Calmly Coping

Tatiana Garcia

Calmly Coping is the go-to podcast for high-achieving professionals who look like they have it all together—but inside, they're overthinking, self-doubting, and feeling the weight of constant pressure. I'm Tati Garcia, a licensed therapist and coach specializing in high-functioning anxiety. I help ambitious professionals break free from the cycle of overworking, overthinking, and never feeling good enough, so you can cultivate confidence, balance, and peace—without sacrificing success. If you struggle with: ✔ Overanalyzing everything and second-guessing yourself ✔ Feeling stuck in busyness but unsure how to slow down ✔ Putting immense pressure on yourself to always do more ✔ Trouble relaxing, switching off, or setting boundaries ✔ Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and fear of failure Then you're in the right place. Each bite-sized, evidence-based episode is designed to help you manage anxiety, improve focus and performance, communicate more confidently, and build the inner calm you crave. New episodes every Wednesday. Hit follow and start breaking free from the anxiety-driven cycle today.

  1. 4H AGO

    Why You Don't Feel Like "Enough" as a Daughter with Dr. Allison Alford

    If you've ever felt like no matter how much you do for your family, it's still not enough, this episode is for you. Dr. Allison Alford, who holds a PhD in Communication Studies with a concentration in Interpersonal Communication from The University of Texas at Austin, is here to name the invisible labor so many daughters carry, and help us explore how to untangle our worth from sacrifice and reclaim what healthy daughtering can look like. In this episode, you'll learn: The four types of daughtering work: doing, feeling, thinking, and being Why emotional labor with family can quietly drain your energy and reserves How to shift from obligation to choice in your role as a daughter A step-by-step approach to setting boundaries without immediately creating conflict How to define your own "rubric" for what being a good daughter means About the guest: Allison Alford is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics. She holds a PhD in Communication Studies with a concentration in Interpersonal Communication from The University of Texas at Austin. Alford has 17 years' experience teaching university courses and her specialties are value propositions, conflict resolution techniques, teamwork, meeting facilitation and people-skills for leaders. Alford is active in the Association for Business Communication and National Communication Association. Connect with Dr. Allison Alford: Book: Good Daughtering: The Work You've Always Done, the Credit You've Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Daughtering-Always-Credit-Finally/dp/0063436426 Website: https://daughtering101.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daughtering101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daughtering101 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Daughtering101/61564467700155/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonalford/   00:00 Feeling Like You're Never Doing Enough for Your Family 00:54 Meet Dr. Allison Alford + What "Daughtering" Means 03:36 How Daughtering Changes in Adulthood (and Why It Stays Invisible) 07:40 Family Scripts, Unspoken Rules, and Why Patterns Feel Hard to Break 10:15 Why She Researched Daughtering: The Origin Story + 10 Years of Interviews 13:12 What Women Say Daughtering Is: Hosting, Protecting Feelings, and Not Feeling Seen 16:56 The 4 Types of Daughtering Work: Doing, Feeling, Thinking, Being 23:57 From Obligation to Choice: Making the Invisible Visible and Recalibrating 25:32 Start With 'Narrating' Before You Set Boundaries 28:31 From Awareness to Action: Asking for What You Want 30:01 Who This Advice Is For (and When to Get Extra Help) 31:25 The 'Family CEO' Role: Invisible Labor, Real Value 34:30 Perfectionism & 'Never Enough': Create Your Daughtering Rubric 37:03 Plant the Flag: Beta-Test New Limits Without Guilt 39:25 New Traditions That Fit Your Life (Not Just the Default) 42:46 About the Book + Why This Work Matters for Future Generations 46:16 Where to Find More + Final Takeaways ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ——————— 💌 Subscribe to the Calmly Coping Newsletter: https://calmlycoping.com/newsletter 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues.

    48 min
  2. FEB 11

    How to Be Carefree (while still getting things done)

    If the idea of being 'carefree' feels uncomfortable or even unsafe, like it means not caring, dropping the ball, or letting everything fall apart—this episode is for you. We're going to talk about what being carefree actually means, why so many high-achieving people rely on pressure to stay afloat, and what starts to change when you stop white-knuckling your way through life. In this episode, you will learn: Why pressure often feels necessary, even when it's exhausting What being carefree actually looks like for driven, responsible people How life begins to feel when you let go of excess pressure without caring less   📝 Free Workbook: From Pressure to Ease: A short guided reset to help you soften internal pressure and feel more at ease without dropping the ball: https://calmlycoping.com/pressure   00:00 Being Carefree 00:23 Welcome to Calmly Coping 00:51 Understanding the Fear of Being Carefree 03:00 The Pressure Spectrum 03:26 Finding Balance: The True Meaning of Carefree 03:43 Visualizing Excess Pressure 04:28 Driving Analogy: Loosening the Grip 05:23 Benefits of Letting Go of Excess Pressure 06:57 Trusting Yourself and Embracing Ease 07:25 Exploring Pressure to Ease 08:03 Conclusion and Next Steps ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ——————— 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues.

    9 min
  3. FEB 4

    How to Stay Calm in a High-Pressure Work Environment

    High-pressure environments don't just demand more of your time, they demand more of you. And when the pressure is constant, it's easy to start living in survival mode… pushing through, tightening your grip, and telling yourself you just need to be tougher. In this episode, we're looking at what actually helps you stay calm in high-pressure environments, so you can stay grounded, think clearly, and protect your energy without burning out. In this episode, you will learn: What it actually means to stay calm in high-pressure environments How to reduce internal pressure without avoiding responsibility Practical ways to protect your energy and boundaries at work 📝 Free Workbook: From Pressure to Ease: A short guided reset to help you soften internal pressure and feel more at ease without dropping the ball: https://calmlycoping.com/pressure 00:00 Introduction to High Pressure Environments 00:58 Understanding High Pressure Environments 01:59 The Harmful Effects of Pushing Through 02:31 Defining Calm in High Pressure Situations 03:51 Addressing Fear and Clarity in the Workplace 05:05 Practical Tips for Staying Calm 06:42 Setting and Protecting Boundaries 07:55 Acting from Intention and Courage 09:25 Managing Internal Pressure 11:43 Conclusion and Additional Resources   ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ——————— 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues.

    13 min
  4. JAN 28

    Demand Sensitivity: Why You Feel Constant Pressure

    If you've ever felt like your to-do list keeps growing even when no one is actually asking anything of you… like everything somehow turns into a demand the moment it enters your awareness, this episode is for you. We're going to talk about something called demand sensitivity: why pressure can feel so intense and how to start shifting out of 'should mode' so your life feels lighter and more intentional. In this episode, you will learn: What demand sensitivity is and why pressure feels so intense How "should mode" creates overwhelm, guilt, and resistance How to start shifting your relationship with demands so you feel more ease and choice   Mentioned in Episode: 📝 Free Workbook: From Pressure to Ease: A short guided reset to help you soften internal pressure and feel more at ease without dropping the ball: https://calmlycoping.com/pressure How to Be Enough by Ellen Hendriksen: https://bookshop.org/a/87936/9781250291875 Do You Have Unrealistic Expectations? https://www.becalmwithtati.com/unrealistic-expectations/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/xEkbSU53zJo Source: https://www.focusbear.io/blog-post/understanding-and-managing-demand-resistance-in-personal-and-professional-life   00:00 Introduction to Demand Sensitivity 00:53 Understanding Demand Sensitivity 02:20 Personal Experience with Demand Sensitivity 02:52 Why Demand Sensitivity Happens 03:30 Impact of Demand Sensitivity 04:12 Demand Resistance 05:04 Roots of Demand Sensitivity and Resistance 06:26 Shifting Out of Demand Sensitivity 06:38 Tips for Managing Demand Sensitivity 10:49 Conclusion and Next Steps ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ——————— 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues. *Links included in these show notes may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission for purchases made using these links (at no additional cost to you). All products that I share are products I use, love, and recommend.

    12 min
  5. JAN 21

    Why You Always Feel Behind (and How to Break the Cycle)

    If you've ever felt like no matter how much you get done, you're still somehow behind—behind in your work, behind in your life, behind where you think you should be—this episode is for you. We're going to look at why that "never enough" feeling shows up, how patterns like over-responsibility early in life, conditional validation, and fear-based survival wire us into always pushing and never quite feeling caught up, and how simply understanding this can start to soften the cycle you've been stuck in.   In this episode, you will learn: Why the feeling of being "behind" has so little to do with your actual productivity, and so much to do with how you learned to stay safe and valued The three core patterns that wire high-achievers into constant pressure, overdoing, and never feeling like enough How understanding where this cycle came from can start to loosen its grip, so you can relate to yourself with more compassion and less self-blame   ✨ Remember: You are exactly where you need to be right now. ✨   00:00 Introduction: The Never Enough Feeling 01:20 Understanding the Feeling of Being Behind 03:18 Core Patterns Leading to Overwhelm 03:32 Over Responsibility in Childhood 05:10 Conditional or Inconsistent Validation 06:13 Fear-Based Survival 07:19 Breaking the Cycle and Self-Compassion 08:52 Re-Parenting and Self-Acceptance 10:37 Conclusion and Next Steps ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ——————— 💌 Subscribe to the Calmly Coping Newsletter: https://calmlycoping.com/newsletter 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues.

    12 min
  6. JAN 14

    How Chronic Stress Disrupts Cortisol—and What Actually Helps with Marina Wright

    If you're feeling exhausted but still pushing through, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Marina Wright, functional nutrition practitioner and author of The Cortisol Reset Plan, to explore what your stress symptoms are really trying to tell you. We talk about how chronic stress affects the body and brain, why cortisol isn't the enemy, and how small, compassionate shifts in nutrition, lifestyle, and nervous system regulation can help you rebuild resilience from the inside out.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why stress isn't always bad, and how resilience depends on recovery The difference between high and low cortisol symptoms (and why many people experience both) How ultra-processed foods, blood sugar swings, and circadian disruption add hidden stress to the body Simple nutrition and lifestyle shifts that support cortisol balance without perfectionism Why healing from burnout requires both physical and nervous system support   About the Guest: Marina Wright is a functional nutrition practitioner, health coach, and author of The Cortisol Reset Plan. She helps people build resilience to physical and psychological stress to support lasting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Marina bridges science and holistic healing, translating complex research into simple, sustainable daily habits that empower people to feel better without overwhelm. Connect with Marina: Book: The Cortisol Reset Plan: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-cortisol-reset-plan-marina-wright?variant=43106558869538 Website: https://www.marinawright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinawrightwellness/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinawrightwellness   00:00 Introduction to Stress and Cortisol 04:01 Symptoms of Chronic Stress 14:00 High vs. Low Cortisol Symptoms 16:53 Strategies to Manage Stress 23:41 Nutritional Tips for Reducing Stress 36:27 Five Steps to Reduce Stress and Improve Health 37:27 Balancing Blood Sugar for Better Health 42:24 Regulating Your Circadian Rhythm 51:08 Exercise and Nervous System Regulation 52:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ——————— 💌 Subscribe to the Calmly Coping Newsletter: https://calmlycoping.com/newsletter 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues.

    54 min
  7. JAN 7

    How to Prioritize Your Nervous System as a High Achiever

    If you're constantly pushing yourself to do more but still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or exhausted, this episode is for you. I'm sharing why your nervous system—not your productivity—is the real foundation for feeling calm, balanced, and confident. You'll learn how chronic stress keeps your body stuck in survival mode and three practical, realistic ways to regulate your nervous system, even if your life feels busy or out of control.   In this episode, you will learn: Why focusing only on goals and productivity can keep you stuck in survival mode Three practical ways to regulate your nervous system using your body, environment, and thoughts How small, consistent shifts create more calm, clarity, and resilience over time ——————— Calmly Coping is a self-improvement podcast for high achievers who struggle with high-functioning anxiety to help you feel more calm, balanced, and confident from within. ———————   ✨ Enroll in the Calm & Ambitious Resource Vault: https://www.calmlycoping.com/vault 💬 Submit a message, question, or suggestion to the podcast: https://calmlycoping.com/message   ——————— 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Your Nervous System 00:48 Welcome to Calmly Coping 01:16 Understanding Your Nervous System 03:25 The Impact of a Dysregulated Nervous System 05:25 Three Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System 09:33 Creating a Supportive Environment 12:21 Mind Your Thoughts 15:32 Conclusion and Additional Resources   ——————— Want more? 👩🏽‍💻 Work with me: My mission is to help you decrease your anxiety, declutter your mind, and say hello to a life of calm and balance.  Learn more about my coaching, therapy, and course offerings here: https://becalmwithtati.com/work-with-me 👥 Join the Calmly Coping Group: The free supportive community for high-achievers with high-functioning anxiety. Join Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmlyCoping 📝 Take the Free High-Functioning Anxiety Quiz: http://hfaquiz.com   ——————— My favorite tools: 🧘🏽‍♀️ Mindfulness Meditation App*: https://mindfulnesscom-partner-program.pxf.io/x97kyd ✅ Todoist To-Do List App*: https://get.todoist.io/8e7o0ay8n081   ——————— Say hi on social: 🔗 Website: https://becalmwithtati.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/tatianaglpc 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatianaglpc/ 📌 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tatianaglpc   ——————— Intro/Outro Music: Rescue Me (Instrumental) by Aussens@iter (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/tobias_weber/57990 Ft: Copperhead Disclaimer All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues. *Links included in these show notes may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission for purchases made using these links (at no additional cost to you). All products that I share are products I use, love, and recommend.

    17 min
5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Calmly Coping is the go-to podcast for high-achieving professionals who look like they have it all together—but inside, they're overthinking, self-doubting, and feeling the weight of constant pressure. I'm Tati Garcia, a licensed therapist and coach specializing in high-functioning anxiety. I help ambitious professionals break free from the cycle of overworking, overthinking, and never feeling good enough, so you can cultivate confidence, balance, and peace—without sacrificing success. If you struggle with: ✔ Overanalyzing everything and second-guessing yourself ✔ Feeling stuck in busyness but unsure how to slow down ✔ Putting immense pressure on yourself to always do more ✔ Trouble relaxing, switching off, or setting boundaries ✔ Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and fear of failure Then you're in the right place. Each bite-sized, evidence-based episode is designed to help you manage anxiety, improve focus and performance, communicate more confidently, and build the inner calm you crave. New episodes every Wednesday. Hit follow and start breaking free from the anxiety-driven cycle today.

You Might Also Like