John Delony argues that anxiety can be a signal, and avoiding the thing behind it often makes the alarm louder. Michael sits down with Delony, host of The Dr. John Delony Show and author of Building a Non-Anxious Life. They discuss:

- The most common relationship problems he hears (from thousands of calls)

- The most profound call he ever received

- The downsides of formalizing mental health

- What anxiety can be a useful signal (and how to read it)

- Why anxiety is so high in a world that’s the safest it’s ever been

- Lessons from John’s dad, a hostage negotiator and detective

- How John thinks about religion and science coexisting

- What John has learned from his boss, Dave Ramsey

- Why avoidance makes fear and anxiety stronger

- The three parts of real expertise

- Why admitting you were wrong builds trust

- Why couples need hobbies apart from each other

- Why strong relationships are never a 50/50 split between tasks

And more …

This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts and addiction.

Go deeper: The 6 Rules of a Tougher Mindset

Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Joey Fischground. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.

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Avoiding Anxiety Makes It Stronger | John Delony

Two Percent with Michael Easter

Avoiding Anxiety Makes It Stronger | John Delony