In an era of social media fads and quick-fix solutions, anxiety and stress are on the rise. This raw and vulnerable podcast takes you through real personal journeys and clinical conversations about the increasing anxiety in today's world. Hosted by Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, licensed clinicians in the field, each episode provides tools to find calm in the chaos as they share detailed experiences moderated by leading experts. If you're overwhelmed by the motivational noise and looking for an authentic guide through the societal anxiety we all live with, hit subscribe. Anxiety: we live it, contribute to it, but together we can change it.
Navigating Anxiety: Insights from Sports Psychology
The primary focus of this episode revolves around the intricate dynamics of anxiety, particularly in high-pressure environments such as sports. We engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Haley Perlus, a performance psychology expert, who elucidates how athletes can effectively navigate the mental challenges that accompany competitive pressures. Throughout our discussion, we unravel the complexities of anxiety, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the strategies that can be employed to foster mental fortitude. Dr. Perlus shares invaluable insights, including the significance of recognizing one's strengths and the utility of techniques to mitigate self-doubt. This episode is designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of anxiety and to equip listeners with practical tools to transform their relationship with this pervasive experience.
Takeaways:
The Anxiety Society Podcast delves into the pervasive nature of anxiety in contemporary society, highlighting its definitions and impacts.
We engage in candid discussions about personal experiences with anxiety, aiming to challenge societal norms surrounding mental health.
Dr. Haley Perlus shares her expertise in performance psychology, emphasizing the necessity of mental resilience and recovery in handling pressure.
Listeners are encouraged to confront their anxiety through actionable strategies, such as developing a bounce-back mindset and embracing vulnerability.
The host advocates for the importance of understanding one's strengths to navigate anxiety effectively and enhance overall performance.
Through shared narratives, we explore the complexities of anxiety, aiming to foster a supportive community dedicated to mental wellness in sport and performance.
Links referenced in this episode:
drhaleyperlus.com (drhaleyperlus.com)
anxietysocietypodcast.com (https://anxietysocietypodcast.com)
instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod (https://instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod)
10 Feb 2026
OCD in the NFL: Zane Gonzalez on Mental Health and Performance
This podcast episode revolves around the intricate relationship between anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and athletic performance, as articulated by our esteemed guest, Zane Gonzalez, a professional football player, now playing for the Atlanta Falcons. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the profound impact of anxiety on both personal and professional facets of life, particularly within the realm of sports. Zane candidly shares his journey, illuminating how his experiences with OCD have shaped his approach to competition and performance, noting that this competitive edge is not without its challenges. Furthermore, we explore the societal stigma surrounding mental health in athletics and the imperative of fostering open dialogues about such experiences. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that mental health struggles are pervasive, yet they can also catalyze resilience and personal growth when addressed openly and supportively.
Takeaways:
Zane Gonzalez, a professional athlete, discusses the intersection of sports performance and anxiety, revealing how his OCD influenced his competitive edge.
The episode highlights the necessity of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports, advocating for vulnerability and openness.
Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique experiences with anxiety, recognizing that they are not alone in their struggles and that treatment is available.
The conversation underscores the significance of maintaining a balanced perspective on life, integrating personal values, family, and mental health into athletic pursuits.
3 Feb 2026
Helping Kids Get Unstuck: Executive Functioning, Anxiety, and Academic Pressure
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast, host Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale welcomes special guest, Sara Seitz, founder of The Enrichery. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between anxiety, academic pressure, and executive functioning skills. The conversation delves into practical strategies for helping children manage their academic responsibilities while navigating the challenges of anxiety, as well as the evolving landscape of education today.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction to Executive Functioning: Sara explains the concept of executive functioning skills, emphasizing their importance for academic success and personal organization.
Challenges for Students: The discussion highlights common struggles students face, including misdiagnosed laziness, procrastination, and task initiation.
Parenting Strategies: Sara offers insights on how parents can effectively support their children, including allowing them to fail safely and implementing structure in their daily routines.
The Impact of Technology: The role of technology in education and its effect on children's executive functioning skills is examined.
College Preparation: Sara discusses the complexities of modern college applications and emphasizes the personal growth potential during this process.
Key Insights
Executive functioning is not just about organizational skills; it encompasses emotional control and task initiation.
Allowing children to experience manageable failures helps them build resilience and learn to overcome challenges.
The increased workload in schools today often leads to heightened anxiety among students, necessitating effective coping mechanisms and time management strategies.
Transitioning from paper planners to digital applications should follow a thorough understanding of personal organization principles.
Notable Quotes
“Weak executive functioning skills are not a character flaw. They just haven’t built up those skills yet.” - Sara Seitz
“Kids want to get started. They want to have the project complete, but they just don't know where to start.” - Sara Seitz
"Anxiety is something that you live, you contribute to, but you have the power to change." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale
Timestamps
00:00 - Episode introduction
01:50 - Introduction of guest Sara Seitz
03:00 - Discussion on the challenges faced by parents regarding academics
10:00 - Insights on executive functioning and its importance
<span class="ql-ui"...
Inside a recent episode
Navigating Anxiety: Insights from Sports Psychology
Published 17 Feb 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And recovery is one of the greatest ways that we can cope with our anxiety, work through with our anxiety, reduce our anxiety. Yet the very exercises that recovery – the very exercises that qualify as recovery – sometimes, especially at the beginning, actually feel a whole lot more like stress because it's different. It's change. Like meditation, a lot of people find meditation extremely stressful, even though the whole point of it is for stress recovery. Yeah. Yeah. I always like to share the 15-minute rule. Like when you... I don't know where I ended up hearing that. Maybe Mel Robbins or something. […]
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
