Anxiety Matters

Bonnie and Bonnie talk about death and dying through the lens of anxiety, and discuss how direct, clear language can help make the topic less frightening. They also share how avoiding words like “died” can increase fear, especially for children, and why early, honest conversations about death matter. The two speak with Penny Smith, a recently retired hospice and palliative care nurse, author of *I...

In this episode, BZW and BZE talk about travel anxiety and the different forms it can take. They discuss fear of flying, worry about being far from home, concern about leaving a house unattended, and anxiety about pets, work, or access to medical care while away. They also talk about how anticipatory anxiety can build before a trip and how it can affect decisions about whether to go, how long to s...

Dr. Kiki Fehling (aka DBT Kiki) is back with the Bonnies to discuss dialectical behavior therapy, LGBTQ+ mental health, and how language shapes understanding and treatment. They discuss why DBT has been useful for many different concerns, including anxiety, emotional dysregulation, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, and depression. Kiki explains DBT’s main skill areas: emotion regulation, dist...

In this episode the Bonnies continue their discussion of sleep and what they learned after our previous conversation about CBT-I for insomnia. They review core sleep as including REM and deep sleep, and note that adults are generally still recommended to get seven to nine hours of sleep. They talk about how people often become anxious about not sleeping well and start catastrophizing about the nex...

The Bonnies introduce Dr. Jesse Spiegel, a licensed clinical psychologist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. This episode focuses on insomnia and on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or CBTI, which they discuss as a first-line treatment. Dr. Jesse explains how insomnia is distinguished from short-term sleep problems. He describes chronic insomnia as difficulty falling asleep, s...

In this part 2 BZE and BZW discuss anxiety and OCD through their clinical work and personal experiences, including a recent visit in Maryland and time spent together in person. They talk about exposure work at Whole Foods, contamination fears, and how exposures can be broken into smaller steps while still helping retrain reactions to triggering situations. They also discuss social anxiety, selecti...

East meets West in this special episode of Anxiety Matters as Bonnie West travels to visit Bonnie East. After an excitedly heartwarming welcome, the two enjoy good food and drink as they discuss exciting new plans for Anxiety Matters. The two hit up Bonnie East's local Whole Foods to do a live exposure exercise. They leave tea on a shelf, walk away for a while, and return to drink it and describe...

In this episode BZE and BZW talk about perfectionism through their own habits and experiences, from the pressure to make the “right” choice to the way rigid standards can show up in everyday life. They discuss BZE's book *A Perfectionist’s Guide to Not Being Perfect*, written for middle and high school readers, and how it was shaped by her writing routine and the disruptions of early 2020. They ex...

In this episode, BZW and BZE revisit Ireland Baldwin's journey with health anxiety and panic disorder, examining how trauma, genetics, and environmental factors intersect to influence anxiety. They explore the cycle of fear and heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, advocating for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a key intervention. Their discussion highlights interoceptive exposure tec...

In this special episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies engage in an enlightening conversation with Ireland Baldwin, an accomplished screenwriter, producer, and animal rights advocate. Together, they explore her deeply personal experiences with health anxiety, particularly stemming from a traumatic incident in her childhood that reshaped her understanding of mortality and wellness. As they delve i...

In an exclusive first, Bonnie East explores the complexities of panic and anxiety with Bonnie West, a psychologist specializing in anxiety. They delve into topics surrounding BZW's upcoming book, "Freedom from Panic," set to release May 1, 2026, which provides essential guidance for those experiencing panic attacks and panic disorder. BZW begins by clarifying what differentiates a panic attack fro...

In this enlightening episode of Anxiety Matters, BZE and BZW dive into the role of psychiatric medication in managing anxiety, reflecting on BZE's earlier hesitance towards its use alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Now reflecting on her journey as a psychologist, BZE emphasizes the importance of considering medication as a supplemental resource, particularly for clients with severe anx...

BZW and BZE bring to light the often unspoken emotional struggles that accompany reproductive anxiety. Today’s discussion tackles the delicate nature of reproductive anxiety, particularly for those struggling with infertility with esteemed guest, Dr. Julie Bindeman, a leading voice in reproductive psychology and the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington. Dr. Bindeman shares her exp...

The Bonnies are joined by the acclaimed author Marisa Renee Lee, whose transformative experiences with grief and chronic illness are beautifully encapsulated in her new book, Waiting for Dawn. They dive into the profound challenges she faced, beginning with her mother's debilitating illnesses and culminating in her own battle with long COVID. Marissa shares her inspiring journey of resilience agai...

In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies step into the concept of small but impactful changes that can significantly affect our mental well-being, especially in relation to anxiety. Together they explore practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness and physical activity into our busy lives. By focusing on manageable adjustments or tiny shifts, they highlight the importance of not feel...

In this episode of the Anxiety Matters podcast, BZW and BZE delve into the complex emotion of guilt and its impact on our mental well-being. They share their personal experiences with guilt, contrasting how it has affected us at different stages of our lives. They also discuss the concept of productive versus unproductive guilt—how the former can lead to apologies and improved relationships, while...

In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies tackle the intricacies of anxiety and its manifestations through engaging discussions and embark on a journey exploring the role of questions in understanding anxiety, drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes to frame their conversation. This led to an intriguing discussion sparked by comments on BZW's popular TikTok video about panic attacks....

In this episode of Anxiety Matters, Bonnie West & Bonnie East dive into an engaging conversation with Dr. Dan Cohen, a board-certified pediatrician, and his wife, Darcy Cohen, a talented dancer and entrepreneur. With a shared mission to educate and support, they bring a unique perspective to understanding anxiety, especially in children and adolescents. Dr. Dan, who has a rich background in pe...

The Bonnies tackle the intricate relationship between technology, parenting, and anxiety aim to shed light on how modern technology influences parental behavior, and consequently, the well-being of our children. They spotlight the pervasive impact of technology on parenting today. Reflecting on the evolution of parent-child dynamics, they acknowledge that the advent of smartphones has changed the...

There's a pervasive influence of technology on mental health, particularly in the context of anxiety management for children and adolescents. The Bonnies are joined by Dr. Adam Pletter, a fellow psychologist and an expert in navigating the challenges posed by digital advancements in our children’s lives. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Pletter shares invaluable insights into how technology,...

BZE and BZW explore the concept of “shoulds” and how they can trap us in a cycle of anxiety and self-judgment. Together they discuss the internal rules we often impose on ourselves and how these can lead to feelings of shame and frustration when we inevitably diverge from them. Their conversation delves into personal anecdotes that illustrate how rigid self-imposed categories can create unnecessar...

In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies welcome filmmaker, Sunita Prasad to discuss her impactful short film, Sleep Training, which uses comedy to explore postpartum depression. They discuss the critical role media plays in shaping understanding around mental health, particularly in women's experiences during and after childbirth. Sunita shares her creative journey and personal struggles w...

The Bonnies delve into an in-depth conversation with Dr. Elisha Goldstein, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author whose work focuses on emotional health and mindfulness. As the creator of the 4R method – Recognize, Release, Refocus, and Reinforce – Dr. Goldstein shares his insights on how small emotional pivots can significantly impact our mental well-being, stress levels, and relationship...

Delving into the impact of technology on mental wellness and our ability to engage in the moment, the Bonnies explore the growing trend of technology-free retreats, reflecting on their own experiences of digital detoxes during vacations. They discuss the significance of personal sanctuaries like BZW's retreat in Ojai, California, and BZE's safe-space in Florida, highlighting their role in nurturin...

In this inspiring episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies welcome Kathy and Jeff Long, co-authors of "A Parent's Guide to Anorexia." Kathy and Jeff share their deeply personal journey as parents grappling with their daughter’s unexpected anorexia diagnosis during her ninth-grade year. The Longs recount their emotional struggles and the critical role of support systems, both for their family and ot...