The Anxiety Compass Podcast

Sammy Barnett and Natalie Antoine
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  • Nutrition

Welcome to The Anxiety Compass Podcast, where we help you navigate the messy, magical, and maddening world of anxiety. We believe anxiety isn’t a defect but a teacher — a compass pointing you back to your True North.Hosted by Clinical Nutritionists Sammy Barnett (author of Anxiety: The Best Teacher You Never Asked For) and Natalie Antoine, this show goes beyond quick fixes to explore the real roots of anxiety.  Each week we explore a different point of the compass:🌿 Chemical & Nutritional💬 Emotional⚡ Nervous System🌀 Hormonal🌍 Environmental💪 Physical✨ SpiritualThrough personal stories, humour, and practical tools, we show how anxiety is not a problem to “fix” but an invitation to slow down, listen, and reconnect with yourself. If you’re ready to see anxiety in a new light, learn real-life strategies, and feel less alone in the messy middle, this podcast is for you.

  1. 4d ago

    If Anxiety Was an Olympic Sport… Would You Win Gold?

    Send us Fan Mail If anxiety was an Olympic sport… what event would YOU win gold in? With the Brisbane Olympics heading our way in 2032, Sammy and Nat have decided it's probably time to start training. Not for swimming. Not for athletics. For the ANXIETY OLYMPICS.  Because some of us have been training our entire lives for events like overthinking something we said three days ago, preparing for disasters that haven't happened, reading way too much into someone's facial expression and lying awake while our brain suddenly decides NOW is the perfect time to revisit every awkward thing we've ever done. In this lighter episode of The Anxiety Compass, we're having some fun with the weird, wonderful and sometimes downright ridiculous things an anxious brain and body can do. But underneath the laughs is something important. Anxiety isn't something to be ashamed of, and it isn't the enemy. These patterns are often our body's way of trying incredibly hard to protect us. So instead of judging ourselves for them, we're putting them on the podium.  Which leaves just one question… If the Anxiety Olympics started tomorrow, what event are YOU bringing home the gold medal in? 🎧 Join Sammy & Nat for one of our funnier episodes of The Anxiety Compass Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  2. Aug 31

    Could Low Iron Be Fueling Anxiety? | The Symptoms That Feel Like Panic

    Send us Fan Mail Heart pounding. Breathless. Dizzy. Exhausted. Brain foggy. Overwhelmed. Sounds a lot like anxiety, right? But what if some of those sensations are actually coming from something happening inside your body? In this episode of The Anxiety Compass, Sammy and Nat share their own experiences with iron deficiency and anaemia and explore why low iron, along with B12 and folate deficiencies, can create physical symptoms that feel remarkably similar to anxiety and panic. And don't worry... we're not sending you back to biology class. 😂 Instead, we're turning your bloodstream into a public transport system.  Exploring many queries we received in clinic but most importantly, we ask a question that goes far beyond simply taking another supplement: WHY are you deficient in the first place? This episode isn't suggesting that anxiety is “just low iron,” and it's definitely not telling everyone to rush out and start taking iron. It's about getting curious. Something physiological may be placing extra stress on the body first, and the racing heart, breathlessness, exhaustion and strange sensations that follow can give an already anxious brain plenty to worry about. Maybe instead of immediately asking: “Why am I so anxious?” we can also ask: “What is making it harder for my body to cope right now?” As always, your body may not be working against you. It might just be pointing the compass towards something worth paying attention to.  Please note: This episode is for education only and isn't intended to diagnose or treat iron, B12 or folate deficiency. Iron supplementation isn't appropriate for everyone, so speak with your doctor or healthcare professional about testing and treatment that's appropriate for you. Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  3. Aug 24

    What If Anxiety Is Your Superpower? | 10 Strengths You Never Knew It Gave You

    Send us Fan Mail 🎉 It's our 50th episode! And for this one, we wanted to look at anxiety a little differently. We spend so much time talking about everything anxiety takes from us, the overthinking, racing heart, sleepless nights, fear, overwhelm and those spectacular worst-case scenarios our brains can create. But what if anxiety has also helped shape some of your greatest strengths? In this special 50th episode of The Anxiety Compass, Sammy and Nat explore 10 surprising anxiety superpowers, qualities that can sometimes grow alongside an anxious, highly alert and deeply feeling brain. We talk about things like Empathy and Compassion, Intuition, Humour Resilience, Creativity and more... This isn't about pretending anxiety is wonderful or ignoring how debilitating it can be. It's about recognising that you are more than the difficult parts of anxiety. Maybe that brain you've spent years wishing would just calm down has also helped make you observant, prepared, compassionate, creative and incredibly resilient. And perhaps instead of only asking: “What has anxiety taken from me?” We can occasionally ask: “What has it taught me?” Thank you for listening, laughing, learning and navigating alongside us for 50 episodes of The Anxiety Compass. 🧭❤️ Here's to finding our True North...one wonderfully anxious step at a time. Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  4. Aug 17

    Could Your Gut Microbes Be Influencing Anxiety? | The Truth About Probiotics with Rebecca Edwards

    Send us Fan Mail Can the bacteria living in your gut influence how anxious you feel? Most of us think of probiotics as something to take after a course of antibiotics or when our digestion is out of balance. But emerging research is revealing something far more fascinating... the microbes living inside your gut may be communicating with your brain every single day. In this episode of The Anxiety Compass, we are joined by Rebecca Edwards, Director of Education at Biome Australia, a naturopath and one of Australia's leading voices in microbiome research, to explore the exciting world of the gut microbiome and 'psychobiotics', specific probiotic strains being researched for their role in supporting mental wellbeing. Together, we unpack what the microbiome actually is, how the gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, and why looking after your gut could be another important piece of the anxiety puzzle. Along the way, we also tackle some of the biggest myths and most common questions about probiotics, including how to choose one, whether they really need refrigeration, and if fermented foods are enough. In this episode, we discuss: What the gut microbiome actually is (and why Sammy calls them our "microbial overlords") The fascinating connection between the gut and the brain What 'psychobiotics' are and why researchers are so excited about them The emerging evidence around probiotics, anxiety, stress, mood and sleep How modern life (including stress, antibiotics, processed foods and poor sleep) can impact our gut bacteria How to choose a probiotic and why strain specificity matters Fermented foods vs probiotic supplements and more... As always, this episode is about curiosity, not quick fixes. Anxiety is rarely from one thing, and probiotics aren't a magic pill, but understanding how our gut microbes communicates with our brain may help us better understand ourselves. If you've ever wondered whether your gut could be influencing your mental wellbeing (and cravings!), this episode is for you. Follow Rebecca at https://www.instagram.com/activatedprobiotics/ Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  5. Aug 10

    Could Histamine Be Fueling Anxiety? | The Symptoms Nobody Talks About

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever experienced anxiety symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere? Racing heart, flushing, brain fog, trouble sleeping, or feeling constantly on edge... even when life feels relatively calm? What if, for some people, those symptoms aren't just anxiety? In this episode of The Anxiety Compass, Sammy and Nat explore the fascinating connection between histamine, gut health, hormones, and the nervous system. Histamine is best known for its role in allergies, but it's also a powerful chemical messenger that influences the brain, digestion, immune system, and even our stress response. We unpack why histamine intolerance can sometimes mimic symptoms of anxiety, why stress and gut health play such an important role, and why many women notice their symptoms become worse around certain times of their menstrual cycle. This isn't about self-diagnosing or blaming every symptom on histamine. It's about becoming curious, recognising patterns, and understanding that our bodies often communicate with us long before they shout. In this episode, we discuss:  What histamine actually is and why we need it  Why histamine symptoms can feel remarkably similar to anxiety  Histamine-rich foods versus histamine-releasing foods  The role of mast cells and the DAO enzyme  How chronic stress can increase histamine and create a vicious cycle  Why some women notice symptoms worsen before their period  Practical ways to recognise patterns and work with your body instead of against it As always, this episode is designed to educate and encourage curiosity, not to diagnose. If you recognise yourself in today's conversation, speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner who can help you explore the bigger picture. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love you to follow, subscribe, and share The Anxiety Compass with someone who's ever wondered whether there might be more to their anxiety story. ❤️ Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  6. Aug 3

    Too Many Apps, Too Many Updates | The Anxiety of Modern Technology

    Send us Fan Mail Does it ever feel like the world is moving faster than your brain can keep up? Another app. Another software update. Another password. Another AI tool. Another notification. Just when you've figured one thing out, something new arrives. In this episode of The Anxiety Compass, Sammy and Nat explore why modern technology can leave us feeling mentally exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious and why it doesn't mean you're falling behind. The human brain evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, yet in just a few decades we've gone from landlines and paper maps to smartphones, artificial intelligence, online banking, QR codes, streaming platforms and endless digital updates. No wonder our nervous systems sometimes struggle to keep pace. Together, we unpack the science behind cognitive overload, why our brains crave predictability, and how the constant pressure to learn new technology can leave us feeling like we're always one step behind. In this episode, we discuss:  Why your brain isn't "slow", the world has simply become much faster  How rapid technological change affects the nervous system  Why learning new apps and software can feel mentally exhausting  The hidden stress of constant updates, passwords and notifications  How comparison and the pressure to "keep up" fuel anxiety  The role of sleep, nutrition and movement in supporting a healthy, adaptable brain  Why it's okay to choose technology that serves you instead of trying to master everything.Because your Anxiety Compass was never designed to point you towards everything that's new. It was designed to guide you towards what matters most. 🎧 If this episode resonated with you, we'd love you to follow, subscribe, and share The Anxiety Compass with someone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of modern life. ❤️ Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  7. Jul 27

    The Headline Effect: How Sensationalist Media Hijacks Your Nervous System

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever picked up your phone to check the weather… only to find yourself 20 minutes later feeling overwhelmed by war, natural disasters, crime, politics and breaking news from around the world? If so, you're not alone, and it's not because you're "too sensitive." In this episode of The Anxiety Compass, Sammy and Nat explore The Headline Effect, how today's 24-hour news cycle, sensationalist headlines and endless 'doomscrolling' can keep your nervous system stuck in a state of chronic hypervigilance. Our brains evolved to respond to immediate threats in our environment, not to process every tragedy happening across the globe before breakfast. We unpack why negative headlines grab our attention, how fear drives clicks, and why your body can respond to distant events as though they're happening right outside your front door. We also discuss the surprising impact of bingeing true crime, disaster documentaries and high-intensity TV shows, and why sometimes rewatching a familiar comedy or Disney classic can actually feel more regulating for an anxious brain. In this episode, we discuss:  Why our brains naturally focus on bad news (negativity bias)  How sensationalist headlines trigger our stress response  The science behind 'doomscrolling' and why it's so hard to stop  Why your nervous system can't always distinguish distant danger from immediate threat  The surprising effect of true crime and high-stress documentaries on the brain  Practical ways to stay informed without staying overwhelmed  How to protect your nervous system in a world of constant notifications and breaking news Because the Anxiety Compass was never designed to carry the weight of the whole world, it was designed to help you navigate your own. 🎧 If this episode resonated with you, we'd love you to follow, subscribe, and share The Anxiety Compass with someone who could use a reminder that it's possible to stay informed without living in a constant state of alarm. ❤️ Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

  8. Jul 20

    10 Things That Calm Your Nervous System (That Cost Absolutely Nothing)

    Send us Fan Mail Do you ever feel like improving your mental health means buying another supplement, downloading another app, or trying another wellness trend? In this lighter and more personal episode of The Anxiety Compass, Sammy and Nat share 10 simple things that genuinely help calm their nervous systems...and every single one of them is completely free! From cuddling pets and doing jigsaw puzzles to op-shopping (even without spending!), libraries, sunshine, gardening and comfort TV shows, we explore the surprisingly powerful ways our brains and bodies find safety, connection, and calm in everyday life. Along the way, we unpack some of the science behind why these activities work, including:  Oxytocin and the power of connection  How "flow states" help quiet an anxious mind  Why familiarity and routine can feel so regulating  The role of laughter, curiosity and pleasure in nervous system health  Why sometimes the simplest interventions are the most powerful This episode is also a gentle reminder that healing doesn't always have to involve doing more. Sometimes, the answer is remembering what already makes you feel safe. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love you to follow, subscribe, and share The Anxiety Compass with someone who might need the reminder that sometimes the best medicine doesn't cost a thing. ❤️ Support the show 👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here  👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here  Follow us @theanxietycompass Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here

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About

Welcome to The Anxiety Compass Podcast, where we help you navigate the messy, magical, and maddening world of anxiety. We believe anxiety isn’t a defect but a teacher — a compass pointing you back to your True North.Hosted by Clinical Nutritionists Sammy Barnett (author of Anxiety: The Best Teacher You Never Asked For) and Natalie Antoine, this show goes beyond quick fixes to explore the real roots of anxiety.  Each week we explore a different point of the compass:🌿 Chemical & Nutritional💬 Emotional⚡ Nervous System🌀 Hormonal🌍 Environmental💪 Physical✨ SpiritualThrough personal stories, humour, and practical tools, we show how anxiety is not a problem to “fix” but an invitation to slow down, listen, and reconnect with yourself. If you’re ready to see anxiety in a new light, learn real-life strategies, and feel less alone in the messy middle, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Sammy Barnett and Natalie Antoine
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Anxiety Compass Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Anxiety Compass Podcast