Better.

Today’s guest is my friend Kelli — an incredible wife and mother, a vice president at a company you’ve probably heard of, and one of the most all-around brilliant, vibrant people I know.  The story Kelli’s here to share begins shortly after she finished college and moved to Los Angeles, when she unfortunately lost her mother to suicide. What followed were some very difficult years during which she stayed incredibly busy as a way to cope, until a car accident forced her to finally slow down and begin the process of processing her grief… WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE: — The sudden loss of her mother to suicide, and how she coped by staying incredibly busy  [2:25] — The car accident that forced her to finally deal with her mother’s death  [6:15] — The disastrous night that convinced her to finally seek therapy  [11:00] — The process of getting into therapy  [14:30] — Feeling embarrassment about getting help  [19:30] — Kelli’s advice for people who may be struggling with intense feelings [25:15]

Today’s guest is Mark Lukach, author of a brand new memoir titled “My Lovely Wife In The Psych Ward.” If the title alone isn't enough to grab you, this snippet from the book’s description says it all: Mark and Giulia’s life together began as a storybook romance. They fell in love at eighteen, married at twenty-four, and were living their dream life in San Francisco. When Giulia was twenty-seven, she suffered a terrifying and unexpected psychotic break that landed her in the psych ward for nearly a month. One day she was vibrant and well-adjusted; the next she was delusional and suicidal, convinced that her loved ones were not safe. Needless to say, when Mark was thrusted into the new role as his wife’s caregiver he inevitably found himself confused, frustrated, and worst of all —  completely alone. So the two big questions Mark and I tackle in our conversation are:  A) How does one take care of themselves and draw the strength to support your spouse during a difficult mental illness? And B) How is his love

“I couldn’t breathe. I felt like I was gonna faint. I just thought I was dying. There’s just this place that you have no ground underneath your feet and you don’t know what’s going on with you.” Above are the words from today’s guest Melissa Woods, describing what it felt like to be inside of a panic attack. Like so many of us — these panic attacks began seemingly out of nowhere for Melissa, and slowly grew into an invisible monster that dictated nearly every aspect of her life.  Melissa is the author of the recent novel “Getting Past Anxiety,” in which she details her entire experience as well as the healing the journey that changed her life. And in our chat today, we’re able to dig into the nitty gritty details of her a story a bit in hopes that some aspect of her journey will inspire others to move past their undue anxiety woes.   WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE: — Her negative experience taking anxiety medication  [3:04] — How seeing a chiropractor helped launch her healing journey  [4:54] — What h

Today, I’m joined by 18-year-old Mattis, and we’re talking about the trending Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” which is as addictive and entertaining as it is controversial and downright disturbing at times. If you’re not familiar, the show centers around the unfortunate suicide of a young high school girl named Hannah, and a set of audio tapes she leaves behind for 13 of her peers whom she felt played a role in her decision to end her life. While many feel the show is spreading awareness about teen suicide prevention, others - including some of my colleagues in the mental health profession - fear that show may actually be sending the wrong message who those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. **Spoilers are present throughout this episode** Topics we explore in this episode include: -The extremely graphic suicide scene at the end of the series -Is this show a realistic representation of the typical high school experience? -Are younger people mis-interpreting the message of this show in a dangerous

Anxiety and panic attacks can happen to just about anyone, at any time. And that includes successful TV personalities! Which brings me to today’s guest, Molly Fay, who is the host of the “The Morning Blend” based out of Milwaukee, WI.  She opens up about her experience dealing with a sudden onset of anxiety, the roots of which can likely be traced back to the loss of her brother to suicide. We talk about the effect this had on her career, and what she ultimately did regain her sense of normalcy.  Highlights of this episode include: -The story of losing her brother to suicide, and the qualities of mental illness that can go unnoticed -Does she think suicide is a selfish act? -How cognitive behavioral therapy was the turning point to resolving her anxiety -At what point should someone experiencing anxiety symptoms seek professional help? -Her views (and mine) on anxiety medication, and more.

Today I’m joined once again by my wife, Julie, and we’re digging into the topic of creativity and how it relates to all the various aspects of our lives, especially undue anxiety. I have a theory that certain types of the anxiety I see in both kids and adults these days may really not be much more than pent up creative energy begging to be let out. But a lot the things we encounter on a daily basis can prevent this from happening, especially as we start to develop a concept of who we think we are and who we think we aren’t.  So if you’ve ever been told that you can’t sing, dance, draw, paint or play an instrument - this one is especially for you. And look out for a special creative challenge toward the end of the episode if you’re up for it!   Highlights of this episode include: -Is there correlation between anxiety and creative energy? -How small comments and incidents can repress our creativity -How facing your biggest fears can lead to your biggest breakthroughs -The benefits of encouraging creativit

Dr. Helen Odessky is an anxiety expert and the author of the brand new book titled “Stop Anxiety From Stopping You.” She describes her early experiences with anxiety as a youth as feeling like there was a cinder block on her chest, and many years later has dedicated her career to understanding the ins and outs of the panic and fears we all face everyday. Check out her book at the link below. You might recognize the guy who wrote the foreword! https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Anxiety-Stopping-You-Breakthrough/dp/1633535460/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491779598&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=helen+oddessky Highlights of this episode include: -The dreaded school lunchroom and anxiety -How panic manifests differently in people -Anxiety advice that absolutely DOES NOT -Should you remedy panic attacks with Coca Cola? -Two surprising things that can short circuit (but not cure) anxiety -Tips for taking ownership of your anxiety

John is a fun guy. He’s a blast to talk to, loves playing the guitar, and loves helping people. But he’s a guy who has been plagued by anxiety in many different shapes and forms throughout the many years that I’ve known him.  Whether it’s drug use, “school refusal,” chronic stomach pain, or even something as peculiar as obsessive dieting, the culprit has always been able to be traced back to the many-headed beast of anxiety.  John’s here today to share his story about all the different ways his undue anxiety has affected him throughout his youth, as well as the incredible healing powers of the guitar! Highlights of our conversation include: -Consistently missing school when he was younger -Quitting drugs cold turkey after a particularly wild night -The importance of having positive role models to talk to -How anxiety can be a good thing once in a while -And of course, the wide variety of his symptoms throughout the years

Mark Goblowsky is a husband, father, U.S. Air Force veteran, martial arts expert, and host of the Strength Through Struggle podcast.  Following a particularly rough upbringing, Mark was seeking a more structured adulthood; a code that he could live by, which he found through the military as well as his martial arts training. But nothing could prepare him for the day that his changed forever in just an instant - the day his 3-year-old (at the time) son suffered a traumatic brain injury in a tragic accident.

Today’s guest is Kevin Oberhausen, a Chicago-based life coach, massage therapist, and energy healer. Our conversation dives into the depression and anxiety he experienced as a child, and how that experience informs the life he leads today. Perhaps more importantly, we discuss that role that your thoughts play in how you experience reality, as well as his new 30 Days of Self Love project, which might just change your life. Highlights of this episode include: -His childhood experiences with depression and self-harm, and the TV show that gave him the idea -How allowing yourself to feel your feelings fully versus taking medication can help resolve depression -How happiness and joy can be a state that you live in consistently -The changing nature of masculinity in our society -Kevin’s 30 Days of Self Love Project, and how it might be just what you need

As promised, here's part two of the podcast with my brilliant, hilarious friend Ilene. Here, she shares with us her story since childhood and her mother's suicide, including the impact on her marriage, her career, and parenting her two amazing children. In the wake of it all, her joy for life and humor will inspire you.

Today we welcome my good friend Ilene, among the kindest, most funny, thoughtful people I know. In part one of her podcast, Ilene shares with us some beautiful stories of growing up in a loving yet complicated family. She talks about the politically-incorrect 'spanky paddle' to hitchhiking mishaps to the reason she locked her brother in the garage. She also generously shares the story of her mother's suicide, and the physical and emotional fallout for herself.  This one is WAY more fun, and funny, than you might think.

At just 31 years old, Jennifer answered the phone one day to unexpectedly receive the news that her husband was leaving her and moving out. She describes this experience as “life shattering” and is here today to tell her story in great detail and - much more importantly - how she bounced back to create a life of great purpose and meaning that she never would have imagined prior. Highlights of this episode include: -Why divorce is rated higher on the stress scale than death -Her gnawing fear that her children would grow up with the “children of divorce” label -Her mindset shift that helped the proverbial phoenix rise from the ashes -How a single triathlon training class created a snowball effect of significant positive changes in her life -And I can’t spoil the rest of the story from there!

Today on the Undue Anxiety Podcast, I'm joined by my wife Julie to discuss what I've begun to call the "February Funk," a period in which a lot us tend to feel a little depressed, a little stuck, a little anxious.  Julie and I talk about how the "Funk" - and our country's current political climate - are bringing her down, and how she thinks we might fix it. 

Charlene describes her youth as a period in which a great emphasis was placed on physical appearance and presentation.  This all changed, however, when a car accident sparked an unlikely journey inward that would become her life’s greatest gift. Today, she’s here to share the wisdom that has been the result of that journey, and how she uses it to build and maintain strong relationships with her three daughters. Highlights of this episode include: -The low-level hum of fear and anxiety that was present throughout her childhood -The life changing car accident that would become her greatest gift -Her coach-based approach to parenting; the opposite of helicopter parenting -Why her goal as a parent is to help her children find their direction and purpose in life -Tips for taming the voice inside your head

When Nathan was just 7 years old, an unfortunate incident resulted with him accidentally killing his pet cat. Overcome with guilt and remorse, what followed for young Nathan was a life-long spiral of anxiety that eventually manifested into symptoms of OCD, depression, and more. Today we talk about Nathan’s life story thus far, which takes an incredibly inspirational arc, and all the tips and tools he’s used over the years to break himself free. Highlights of this episode include: - Homeschooling, and entering high school for the first time - Accidentally killing his cat when he was 7 - Discovering music, comedy, and podcasts - Career advice for those who may be dealing with anxiety or depression

Today’s guest is Dylan, who is here to share his story about the roots his anxiety, which can be traced back to feeling responsible for his parents’ separation as well as his father’s anger issues. What Dylan experienced growing up led to his buying into the false “I’m not enough” or “I’m not good enough” myth that our fears will sometimes manifest for us. Dylan bravery takes through the highs and lows of his life journey thus far, including a revelation he wasn’t planning on sharing, as well as the philosophy that’s helping him shape a positive adult life. Highlights of this episode include: -Why he initially blamed himself for parents separation -Why he still feels fear and anxiety telling this very story today -How his father’s anger issues impacted his life and anxiety -His worst depressive episode he went through in middle school -His favorite quote that helps him & more!

Today’s guest is Michelle Icard, author of “Middle School Makeover.” She also made headlines earlier this year when she left a note for three “mean girls” at Starbucks encouraging them to be more kind (http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/stevens/ct-note-to-girls-at-starbucks-balancing-0531-20160531-column.html) Michelle shares her story about how the anxiety she experienced in middle school inspired the work she does today, and we also take a deep dive into the often murky waters of the middle school years. I think her advice and perspective can help both kids and parents navigate this period a little easier. In this episode, we talk about: Why she loves working with middle-schoolers Her anxiety issues during middle school, and how theater helped her The perfect storm that is the middle school era Why sneakers so so extremely popular among middle school boys Why she loves social media, and how parents can help their kids have a better experience with it The infamous Starbucks incident that landed her

Back in October, Emily came on the podcast to talk about her brother Jack, who had tragically passed from brain cancer.  Today, we have her older sister, Leigh, joining us to share her perspective in dealing with Jack’s illness.  Leigh was away at college for a large portion of Jack’s battle, and was also dealing with her own personal health crisis, which created a lot of difficult emotions for her.  We also talk a lot about some of the inspirational writings Jack published on his blog (linked below) before he passed away, as well as some of the pieces he hadn’t published that Leigh later discovered. Highlights of this episode include: -How 30 Rock & The Beatles remind her of Jack -Discovering some of Jack’s unpublished writings on his computer after his passing -How she believes cancer affected his overall confidence, self worth, and dating life -Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease during Jack’s cancer battle -The element that made Jack’s wake so much different than most others Also, here is a link

Erica Lofton is the 15-YEAR-OLD founder and CEO of Girls in Action, a not-for-profit organization spreading powerful messages of anti violence and female empowerment. As a entrepreneur, speaker, host of workshops, and musician who still finds time to hit the mall with friends once in a while, Erica is truly one of the most inspirational teens I know. This is an important listen for those of us out there who may be disappointed with the current state of millennials and our youth in general, as Erica is accomplishing major things in this world. ALSO - In the episode, we talk about a song Erica wrote about Trayvon Martin called “No Time Left,” which you can check out at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNU64eg7Chg