I'm Anxious About - A Humorous Podcast About Anxiety

IAA 19: I'm Anxious About The New Normal

Allison and Chris knew that recording this episode had to be done eventually, and that they also had to use the term "the new normal," much to their chagrin.

They break down why this period has been difficult for those with anxiety or mental health challenges, but, since Chris, ever the optimist, is one half of the podcast, they also address potential silver linings. In a bit of a change of pace, Allison and Chris focus heavily here on the present, with the idea that these musings on the present day might help listeners with their mindset moving forward. They also, as usual, used this as free therapy for themselves, so don't think it was all selfless. 

For those interested, here's the study from the American Journal of Psychiatry on exercise referenced in the episode.

Chris also mentioned his Ontario travel website, and since he is writing this description right now, he's going to shamelessly self-promote that site.

Finally, if you like listening to us, but you want to get into our community (don't worry it's free as can be), come on over and join us in the We're Anxious About Facebook group. 

IAA 18: I'm Anxious About Phone Calls

In today's episode, Chris and Allison discuss all the anxiety-inducing qualities of phone calls. From labyrinthine phone trees straight out of a Kafkaesque nightmare to Zoom fatigue to calls that definitely should have been emails, there's a lot to be said about picking up the phone. They coin a few useful terms -- "shame scrapbook" and "Canadian exit" -- and get momentarily sidetracked by the existence of the Apology Act.

 

Find us on our Facebook group, "We're Anxious About," to join the IAA community!  

Articles discussed: Canadians love to say 'sorry' so much, we had to make this law, Psychologists explain your phone anxiety

Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive.

IAA 17: I'm Anxious About Procrastination

Allison and Chris finally got around to doing an episode about procrastination! In this episode, they coin a new phrase which they think will be around for a while - "The Shame Flame." I suppose you'll have to tune in to figure just what the hell that is.

They also use a variety of metaphors largely based around cars (for some reason), and talk about why people with anxiety often think in terms of "failing du jour," or, in layman's terms, the failure of the day. Allison also has a breakthrough at the end about why they call it "practicing" meditation, and Chris, in response, lit up with unbridled excitement. 

The article that Allison referenced throughout is "Why You Procrastinate (It Has Nothing to Do With Self-Control)"

You can join us here in our growing Facebook group, so we can all commiserate about our respective anxieties - "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.

IAA 16: I'm Anxious About Social Media

In this episode, Allison and Chris tackle their complicated feelings towards social media. They discuss their anxieties about how they present themselves to the world, lament the crippling FOMO of following people who actually wake up for sunrise hikes, and share the peculiar challenge of branding yourself and making social media part of your business.

They also plug their Facebook group, We're Anxious About, approximately 67 billion times, so you should probably join already and put them out of their misery. You can join us here: "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.

IAA 15: I'm Anxious About The News (with Ryan Patel)

This week, Allison and Chris are joined by a special guest, Ryan Patel, and the results are spectacular (at least in their admittedly biased perspective). In fact, these three chums practically had to be torn away from their respective microphones, as evidenced by the fact that this is the longest episode in the history of "I'm Anxious About" thus far.

They dive scuba diver deep into what it is about the news that triggers them, chat about how they contend (or don't) with the 24 hour news cycle,  discuss the difference between news in the US and Canada,  and then chat about strategies they use so as to not be wholly consumed by the news at large. 

The result, they hope, is an episode they'll be happy to add to their imaginary trophy cabinet and polish for years to come.  

If 2 hours wasn't enough, you can come find 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.

IAA 14: I'm Anxious About Public Transportation

In this episode, Chris and Allison go off the rails discussing the anxieties of public transportation. From crowds to unexpected delays, from unwanted performances to brazen displays of eye contact: the perils of public transportation are plentiful.

 

If you're enjoying the podcast, feel free to join 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.

IAA 13: I'm Anxious About Conflict

In this episode, Allison and Chris break down what makes them anxious when it comes to conflict. Even just the word "conflict" sends shivers down Allison's spine. In a move that clearly shows they're upping their game (for which they'll undoubtedly expect praise for), they bring in a few external resources to break down how anxiety mixes with conflict. This is deep dive, and, unlike bananas, they're both rather anxious about this one. 

 

Here's the TED Talk, "Dare to Disagree"

 

Here's the article Allison referenced on cat poo making you love them. Yes, it exists. 

 

And here's our Facebook group, We're Anxious About. Feel free to join! 

 

Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive.

IAA 12: I'm Anxious About Grocery Stores (with Ciara McNally)

In this special episode, guest Ciara McNally of My Suitcase Diaries joins Chris and Allison to chat all things grocery stores in the Covid-19 era. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they manage to get sidetracked by pressing matters such as does Ireland have snakes (locally known as danger noodles) and Allison’s grave concern about the impending broccoli shortage.

Get more of Ciara's endearing Irish charm at @mysuitcasediaries or visiting her blog at http://mysuitcasediaries.org/

And come join us in 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.

IAA 11: I'm Anxious About Festivals

While festivals may be a joyous occasion for some, that doesn't always ring true for your hosts, and particularly Allison. Chris and Allison touch upon the pressure to dress up (and go on a tirade about costumes), how long lines can be rather soul destroying, and Chris also pleads his case to Allison for why some festivals can actually be a cure for anxiety. And, if that wasn't enough, they also remembered to drop a helpful tip or two at the end. Woah, it looks these hosts are going through some emotional growth, so thanks for being along for the ride, tiger!

Also, they're quite sure that this is probably the best intro and outro they'll ever be able to pull off. 

If you like the show, check out the Facebook group, We're Anxious About. Or, find us on Twitter! 

 

Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive.

IAA 10: I'm Anxious About Meeting New People

In this episode, Chris and Allison discuss how they feel when meeting new people. Chris, basically a Golden retriever in Canadian flannel, just wants to meet everyone at the party, whereas Allison is a slightly aloof English mastiff who arrives way too early. Allison throws herself into embarrassment and self-deprecation so you can't do it for her, while Chris is suffering from paralyzing FOMO from not getting to meet people who, in all likelihood, are actually kind of terrible. Who wouldn't want us at their next event?!

If you're enjoying the podcast, join our Facebook group of podcast listeners: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wereanxiousabout, or follow Chris' witty Tweets (we promise they're less than 5 paragraphs) at http://twitter.com/anxiousaboutpod

 

Theme music: "I'm Not Nervous" by Square People, used under a CC BY 3.0 license, via the Free Music Archive.