From Fear To Freedom

On today's episode, I break down the brain circuits behind anxiety—the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and the HPA axis—and show how they create panic, overgeneralization, and sleeplessness. I then explain, in plain terms, why anxiety feels overwhelming and how chronic stress weakens the brain's safety signals. The episode also outlines practical recovery steps, especially exposure thera...

On todays episode, I speak with Dana Hargus founder of Restore of Ada and we discuss trauma-informed approaches to calm the nervous system, biofeedback strategies, and rebuilding resilience after chronic stress. Dana explains how trauma can affect anyone and why treating the body (sleep, gut health, hydration) alongside the brain speeds recovery. Practical takeaways include Restore of Ada's six-we...

Today, I break down why people with health anxiety obsessively check their bodies, how that checking fuels a loop of fear and hyper-awareness, and how intolerance of uncertainty and misinterpreting normal sensations keep the cycle going. I outline clear, practical steps to break the habit: identify checking behaviors, delay urges, use gradual exposure and acceptance, build internal trust through v...

In this episode, I explain depersonalization and derealization—what they feel like, why they happen, and how many people experience emotional numbness, robotic sensations, and feeling detached from their body or surroundings. I also summarize research showing depersonalization as a protective response to extreme anxiety, the strong link with panic, and how internet catastrophizing and hyper-focus...

In this episode, I explore Aaron Beck’s CBT approach to treating anxiety by changing thoughts to shift emotion. I explain cognitive distortions, core beliefs, the cognitive model (situation → automatic thought → anxiety → avoidance), and practical tools like thought records and the S.T.A.Y. acronym to reduce anxiety and build resilience through exposure and reframing.   —My Anxiety Recovery Progra...

In this episode, I announce the podcast rename to "From Fear to Freedom" and explore why health anxiety has surged since the 1980s and especially after COVID. I explain the body’s fear response, common triggers (distraction, social media, upbringing, lifestyle), and offer practical starting steps—breathing, journaling, exposure to discomfort, and healthier habits—to reduce symptoms and rebuild tru...

On today's episode, I talk with Jeremy Lipkowitz about his journey from porn addiction to recovery and coaching. We explore the addiction cycle, underlying causes, mindfulness and meditation, building equanimity, and practical strategies for men to regain control, improve relationships, and find lasting fulfillment. This episode offers insights, personal stories, and actionable steps for anyone st...

This episode explores the nature of desire — from dopaminergic cravings and consumer addiction to the spiritual and practical path of surrender. It examines how modern stimuli (screens, food, games) tap into core human needs, and offers perspectives from David R. Hawkins, Buddhism, the Bible, and Tony Robbins’ human needs framework. Listeners are guided on how to recognize unconscious wants, repla...

On todays episode, I explore the film Groundhog Day as a metaphor for anxiety, repeated routines, and the journey from nihilism to meaning through service, skill-building, and better habits. Drawing on my own recovery, I offer practical takeaways—practice social interactions, break micro-routines, pursue difficult growth, and use journaling to uncover hidden fears—so you can "perfect the day" and...

In this episode, I walk through my biggest life lessons from 2025, reflecting on how becoming a parent shook my routine and forced growth in patience, service, and faith. I share practical strategies for managing anxiety and distraction—widening your gaze to improve focus, creating sacred time, resisting materialism and phone habits, and maintaining a disciplined foundation of sleep, diet and exer...

On the episode, I am featured as a guest on the Shift Weight Mastery podcast with Rita Black. We discuss my personal journey through anxiety, health anxiety, depersonalization, agoraphobia and social anxiety.  I also share practical strategies like CBT, NLP, habit changes, visualization, sleep routines and social preparation for navigating the holidays.    Rita Black's Website/Podcast: https://shi...

This episode dissects the "anxious identity" — how beliefs, values and daily habits (like doomscrolling or bingeing) shape who you are and fuel anxiety. I explore the higher self versus the lower self, explain how confronting discomfort rewires the brain, and show how small, challenging actions build competence and emotional regulation.   —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my...

This episode explores the cycle of addiction—especially pornography—through neuroscience, personal narrative, and practical recovery steps. I explain how dopamine, triggers, and withdrawal create craving, outline a seven-step sequence of addiction, and offer strategies (replacements, blockers, identity changes, and supportive narratives) to break free and build a healthier life.   —The Anxiety Rec...

Dr. Kate Lund joins the Anxiety Project to share her journey from childhood illness to clinical psychologist and author of Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. We discuss building resilience through small, consistent habits—relaxation responses, journaling, routines, social support, and exercise—plus strategies for facing panic, agoraphobia, and daily stress. Dr. Kate's Website: https://www...

In this episode, I speak with clinician Anthony Verdino about his new book, CBT Simplified. We cover core CBT ideas — the cognitive triangle, self-monitoring, acceptance, cognitive restructuring, the ABC model, and behavioral activation — and how simple, repeatable practices can break rumination, catastrophic thinking, and avoidance. We also discuss building habits, using positive self-talk and mi...

In this episode, I explore what anxiety is, why it arises, and how confronting it can lead to personal growth. I shares my own struggle with agoraphobia and health anxiety, draw on existential thinkers like Jordan Peterson, and outline practical steps for building structure, competence, and a healthier identity. Listen for honest examples, mindset shifts, and encouragement to approach uncertainty...

In this episode, I explore fear, the anxiety response, and why stepping into the unknown builds resilience. I discuss neuroscience (the anterior mid‑cingulate cortex), systematic desensitization, and practical habits that helped me through fatherhood and anxiety recovery. Listeners will learn how confronting uncomfortable challenges, building disciplined routines, and finding purpose beyond the se...

In this today's episode, we are joined by the remarkable Rita Black, a professional clinical hypnotherapist with nearly two decades of experience. Rita specializes in smoking cessation and weight loss, using a unique blend of hypnosis and cognitive coaching to help clients dismantle limiting beliefs and addictive behaviors. Discover the powerful transformation that comes from stepping into a new i...

In essence, guilt comes when we steer from the path we know to be true and acted away from our moral code. Today, I explore the guilty conscience and how one can manifest the feelings of guilt and then completely overcome it.   —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/ —1 on 1 Coaching— https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/ —The Website— https://unpluganxiety.com  

On today's episode, I dive into the patterns that form a tyrannical society.  How and why does the self become a destructive, self-defeating force? Why, on an individual level, do people allow for the formation of terrible and corrupt states? How can one begin to prevent and recognize these patterns moving forward? Tune in to find out!   —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my-...

Today, I dive into the world of night anxiety, something that I battled with for a long time. I explore the causes as well as powerful routines during the day and night to help you finally get a good nights rest.    —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/ —1 on 1 Coaching— https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/ —The Website— https://unpluganxiety.com    

On today's podcast, I talk about my journey through suffering and why it led to a belief in God. If you are battling existential dread and feel stuck, this podcast will help you tread those murky waters.   —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/ —1 on 1 Coaching— https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/ —The Website— https://unpluganxiety.com

On today's episode, I dive into my decade of addiction with pornography and how I managed to break this cycle. This journey was certainly not linear and I had to face setback after setback before really cementing in this discipline.  I explore the circuitry of the addicted brain and strategies on how to separate yourself completely from your drug of choice.    —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https:...

Why can't we make a change, even though we know we need to? On this episode, I dive into 5 big factors on why we remain stuck in suffering. The changes must be long lasting and so, how can we build on an identity and beliefs that sustains us over time? Tune in to find out!   —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/ —1 on 1 Coaching— https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coac...

On today's episode, I answer some of the most common anxiety questions I receive. How do I break out of a stuck mindset? Why does one symptom leaves and another appears? How do i become more assertive? How long does it take to recover? How do I know if it's not cancer, a heart attack, etc? How do you change your beliefs?    —The Anxiety Recovery Program— https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/   —1...