The Anxious Creative

Hosted by Dawn Bradley

Business Arts

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Episodes

349

Latest episode

Jun 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

I know I’m not the only creative out there who struggles with anxiety. But I’m pretty sure we can all agree that it sucks. For a long time I felt so alone in my struggles. Like no one understood what I was feeling. I found the more I spoke up about it the more I connected with others just like myself. That’s why I’ve created this space, so you can come hang out while I chat about everything from business to relationships and all the awkward and interesting inbetweens of living a creative life. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll for sure cringe at an inside look of the life of an anxious creative.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 23, 202528 min

Does a Digital Detox Work? I turned my phone off for 7 days

Ever wondered what would actually happen if you turned your phone off for a week? Like, fully off—not just Do Not Disturb but buried-in-a-drawer kind of off?This week I’m sharing the raw, messy, and (surprisingly emotional) truth about my 7-day digital detox. I thought I’d find peace and clarity… instead, I found panic, discomfort, and a whole lot of unexpected revelations.In this episode, I talk about:The uncomfortable truth no one warns you about when the notifications stopHow phone addiction masks deeper emotional avoidanceSitting with big feelings when distraction isn’t an optionNervous system reactions, grief, disconnection—and surprising joyWhat I hoped would happen (and what really did)Whether you’re considering a detox, feeling overwhelmed by digital noise, or just wondering how the heck to be more present in a world of constant pings, this episode is for you. Spoiler alert: the transformation wasn’t what I expected—but it was exactly what I needed.Links & Resources:Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Get instant access to my FREE Masterclass on From Overwhelmed to ProfitableDive deeper with blogs, free resources, and all things biz boundaries: dawnbradley.comFollow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley

June 16, 20251 hr 3 min

Navigating Anxiety, Burnout, and Avoidance: A Candid Conversation on Mental Health and Self-Care

Hey friend 👋 — welcome to this vulnerable, unfiltered episode where Alex and I have one of those conversations. You know, the kind where you start by talking about burnout and end up questioning your whole identity (in the best way).We get real about:How anxiety first showed up for us — before we even had words for it.The slippery slope between healthy rest and avoidance.What autistic burnout feels like and how it completely hijacks your brain and body.How trauma triggers sneak up (often in the form of simple texts or sensory overload).Our complicated relationships with our families and the fear of being truly seen by those who’ve known us the longest.The role of self-awareness, labels, and identity in our healing journeys.Why rest isn’t just physical — and how nervous system rest changed everything.The weird guilt that shows up when you do something just for YOU.Finding joy, connection, and freedom in little things: dancing in your living room, pole dancing, football, Play-Doh, and shower meditations.We also talk about permission — the permission to rest, to say no, to set boundaries, and to live your values out loud, even when it's terrifying.If you're stuck in burnout, avoidance, or feel like you're losing yourself in the chaos of life, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little more seen and a little less alone 💛Links & Resources:Follow Alex’s work account: www.instagram.com/a.belspringFollow Alex’s Life account: www.instagram.com/alpoiesisJoin Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Get instant access to my FREE Masterclass on From Overwhelmed to ProfitableDive deeper with blogs, free resources, and all things biz boundaries: dawnbradley.comFollow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com

June 2, 202527 min

What does it mean to have Boundaries? Why setting healthy boundaries are essential

In This Episode, You'll Hear About:The cringey story of my first boundaries book at 20 (and how I still didn’t get it 😅)Codependent friendships and learning when not to chaseMy therapist’s whiteboard visual that totally changed how I view boundariesThe difference between setting a boundary vs. building a wallWhy enforcing boundaries in your business (hello, cancellation policies!) is an act of self-respectHow to stop relying on outside validation to feel worthyThe 3 kinds of boundaries: time, energy, and moneyMy glass dome trick for protecting your energy (total game-changer)Why boundary failures aren’t the end of the world — they’re just part of the processLinks & Resources:Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Get instant access to my FREE Masterclass on From Overwhelmed to ProfitableDive deeper with blogs, free resources, and all things biz boundaries: dawnbradley.comFollow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley

May 26, 202516 min

Boundaries Are My Love Language: A Mantra Meditation for Self-Trust, Self-Respect, and Self-Return

Hey friend. If life, business, or relationships have been draining you lately, this episode is for you. I created this mantra meditation as a loving interruption to the hustle, the pressure, the fear of being “too much” or “not enough.”This isn’t a lesson to learn. It’s a moment to remember.Inside, you’ll hear the powerful mantras I personally use to:Strengthen self-trustSet and enforce boundaries with loveBreak old patterns of self-abandonmentCome back to my own inner compassEach mantra is repeated three times—first to land in your body, second to say together, and third for you to claim on your own. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. About anchoring back into the truth that you belong to yourself.💌 Bookmark this. Use it daily. Let it recalibrate your energy, especially when you forget who the hell you are.If this episode grounded you, share it. Send it to someone who needs to remember their worth, their voice, their power.Until next time, stay cozy, stay grounded, and stay unapologetically you.

May 19, 202527 min

How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome When You’re Anxious

This week on the Anxious Creative Podcast, I'm getting real about the messy intersection of anxiety and imposter syndrome. I'm sharing my own hilarious (in hindsight) and cringe-worthy experience of quitting my dream job because my anxiety convinced me I was a fraud. We'll dive into the oh-so-familiar feelings of panic, the urge to please everyone, and that deep-seated belief that you're just not good enough. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom! I'm also dropping some hard-won wisdom and actionable tips on how to actually move through these feelings without resorting to hiding, quitting, or those tearful bathroom floor moments.If you've ever felt like anxiety is running your life or that little voice of self-doubt is screaming louder than your ambition, this episode is for you. We'll explore:why taking imperfect action is crucial, how to feel your way through anxiety instead of overthinking it, and why sometimes, the most rebellious thing you can do is disappoint others to step into your own power. Plus, I'm sharing a book recommendation that's been a game-changer for me. If you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and build a business with genuine confidence and integrity, stick around – and maybe check out my free masterclass!Links & Resources:Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Get instant access tp my FREE Masterclass on From Overwhelmed to ProfitableFollow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com

May 12, 202517 min

How to stop a panic attack before it starts

Okay, confession time. This episode? It’s one of those episodes—the kind you always tell me you love most. The unscripted, emotional, straight-from-the-heart kind. Recorded from my bed, with a lump in my throat and no filter.I’m taking you back to the night I truly believed I was going to die. What started as a weird gut feeling after a pizza night turned into vomiting, convulsions, numb limbs, and a hospital visit that I’ll never forget. But what I didn’t know then was that I was experiencing a full-on panic attack.This episode isn’t just me rehashing a scary story—though, yeah, it gets very real. It’s about:what I learned in the middle of that stormhow to recognize when your nervous system is overwhelmedwhat to do in the moment to stop the spiral, and why this experience helped me understand anxiety in a whole new way.If you’ve ever felt like you're too much, too sensitive, or like your anxiety is running the show, please listen to this. You’re not broken. Your body isn’t betraying you. You’re not alone—and there is a way through.So grab your cozy blanket, settle in, and let’s talk about how to stop a panic attack before it even starts.Links & Resources:Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Grab my FREE Masterclass on Overwhelmed to Profitable, how to build a sustainable Stress-Free Business. Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com

May 5, 202514 min

How to Stop Overthinking and Start Taking Action (Even When You're Struggling)

Today’s not your typical polished podcast episode. It’s real, raw, and unfiltered—because that’s what I needed, and maybe you do too.I recorded this right from my couch while processing a really tough day. My motivation was gone, my heart was heavy, and I was spiraling in overthinking. Then I cracked open Lessons for Living by Phil Stutz and felt seen. So I’m bringing three of the tools from that book straight to you:Speed: Why taking quick, messy action (even if you fail) is better than overthinking your way into success.Density: How doing more imperfect things can build momentum and confidence faster than doing one “perfect” thing.Nightly Review: A 10-minute reflection that helps you stay grounded and on purpose—even when everything feels like too much.I also open up about where I’ve been emotionally, how I’ve lost and rebuilt motivation, and what it’s really like when the inner critic gets loud. You’ll hear the tears, the laughter, and maybe see yourself in this story too.So cozy up. We’re not fixing everything today—we’re just showing up. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.Links & Resources:Client Convo Mastery: Get over 50 scripts and templates for navigating awkward client conversations for at dawnbradley.com/convo Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Grab my FREE Masterclass on Getting Out of Your Own Way and Actually Doing The Things That Make Your Business Grow.Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com

April 21, 202523 min

Work Less, Earn More – Building Consistent Income without Burnout

In this episode, you'll discover:My personal burnout story: From pushing myself to the absolute limit to the life-changing realization that something had to change.The myth of overworking: Why we've been conditioned to believe that endless hours equal success, and why it's a complete lie.The power of self-awareness: Recognizing when you're pushing yourself too hard and understanding your emotional triggers.Shifting your focus from time to transformation: Understanding what your clients are really paying for (hint: it's not just your hours).The impact of emotional discounting and underpricing: How these common habits can drastically impact your revenue, and what you can do instead.Building a business that works with your nervous system: Moving away from the hustle and towards sustainability.Links & Resources:Client Convo Mastery: Get over 50 scripts and templates for navigating awkward client conversations for just $10 at dawnbradley.com/convo (Podcast Exclusive Deal!)Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Grab my FREE Masterclass on Getting Out of Your Own Way and Actually Doing The Things That Make Your Business Grow.Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com

April 14, 202518 min

Raise Your Prices, Ditch the Guilt

What you'll hear in this episode:Why raising your prices often brings up guilt (and how to deal with it)The surprising truth about what price guilt really says about your mindsetHow to stop emotionally discounting and undervaluing yourselfWhy you’re not responsible for your clients’ wallets (yep, even if you’re super empathetic)The difference between being kind and people-pleasingHow raising your rates can actually honor your clientsSimple ways to communicate your new prices with empathy and confidenceHow to rewire the stories you’re telling yourself about money, self-worth, and rejectionIf this episode hit home, I’d love to hear from you! Screenshot and share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @dawnbradleyhair — let’s spread the message that guilt-free pricing is the new standard.Links & Resources:Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Grab my FREE Masterclass on Getting Out of Your Own Way and Actually Doing The Things That Make Your Business Grow.Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com

April 7, 202527 min

Handling Tough Client Conversations

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The personal story behind my own struggle with client pushback and how it affected my self-perception.Why creatives often feel guilty about raising their prices, and the crucial business perspective you might be missing.The dangers of avoiding uncomfortable conversations and how it can lead to resentment and burnout.How to differentiate between genuine client confusion and your own insecurities coloring the conversation.Practical strategies for setting boundaries and enforcing policies with kindness and clarity.Why your self-worth is not determined by what your clients are willing to pay.The importance of responding versus reacting in challenging client interactions.Actionable steps to build confidence in your communication and handle tough conversations with integrity and compassion.A sneak peek into my EASE method for navigating difficult client interactions.If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot and share it on Instagram – tag me @dawnbradley so I can cheer you on!Links & Resources:Grab my Client Convo Mastery Templates for only $10! Get over 50 scripts and templates for handling awkward and anxiety-inducing client conversations.Join Rock Your Business to align your decisions with your goals.Grab my FREE Masterclass on Getting Out of Your Own Way and Actually Doing The Things That Make Your Business Grow.Follow me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawnbradleyYoutube: www.youtube.com/dawnbradley For more info on RYB, Retreats etc: www.dawnbradley.com