The Deanxious Podcast: Ideas For Navigating Life For The Anxious Generation

Ep 11: Managing Anxiety in Trump's America

Let’s be real—scrolling through the news or social media lately feels like walking through a minefield. 
Political tension, economic uncertainty, global challenges—it’s a lot. And it’s March 2025, so we’re smack in the middle of some wild times.
Whether it’s election fallout, inflation worries, or just the general vibe of ‘what’s next?’, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 
So, today, we’re going to talk about how to manage that anxiety and stress when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control. I’ve got some practical tips, a bit of science, and maybe even a laugh or two to share. 
Let’s get into it.
Timestamps
Introduction to Anxiety Management (00:00:14)  Wayne introduces the episode's focus on managing anxiety in light of current events.
Understanding Current Events (00:01:27)  Discussion on the chaos of trade wars, job loss, and inflation affecting people's anxiety.
The Nature of Anxiety (00:02:48)  Wayne explains how anxiety manifests and the different ways people respond to chaotic environments.
Recognizing the Impact of Anxiety (00:08:17)  Highlighting the physical effects of anxiety on the body and its overall impact on health.
Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety (00:10:44)  Introduction to five practical strategies to cope with anxiety during turbulent times.
Controlling Media Intake (00:10:44)  Advice on limiting news and social media exposure to reduce anxiety triggers.
Grounding Techniques (00:12:48)  Explaining the 54321 method to help ground oneself in the present moment.
Physical Activity as a Stress Reliever (00:13:53)  Encouragement to engage in physical activity to boost endorphins and reduce stress.
The Importance of Social Support (00:15:13)  Discussion on the benefits of talking to friends or professionals to alleviate anxiety.
Cognitive Reframing (00:17:55)  Encouragement to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones to build resilience.
Conclusion and Recap (00:19:09)  Wayne summarizes the strategies discussed and emphasizes the importance of managing anxiety.
 
Links & Mentions
Tools and Websites"Stay Focus Chrome Plugin": "00:11:55"
Techniques"54321 Method": "00:12:05""Cognitive Reframing": "00:17:55"
 

Ep 10: Make The Leap

In this episode Wayne Harrel explores the theme of "taking the leap" by addressing procrastination and anxiety. Wayne shares his personal struggles with mental barriers that hindered his progress and how he overcame them by viewing life as a video game, allowing himself to fail and take risks. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to pursue dreams. Additionally, Wayne talks about his life in Bangkok, his love for coffee, and plans for future meetups. The episode encourages listeners to take action and embrace failure as part of their journey.
 
Timestamps
Introduction to Episode Ten (00:00:13)  Wayne introduces the episode and discusses his struggles with remembering episode numbers.
The Cost of Inaction (00:01:30)  Wayne reflects on the losses from anxiety and procrastination, emphasizing the importance of taking action.
Personal Procrastination Journey (00:02:58)  He shares his experiences with procrastination and how emergencies pushed him to take action.
Shifting Mindset: Life as a Game (00:04:34)  Wayne explains how treating life like a video game helped him overcome fear of failure.
Overcoming Comfort Zones (00:05:37)  He discusses the mental barriers that kept him in a comfortable but unfulfilling life.
Permission to Fail and Take Risks (00:07:08)  Wayne emphasizes the need to give oneself permission to fail and take calculated risks.
Living in a Simulation (00:08:18)  He explores the idea of life as a simulation and how beliefs shape reality.
Strategies for Change (00:09:32)  Wayne shares strategies for changing perspectives and encourages persistence in pursuing goals.
Life in Bangkok (00:10:30)  He talks about his life in Bangkok, mentioning the city's coffee culture and plans for meetups.
Visit deanxious.com to learn more

Ep 9: How Social Media & Fast Food Get You Hooked (and what to do about it)

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the pervasive consequences of modern addictions, particularly focusing on smartphones and fast foods. These two have leveraged what makes us humans tick, creating an addiction epidemic. Drawing parallels with the gambling industry, we explore how smartphones and fast foods manipulate our dopamine systems, leading to harmful lifestyle changes.
We discuss the adverse effects of these addictions, such as time loss, relationship strains, and health issues. Moreover, the influence of social media shortens attention spans, particularly among Gen Z, affecting their ability to read and learn.
As someone who has a background in developing addictive digital products, our host shares personal insights and strategies on breaking free from these chains. We guide listeners through practical steps to detox and regain control, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what's within our control while approaching larger challenges incrementally.
Visit Deanxious.com to learn more

Ep 8: How To Beat Rumination

Breaking Free from the Overthinking Trap: A Guide to Mental Clarity
Discover how rumination and overthinking might be secretly sabotaging your life - and what you can do about it. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the impact of excessive social media consumption on mental health and explore practical strategies to regain control of your thoughts.
Learn why limiting social media to just 15 minutes daily could transform your mental well-being, and why morning and bedtime scrolling might be particularly harmful. The episode introduces an innovative solution: "Calls by DeAnxious" an AI-powered therapy platform featuring virtual coaches, including one modeled after Einstein.
Key takeaways include:
Limiting exposure to media and social media can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Modern social media and short-form content can negatively impact attention spans, even in people without clinical ADHD.
Embracing uncertainty and breaking down daunting problems into smaller, manageable tasks can help avoid feeling paralyzed.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, overthinking, or just looking to improve your mental clarity, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you move forward.
Ready to transform your relationship with overthinking? Listen now to discover how to break free from the rumination cycle and reclaim your mental peace.

Ep 7: Anxiety SELLS - ft. Daniel Scott

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Daniel, a multifaceted entrepreneur and creator of the 'DeAnxious Pro' program, known as Declutter. With a deep friendship spanning centuries, our conversation delves into Daniel's compelling insights on motivation, procrastination, depression, and anxiety.
Join us as Daniel opens up about his journey from copywriting to running a successful online marketing business. Discover how he navigated pivotal changes in his life, the challenges of finding the right therapist, and the importance of being an advocate for your own mental health.
Dive into Daniel's candid discussion on childhood trauma, the impact of societal biases, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health. Prepare to be inspired and informed by this insightful dialogue that uncovers the complexities of mental well-being.

Ep 6: Intolerance of Uncertainty

Welcome to episode six, where Wayne Harrell discusses the fascinating topic of managing uncertainty, inspired by the book "Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk, and Luck" by David Speigelhalter. Delve into the concept that nothing in life is certain and how statistical insights can help us manage the uncertainties we face daily.Explore strategies to reduce worries and anxiety by organizing your life and embracing a mindset of acceptance. Learn the importance of distinguishing between real and hypothetical worries and how cognitive behavioral tools can empower you to handle uncertainty more effectively.Join Wayne as he shares personal experiences and practical tips to help you build self-confidence and resilience, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. Whether you're interested in statistics or simply want to lead a more peaceful life, this episode offers valuable insights and potential life-changing strategies.

Ep 5: Rumbles & Rumbling

Episode Highlights:
Life in Bangkok:
Why Wayne moved to Bangkok: burnout recovery and tax optimization.
The city's vibrant culture, amazing food, and its appeal for expats.
Wayne’s thoughts on EVs and traffic solutions in the city.
Business Ventures:
Plans to relocate to Washington state to build his business.
Insights from the book CEO's Handbook by Elad Gil.
The importance of building connections and finding investors.
Mental Health and Deanxious' Mission:
The goal of making mental health tools accessible worldwide.
Challenges of stigma, especially for women, in accessing mental health care.
Development of digital tools like chatbots, self-therapy programs, and online communities.
Overcoming Anxiety:
Thinking in probabilities and embracing actionable steps.
Accepting anxiety as a part of life while managing its effects.
Positive Journaling and CBT:
Using journaling to identify and shift cognitive patterns.
Linking journaling practices to principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
SSRI Metabolism and Natural Alternatives:
How DNA testing helps personalize SSRI treatments.
Exploring saffron extract as a natural remedy for anxiety.
Future Plans:
Teasers for upcoming guest interviews and in-depth episodes.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Wayne's goals for the episode.
2:30 – Moving to Bangkok: Burnout recovery and lifestyle benefits.
7:00 – Business Insights: Expanding Deanxious and finding investors.
12:45 – Mental Health Accessibility: Breaking stigma with digital tools.
20:30 – Managing Anxiety: Actionable tips and reframing perspectives.
26:15 – Positive Journaling and CBT: Changing thought patterns for mental well-being.
32:00 – SSRI Insights and Saffron Extract: Personalized and alternative treatments.
35:00 – Conclusion: Wayne’s commitment to valuable content and exciting future episodes.
Keywords:
Mental health accessibility
Overcoming anxiety
Positive journaling
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Life in Bangkok
Entrepreneurial challenges
Personalized SSRI treatments
Saffron extract for anxiety
Wayne Harrel podcast
Mental health tools

Episode 4: Using Anxiety To Propel You Forward

Wayne delves into his experiences with anxiety, especially while managing multiple businesses and preparing for tax season. He discusses how anxiety impacts decision-making in personal and professional realms, distinguishing between real event anxiety and hypothetical event anxiety. Wayne shares strategies for using anxiety as motivation and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and therapeutic methods. He also highlights the value of reading for personal growth, mentioning books like "Anxious Achievers" and "Mythology" by Edith Hamilton. The episode blends personal anecdotes, practical advice, and reading recommendations, delivered in a conversational style.
 
Timestamps:
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)  Wayne explains the unique style of this podcast episode while on the move.
Anxiety During Tax Season (00:00:00)  He shares his experiences with anxiety related to business and tax preparation.
Channeling Anxiety into Energy (00:01:06)  Wayne discusses how he channels his anxiety into motivation for productivity.
Real vs. Hypothetical Event Anxiety (00:03:24)  He distinguishes between real event anxiety and hypothetical event anxiety.
Coping with Real Event Anxiety (00:05:42)  Wayne explains tools and methods for managing real event anxiety effectively.
Challenges of Hypothetical Event Anxiety (00:08:09)  He elaborates on the difficulties of dealing with hypothetical event anxiety.
The Role of Trauma in Anxiety (00:10:26)  Wayne discusses how childhood trauma can contribute to anxiety disorders.
Using Anxiety as Motivation (00:11:51)  He emphasizes the importance of using anxiety correctly as a motivational tool.
Reading for Personal Growth (00:14:31)  Wayne shares insights about books he's currently reading and their impact.
Reflection on Various Books (00:15:46)  He discusses the wisdom found in ancient texts and modern graphic novels.
Writing His Own Book (00:19:47)  Wayne mentions his ongoing project of writing a book about anxiety management. 
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:20:53)  He wraps up the episode with reflections on the podcasting process and personal insights.
 
Tools and Programs"Self Therapy Program": "00:05:42"
Books"Anxious Achievers": "00:02:54""Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes": "00:14:31""Discourses: The Wisdom of Epictetus": "00:14:46""Maus": "00:15:46""Sapiens: A Graphic History": "00:17:00""Pillars of Civilization": "00:17:00""Never Finished": "00:18:21""Endure": "00:18:21"

Episode 3: Navigating Panic Attacks

This episode offers essential insights and actionable advice on understanding and managing panic attacks, which are becoming increasingly common. It differentiates between isolated panic attacks and panic disorder, highlighting the role of the amygdala and the body's outdated biological responses.
You’ll learn practical strategies such as controlled breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and methods to avoid engaging with anxious thoughts. The guide also introduces valuable tools like calming videos, problem-solving techniques, and relaxation practices. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of community support and shared experiences for effective long-term coping.
Perfect for anyone looking to regain control and reduce the impact of panic attacks, this comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and tools needed for a calmer, more confident life.
 
00:00 Introduction to Panic Attacks
00:41 Understanding the Causes of Panic Attacks
02:43 Managing Panic Attacks: Initial Steps
04:39 Breathing Techniques and Grounding
05:20 Distraction and Relaxation Methods
08:26 Engaging with the Community and Final Tips
 
Keywords: Managing panic attacks, panic disorder, amygdala response, breathing techniques for anxiety, grounding exercises, relaxation techniques, coping with panic attacks, community support for anxiety.

Episode 2: The Election

**Feeling overwhelmed by political anxiety? You're not alone.** 
In this powerful episode, Wayne opens up about his personal battle with anxiety and shares invaluable insights on maintaining mental wellness during politically turbulent times. Drawing from his own experiences, he offers practical strategies for staying grounded when the world feels uncertain.
Wayne reminds us that while political changes can feel overwhelming, history shows that we've weathered similar storms before. He introduces a simple yet effective exercise: writing down how political changes *actually* impact your daily life, helping separate real concerns from amplified anxieties.
Key takeaways:- Focus on what's within your control- Put political changes in perspective- Prioritize your mental wellbeing- Stay grounded in the present moment
Whether you're struggling with election anxiety or seeking ways to maintain your mental health during uncertain times, this episode provides actionable tools and compassionate guidance. 
🎧 Ready to transform your relationship with anxiety? Tune in now to discover how to find peace amidst political chaos. 
Visit Deanxious.com to get your customized action plan.