Stage Combat The Podcast: Episode Summary — "Revealing Your Darkest Secret: ABC News' Matt Gutman"

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Sean Hayden
Guest: Matt Gutman, ABC News Chief National Correspondent

1. Introduction and Context

In the premiere of Season 3, Sean Hayden sets the stage by expressing gratitude for the overwhelming listener response to previous episodes. Building on the podcast’s mission to illuminate and combat toxic work environments across various industries, this episode delves into the deeply personal story of Matt Gutman, ABC News' Chief National Correspondent, as he reveals his struggle with panic disorder.

Sean Hayden [00:00]:
"What happens when actors stop being quiet and start speaking up... Stage Combat is about fighting back when we are mistreated in our workplaces, no matter what stage we may be on in our lives!"

2. Matt Gutman's Journey with Panic Disorder

Sean introduces Matt Gutman’s journey, highlighting Matt’s high-pressure role as a war correspondent and the onset of his panic disorder. Matt candidly shares his experiences, detailing how his panic attacks began to interfere with his professional and personal life.

Eddie Pendergraft [07:08]:
"I had my first panic attack at 21... I just called it nerves. I didn't know what it was."

Matt recounts his first panic attack in 2019 during a live broadcast, a moment that starkly contrasted his previous experiences in war zones. Despite his robust professional background and support systems, Matt found himself struggling with debilitating anxiety that led him to seek unconventional therapies.

Matt Gutman [03:45]:
"Emotional surrender means relinquishing control of the secret... talking to a stranger on a plane was the first thing I did." [03:45]

3. The Stigma Around Panic Attacks

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the societal stigma surrounding panic attacks, particularly for men and individuals in high-profile positions. Matt and Eddie explore how traditional masculine norms exacerbate the shame associated with mental health struggles, making it challenging for men to seek help or admit vulnerability.

Eddie Pendergraft [18:26]:
"The stigma around it is massive... We have to maintain that control." [18:26]

Matt emphasizes the misconception that panic attacks are a sign of weakness, especially in professions that demand resilience and composure. He highlights the lack of awareness and understanding both in the general population and within medical settings, where panic attacks are often misdiagnosed or dismissed.

Amelia Morse [25:34]:
"How do we deal with it, work with it, handle it... We start to really question ourselves." [25:34]

4. Coping Strategies and Treatment Approaches

Matt and Eddie discuss various strategies Matt employed to manage his panic disorder. Initially relying on conventional treatments like pharmacology, Matt found limited relief and transitioned to alternative therapies, including breath work, psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, and mescaline. These methods facilitated deeper emotional processing and healing.

Eddie Pendergraft [14:05]:
"Using breath work to reach a subconscious state helped me grapple with my grief." [14:05]

Despite experimenting with multiple therapies, Matt acknowledges that his journey towards managing panic disorder is ongoing. He emphasizes the importance of finding personalized treatment plans and the role of continuous self-awareness in maintaining mental health.

Matt Gutman [16:28]:
"I ended up going back to Mike Telch... I'm still afraid of having a panic attack." [16:28]

5. Listener Reflections and Impact

Listeners Laquette Charnel Pringle and Amelia Morse share their reflections on Matt’s story, illustrating the profound impact of his openness. They discuss how Matt’s honesty about his mental health struggles provides validation and encouragement for others facing similar challenges, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to create a supportive community.

Laquette Charnel Pringle [30:10]:
"If you are brave enough to create Stage Combat... I'm allowed to grieve it and process it and speak about it, and that I am not alone." [30:10]

Amelia Morse [28:46]:
"Even at the top, you are still disposable very easily." [28:46]

6. Conclusion and Takeaways

Sean wraps up the episode by highlighting the key lessons from Matt’s story: the importance of disclosure, the power of storytelling in healing, and the need to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in high-pressure environments. He encourages listeners to continue sharing their own stories and supports the community-driven approach of the podcast.

Sean Hayden [26:00]:
"He has to really get out a really important message... How you handle these struggles matters." [26:00]

Matt's book, No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks, is recommended as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and manage panic disorders.

Sean Hayden [24:28]:
"I hope the reader... will think to themselves, I'm okay. Maybe I am the normal one. Maybe the ultra sensitive are the normal ones." [24:28]

The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast community and share their own experiences, reinforcing the collective effort to foster healthier, more respectful workplaces.

Key Quotes:

• Sean Hayden [03:45]:
  "What does emotional surrender mean? It's an excellent question."

• Matt Gutman [16:28]:
  "I can't say that any one therapy cured me... But at least I won't hate myself as much as I used to."

• Eddie Pendergraft [20:25]:
  "Revealing your dark secret is part of the complete human experience."

• Amelia Morse [25:34]:
  "We start to really question ourselves and I feel like that could be more harm than anything."

Final Thoughts:

"Revealing Your Darkest Secret: ABC News' Matt Gutman" is a poignant episode that not only sheds light on the personal battle with panic disorder but also challenges societal norms around mental health. Through Matt’s transparency and the supportive dialogue facilitated by Sean Hayden, listeners are encouraged to confront their own struggles and contribute to a culture of openness and healing.