After nearly a decade in remission, bestselling author, speaker and cancer survivor Suleika Jaouad learned that her leukemia had returned. Confronted with profound uncertainty about her future, she turned to journaling as both a creative practice and means of survival. And through writing, Suleika discovered a powerful shift in perspective: to live each day as if it were her first, not her last.
On this weekās episode of Everyday Better, Suleika joins guest host Jessi Hempel to share insights from her latest book āThe Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life.ā She reflects on what illness taught her about productivity, identity and success, and how creativity can help anyone metabolize grief, reclaim joy and reimagine whatās possible in uncertain times.Ā If you liked this episode, youāll also love this one: No Regrets Living: Designing Your Life Brief With Brand Strategist Bonnie Wan
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31:44
The Science of Feeling Safe: A New Guide to Healing Anxiety
For years, Dr. Russell Kennedy tried everything to treat his crippling anxiety ā therapy, medication ā nothing worked. It wasnāt until he stopped searching in his head and started looking to his body that everything changed. Today, Russell helps others heal by targeting what he calls ābackground alarm,ā a residue of unresolved childhood trauma stored in the body.
On this weekās episode of Everyday Better, Leah sits down with Russell to explore why traditional treatments for anxiety often fall short, and what it really takes to heal from the inside out. Russell shares the somatic tools and mindset shifts that have helped him and his patients regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their inner child and break free from the anxiety loop. He also explains why healing starts not with fixing your thoughts but by feeling whatās been buried in your body all along.
If you liked this episode, youāll also love this one: Why We Panic: The Evolutionary Roots of Anxiety and How to Copy Today
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45:36
How I Learned to Work with My Anxiety
This week, Leah shares her story of living with and learning to manage her anxiety.
Additional Resources:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
Anxiety Rx by Dr. Russell Kennedy
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Dr. Martin Seif and Dr. Sally Winston
The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner
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33:11
Why We Panic: The Evolutionary Roots of Anxiety and How to Cope Today
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Everyday Better is spotlighting some of the most common, yet least understood, mental health challenges.
This week, ABC Newsā Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman joins Leah to share his personal journey with anxiety and panic attacks ā struggles he hid for nearly two decades, even while reporting live on national television. But in 2020, after a career-altering on-air mistake, Matt was forced to confront his panic head-on, or walk away from the job he loved.
In his book āNo Time to Panic,ā Matt explores the science behind anxiety and panic attacks. He explains why humans have panic attacks and how evolution has made anxiety a surprisingly adaptive trait. He also shares the practical tools and mindset shifts that helped him regain control, from breathwork and mindfulness to self-compassion and daily gratitude rituals.Ā
Get Mattās book No Time to Panic here.
If you liked this episode, youāll also love this one: Conquer Everyday Anxiety with Dr. Wendy Suzuki
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47:51
Why Willpower Isnāt Enough (And What Actually Works Instead) with Dr. Anna Lembke
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, weāre exploring some of the most common, yet least understood, mental health challenges.
This week, Leah speaks with Dr. Anna Lembke, author of āDopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence.ā Anna shares the science behind compulsive overconsumption and explains how the brainās pleasure-pain balance can lead us into addictive loops ā even when it comes to seemingly harmless behaviors.
If you liked this episode, youāll also love this one: The Number One Predictor of a Long and Happy Life with Dr. Robert Waldinger
Everyday Better is your essential podcast for leveling up in personal development, life, and career success. Hosted by Leah Smart, an educator in self-improvement and positive psychology, this podcast offers transformative conversations with influential experts sharing real-life success stories, actionable insights, and research-backed tips.
Elevate your mindset, gain clarity, and unlock your potential as you journey toward becoming 'Everyday Better.' Whether you're at a crossroads or simply seeking more daily clarity, every episode leaves you inspired, empowered, and ready for more.
Find new episodes of Everyday Better, right here, every Tuesday.
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