the need for daily practices to foster a sense of safety and reduce hypervigilance.

Reversing Childhood Coping Strategies (00:21:21) 
Dr. Kennedy explains how to reverse childhood coping strategies related to hypervigilance and safety.

Small Steps to Safety (00:22:33) 
He encourages taking small steps to create safety, which can accumulate over time for greater security.

105. How Can We Cultivate a Sense of Safety to Overcome Anxiety?

Many of us with anxiety devalue ourselves.

We look after others' needs ahead of our own and often succumb to the stigma of being "anxious" or say "I have anxiety".

When we devalue ourselves like this, it makes it much harder to accept ourselves —and self acceptance is one of the cornerstones to healing...

Head on over to my IG, @theanxietymd and let me know how this episode resonated with you.

Thanks for being here.

Your biggest supporter, 

dr. Russ

Devaluing Ourselves

I've had many people ask me about psychedelics in the past couple of weeks. Specifically, if psychedelics could help them overcome their anxiety.

I learned things by taking LSD, Ayahuasca and Psilocybin that I would NEVER known or come across as a traditional medical doctor.

In this episode I include chapter 53 of my book ANXIETY RX, entitled, "Dark Night of the Soul".

It discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly in my very personal journey taking psychedelics —and the role they played in showing me what anxiety TRULY was, and how they helped me heal it in myself and others; but not without paying a significant emotional price.

If you ever would like to contact me, find me on IG under @theanxietymd and drop me a message.

Your biggest supporter,

dr. Russ

Dark Night of the Soul

In this episode I talk about why your MD can't heal your anxiety.

We MDs are not trained (or aware) of the impact of childhood wounding and the ALARM it creates in the body, and even if we were, we don't know how to deal with it other than to prescribe medication.

Even psychiatrists (MD's who specialize in psychiatry) are doing much less therapy, moving more to medications as well, and "Pills Don't Teach Skills" - In this episode I share some "skills" so that you can heal your anxiety.

You can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

Thank you for being here!

Your biggest supporter after yourself,f

dr. Russ

Why MD's Can't Heal Anxiety

As the podcast is a direct result of the book, Anxiety Rx, I've made the Dedication and Preface for the book Episode 9 of the podcast.

This will give you a feel for where everything started for me and why I've made it my life's work to helping others with anxiety.

I don't want anyone to have to suffer like I did, and I wanted my dad's pain and eventual suicide to be a force for good. 

I'd love to hear your comments. Find me on my IG page, @theanxietymd

Dedication & Preface of My Book, Anxiety Rx.

Anxiety and alarm are made so much worse by two things: UNCERTAINTY and RESISTANCE.

In fact, combining the two, it is our resistance to uncertainty and the alarm that creates in our physiology that is the origin of our worries.

In this episode of the Anxiety Rx Podcast, I talk about recognizing and neutralizing these two factors that make our lives so much more painful than it has to be.

Find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any q's.

Your BIGGEST supporter, after yourself,

Dr. Russ

2 factors that make Anxiety & Alarm SO MUCH WORSE

Do you allow yourself to receive? Or are you doing most of the people pleasing/giving to others?

When we see the world as a place that does not nourish us enough, as was often our childhood circumstance, we learn not to expect the world to help us, and actually CREATE a world that stops feeding us.

We often BLOCK and RESIST any help the world does give us, and then blame the world for not filling our needs... INABILITY TO RECEIVE is a chapter in my book "Anxiety Rx", and if we don't see how we block good things coming to us, we will sabotage our own perception of the world, seeing it as a place where we don't get enough.

But often we do get "enough", but just resist receiving it!

Find me on IG: @theanxietymd & let me know how this episode lands for you!

Do you allow yourself to RECEIVE?

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 perceptions. 

This is a conversation about embracing pain, understanding our inherent biases, and beginning the transformative journey of self-connection. 

Join me as we explore the profound impact of recognizing our patterns and how, by connecting deeply with ourselves, we can pave the way to more authentic relationships with ourselves and others.

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 1900+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below:

https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

Navigating the Inability to Receive

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