Anxiety Matters

Bonnie Zucker & Bonnie Zucker
  • 4.9 (69)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

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, wisdom, and humor to the conversation. Whether you're curious about the topic or seeking specific tools, the two Dr. Bonnie Zuckers offer expert advice, inspiration, and plenty of engaging moments. Don’t miss out on this compelling and insightful journey. *The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.*

  1. 21h ago

    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 is often misunderstood by partners and family members, and how advice or pressure can sometimes leave people feeling invalidated. They also focus on validation as a practical response, including finding the kernel of truth in what someone is feeling and saying things like “that makes sense” or “I can see this is hard for you.” They explain the difference between offering solutions and offering support, and suggest asking whether someone wants advice, validation, or something else. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:36 Feeling Seen, Feeling Stressed 3:54 When Loved Ones Miss It 5:45 Fixing Versus Validating 8:44 Why Validation Works 12:13 Find the Kernel of Truth 14:22 The Need to Feel Known 16:30 Practical Takeaways for Partners mentioned in episode How to Know a Person (book): https://a.co/d/04qD6vzj CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

  2. Sep 3

    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 screenings. They discuss the value of recommended preventive care, the importance of trusting relationships with doctors, and the role of therapy when health fears become difficult to manage. They also look at the balance between appropriate screening and excessive testing, including how more scans or wearable devices can sometimes increase stress. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:33 Vet Fears, Doctor Fears 2:40 Screening Protects Health 5:45 Facing Mammogram Anxiety 7:12 Trusting Doctors, Timing Tests 10:22 Full-Body Scan Dilemma 14:12 Too Many Tests 14:57 Wearables and Anxiety mentioned in episode Less Medicine More Health by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch: https://a.co/d/01SYYhru CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

  3. Aug 27

    Medication 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 appropriate for children and teens with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, and related concerns. They discuss how therapy is often tried first, but medication may be considered sooner when symptoms are severe, functioning is impaired, or treatment is not helping enough. They review common SSRI side effects in children, including nausea, diarrhea, headaches, temporary activation, and possible weight gain, as well as less common risks such as suicidal thoughts and mania in those with a predisposition. They also discuss how SSRIs may work, the role of monitoring and family history, and the goal of improving symptoms and tapering medication after sustained remission. The episode closes with discussion of OCD, premenstrual dysphoric symptoms, and ADHD, including how SSRIs can help OCD and PMDD and how ADHD often responds well to medication. HIGHLIGHTS: 4:17 Meet Dr. Ethan Hochheiser 9:04 When Medication Makes Sense 15:12 SSRI Risks and Side Effects 19:48 What Medications Mean for the Brain 23:17 OCD, Exposure, and SSRIs 27:06 Treating Premenstrual Symptoms 28:14 How SSRIs Work 31:12 Stopping Medication Safely 32:43 Are We Over-diagnosing ADHD? 36:48 ADHD Treatment Advantages connect with Dr. Hochheiser website: https://www.ethanhochheisermd.com CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

    Medication Matters: What Every Parent Should Know About Psychiatric Medication for Kids & Teens with Guest Dr. Ethan Hockheiser

  4. Aug 20

    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. The Bonnies talk about exposure exercises for facing these situations, such as asking for samples or interrupting someone to make a request, and explain how these exercises can show that the feared reaction often does not happen. They also discuss planning for harder outcomes, common forms of avoidance like delaying calls or texts, and encouraging small behavior changes such as saying no, asking for help, and starting difficult tasks sooner. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:49 Whole Foods Exposure Practice 7:36 Handling Rude Reactions 11:46 Asking for Testimonials 15:48 Everyday Social Anxiety Triggers CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

  5. Aug 13

    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 where they received many comments. This episode covers some of the reactions to those exposures, including concerns about ethics and health risks. In response, the Bonnies explain that exposure and response prevention involves facing ordinary contamination fears and that the goal is not to cause illness but to help people tolerate uncertainty and reduce avoidance. This episode starts with a hilarious meeting they had recently with their accountant so don't skip ahead! HIGHLIGHTS: 1:01 The Accountant 'Disaster' 7:15 Eye Exam & Meeting All in One 9:23 Whole Foods Exposures 11:33 Addressing the Ethics 18:05 Expired Food Exposure 19:46 Listener Reactions and Wrap-Up CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

  6. Aug 6

    Making 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 blocks, addiction, ADHD, and shadow work. Jordan describes his background in a show-business family, his struggles as a young person with drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and not feeling good enough, and how early therapy opened a different way of thinking. He talks about pursuing validation through creative work, even after major professional success, and how that left the deeper issue of self-worth unresolved. They discuss the shift that came for Jordan from shadow work and from recognizing inner parts that had been hidden or rejected. Jordan explains how he began to allow rather than judge vulnerable, ashamed, or fearful parts of himself, including a late diagnosis of ADHD, and how medication and practical tools now support him. They also talk about anxiety, shame, and the “second arrow” of self-criticism. Jordan describes how meeting his own parts with attention rather than fixing them changed his experience, how this affects his writing now, and how he sees creativity, risk-taking, and emotional honesty as connected to this ongoing work. HIGHLIGHTS: 4:01 Jordan’s Background 6:45 A Powerful Commencement Speech 7:55 Showbiz and Self-Doubt 13:52 Validation Never Filled It 17:03 Meeting the Shadow 20:35 Parts Work and Anxiety 23:18 Allowing the Feeling 25:44 Late ADHD Diagnosis 33:08 The Anxiety Gap 35:50 Feelings Are Not Bad 37:25 Reparenting Through Shadow Work 39:21 Men and Emotional Shame 42:17 Shadow Work Fuels Creativity 44:11 It’s Never Too Late mentioned in episode Jordan's Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/live/sxC8gYAOKe4?si=142nL-SPqAvoGTGh&t=1913 Permission to Feel: https://a.co/d/0hksoWy5 Stick Up For Yourself: https://a.co/d/0j2lScIn The Artist's Way: https://a.co/d/07ZzanXe Driven to Distraction: https://a.co/d/08odLBuE CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

    Making Peace with ADHD: Hollywood Writer Jordan Roberts Shares About Self-Acceptance

  7. Jul 30

    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 participating in thoughts to observing them, especially when a triggering thought leads to rumination or catastrophizing. They describe how this approach is used with health anxiety and panic, where people may focus too closely on bodily sensations. They talk about moving attention outward, noticing when the mind is returning to familiar anxiety patterns, and treating those patterns as a brain habit rather than as facts. BZE also explains a practical exercise for detached mindfulness. The exercise uses a short set of neutral, false, and anxiety-provoking statements, which are read aloud several times before ending with the reminder that thoughts are just thoughts and have no power unless we give them power. The practice is meant to help clients step back from anxious thinking in daily life. They compare this with other mindfulness approaches, including breath focus, body scans, and sound-based exercises, and note that some methods can be difficult for people with anxiety. They close by emphasizing that the goal is not to eliminate thoughts, but to relate to them more as an observer than as a participant. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:27 Anxiety as Thought Traps 3:54 Observing Body Fears 7:15 Detached Mindfulness Practice 10:05 Testing Thoughts Out Loud 15:25 Traditional Mindfulness Options 17:11 Body Scan Memories mentioned in the episode: Metacognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: https://a.co/d/02NNphWN CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

  8. Jul 23

    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 crashing, being stuck on the plane, turbulence, getting sick, and having panic attacks during flights. A major part of their conversation focuses on vomiting fears, which they share is a common specific phobia. They discuss how some people fear vomiting because it is disgusting, while others fear getting sick, gagging, or not being able to breathe, and they share exposure-based approaches such as watching vomiting videos, gagging exercises, and gradual food-related exposure. They also touch on panic attack “kits” and other safety objects such as sour candy, ice packs, Xanax, water bottles, and phones. They explain that these can feel helpful at first, but that treatment often involves reducing safety behaviors so that panic stops feeling dangerous and life is less organized around avoiding it. Finally, they answer a question about whether GERD or acid reflux can be connected to panic attacks or anxiety. They explain that physical symptoms can trigger anxiety, that the gut-brain connection may play a role, and that treating the physical symptoms can sometimes reduce anxiety, often in coordination with other medical care. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:07 Flying Fears Online 3:33 Vomiting Phobias 8:18 Panic Kit Debate 12:27 Gut-Brain Anxiety CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

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4.9
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About

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, wisdom, and humor to the conversation. Whether you're curious about the topic or seeking specific tools, the two Dr. Bonnie Zuckers offer expert advice, inspiration, and plenty of engaging moments. Don’t miss out on this compelling and insightful journey. *The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.*

Information

  • Creator
    Bonnie Zucker & Bonnie Zucker
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Bonnie Zucker & Bonnie Zucker
  • Show Website
    Anxiety Matters

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