The Transforming Anxiety Podcast

I have another amazing interview for you this week on ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​...Scott Simon is joining me to talk about his book, Scare Your Soul. And this is far more than a book: it's an entire *movement*. Scott is a speaker, entrepreneur, and writer. And he has completely transformed his life by harnessing the fear he felt about, well, a lot of stuff. Starting with: his fear of singing in public. You've heard the old "feel the fear and do it anyway" adage? Yeah, yeah...but, HOW? ​That's what Scott's here to share with us​. His book outlines a roadmap for HOW to get out of the fear that limits you, keeps you doing the same ol' same ol', and traps you in a life that's not quite you. And the stories he shares along the way are inspiring, silly, heart-wrenching, and wildly motivating. His voice shines straight through the book. ​Join me for this conversation with Scott​. His perspective on fear is so refreshing. I'm looking forward to sharing this one with you... Full show notes are located at: ww

How are you? I'm so glad that we get to hang out each week. That you make space for these notes in your inbox. That you join me on this path of transforming anxiety and self-compassion and kindness and awareness. I truly believe this is the most important work of our lives. And it means a lot that you're here. Thank you. ☺️ I wanted to have a short and simple conversation with you this week about emotions; particularly with how we ​react to emotions​. I wonder what could be different if we considered our feelings as information... I wonder what could shift if we used emotions as suggestions as to what could be going on inside of us... I wonder if we could hang out with our emotions for a moment, instead of reacting to how we're feeling, what could change... Let's talk about it. Join me for this episode of ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ and let's explore reacting to emotions together. See you there... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/237  Be sure to join my email list

This week on The Transforming Anxiety Podcast I want to consider a phrase I know you've heard before, don't burn your bridges, alongside a less common idea, burn the boats. It's a fiery mash-up this week. We're going to explore why it's important to ​keep the bridges, burn the boats​. This conversation is all about relationships and commitment. Awareness and engagement. It's mostly about intention. What do you want? And how do you get there? Let's talk about it together today...​see you there​. Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/236  Be sure to join my email list so you don't miss announcements, new classes, and podcast updates by visiting www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com  Text PODCAST to +1 (816)354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little love notes your way from time to time...

I have a wonderful guest for you today. I am SO excited for this episode of ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​. Honestly, this one isn't optional. This work isn't a "nice to have" kind of thing. I don't think I can overstate how important ​polyvagal theory​ is in the world of transforming anxiety. These principles give us a how-to guide in befriending our nervous systems and, therefore, a shortcut directly into slowing down the fight-or-flight stress response and leaning towards the rest-and-digest relaxation response. There are many tools and practices out there: thought work, meditation, yoga, breath work, somatic tools, etc. that give us a way inside, a way to sit, a way to cultivate awareness and compassion and steadiness. And really, polyvagal theory is the science-backed scaffolding that shows you how and why those other practices are so effective. They all have elements of this theory embedded in them and use our nervous system in various ways to create, well, freedom. ​Join me for this great conversat

This week's episode of ​The Transforming Anxiety​ is literally straight from my heart to yours. We're talking about ​preemptive quitting​ this week. Why? Because this is the sit-down-pay-attention-clear-the-decks talk I had to have with myself recently. Preemptive quitting is when you quit ahead of time. You quit as a backwards way of protecting yourself from rejection, disappointment, or failure. You say NO so that no one can say no to YOU. And hey, it kinda works. I just suspect there's probably a better way to go about our lives and thought we should talk about it. I know I need this. And I'm offering my personal work to you this week because I suspect I've got some company out there. ​Join me for this week's conversation​... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/234  Be sure to join my email list so you don't miss announcements, new classes, and podcast updates by visiting www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com  Text PODCAST to +1 (816)354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders,

Something I think we all *know* but don't spend much time understanding is that: change is hard. On this week's episode of ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​, I wanted to explore it with you on a deeper level. ​WHY is change so hard?​ There are a couple different kinds of change that happens in our lives. One way change occurs is that something big and major happens, and it affects everything. New job, new city, new baby, new relationship...the loss of a loved one, retirement, an empty nest, the end of a relationship. These kinds of changes strike quickly and affect everything and it's up to us to deal with the aftershocks as we adjust to the new normal. But there are other, slower, choice-based changes in our lives, too. Habits, routines, ways of speaking, feelings, belief systems, how we show up in the world. These things take constant choices, daily decisions, and real commitment...so that we can ultimately cross over a line and feel fundamentally transformed as a result. The latter is what I want to focus

Time for some real talk: this week on ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​, we're going ​underneath the conversation​... Y'know how when you're talking with someone, there are the words that are actually being said, the back-and-forth dialogue that is happening out loud...and then there's the inner conversation you're having ABOUT the conversation? We all do this. We say, "sure, I'll be there!" when we're really thinking, "ugh, I don't have time for this." Or we complain to our partner about the dirty clothes on the floor while we're really thinking, "why don't you see me and understand me as a PERSON?!" Yeah. ​Underneath the conversation​. If you're feeling chronically misunderstood, bitterly resentful, or completely out of sync with what's happening around you, you may be missing what's underneath the conversation. Remember: we all do this. We're just trying to make it through the day and get dinner on the table. But... ...being willing to get honest about what's underneath the conversation can change your ta

I'm SO excited to be back to our conversations with authors, psychologists, and all-around amazing people. This week on ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ I have a brand-new book to share with you: ​Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Generation Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World​ written by psychologist, keynote speaker, and consultant Dr. Lauren Cook. Dr. Lauren has a refreshing and accessible approach to anxiety and her thoughts are geared specifically towards millennials and Gen Z'ers, making the work timely and uniquely suited to young professionals, parents, and those coming of age with tech, media, and the flood of cultural conditioning that is baked into our world today. Join me for this conversation around anxiety, our shared phobia (it's weird and gross), and her insights for keeping your head above water in these trying times. If you'd like to catch the video version of our conversation just click here. This is a great episode not only for all of you millenials and gen Z'ers, but for

Super quick, simple, and powerful practice for you today on ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​: we're going to talk about ​naming the things​. Most of the time, we're lost in our thinking. We're telling stories about what's happening, we're fighting against how we're feeling or doing our damnedest to try to feel something *else*, and we're spinning out over the difference between our current situation vs. what we think should be happening. *sigh* Today we're going to explore the practice of naming the things. Simply recognizing and being aware of what is...and naming it. I feel anxious. I don't like this. I need a break. I'm tired. No editorializing, no fixing, no explaining. Just: right now, it's like this. Become aware. Observe. Name it. Simple...not always easy, sure, but worth practicing. Let's talk about it together on this week's episode of the podcast. ​Join me there​... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/230  Be sure to join my email list so you don't miss announcemen

This week's ​Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ is all about giving you a handful of tools that you can use to take care of yourself when you're really *in it* with anxiety. We're going to talk about ​the boat, the volcano, the mountaintop, and the tide​. These are all mental images, drawn from nature, that illustrate the journey, the experience, or an ideal direction to point yourself in re: transforming anxiety. The boat: being safely carried above the water is a good thing, but we have to be willing to look underneath to see what's going on. The volcano: because we live this close to that eruption point and would rather create space so we can pause and respond mindfully vs. reacting impulsively. The mountaintop: our struggles, challenges, and pains aren't permanent; we aren't always going to be climbing up a mountain. We can remember to stop, grab a granola bar, and take in the view. The tide: it all ebbs and flows, crashes and recedes, over and over again. Join me for this discussion and these tools to suppor

I think we could all use a little break, a deep breath, ​a mid-year check-in​... And sure, we can touch base with those goals and resolutions from January. That's not a bad idea. But I'm more interested in a mid-year return to self. We live our days, our hours, and our minutes smack dab up close to whatever's happening: what we need to do, all the stuff we have to accomplish, where we need to go, things we need to check off the list. But this week on ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ we're going to zoom out, get some perspective, and take the eagle view of life. The long game. The bigger picture. Sometimes we all need to hit pause and remind ourselves: we're human beings, not human doings. We need to live, breathe, and BE...not produce, go, and do. Let's talk about it together this week. Mid-year check-in, baby. Mid-year return to self... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/228  Text PODCAST to +1 (816)354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little

We've all had those experiences where something seemingly trivial happens and we *explode* in response. A spilled cup of coffee. A stubbed toe. A snarky comment from a tween. And we get apoplectic. Similarly (but opposite) we've completely utterly totally *shut down* when someone says the wrong thing at the wrong moment on the wrong day with the wrong stars aligned. What's up with that? We're going to explore this phenomenon in this week's episode of ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​. We're talking about ​the window of tolerance​. How / when / why do you get thrown outside of what feels handle-able? And how do you intentionally practice widening that window so it includes more and more of life's life-y-ness? Let's talk about it. ​Join me for this week's show​... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/227  Text PODCAST to +1 (816) 354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little love notes your way from time to time...

This week on ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​, I want to offer a simple, but pretty profound way to practice acceptance. We're going to explore the teaching: ​right now, it's like this​. This one isn't full of practical, tactical steps that you can take. Or things you can go and DO. Nope. This is more of a quiet, meditative sort of thing. A sit-with-it-and-see-what-comes-up kind of practice. It's something I've been working with for the past couple years and I want to offer this teaching to *you* in the hope that it will serve and support you, too. It's one for when you're in it. For when things are difficult and challenging and you sometimes just want to take your skin off and get away from yourself. THAT is what this is for. I'm with you. Let's practice together, yeah? Right now, it's like this... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/226  Text PODCAST to (816) 354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little love notes your way from time to time...

If you've been hanging out with me for a while, then you know I'm *super* stuffy and serious about things... ...hahaha, just kidding. And this week, I'm gonna embrace it. On ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ we're exploring 5 high-brow mindfulness tips. You're probably already guessing these things are the exact opposite of "high-brow." Aaaand you'd be right. I've found that mindfulness and meditation seem to connote a certain formality. And it doesn't need to be that way. In fact, since most of us like fun things, we might as well make THIS fun, too. You with me? ​Come join me for this conversation​ and let's explore how we can use these ideas to make mindfulness not only a little lighter, but something you're actually going to DO... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/225  Text PODCAST to (816) 354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little love notes your way from time to time...

This week's episode of ​The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ starts out with a funny story about my brother's granny-in-law...and then segues into an exploration on how we can refuel, restore, and recharge our bodies in order to create a deeper well of resilience and, ultimately, less anxiety for ourselves. In my experience, we have to consistently and continuously refill our buckets. Throughout our days we're relying on a wellspring of patience, kindness, compassion, and goodness to show up how we WANT to show up. But what happens when that well runs dry? This episode is all about filling that well up. Cultivating a sense of strength, flexility, and resilience so that you can be the most YOU possible. ​Join me and let's talk about your charging stations​. I'll see you there... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/224  Text PODCAST to (816)354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little love notes your way from time to time...

It's time for another talk about: rest. But listen, we aren't talking about rest so that you can get more done. It's not about resting so that you can go more, power through, and push harder. This isn't about overcoming a necessary evil (meaning: rest) so that you can get to the "real" part of life (meaning: productivity). Nope. This is about resting in the interest of cultivating more resilience. I think we're deeply confused about rest. I think many of us view rest as a hurdle on the way to more hustling, doing, and going. I think we resent rest. And I want to come at it from a new angle today on The Transforming Anxiety Podcast. Whaddya say? Let's talk about rest. Rest for resilience... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/223  Text PODCAST to (816) 354-1279 and I'll send mindfulness reminders, anxiety hacks, and little love notes your way from time to time...

How are we doing? It's Wednesday...again. Morning...again. Are we ready? I know - I'm not sure we're ready either. But here we are. We're in it together. Let's do this...yeah? I have a simple idea for you this week on The Transforming Anxiety Podcast. In fact, it's just 2 words: Oh. Really. Oh really. ​Oh really​...? I wanna explore using these 2 words as a way to curb our collective death grip on *being right* and invite more curiosity, inquiry, and connection. What if, when presented with a challenging conversation, we asked, "oh really...?" What if, when someone offered a conflicting opinion to our own, we approached them with an, "oh really...?" What if, when we heard a nugget of information that was brand-new, we took it in with a genuine, "oh really...?" "Oh really..." is a bridge for unity. It's a phrase to bring people together. "Oh really..." will connect you to the world around you. Let's talk about it. Join me for this week's episode... Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/p

How are you? How's summer treating you so far? Sunscreen, sweat, and late summer nights are all a *thing* over here, and I'm loving it. I went for years craving the fall and winter months; there's something so cozy about that time of year. But I tell ya what: these days, there's something about the brightness and vibrancy of summer that brings me alive in another way. And I'm here for it. I'm curious to hear how it's feeling for you... This week on The Transforming Anxiety Podcast​ we're going to explore a metaphor that I hope will really bring your nervous system into color in a whole new way: we're talking about ​anxiety as an alarm​. I know many of us treat anxiety like an emergency; if we're feeling remotely anxious it means Something Has Gone Wrong. But I want to challenge that this week with a mental image that I hope will stick with you and help you reconsider the messaging behind anxiety when it shows up. Sneak peek: are the curtains on fire? Or are we dealing with burnt toast? ​Join me for this week

It seems like if we know something, we should act accordingly, right? If you know what you want or should do, then...do it! I mean, according to the 80's G.I. Joe cartoon, "knowing is half the battle" so it only makes sense that if we *know* what we want to do, we will *do* it. And yet... ...we don't. Turns out knowing is knowing and doing is doing, and the knowing actually has very little to do with the doing.

Are you a control freak? Are you a *secret* control freak and don't want to admit it? Are you surrounded by control freaks and feeling the pressure of complying with their wishes? I'm going to guess: yes, yes, and yes. Why do we seek to control? How come control freaks get such a bum rap? What can we do instead of plugging down the same old, ill-fated, control-grabbing path? On this week's episode of The Transforming Anxiety Podcast we're going to talk about control, being a "control freak," and how to re-think this approach to life. Let's hear it for the control freaks. Full show notes are located at: www.kellyhanlinmccormick.com/podcast/219