Shows / Anxiety Matters
Anxiety Matters
What are the odds of two psychologists, both named Bonnie Zucker, and both specializing in anxiety and cognitive-behavioral therapy, finding each other across the country? When they met, their connection was instant and electric. Join them here as they explore anxiety from every angle - unpacking disorders, examining societal stressors, and hosting conversations with dynamic guests. They’ll share research-backed strategies to help you and your loved ones manage anxiety, and bring warmth…
Episodes
- Anxiety Matters
Are You Spending Your Time On What Matters Most? How To Align Your Time With Your Values
Following last week's episode with Dr. Pinto, BE and BW discuss how a focus on productivity can distract us from small sources of joy, and share examples from…
Anxiety MattersObsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): When Perfectionism, Indecisiveness & Procrastination Go Too Far with Dr. Anthony Pinto
The Bonnies speak with Dr. Anthony Pinto, senior director of the Northwell Health OCD Center and a clinical and research authority on obsessive-compulsive…
- Anxiety Matters
Can Thinking Something Make It Happen: OCD, Anxiety & The Myth of Powerful Thoughts
In this episode Bonnie and Bonnie discuss anxiety and OCD through the lens of superstition, rituals, and fearful thoughts. They talk about beliefs around lucky…
- Anxiety Matters
Pick the Easy Wins: A Simple Fix for Stress & Overwhelm
BZE and BZW speak about anxiety and stress through the lens of physical health, including research on how to relate to future heart issues. They focus on the…
Anxiety MattersAnxiety Medication, Side-Effects & Finding the Right Fit with Psychiatrist Dr. Kirsten Thompson
The Bonnies speak with Dr. Kirsten Thompson about treating anxiety and the importance of finding a therapist or psychiatrist who feels like a good fit…
- Anxiety Matters
When the News Becomes Your Fear: Why Anxiety Makes Rare Events Feel Personal
The Bonnies talk about how rare and frightening news stories can trigger anxiety and OCD, especially around postpartum mental health. They discuss postpartum…
Anxiety MattersMore Than Clutter: Understanding & Treating Hoarding Disorder with Guest Dr. David Tolin
The Bonnies talk about hoarding with Dr. David Tolin, a clinician and researcher who has worked extensively in this area. They begin by distinguishing hoarding…
- Anxiety Matters
Feeling Understood: The Key to Lowering Stress & Improving Relationships
In this episode, the BZW and BZE talk about how feeling understood in relationships can affect stress, well-being, and even physical symptoms. They discuss how…
- Anxiety Matters
Avoiding the Doctor or Going Too Much: How to Manage Health Anxiety
In this episode, the Bonnies talk about doctor anxiety and how it can lead people to avoid appointments or feel intense worry before routine tests and…
Anxiety MattersMedication Matters: What Every Parent Should Know About Psychiatric Medication for Kids & Teens with Guest Dr. Ethan Hockheiser
The Bonnies talk with Dr. Ethan Hochheiser, a board-certified psychiatrist in general and child & adolescent psychiatry, about when medication may be…
- Anxiety Matters
Why Is Asking For Help So Hard? Tips on Managing All Shades of Social Anxiety
This episode focuses on social anxiety in everyday life, including difficulty asking for help, making small requests, and fearing judgment or inconvenience…
- Anxiety Matters
ERP for OCD: Are Extreme Exposures Necessary?
The Bonnies episode on May 28 when BZW visited BZE in Maryland, where they recorded OCD exposure exercises at Whole Foods, was posted on their social media…
Anxiety MattersMaking Peace with ADHD: Hollywood Writer Jordan Roberts Shares About Self-Acceptance
The Bonnies welcome Jordan Roberts, a writer and director with a long career in television and film, who has also built a coaching practice focused on creative…
- Anxiety Matters
You Are Not Your Thoughts: How to Let Anxiety Pass Without Engaging
The Bonnies discuss detached mindfulness as a strategy for anxiety, including how it fits within metacognitive therapy. They explain the idea of shifting from…
- Anxiety Matters
Anxiety Q&A: Real Questions - Evidence-Based Answers
Bonnie and Bonnie talk about comments BZW has received on her social media posts about fear of flying, which drew a large response. People described fears of…
- Anxiety Matters
What Drains You & What Fuels You: Establishing Better Boundaries for Mental Health
The Bonnies talk about healthy boundaries and why saying yes too quickly can lead to stress, resentment, and over-commitment. They discuss the value of pausing…
Anxiety MattersDeath Anxiety: How to Cope with the Fear of Dying with Hospice Nurse Penny
Bonnie and Bonnie talk about death and dying through the lens of anxiety, and discuss how direct, clear language can help make the topic less frightening. They…
- Anxiety Matters
Travel Anxiety Explained: Expert Tips for Stress-Free Trips
In this episode, BZW and BZE talk about travel anxiety and the different forms it can take. They discuss fear of flying, worry about being far from home…
Anxiety MattersLGBTQ+, Mental Health & DBT Skills: Tools for Emotional Well-Being with Dr. Kiki Fehling
Dr. Kiki Fehling (aka DBT Kiki) is back with the Bonnies to discuss dialectical behavior therapy, LGBTQ+ mental health, and how language shapes understanding…
- Anxiety Matters
From Rested to Joyful: Psychological Strategies for a Better Life
In this episode the Bonnies continue their discussion of sleep and what they learned after our previous conversation about CBT-I for insomnia. They review core…
Anxiety MattersWhy You Can't Sleep and How CBT-I Fixes It with guest Dr. Jesse Spiegel
The Bonnies introduce Dr. Jesse Spiegel, a licensed clinical psychologist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. This episode focuses on insomnia and on…
- Anxiety Matters
A Day in the Life of an OCD Psychologist (part 2): The Effectiveness of ERP for OCD
In this part 2 BZE and BZW discuss anxiety and OCD through their clinical work and personal experiences, including a recent visit in Maryland and time spent…
- Anxiety Matters
A Day in the Life of an OCD Psychologist: Bonnie West Visits Bonnie East in Maryland
East meets West in this special episode of Anxiety Matters as Bonnie West travels to visit Bonnie East. After an excitedly heartwarming welcome, the two enjoy…
- Anxiety Matters
A Perfectionist's Guide to Not Being Perfect
In this episode BZE and BZW talk about perfectionism through their own habits and experiences, from the pressure to make the “right” choice to the way rigid…
- Anxiety Matters
Panic Attack or Heart Attack: Treatment Strategies That Work
In this episode, BZW and BZE revisit Ireland Baldwin's journey with health anxiety and panic disorder, examining how trauma, genetics, and environmental…
Anxiety MattersLiving with Health Anxiety & Panic: Guest Ireland Baldwin shares her story
In this special episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies engage in an enlightening conversation with Ireland Baldwin, an accomplished screenwriter, producer…
- Anxiety Matters
Freedom from Panic: Tools from Bonnie Zucker West's book (Interview with Bonnie East)
In an exclusive first, Bonnie East explores the complexities of panic and anxiety with Bonnie West, a psychologist specializing in anxiety. They delve into…
- Anxiety Matters
When Therapy Isn't Enough: How Psychologists Decide to Refer for Anxiety Medication
In this enlightening episode of Anxiety Matters, BZE and BZW dive into the role of psychiatric medication in managing anxiety, reflecting on BZE's earlier…
Anxiety MattersTrying to Get Pregnant is Stressful: Guest Dr. Julie Bindeman on Coping with Anxiety & Fertility
BZW and BZE bring to light the often unspoken emotional struggles that accompany reproductive anxiety. Today’s discussion tackles the delicate nature of…
Anxiety MattersLiving with Long Covid: Marisa Renee Lee on Resilience, Grief & Reframing Life
The Bonnies are joined by the acclaimed author Marisa Renee Lee, whose transformative experiences with grief and chronic illness are beautifully encapsulated…
- Anxiety Matters
Small Steps Big Results: Simple Daily Changes to Improve Your Life
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies step into the concept of small but impactful changes that can significantly affect our mental well-being…
- Anxiety Matters
Let Go of Guilt and Build More Confidence
In this episode of the Anxiety Matters podcast, BZW and BZE delve into the complex emotion of guilt and its impact on our mental well-being. They share their…
- Anxiety Matters
Anxiety Questions from Social Media
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies tackle the intricacies of anxiety and its manifestations through engaging discussions and embark on a journey…
Anxiety MattersBehind the Screens: Dr. Dan Pediatrician & Wife Darcy talk Parenting, Anxiety & Social Media Fame
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, Bonnie West & Bonnie East dive into an engaging conversation with Dr. Dan Cohen, a board-certified pediatrician, and his…
- Anxiety Matters
Parental Anxiety & Location Tracking: Why Constant Checking Makes Things Worse
The Bonnies tackle the intricate relationship between technology, parenting, and anxiety aim to shed light on how modern technology influences parental…
Anxiety MattersFrom Screen Battles to Screen Balance: Dr. Adam Pletter's Strategies for Healthier Tech Habits
There's a pervasive influence of technology on mental health, particularly in the context of anxiety management for children and adolescents. The Bonnies are…
- Anxiety Matters
Releasing Yourself from Shoulds
BZE and BZW explore the concept of “shoulds” and how they can trap us in a cycle of anxiety and self-judgment. Together they discuss the internal rules we…
Anxiety MattersPostpartum Depression with Filmmaker Sunita Prasad
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies welcome filmmaker, Sunita Prasad to discuss her impactful short film, Sleep Training, which uses comedy to…
Anxiety MattersTiny Shifts with guest Dr. Elisha Goldstein
The Bonnies delve into an in-depth conversation with Dr. Elisha Goldstein, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author whose work focuses on emotional…
- Anxiety Matters
Clearing the Chaos and Being Ok with Just Being
Delving into the impact of technology on mental wellness and our ability to engage in the moment, the Bonnies explore the growing trend of technology-free…
Anxiety MattersWhen Your Child is in Crisis with guests Kathy & Jeff Long
In this inspiring episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies welcome Kathy and Jeff Long, co-authors of "A Parent's Guide to Anorexia." Kathy and Jeff share their…
- Anxiety Matters
Helping Friends and Family with Anxiety and Depression
This episode is one that many can benefit from with the focal point on how to provide effective support for loved ones dealing with mental health challenges…
Anxiety MattersManaging Regrets with Guest Dr. Robert Leahy
In this episode of the Anxiety Matters podcast, Bonnie East and West welcome their esteemed guest, Dr. Robert Leahy, a renowned psychologist and author of…
- Anxiety Matters
SMART Goals for the New Year
Have you made your goals for 2026 yet? If not, you're just in time to join BZE and BZW as they delve into the importance of setting SMART goals. They reflect…
- Anxiety Matters
SPECIAL REPLAY: Discovering Your Doppelganger
Bonnie & Bonnie revisit their very first conversation to share their journey and the serendipity that brought them together as colleagues and friends…
Anxiety MattersCancer & Anxiety with Michelle Bronzo
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, Bonnie East and West engage in an in-depth conversation with Michelle Bronzo, a licensed clinical professional counselor…
- Anxiety Matters
Managing Holiday Stress
'Tis the season of stress or maybe it doesn't have to be. In this episode, the Bonnies explore the emotional complexities of holiday stress. Each share…
- Anxiety Matters
Coping with Sleep Anxiety
In this episode, Bonnie & Bonnie, explore the complex relationship between anxiety and sleep, emphasizing their impact on overall wellbeing. They share…
- Anxiety Matters
The Value of Gratitude
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, BZW and BZE explore the powerful role of gratitude as we approach Thanksgiving. They discuss how gratitude can shift focus…
Anxiety MattersDental Phobias & Dental Wisdom with Dr. Michael Schneider
In this episode, BZE and BZW speak with Dr. Michael Schneider, a veteran dentist, about the connection between anxiety and dental health. They discuss the rise…
- Anxiety Matters
Treating Phobias
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies discuss the complexities of phobias and the necessity of professional treatment. Both share personal…
Anxiety MattersEating and Anxiety with Robyn Goldberg
In this episode, BZW and BZE speak with Robyn Goldberg, a renowned dietitian nutritionist, about the intricate relationship between food and anxiety…
- Anxiety Matters
Depression & Anxiety
BZE and BZW examine the intricate relationship between anxiety, depression, and co-occurring mental health conditions. They discuss how untreated anxiety can…
Anxiety MattersSleep Deprivation in Teens with Lisa Lewis
In this episode, the Bonnies delve into the critical issue of sleep deprivation among teenagers, guided by their esteemed guest, Lisa Lewis, an accomplished…
- Anxiety Matters
How to Challenge Anxiety in Your Daily Life
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, the Bonnies delve into the intricate relationship between personal experiences with anxiety and the professional insights…
- Anxiety Matters
How To Be Less Miserable with Lybi Ma
In this episode of the Anxiety Matters podcast, BZE and BZW engage in a profound discussion with Lybi Ma, executive editor of Psychology Today and author of…
- Anxiety Matters
How to Cope with Big World Issues
Bonnie West and Bonnie East, address the intricate relationship between anxiety and significant global issues impacting children's mental health. They unpack…
- Anxiety Matters
Coping with Catastrophes (a follow-up)
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, BZW reflects on her return home after the LA wildfires, exploring the emotional challenges of replacing belongings and…
- Anxiety Matters
JOMO & People Pleasing
In this episode of the Anxiety Matters podcast, it's all about anxiety, people-pleasing, and the shift from FOMO to JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out. Drawing…
Anxiety MattersEco-Anxiety with Lisa Kaas Boyle
In this episode of Anxiety Matters, BZW and BZE engage in a deep conversation about climate anxiety with environmental activist Lisa Kaas Boyle. They begin…