Two Anxious Girls

Dabeyri Torres-Estevez & Kristina Paolini

Hi! We’re Dabby and Kristina, two psychotherapists who… are very anxious about everything in life, work, kids, fertility… and basically everything else. Each week on Two Anxious Girls, we’ll talk about life, work, motherhood, fertility, relationships, and all the chaos in between, from the perspective of therapists who are very aware of their own dysregulated selves. New episodes every Monday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Jul 13

    The Game Is Rigged! Why Women Are Burned Out Before They Even Begin

    This week, we are discussing Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and explore one of the book's most eye-opening concepts: The Game Is Rigged. Together, we unpack how women are often expected to succeed while navigating impossible, contradictory standards, and why anxiety so often convinces us that these systemic pressures are personal failures. In this episode, we discuss: Why so many women feel like they're never doing enoughHow anxiety turns unrealistic expectations into self-criticismThe hidden emotional labor that contributes to chronic burnoutWhy productivity hacks can't fix impossible standardsThe difference between taking responsibility and taking the blameHow to begin letting go of expectations that were never yours to carry As always, we share therapist insights, relatable anxious spirals, and our favorite Anxiety Wins of the week, including lowering our own expectations, practicing self-compassion, and discovering that sometimes healing isn't about doing more, it's about putting something down. Because not everything you're struggling with is a personal failure. Sometimes, the game really is rigged. If this episode resonated with you, we would love for you to rate, review, and follow Two Anxious Girls. Share it with someone who's been carrying impossible expectations; we have a feeling they could use this reminder, too. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Game Is Rigged! Why Women Are Burned Out Before They Even Begin
  2. Jul 6

    Human Giver Syndrome, People-Pleasing & Why You are So Tired

    Do you say "yes" when you really want to say "no"? Do you find yourself carrying everyone else's needs while quietly ignoring your own? If so, this episode is for you. This week, we are delving into Chapter 2 of Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski to explore the concept of Human Giver Syndrome, the cultural expectation that women should constantly care for others while prioritizing their own needs last. We unpack why people-pleasing feels so tied to anxiety, how chronic guilt can keep us stuck in burnout, and why setting boundaries often feels uncomfortable before it feels empowering. In this episode, we discuss: What Human Giver Syndrome is and how it contributes to burnoutWhy anxiety often convinces us that everyone else's emotions are our responsibilityThe connection between people-pleasing, perfectionism, and chronic exhaustionWhy guilt doesn't always mean you're doing something wrongHow boundaries protect your well-being—not your popularitySmall, practical ways to begin caring for yourself without abandoning the people you loveIf this episode resonated with you, we'd love for you to rate, review, and follow Two Anxious Girls. Sharing the podcast with someone who always puts themselves last might be exactly what they need to hear today. Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Human Giver Syndrome, People-Pleasing & Why You are So Tired
  3. Jun 22

    Why Do I Feel Guilty When I Rest?

    Do you ever sit down to relax and immediately start thinking about everything you should be doing instead? So do WE! In this episode, we explore why rest can feel surprisingly uncomfortable, especially for anxious people, perfectionists, caregivers, and anyone who has tied their worth to productivity. Together, they unpack: ✨ Why so many of us feel like we have to earn rest ✨ The connection between anxiety, hypervigilance, and rest guilt ✨ How productivity culture teaches us that being busy equals being valuable ✨ Why some nervous systems don't experience rest as safe ✨ The difference between true rest and avoidance ✨ How to recognize when you're pushing through exhaustion instead of caring for yourself If you've ever thought: "I should be doing something productive." "I'll rest after I finish everything." Rest is not a reward for getting everything done. It's a biological need. Join us as we explore why slowing down can feel so difficult, how anxiety keeps us stuck in "go mode," and what it means to give yourself permission to rest before burnout forces you to. This week, we invite you to consider one question: What would rest look like if you didn't have to earn it? If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, and don't forget to rate, review, and follow Two Anxious Girls wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Do I Feel Guilty When I Rest?
  4. Jun 15

    Is All Stress Bad? Understanding Stress, Anxiety & Your Nervous System

    When you hear the word stress, do you automatically assume something is wrong? In this episode, we unpack a surprising truth: not all stress is bad. In fact, some stress can help us grow, adapt, and rise to important challenges. The problem is not always stress itself; it's what happens when stress becomes chronic and our nervous systems never get a chance to recover. Together, they explore: ✨ The difference between stress and anxiety ✨ Why excitement and anxiety can feel so similar in the body ✨ The difference between eustress ("good stress") and distress ✨ Acute stress vs. chronic stress ✨ How chronic stress can keep your nervous system stuck in survival mode ✨ Why anxiety often lingers even after the stressful situation is over ✨ Practical ways to support your nervous system and recover from stress If you've ever thought, "I'm stressed, so something must be wrong," this episode offers a different perspective, one rooted in compassion, nervous system awareness, and understanding how our minds and bodies respond to life's challenges. Follow, rate, and review Two Anxious Girls wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with your favorite stressed-out friend. Twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is All Stress Bad? Understanding Stress, Anxiety & Your Nervous System
4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Hi! We’re Dabby and Kristina, two psychotherapists who… are very anxious about everything in life, work, kids, fertility… and basically everything else. Each week on Two Anxious Girls, we’ll talk about life, work, motherhood, fertility, relationships, and all the chaos in between, from the perspective of therapists who are very aware of their own dysregulated selves. New episodes every Monday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Might Also Like