Episodes
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We all struggle with procrastination, so if you're currently avoiding something, listening to this re-release of one of our greatest hits is a great way to not do whatever you're supposed to do!
In this episode, Chris & Allison talk about the reasons why procrastination is so anxiety-inducing (and anxiety-perpetuating) and the psychology behind why we do it, even though we know it's so bad for us.
We hope you enjoy, and remember you can always join us in our Facebook group, "We're Anxious About."
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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In this episode, Chris and Allison take a trip down memory lane, though probably not in the classic sense of the phrase.
This episode remains consistently in the top ten downloaded episodes for I'm Anxious About, and Allison and Chris would like to think it's for good reason.
It came out at a time when the podcast was really taking off, and your cohosts were starting to get a bit more comfortable diving deep.
We hope you enjoy, and remember you can always join us in our Facebook group, "We're Anxious About."
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Episodes manquant?
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Allison and Chris talk through their decision to take a summer break, which will be the first extended break in the podcast's history. They're be offering up their "greatest hits" of previous episodes for the next couple of months, and then hope to get back at it.
You'll learn all about what spurred that decision here. A huge thanks from both your hosts for the support along the way.
Of course, you can always feel free to join us in our Facebook Group, "We're Anxious About."
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Chris & Allison are both forgetful beings (see: the fact that Allison forgot to send the files to the editor after finishing recording, which is why this episode is a week later than usual.) And of course, that gives them a lot to be anxious about!
In this episode, Chris & Allison discuss why forgetting things is particularly fraught for those with anxiety, and how to extend yourself grace about the things you forget, as well as why the anxious brain might be more forgetful than others.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Allison and Chris are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to caffeine. Allison refuses to move a finger without being well-caffeinated where as Chris, once caffeinated, can't really stop moving his fingers.
That, to be fair, is an exaggeration on both accounts, but what are show notes for if not to exaggerate?
They explore whether all caffeine is created equal and whether tea may still be a viable option for those who don't drink coffee, how caffeine can both help and hinder the anxious brain, and a whole lot more.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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As the world starts to slowly inch its way back to the old normal, there are some things that Chris & Allison have to face that haven't been A Thing in over a year, like live music. While Chris is excited to start tapping his feet to the beat again, Allison has a little more trepidation and has to confront her fears of crowds and enthusiastic acoustic guitar players who make too much eye contact.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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In this episode (which, in truth, was long overdue), Allison and Chris explore why looking stupid is actually a central tenant of their anxiety, and also anxiety in general. They break down what it is about "looking stupid" that's actually so hard to stomach, and whether or not most of that is actually to do with their own perspective.
It's an episode which is a bit summative in that you could argue that, in a way, all IAA episodes have touched upon this in some way. They discuss how they've tried to overcome their anxiety about looking stupid, while acknowledging, with a dash of humour, that it's also just a part of life.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
We're also building out our library of show notes over on our site for anyone interested!
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You may remember that our first "real" episode after the brief introductory episode is "I'm Anxious About Starting a Podcast." Well, this is essence, is the part two of that episode. At first we were anxious about starting it, and now here we are, one year later, anxious about running it.
In many ways, this episode serves as a bit of an opportunity for Allison and Chris to recap and reflect on the journey thus far. They also have an important announcement to share on how the podcast will run moving forwards (don't worry, it's not ending).
Long time listeners, they hope, will also appreciate the chance to sit back and reflect on the year that was - through 52 episodes.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
We're also building out our library of show notes over on our site for anyone interested!
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Compliments may seem innocuous, but for people with anxiety, they can offer trigger thoughts of worthlessness and awkwardness. We discuss the three typical anxious responses to a compliment -- deflect, reciprocate, or discount -- and talk about what our personal approach to handling compliments is. Spoiler alert: we don't handle them well.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Wherever there are definitive choices to be made, you'll find just a dash of anxiety - and that certainly applies to shopping.
In this episode, Allison and Chris explore their own anxieties around shopping. They talk about how clothing is closely tethered to identity, which can make shopping a stressful experience (especially if you're not feeling like yourself on that particular today). They also explore how the emergence of online shopping might benefit certain folks with anxiety, and in particular, Allison.
It's a wide-ranging discussion filled with the usual appropriate amount of absurdity, but, hopefully, with an underlying sense of helpfulness and authenticity.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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If you think these two podcast hosts are the kind of people who can unwind and settle into a peaceful midday nap, it's probably your first time listening (in which case, hi!).
Indeed, Chris & Allison are pathologically incapable of napping, and the sheer thought of it is enough to invoke a nervous tailspin or two. In this episode, they break down what it is about naps that make them so antsy and restless and give a few tips for other people who are constitutionally unable to relax.
For the show notes and transcript, check out: https://imanxiousabout.com/anxious-about-naps/
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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If there's one thing that Allison and Chris have done a lot of, it's flying. And, as you well know, anything that anxious people do a lot of - they end of feeling strongly about.
In this episode, they talk through the entire flight process, from boarding, to taking off, to being in the air, to landing. And they share their feelings on it all, while speaking from experience. Of course, they also offer some tips and tricks along the way, and share a few laughs and poorly timed jokes.
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Allison and Chris first ensure that listeners know that they're talking about "energy levels," as it relates to human beings, and not the energy sector, and then dive into the complicated world of maintaining a baseline of energy as someone with anxiety.
The truth is that, with anxiety, sometimes our best laid plans are flipped on their head when we wake up and realize that, unfortunately, it feels as if we've been tranquilized. They talk in-depth about the important of accepting ourselves as we are, as opposed to as we wish we were - and how, truthfully, they fail at that more than they'd like.
Allison also kind of becomes a farmer, or at least uses quite a bit of farm imagery. You'll see what we mean.
You can find our transcript and show notes for the episode here: https://imanxiousabout.com/anxious-about-energy-levels/
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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We know what you're thinking... "you're anxious about closets, really, guys?" Well, we won't deny that it's ridiculous (especially Allison's fear of literal closet demons -- don't let a 9-year-old watch whatever horror movies they want, or this is what you'll get), but we will say that we think this episode is a lot of fun and goes to surprisingly deep places at times.
Chris & Allison discuss their non-metaphorical relationships with their closets, touching upon topics such as body image, self-identity, minimalism, organization, spending, and yes, actual demons.
You can find our transcript and show notes for the episode here: https://imanxiousabout.com/anxious-about-closets/
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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By now, you've probably realized that Chris & Allison can never resist any chance to get a little meta, and this episode is no exception. In this episode, Allison discusses her recent big change of moving back to the United States and the many identity crises that present along with it.
Chris & Allison speak at length about the relationship between anxiety and change, particularly how we tend to ruminate on change for a long time before finally feeling secure to make it, and how we cope when change we weren't expecting is thrown our way. It's a little heavier than usual, but Allison's jet lag means things never veer too serious.
For the transcript, show notes, and other information, find it all here: https://imanxiousabout.com/anxious-about-change/
If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will enjoy our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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If you thought either of us could relax with a nice bit of knitting or cross-stitching, well, I guess this is probably your first time listening to this podcast! In this week's episode, we tackle the paradox of why hobbies actually make us anxious. Allison's anxious because she has a deep-seated fear of being dull and uninteresting; also, she gets anxious being a beginner at things... even low-stakes hobbies. Meanwhile, Chris is anxious because he turns every hobby into a goal and tracks it frantically, even when it makes him act like a loon. Both discuss the pitfalls of the "cult of the side hustle" and the danger of making your hobbies your profession. Turns out it doesn't work quite as well as you'd think. If you enjoyed this episode, please join us over on our Facebook group, We're Anxious About, or share it with a friend who you think will get a kick out of our show.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Can we have just one nice, anxiety-free day on our birthdays? Nope? All righty then. Chris and Allison blow out the candles on their anxiety-iced cakes and dive into what it is about birthdays that makes them spin out.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for longtime listeners, Chris gets philosophical and slightly melancholy about the aging process, but wags his tail at the prospect of seeing all his friends gathered together at once so he can make eye contact and tell everyone how much they mean to him. Meanwhile, Allison cowers in social anxiety central (in a party of no more than six people) and kind of wants you to forget it's her birthday so she won't be the center of attention... but she also still kind of wants presents.
Chris referenced this article from Refinery 29, as well as this article in Thought Catalog.
Remember that we've got a Facebook group, We're Anxious About, where you're invited to our non-birthday party!
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Coming up on a year into the coronavirus pandemic, there's one thing we're all feeling: Zoom fatigue. In this episode, Chris and Allison dive into why Zoom (or any kind of video call) is a particularly difficult medium for people with anxiety.
From anticipatory stress about speaking up in a large meeting room to the overstimulation of video calls to the pandemic-flavored ennui that has us wondering why this all couldn't just be an email, Zoom is a part of pandemic life whether we like it or not. We might as well dive into it and make ourselves laugh a bit in the process!
The articles discussed in the episode include "Zoom fatigue is taxing the brain" by National Geographic and "The struggle with Zoom fatigue is real" on the Daily Aztec.If you'd like to join our Facebook Group, which we promise is infinitely less soul-sucking than a 50-person Zoom call, you can find us at "We're Anxious About" on Facebook.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Chris and Allison expected this episode to be fun and lighthearted but, looking back, they're kind of happy things got a little deeper than they expected.
Like all human beings, Allison and Chris have experienced loss, but the anxious brain, as you well may know, can experience (or obsess over) loss in different ways.
The laughs and lightheartedness are here, don't you worry, but they'd also like to think something more is in this episode. Your co-hosts are criminally biased, but they feel this may just be the best episode yet.
Here's a link to the article on how Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects memory.
And here's a link to the (spoiler!) poem that Allison reads at the end.
Remember that we've got a Facebook group, We're Anxious About, where we're happy to welcome you with open arms.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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Windows down, hair blowing in the wind, wheels on the road, nothing to worry about, right? Uhh, not if you're Chris and Allison. These two anxious co-hosts share all their worries about hitting the open road, from Allison's traumatic solo Iceland road trip woes to Chris's propensity to throw a very unnecessary, wildly preemptive middle finger. Allison shares her deep dark secret about being the world's worst backseat driver and her coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety about lack of control as a passenger, and Chris vows to never road trip with Allison literally anywhere, but especially in a manual car.
If you'd like to hop in our super-fun, not-at-all-cripplingly-anxious road trip, you can join us on our Facebook group for listeners, We're Anxious About.
Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive
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