Anxiety Uncovered

EP8 - The Truth About Starting Year 7 (And What Really Matters)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:00:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

Starting secondary school can feel like stepping into a whole new universe.

In this episode, I chat with students about the real worries that come with Year 7, from getting lost to making new friends, and even those wild myths about older kids that everyone swears are true. You’ll also hear from Annabelle, fresh out of Year 7 with brilliant advice, plus Mrs Clarke from pastoral support sharing her best tips for both students and parents.

With practical strategies, mindset shifts, and a plenty of laughs throughout, this episode will leave you feeling ready to handle the big move with confidence.

04:12: Charlie and Harry share their biggest Yr7 worries

05:09: How to flip worries into opportunities

11:14: Why being yourself is the best strategy

14:02: Top 10 tips for making new friends

16:28: Annabelle busts more hilarious school myths

18:40: Mrs Clarke’s turbo-charged transition tips

22:17: Joe’s weekly anxiety-busting takeaway

This week’s Downloadable Resource for the show is HERE

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

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Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP7 - Facing Fear, Finding Voice: Daisy’s Rise from Silence to Head Girl

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

In this episode of Anxiety Uncovered, I share one of the most powerful transformations I’ve ever witnessed. Daisy went from being too anxious to say her name in a small workshop to standing up as Head Girl and preparing to speak in front of 1400 people!

So we break down exactly how she did it, using a simple but life-changing technique called systematic desensitisation. I explain why avoidance keeps anxiety alive, what an “exposure ladder” really looks like, and how you can use the same approach to rewire your brain, say “see ya!” to your fears, and finally feel more in control.

Here are the Highlights:

03:05 Why avoiding fear feels safe but keeps you stuck

06:01 Daisy explains her “ladder effect” for overcoming assemblies

07:34 The role of trust and why you can’t do this alone

10:54 Breaking down Daisy’s seven steps to confidence

14:37 Where Daisy is now, and how different life feels for her

15:19 My takeaway: humour, small wins, and why nerves aren’t the enemy

19:27 Your free tool: how to build your own exposure ladder

Resource for this episode is available to download HERE

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP6 - Mind Training, Not Mindfulness: Rethinking Teenage Anxiety

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

This episode is a special one. I’m talking to the incredible team behind the MAC programme - that’s Mindfulness for Adolescents and Carers - and honestly, it might just be one of the most exciting approaches to mental health I’ve come across.

It’s an eight-week skills-based course that brings young people and their parents into parallel groups to learn practical tools together, in a way that actually works. We’re not talking about endless talking circles or sitting in silence pretending not to be anxious - this is real, science-backed stuff that helps you train your mind, spot the spiral before it kicks off, and finally feel like you’ve got a grip on things.

Whether you're a parent or a young person... you’re going to get a lot from this episode.

Here are the Highlights:

(04:15) – Mindfulness… but make it actually useful.

(08:50) – What MAC is, why it works, and why it’s not just sitting in a circle humming.

(11:30) – Kat shares how this programme changed her relationship with her parents.

(22:45) – The spider's web of thoughts: a genius analogy from a teen.

(31:10) – “Tried mindfulness once, didn’t work.” Sound familiar?

(36:00) – Why sceptics are exactly who this programme is for.

(43:30) – From Michael Jordan to classroom panic: mindfulness for real life.

(49:00) – How to take part in the MAC study (and why you’ll want to).

(59:57) – Top Takeaway of the week (over to you, Jerry)

Resource for this show available to download HERE

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP5 - Fitting In, Failing, and My Inner Critic Geoff . Why do we Experience Anxiety? (part 2)

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

In this episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest drivers of anxiety - that pressure to fit in.

From being kicked out of a WhatsApp group to that sinking feeling of being bullied and humiliated. I’m looking at why rejection feels so intense and what our brains are actually doing when it happens. I’ll also share how failure links back to survival, why social media messes with our heads, and how I’ve learned to work with my thoughts instead of getting dragged around by them.

Oh, and you’ll hear from Geoff. He’s my inner critic. Bit much, but means well.

(04:01) The teenage brain and social rejection

(05:18) That all important dopamine kick

(12:01) Social media exploits your insecurities

(12:57) I got bullied at a panto (oh no you didn’t)

(13:47) Uh-oh…Geoff’s back

(28:16) Fail once. Fail better

(37:12) The average lifespan of an emotion

Resource for this episode available HERE

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP4 - Caveman Code on a Tik Tok timeline: Why do we experience Anxiety? (part one)

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

Ever wondered why anxiety shows up even when you’re doing something good for yourself? In this episode, I go back to our evolutionary roots to unpack why our brains still think we’re being chased by lions when we’re just trying to go to school, hit the gym, or post something on Tik Tok.

I share my own story about being attacked in Barcelona and how that moment rewired my brain. You’ll hear how I’ve learned to see anxiety as a survival tool, not a flaw, and how distanced self-talk (and a little humour) can help you take back control when Jeff, your inner critic, kicks off.

Here are the Highlights:

(02:09) Anxiety-a survival mechanism

(06:20) Our inner critic - what’s yours called?

(11:36) Some practical tips (breathe!)

(13:26) My Barcelona story

(23:50) Social Judgement - yay!

(33:45) This Week’s Top Takeaway

Resource for this episode is available HERE

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP3 - Grief, Guts, and a Great Sense of Humour: Megan’s Story

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes open discussions about anxiety, body image, self-harm, and eating disorders. Please take care while listening and skip this episode if these topics may be triggering for you. Support resources are listed in the show notes.

This episode features Megan, a 15-year-old student with wisdom and humour well beyond her years. She shares how she’s processed unimaginable loss - losing both parents and navigating the foster system - while finding strength through comedy, routine, art, and the support of her school’s wellbeing hub.

Megan’s honesty around grief, body image, social media pressure, and mental health is powerful, and her ability to talk about it with such calm and confidence is something else.

We also talk about how deleting Snapchat, cutting her screen time from 14 hours to between 4&6, and embracing expressive writing changed her mindset and helped her manage anxiety.

There’s a lot in here for young people, educators, and genuinely, anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life.

Megan doesn’t just tell her story — she teaches us how to keep going, with humour and heart.

Highlights:

(05:18) Seeing the funny side - is that possible?

(12:17) Finding faith and hope

(13:54) Faith, philosophy and maintaining resilience

(17:24) The stigma of Mental Health, and how to ask for help

(23:27) Screen Time (14 hours a day!)

(34:59) Coping strategies

Resource for this episode available to download HERE

Helpful Sites

https://www.kooth.com

https://www.childline.org.uk

https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP2 - Anxiety, Burnt Toast, and Your Inner Smoke Alarm

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what anxiety really is, why it shows up, and how it’s different from fear or a full-on anxiety disorder.

You’ll hear about the classic anxiety cycle, why our brains love to sound false alarms, and how to stop overreacting to burnt toast moments. I’m also sharing one of my favourite tools from the Anxiety Busting Toolkit: the “Real Fire or Burnt Toast” check. It’s simple, effective, and something you can start using straight away.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in anxious thoughts or wanted to feel more in control, this episode is a must-listen.

Here are the highlights:

(02:31) A definition of anxiety

(04:27) Fear vs. anxiety

(10:51) Anxiety is a superpower? Discuss.

(13:51) Practical tips to manage your anxiety

(18:57) Real-life situations- and how to deal with them

Resource for this episode available to download HERE

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

EP1 - Rejection Therapy, Baked Beans & a Brave First Step

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:15:00 +0000

If you’d like to work with me- in your school, college or event - for a workshop or a talk, just head to anxietyuncovered.com for more info.

In this very first episode, I say a quick hello and pull back the curtain on my mission- and what’s in store for you on the Anxiety Uncovered Podcast.

I share my story of living with anxiety, how I got help, and why I now work with young people and their parents in schools across the UK through my Anxiety Uncovered Workshops- helping them feel more in control of their inner world.

I’ll also walk you through one of my favourite tools from the “Anxiety Busting Toolbox”- Rejection Therapy. Yes, it’s awkward. Yes, it’s weird. But trust me… it works.

If you’re ready to build emotional resilience- and laugh a bit while you’re at it - you’re in the right place.

Here are the highlights:

(01:16) Welcome

(03:36) Building your own “Anxiety-Busting Toolbox”

(06:16) My Rejection Therapy Challenge

(13:30) The science behind the awkwardness

(14:45) Building self-compassion and emotional resilience

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Email: joe@anxietyuncovered.com

TRAILER

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:15:00 +0000

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.

Disclaimer:

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

Connect with Joe:

Instagram