Anxiety Uncovered

Joe Rowntree
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Anxiety Uncovered is the podcast that helps young people understand and manage anxiety- while supporting the adults who want to empower them to succeed.. Hosted by Joe Rowntree- stand-up comedian, presenter, and anxiety specialist- the show explores what anxiety is, why it affects us, and most importantly, how to manage it. Each episode is packed with evidence-based techniques, relatable stories, actionable strategies, and free resources to help you lead a more peaceful life. This isn’t just feel-good talk- it’s science-backed support, grounded in psychology and neuroscience. Along the way, Joe will be joined by students, teachers, parents, and trusted experts for the honest conversations we all need to have- think of it as getting expert advice from a friend who really understands what you’re going through. Drawing from his academic background in psychology- and his personal journey overcoming PTSD and OCD after a traumatic incident- Joe brings warmth, humour, and deep insight to conversations about mental health-all shared in a relatable style. Whether you’re a young person facing anxiety, or an adult supporting someone who is, Anxiety Uncovered offers powerful advice and fresh perspectives. It’s a reminder that no one has to face anxiety alone- and that together, we can face it head-on, understand it better… and even smile through it.

  1. 2d ago

    S2:EP7 - Can Hypnotherapy Help Break the Anxiety Cycle?

    What if anxiety is a trance-like state that people can learn to break free from? In this episode of Anxiety Uncovered, Joe and Emma are joined by cognitive hypnotherapist and IEMT practitioner Paul Hradek to explore how unconscious patterns shape anxiety, confidence and behaviour, and how changing those patterns could help people move forward. From Paul's terrifying panic attack in a narrow cave to Emma's deeply personal experience of panic in London, this honest and occasionally hilarious conversation explores practical ways to manage overwhelming feelings, tackle exam stress and build self-trust. Highlights: (02:01) - Could anxiety actually be a trance state? (05:17) - Why the brain tries to keep people safe, even when it's holding them back (09:08) - IEMT, EMDR and changing the beliefs that shape behaviour (21:14) - Exam anxiety, mental blanks and helping young people manage the pressure (25:22) - Panic underground: Paul's terrifying encounter with claustrophobia (28:32) - Emma's first panic attack and the kindness of a stranger Connect with Paul: Insta- @hradekp1 Linked In- Paul Hradek Website- www.origami-life.com Email- paul@origami-empower.com Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  2. Oct 7

    S2:EP6 - Why Fighting Anxiety Can Make It Stronger - PART 2

    In another deeply personal episode, Joe and Emma share the moments that forced them to rethink how they dealt with anxiety, addiction and trauma. Joe opens up about the reality of his gambling addiction, including the moment he lost £15,000 in just two hours, and how reaching rock bottom finally pushed him towards lasting change. Emma then shares how EMDR transformed her relationship with anxiety after years of trying to control it through therapy, yoga, meditation and self-help. Together, they explore why fighting anxiety can sometimes keep the cycle going, how self-compassion can change the way difficult memories are processed, and why recovery may begin when anxiety is listened to rather than pushed away. Highlights: (01:50) - Joe reveals the moment he had to tell his wife he had lost £15,000 gambling (05:51) - Why sharing his story has become Joe's way of helping others struggling with addiction (09:21) - Emma realises she had been using wellbeing techniques as weapons against anxiety (17:03) - How trauma can create shame, physical reactions and beliefs that keep the past feeling present (23:38) - Emma describes the powerful EMDR moment where her adult self comforts her seven-year-old self (28:13) - The key shift from pushing anxiety away to listening to it with compassion Find out more about EMDR EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a psychological therapy used to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences. For further information about EMDR, including information on the therapy and finding appropriately trained practitioners, visit: EMDR Association UK https://emdrassociation.org.uk/ EMDR Europe https://www.emdr-europe.org/ EMDR Association of Australia https://emdraa.org/ The discussion in this podcast is for information and education only and is not a substitute for individual medical or psychological advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  3. Sep 30

    S2:EP5 - The Story We Keep Hidden: Childhood, Trauma and Anxiety -PART 1

    In this deeply personal episode, Joe is joined by Emma as she shares the story she kept hidden for years, from an idyllic early childhood in Australia to a sudden move to Wales following her parents’ divorce. She reflects on separation from her father, financial hardship and the experiences that shaped her relationship with anxiety long before she recognised it. Together, Joe and Emma explore the inner critic, high-functioning anxiety, burnout and the surprising ways anxiety can become a driving force. They also discuss therapy, learning to stop fighting anxiety and what happens when the past unexpectedly shows up in the present. Highlights: (02:00) - Why telling the stories we would rather hide can be so powerful (06:45) - Joe opens up about the relentless inner voice he once thought nobody else had (11:58) - Emma explains why she has stopped fighting anxiety and learned to live alongside it (14:50) - A childhood holiday that turned into a life-changing one-way journey (25:46) - Could anxiety actually be the force that helped Emma escape poverty? (31:23) - When anxiety took the wheel and everything else seemed to disappear Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  4. Sep 23

    S2:EP4 - Teenagers, Smartphones and the Truth About Australia’s Social Media Ban

    In this episode, I’m joined by Amy and her teenage daughter Luella in Melbourne, alongside Emma, to find out what Australia’s under-16 social media ban actually looks like from the inside. We talk loopholes, Snapchat, fake ages, feeling left out and why banning an app is nowhere near as simple as it sounds. We also get into the bigger question: how do we help young people build healthier digital habits without cutting them off from their social world? There’s plenty here for parents, schools and teenagers, plus ten practical ways to take back control of your phone without throwing it in the sea. Highlights: (03:35) - Why Australia’s social media ban was surprisingly easy to get around (06:39) - The teenage argument for banning social media at 13, not 16 (22:02) - What it really feels like when social media suddenly disappears (30:56) - Why a parent pact could work better than a national ban (39:53) - Knowing the apps are addictive, but still getting sucked into the scroll (47:31) - Ten practical ways to take back control of your phone Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  5. Sep 16

    S2:EP3 -Protecting Young People Online: Olly’s Story and the Fight for Change - with Amanda Stephens (part two)

    In part two of my conversation with Amanda, we talk about the pressures young people are facing online, from social media and criminal exploitation to knife crime, neurodiversity and the very real challenges of keeping children safe. Amanda shares more of Olly’s story, what changed for him during secondary school and why education and prevention matter so much. We also get personal about grief, resilience and finding a reason to keep moving forward. I share my own experience of being stabbed, and Amanda explains how keeping Olly close through memories, conversations and their charity work continues to give her family strength. Highlights: (02:14) - Why bereaved parents are fighting for access to their children’s social media data (08:08) - How being online changed Olly and left him increasingly vulnerable (12:43) - The frightening reality of how quickly criminal exploitation can take hold (14:47) - How Amanda and Stewart turned unimaginable grief into a mission to protect other children (27:50) - I share the personal reason Olly’s story connected so deeply with me (44:56) - Amanda’s powerful message about grief, love and learning to carry the pain ❤️ Olly’s Work Find out more about The Olly Stephens Trust – Olly’s Work, supporting young people through education and awareness around online safety, knife crime and SEND. Olly’s story: https://readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/meetolly/ Helpful links & resources: https://readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/ollylinks/ Donate to Olly’s Work: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-olly-stephens-trust-ollys-work Olly’s Work website: https://readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/ 📧 Contact the team: ollyswork@outlook.com Connect with Amanda: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-stephens-b2486934/ Olly’s work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AJi5smuo/?mibextid=wwXIfr Olly’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollyswork?stkn=NTZqbzNwMGdjeWd2 Olly’s work on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-olly-stephens-trust-olly-s-work/posts/?feedView=all Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  6. Sep 9

    S2:EP2 -Smartphones, Social Media and Keeping Our Children Safe - with Amanda Stephens (part one)

    In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Stephens, co-founder of Olly’s Work, to talk about her son Olly, who tragically lost his life at just 13 following a social media-related incident. Amanda shares who Olly was, what happened, and the online world her family only fully understood afterwards. We also talk about smartphone addiction, online conflict, grooming, violent content and the pressure young people face every day. It’s a difficult conversation, but an incredibly important one for parents, teachers and anyone supporting young people. Most importantly, it asks what we can actually do differently to keep children safer online. Highlights: (02:38) - Amanda remembers the funny, loving, larger-than-life boy Olly was (04:38) - How an online act of kindness escalated into devastating real-world violence (12:45) - The moment Amanda realised Olly’s relationship with his smartphone had changed (17:40) - Amanda’s message to parents about smartphones, social media and online access (24:28) - Why even a restricted phone can still leave children exposed to serious risks (35:37) - What sextortion is, and why parents and young people urgently need to recognise it ❤️ Olly’s Work Find out more about The Olly Stephens Trust – Olly’s Work, supporting young people through education and awareness around online safety, knife crime and SEND. Olly’s story: https://readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/meetolly/ Helpful links & resources: https://readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/ollylinks/ Donate to Olly’s Work: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-olly-stephens-trust-ollys-work Olly’s Work website: https://readingamnesty.art/ollyswork/ 📧 Contact the team: ollyswork@outlook.com Connect with Amanda: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-stephens-b2486934/ Olly’s work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AJi5smuo/?mibextid=wwXIfr Olly’s work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollyswork?stkn=NTZqbzNwMGdjeWd2 Olly’s work on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-olly-stephens-trust-olly-s-work/posts/?feedView=all Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  7. Sep 9

    S2:EP1 -Finding Your Voice: Welcome Back to Anxiety Uncovered

    We’re back! It’s been a little while, but there’s a good reason for that. I’ve been busy working in schools, developing Anxiety Uncovered and seeing first-hand just how much these conversations about anxiety, confidence and communication matter. In this first episode of season two, I’m looking back at where we started and sharing what’s ahead. I’ll introduce my brilliant co-creator Emma Clark, explain why we’ve called this season Voices, and give you a glimpse of the honest, practical and sometimes difficult conversations coming your way. Highlights: (04:19) - Meet Emma Clark, my co-creator and partner in all things Anxiety Uncovered (08:39) - Why speaking anxiety needs more than simply telling students to be confident (10:05) - Introducing Voices and the big idea running through season two (11:10) - From exam stress to social media, bullying and boys’ mental health, what’s coming up (12:47) - Meeting our first guest, Amanda Stevens, and hearing Olly’s story Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

  8. Season 2 Trailer

    SEASON TWO TRAILER

    Anxiety Uncovered is back for season two, with more honest conversations, brilliant guests and real-life stories about anxiety. There’s plenty coming, with Joe returning to share open, relatable discussions designed to help listeners feel less alone. This season, Joe will also be joined by his co-creator Emma Clark for special episodes exploring their own experiences with anxiety and the work they’re building together in schools. Every episode will continue to include a practical takeaway from the anxiety-busting toolkit, with new episodes coming soon. Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Please don’t ignore or delay professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Your wellbeing matters- and getting the right support is key. If you are in crisis, please contact your Doctor. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, visit NHS 111 online or call 111. And if you’re listening from outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or support line. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Anxiety Uncovered Website Anxiety Uncovered on Facebook Anxiety Uncovered Instagram Anxiety Uncovered on Tik Tok Anxiety Uncovered on You Tube Connect with Joe: Linked In Joe's Website Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com Connect with Emma: Linked In Email: emma@anxietyuncovered.com

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About

Anxiety Uncovered is the podcast that helps young people understand and manage anxiety- while supporting the adults who want to empower them to succeed.. Hosted by Joe Rowntree- stand-up comedian, presenter, and anxiety specialist- the show explores what anxiety is, why it affects us, and most importantly, how to manage it. Each episode is packed with evidence-based techniques, relatable stories, actionable strategies, and free resources to help you lead a more peaceful life. This isn’t just feel-good talk- it’s science-backed support, grounded in psychology and neuroscience. Along the way, Joe will be joined by students, teachers, parents, and trusted experts for the honest conversations we all need to have- think of it as getting expert advice from a friend who really understands what you’re going through. Drawing from his academic background in psychology- and his personal journey overcoming PTSD and OCD after a traumatic incident- Joe brings warmth, humour, and deep insight to conversations about mental health-all shared in a relatable style. Whether you’re a young person facing anxiety, or an adult supporting someone who is, Anxiety Uncovered offers powerful advice and fresh perspectives. It’s a reminder that no one has to face anxiety alone- and that together, we can face it head-on, understand it better… and even smile through it.

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Rowntree
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Joe Rowntree
  • Show Website
    Anxiety Uncovered

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