The Anxiety Project Podcast

338 | The Pornography Trap | The 7 Stage Addiction Cycle

This episode explores the cycle of addiction—especially pornography—through neuroscience, personal narrative, and practical recovery steps. I explain how dopamine, triggers, and withdrawal create craving, outline a seven-step sequence of addiction, and offer strategies (replacements, blockers, identity changes, and supportive narratives) to break free and build a healthier life.
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com

337 | Persevere and Overcome Challenge | Dr. Kate Lund

Dr. Kate Lund joins the Anxiety Project to share her journey from childhood illness to clinical psychologist and author of Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. We discuss building resilience through small, consistent habits—relaxation responses, journaling, routines, social support, and exercise—plus strategies for facing panic, agoraphobia, and daily stress.
Dr. Kate's Website:
https://www.katelundspeaks.com/
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com

336 | A Guide Out of Anxiety | Anthony Verdino

In this episode, I speak with clinician Anthony Verdino about his new book, CBT Simplified. We cover core CBT ideas — the cognitive triangle, self-monitoring, acceptance, cognitive restructuring, the ABC model, and behavioral activation — and how simple, repeatable practices can break rumination, catastrophic thinking, and avoidance.
We also discuss building habits, using positive self-talk and mindfulness, confronting fears to build confidence, and practical steps listeners can use daily to improve mental clarity and emotional resilience. Resources mentioned include Anthony Verdino's website and his book on Amazon.
Anthony's Book:
CBT Simplified 
Anthony's website:
https://www.anthonyverdino.com/#about
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com
 
 

335 | What is Anxiety? | How This Response Leads to Growth

In this episode, I explore what anxiety is, why it arises, and how confronting it can lead to personal growth. I shares my own struggle with agoraphobia and health anxiety, draw on existential thinkers like Jordan Peterson, and outline practical steps for building structure, competence, and a healthier identity.
Listen for honest examples, mindset shifts, and encouragement to approach uncertainty with a guiding frame and steady action.
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/=
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com

334 | Build Willpower and Resilience

In this episode, I explore fear, the anxiety response, and why stepping into the unknown builds resilience. I discuss neuroscience (the anterior mid‑cingulate cortex), systematic desensitization, and practical habits that helped me through fatherhood and anxiety recovery.
Listeners will learn how confronting uncomfortable challenges, building disciplined routines, and finding purpose beyond the self can reduce anxiety and strengthen the will to live.
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com

333 | Breaking Free: Hypnosis and Life Hacks with Rita Black

In this today's episode, we are joined by the remarkable Rita Black, a professional clinical hypnotherapist with nearly two decades of experience. Rita specializes in smoking cessation and weight loss, using a unique blend of hypnosis and cognitive coaching to help clients dismantle limiting beliefs and addictive behaviors.
Discover the powerful transformation that comes from stepping into a new identity, as Rita shares her personal journey from overcoming her own struggles with smoking and weight management to becoming a highly successful hypnotherapist. This episode dives deep into how to tackle deeply ingrained values, break addictive habits, and develop a self-care routine that aligns with your true self.
—Rita Black's Website—https://maketheshiftnow.com/
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com
 

332 | Guilt

In essence, guilt comes when we steer from the path we know to be true and acted away from our moral code. Today, I explore the guilty conscience and how one can manifest the feelings of guilt and then completely overcome it.
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com
 

331 | The Tyranny of the Self and State

On today's episode, I dive into the patterns that form a tyrannical society.  How and why does the self become a destructive, self-defeating force? Why, on an individual level, do people allow for the formation of terrible and corrupt states? How can one begin to prevent and recognize these patterns moving forward? Tune in to find out!
 
—The Anxiety Recovery Program—
https://unpluganxiety.com/my-program/
—1 on 1 Coaching—
https://unpluganxiety.com/1-on-1-coaching/
—The Website—
https://unpluganxiety.com