Show Notes
Welcome back everyone! In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the power of connection with my guest, psychologist Dr. Adam Dorsay.
Adam and I unpack how modern life isn’t exactly helping—our society is more “connected” than ever (hello, social media), yet we’re lonelier and more anxious. We talk about why emotional literacy is key, how early trauma (especially for men) can make it hard to express feelings, and why stuffing emotions down like an overpacked suitcase never really works. We also get into the good stuff—what actually helps. Think: activities that get you into a flow state, the unconditional love of pets, and simple ways to build real, meaningful connections. Plus, Adam shares some gems from his book Super Psyched that you won’t want to miss. So if anxiety has been your unwanted sidekick, this episode is for you. Let’s break the cycle—one real connection at a time.
Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.
PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX
To explore more of Dr. Dorsay’s work, check out the links below: https://dradamdorsay.com Instagram: @dradamdorsay ______________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Connection
02:58 The Importance of Connection in Healing
05:52 Men, Competition, and Connection
08:57 Emotional Literacy and Its Impact on Men
11:56 The Cycle of Pain and Connection
14:58 Authenticity and Self-Connection
17:53 Connecting with Others and the World
21:06 Faith, Trust, and Overcoming Trauma
24:02 Cultural Insights on Connection
26:55 The Role of Banter and Flow in Connection
33:43 The Dynamics of Connection and Conflict
34:56 The Role of Substances in Emotional Connection
35:52 Navigating Medication and Emotional Numbness
36:49 Personal Growth Through Medication and Therapy
38:21 The Impact of Trauma on Sensitivity
39:00 The Importance of Perceived Support
40:54 Loneliness and Its Consequences
41:59 Understanding Sensitivity and Resilience
43:50 The Power of Connection in Healing
46:28 Finding Faith in Uncertainty
48:01 The Dangers of Doom Scrolling
49:25 Creating More Than We Consume
52:08 Listening to Our Inner Child
55:16 The Healing Power of Pets
58:49 The Role of Music and Flow in Connection
01:01:56 Finding Your Flow and Connection
More from Anxiety Rx
What if worrying is just your mind’s way of trying to stop you from worrying? In this episode, I pull apart the myth that positive thinking can cure anxiety. The alarm in the body and the worries in the mind feed each other in a loop that never ends. Childhood separation leaves a mark when you aren’t seen, heard, or protected, and that’s where the alarm takes root. Growing up with a father who had schizophrenia, I learned to escape into worry as my coping strategy. The real healing began when I turned toward the younger version of myself and felt what I’d spent years running from.
What if the real scam isn’t the robocall, but the idea that your worth is measured in dollars? In this episode, the lie that money can replace human connection takes center stage. A medical system built on billing codes pushed me to trade care for speed, and that disconnection fueled my own anxiety. Scams, ads, and constant grabs for attention keep the nervous system on high alert. The “monetization fairy” gets called out for what it is, and simple practices bring us back to intrinsic value and genuine human connection.
What if being “too sensitive” isn’t a flaw but the hidden root of your anxiety?
Ever pushed yourself to eat clean and work out, hoping it would calm your anxiety, only to feel even worse? Here’s why it happens…
What if burnout isn’t failure, but your body’s protective shutdown? In this episode, I open up about burning out as a doctor and why it went far beyond just being tired. Burnout showed up as a split between my mind pushing forward and the younger part of me saying, “I can’t do this anymore.” The mask of “Dr. Russell Kennedy” gave me income, status, and validation, but it also crushed my sense of self.