The Anxious Creative

Ever wondered what would actually happen if you turned your phone off for a week? Like, fully off—not just Do Not Disturb but buried-in-a-drawer kind of off? This week I’m sharing the raw, messy, and (surprisingly emotional) truth about my 7-day digital detox. I thought I’d find peace and clarity… instead, I found panic, discomfort, and a whole lot of unexpected revelations. In this episode, I tal...

Hey friend 👋 — welcome to this vulnerable, unfiltered episode where Alex and I have one of those conversations. You know, the kind where you start by talking about burnout and end up questioning your whole identity (in the best way). We get real about: How anxiety first showed up for us — before we even had words for it. The slippery slope between healthy rest and avoidance. What autistic burnout...

In This Episode, You'll Hear About: The cringey story of my first boundaries book at 20 (and how I still didn’t get it 😅) Codependent friendships and learning when not to chase My therapist’s whiteboard visual that totally changed how I view boundaries The difference between setting a boundary vs. building a wall Why enforcing boundaries in your business (hello, cancellation policies!) is an act...

Hey friend. If life, business, or relationships have been draining you lately, this episode is for you. I created this mantra meditation as a loving interruption to the hustle, the pressure, the fear of being “too much” or “not enough.” This isn’t a lesson to learn. It’s a moment to remember . Inside, you’ll hear the powerful mantras I personally use to: Strengthen self-trust Set and enforce bound...

This week on the Anxious Creative Podcast, I'm getting real about the messy intersection of anxiety and imposter syndrome. I'm sharing my own hilarious (in hindsight) and cringe-worthy experience of quitting my dream job because my anxiety convinced me I was a fraud. We'll dive into the oh-so-familiar feelings of panic, the urge to please everyone, and that deep-seated belief that you're just not...

Okay, confession time. This episode? It’s one of those episodes—the kind you always tell me you love most. The unscripted, emotional, straight-from-the-heart kind. Recorded from my bed, with a lump in my throat and no filter. I’m taking you back to the night I truly believed I was going to die. What started as a weird gut feeling after a pizza night turned into vomiting, convulsions, numb limbs, a...

Today’s not your typical polished podcast episode. It’s real, raw, and unfiltered—because that’s what I needed, and maybe you do too. I recorded this right from my couch while processing a really tough day. My motivation was gone, my heart was heavy, and I was spiraling in overthinking. Then I cracked open Lessons for Living by Phil Stutz and felt seen. So I’m bringing three of the tools from that...

In this episode, you'll discover: My personal burnout story: From pushing myself to the absolute limit to the life-changing realization that something had to change. The myth of overworking: Why we've been conditioned to believe that endless hours equal success, and why it's a complete lie. The power of self-awareness: Recognizing when you're pushing yourself too hard and understanding your emotio...

What you'll hear in this episode: Why raising your prices often brings up guilt (and how to deal with it) The surprising truth about what price guilt really says about your mindset How to stop emotionally discounting and undervaluing yourself Why you’re not responsible for your clients’ wallets (yep, even if you’re super empathetic) The difference between being kind and people-pleasing How raising...

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The personal story behind my own struggle with client pushback and how it affected my self-perception. Why creatives often feel guilty about raising their prices, and the crucial business perspective you might be missing. The dangers of avoiding uncomfortable conversations and how it can lead to resentment and burnout. How to differentiate between genuine client...

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The sneaky ways people-pleasing shows up in your business (even if you don’t think you’re doing it!) How to set boundaries without feeling like a terrible person The #1 mindset shift that will help you stop overcommitting Actionable steps to start prioritizing yourself—guilt-free! If this episode hit home, take a screenshot and share it on IG—tag me so I can chee...

Hey, friend! It’s Dawn, and if you’ve ever felt totally stuck trying to make a decision, you are not alone. I’ve been there—overanalyzing, questioning myself, and straight-up spiraling. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on when we can’t make a choice and how to move forward with confidence. What We’re Talking About: Why Decision Paralysis Happens The real reason you get stuck...

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The real reason raising prices feels so dang hard How fear of rejection and people-pleasing keep you undercharging Simple mindset shifts to help you stop feeling guilty about charging more A step-by-step game plan to raise your rates without losing all your clients How to handle pushback and attract clients who happily pay your worth If you’re ready to stop under...

ADHD in Business: Transforming Overwhelm into Your Superpower Running a business with ADHD can feel chaotic, but your neurodiversity is a strength! In this episode of the Anxious Creative Podcast, I dive deep into how to turn your ADHD into your biggest business advantage. In this episode, you'll discover: Why ADHD brains are built for entrepreneurship. How to stop feeling like you're constantly f...

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why we get stuck in overthinking mode and, more importantly, how to break free from it. I’ll share some of my own experiences with decision paralysis, what finally helped me move forward, and the small, practical shifts you can start making today to stop second-guessing yourself and start taking action. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: ✅ The real...

In this episode, I’m breaking down the emotional and mental barriers that hold so many creative service providers back from charging their worth. From the fear of disappointing clients to the struggle with self-worth, I’m sharing my own pricing journey—including the pushback I got when I doubled my rates (yikes!)—and the lessons that changed everything for me. 💡 Here’s what we’re diving into: ✨...

In this episode, you'll learn: The deceptive nature of procrastination and how it keeps you stuck. The role of self-worth and external validation in fueling procrastination. The importance of setting and enforcing boundaries in personal and professional life. Practical steps to embrace messy, immediate, and imperfect action. How to reframe mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than reflectio...

In this episode, I share: The Root of People-Pleasing: Explore the fear of disappointing others and the need for external validation that drives people-pleasing tendencies. Cultivating Inner Confidence: Discover practical strategies for building self-worth and confidence, including journaling, meditation, and celebrating small wins. Communication is Key: Learn how to communicate boundaries and pol...

In this episode, I share: Why avoiding difficult conversations can actually make things worse. How my personal experience with conflict avoidance led to the loss of a friendship. The 3-step AIR method to help you navigate challenging conversations with confidence and compassion. How to increase your adaptability in unexpected situations. Why improvisation is key to responding creatively when thing...

In this episode, I share: My terrifying yet exhilarating experience of skydiving and what it taught me about fear. Why the anticipation of a decision is often scarier than the decision itself. How overthinking keeps us stuck in fear and robs us of opportunities. The truth about decision-making—there’s no right or wrong, just movement forward. Why failure, regret, and mistakes are necessary steppin...

Welcome to this week’s episode, where we tackle a hard truth: people pleasing isn’t about kindness—it’s about control. If you’ve ever found yourself abandoning your needs to keep others happy, this conversation is for you. Here’s what we’re covering today: The surprising connection between people pleasing and control Why people pleasing often leads to resentment and burnout How to recognize self-a...

Have you ever wondered why you feel stuck in relationships, business, or life despite trying your hardest to be everything to everyone? In this episode, Dawn Bradley uncovers the hidden role your ego plays in self-sabotage. Spoiler: Ego isn’t just about overconfidence—it’s insecurity in disguise. Dawn explores: Why people-pleasing and playing small are ego-driven behaviors. How avoidance and defen...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my own journey of learning to advocate for myself, along with the strategies that will help you find the confidence to speak up without guilt, fear, or second-guessing yourself. We’re diving into: Why speaking up feels so hard, especially for people-pleasers. The game-changing power of naming your emotions out loud. Tools for clear, compassionate communication that...

Taking Imperfect Action: Conquering Procrastination, Perfectionism, and Anxiety In this episode, Dawn shares a raw and candid look into her personal struggles with procrastination, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. From dealing with tech issues to fighting the urge to put off tasks, she details how taking messy, immediate action has been her best business advice. Dawn opens up about her experi...