Calmly Coping

If you ever feel guilty taking a break or worry that rest makes you "lazy," this affirmation episode is for you. These guided affirmations are designed to help you rewire the belief that your worth is tied to productivity and begin embracing rest as a vital part of your well-being. Listen daily for 30 days to retrain your mind to see rest and self-care not as indulgences, but as essential acts of...

How many times have you heard that hard work is the only path to success? Or that if you're not grinding every second of the day, you're falling behind? It's everywhere—this idea that working harder, longer, and faster is the key to getting ahead. But what if that's not true? If you're someone who's constantly pushing yourself to the edge, sacrificing sleep, downtime, and even your health, you mig...

If you've ever found yourself juggling endless to-do lists, trying to "do it all," yet still feeling behind — this conversation is for you. In this episode, I'm joined by Anna Dearmon Kornick, a sought-after time management coach, keynote speaker, and founder of the It's About Time Academy. Anna shares why overwhelm isn't just about being busy, the truth about context switching, and how to create...

Most people think anxiety keeps you stuck in inaction — hiding, avoiding, or freezing. But with high-functioning anxiety, it often looks completely different. In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful lessons I've learned from helping hundreds of high-achieving professionals manage their anxiety — lessons that may just change the way you see yourself.   In this episode, you will learn: The unexp...

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough? That constant cycle of overthinking and overdoing has a name — and today, I'm going to break down the cycle of high-functioning anxiety, why it keeps you stuck, and most importantly, how you can start breaking free from it.   In this episode, you will learn: The 4-stage cycle that keeps high-functioning anxiety going Why...

On the outside, you look like you've got it all together — successful, dependable, hardworking. But on the inside? You're stuck in the cycle of overthinking, overplanning, and overdoing. In this episode, I'm breaking down the hidden costs of high-functioning anxiety, and how to recognize the toll it may be taking on your life, along with what to do about it..   In this episode, you will learn: The...

If you've ever felt like burnout remedies just don't work for you, this episode might explain why. I'm joined by Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt—leadership wellness coach, TEDx speaker, and author—who introduces a powerful concept: sometimes what we think is burnout is actually betrayal. We explore how unspoken expectations, self-abandonment, and identity gaps can quietly exhaust us. This conversation is fo...

You might find yourself double-checking things constantly, replaying conversations in your head, or seeking reassurance about something that doesn't feel quite right. Is it OCD? Anxiety? Or maybe just perfectionism? In this episode, I'm breaking down what OCD actually is (beyond the stereotypes), how it shows up differently than anxiety and perfectionism, what intrusive thoughts really mean, and t...

You're working hard. You're doing all the things. You're meeting deadlines, juggling responsibilities, and staying on top of everything... but you're also running on fumes. High performance is rewarded. But no one really talks about the cost. In today's episode, we're talking about how to perform at a high level without burning out. Because being successful shouldn't come at the expense of your we...

Whether you're creating content for your own business, managing social media for someone else, or building your brand full-time, there's this constant pressure to be "on." To perform. To grow. To beat the algorithm. And when your hard work gets… crickets? Or worse — you get hit with harsh criticism from strangers on the internet? It's enough to make anyone question if it's worth it. In this episod...

If you've ever felt like you should have it all together—but inside, you're exhausted, scattered, or secretly struggling to keep up—this episode is for you. I'm joined by Rebecca Tolbert, a clinical therapist and ADHD coach who brings warmth, wisdom, and lived experience to the conversation around ADHD in high-achieving professionals. We explore how ADHD can show up in subtle, unexpected ways, why...

Feeling unmotivated, exhausted, down, and no longer enjoying the things you used to enjoy? Is it depression or is it burnout? So many of the symptoms can overlap, that sometimes it can be hard to tell. In this episode, I'll be sharing how to tell the difference, along with practical tips for how to treat each so you can stop struggling and begin thriving.   In this episode, you will learn: The key...

If you're feeling unmotivated, then this is for you, especially if you're feeling unmotivated because of overwhelm. Many times we can reach a point of lacking motivation or desire to do anything because there is so much on our plate, so much on our minds, and so much going on all around us. So in this episode, I'm going to share why that happens and practical steps for what you can do about it.  ...

Are you feeling exhausted, burnt-out, and done with your job… but leaving doesn't feel like an option right now? Maybe you feel trapped financially, fear the consequences of leaving, don't see any other options, or don't even know what you want to do next… If so, know that you're not alone. I have worked with many clients in this exact situation, and in this episode I'll dive deeper into the reaso...

If you've ever felt like you can't relax until you've earned it, or like your worth depends on your bank balance, this episode is for you. In this episode I'm joined by Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist and author who helps people heal their relationship with money through a shame-free, psychology-informed lens. We're diving into how financial anxiety impacts high achievers—and what it r...

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, it's never enough? You continue striving forward, but it seems like the goal post keeps moving, and you can never feel fully satisfied with where you are in life. If you're feeling anxious, pressured, worried, and constantly stressing yourself with your own expectations, it may be a signal you're placing unrealistic expectations on yoursel...

If overthinking has ever gotten you to talk yourself out of doing something before you even started, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing why our minds spiral into decision paralysis, how perfectionism and anxiety can sabotage our progress, and therapist-approved strategies to help you shift from spiraling thoughts to intentional action.   In this episode, you will learn: Why overthinkin...

We often believe that if we can just control things — our environment, other people, the outcome — we'll finally feel calm. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode, I share how a daily source of frustration transformed completely when I chose acceptance over control. You'll learn how this mindset shift can improve emotion regulation, reduce anxiety, and help you navigate life with more e...

Perfectionism is one of those things that can seem like a strength on the surface, but often masks things like fear of rejection, anxiety, and a deep exhaustion from always striving. In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tara Cousineau, a Harvard University clinical psychologist and author of The Perfectionist's Dilemma who has worked with high achievers for over two decades.   Tara brings both cl...

Smartphones are now ubiquitous, and although they offer many benefits, they can also become a source of anxiety. Worrying about responding to notifications, the feeling of being constantly available, and coming across triggering content on social media are just a few causes. In this episode, I'm sharing the exact ways I set up and use my phone to feel calmer, more focused, and less reactive. You'l...

What if the way you listen could completely transform your relationships? In this episode, I sit down with longtime BBC journalist and author Emily Kasriel to explore the power of deep listening as a tool for connection, calm, and healing. We dive into how to navigate difficult conversations, be fully present with others, and create space for trust and understanding. If you're craving more meaning...

Do you feel guilty setting boundaries? Worry about upsetting others when you say no? If the fear of disappointing people is driving your decisions, even at the expense of your own well-being, this episode is for you. You'll learn where this fear comes from, why it's so hard to let go of, and how you can start shifting out of people-pleasing so you can take care of yourself without guilt.   In this...

Do you notice your anxiety, mood, or motivation shifting with your cycle? In this episode, I'm diving into how hormone changes, especially during the pre-menstrual phase, can impact those with high-functioning anxiety, and how you can start working with your cycle rather than pushing against it. I'll be sharing practical, compassionate strategies you can start using today.   In this episode, you w...

When was the last time you truly did nothing—no phone, no to-do list, no distractions? In a world that rewards constant doing, stillness can feel foreign, even uncomfortable. But if you're feeling overwhelmed, foggy, or stretched thin, the space you're avoiding might be exactly what's necessary. In this episode, we'll explore why doing nothing isn't indulgent, it's essential.   In this episode, yo...

It's been five years of Calmly Coping — 230 episodes, thousands of listeners, and countless lessons. In this special anniversary episode, I'm reflecting on the personal and professional growth I've experienced, and the impact you've had on this journey. Let's look back, reconnect, and look forward to what's next.   And stick around to the end — I have a big announcement about what's next for Calml...