Podcast Summary: The Ed Mylett Show – "Why Anxiety Is Your Superpower with Humble The Poet"

Podcast Information:

• Title: THE ED MYLETT SHOW
• Host: Ed Mylett
• Guest: Jay Shetty (Humble The Poet)
• Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
• Release Date: May 27, 2025
• Episode Title: Why Anxiety Is Your Superpower with Humble The Poet

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Ed Mylett Show, host Ed Mylett welcomes Jay Shetty, also known as Humble The Poet, to discuss a profound topic: anxiety and its potential as a superpower. Drawing from Jay's new book, Unanxious: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stressed and More Calm, the conversation delves deep into understanding anxiety, building resilience, and transforming mental health challenges into strengths.

Key Discussion Points

1. Understanding Anxiety

   • Definition of Anxiety: Jay Shetty defines anxiety as "overestimating the threat and underestimating your ability to deal with it" ([03:36]). He emphasizes that anxiety often stems from our diminished resilience due to a life of increasing conveniences that shield us from challenges.

   • Resilience and Mental Health: Jay draws an analogy comparing mental resilience to physical strength, stating, "Our mental health is like a muscle. Our resilience is us training our mental health so we can deal with the BS that's definitely going to find us in the outside world" ([04:53]).

2. The Pitfall of Overthinking

   • Overthinking vs. Action: Ed shares his struggle with overthinking anxiety, highlighting how repetitive thought loops can exacerbate stress ([06:15]). Jay concurs, explaining that overthinking tricks us into believing we're solving problems when we're merely avoiding them ([06:57]).

   • Response Over Reaction: The conversation shifts to distinguishing between reactive and responsive behaviors. Jay emphasizes the importance of shortening the duration of our reactions to anxiety by practicing controlled responses, such as deep breathing ([54:33]).

3. Impact of Social Media on Anxiety

   • Toxicity and Addiction: Both hosts discuss the detrimental effects of social media, likening it to an abusive relationship where the temporary highs make the overall experience harmful ([19:17], [22:03]).

   • Digital Detox: Jay advocates for taking breaks from social media to protect mental health, sharing his personal experience of feeling better off being offline ([21:54]-[22:18]).

4. Building Resilience Through Practice

   • Facing Triggers: Jay stresses the necessity of confronting rather than avoiding triggers. Whether positive (e.g., joy from interacting with pets) or negative (e.g., fear from past traumas), facing them builds resilience ([52:08]-[53:22]).

   • Continuous Growth: Emphasizing that resilience is an ongoing process, Jay likens it to physical training. Regularly practicing responses to anxiety strengthens mental fortitude ([54:33]-[60:50]).

5. Equanimity: Peace Under Duress

   • Defining Equanimity: Both hosts explore the concept of equanimity, describing it as "peace under duress" ([63:38]). Jay explains it as managing emotions effectively, allowing for measured responses rather than impulsive reactions ([64:12]).

   • Practical Steps: Techniques such as deep breathing and gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations are discussed as ways to cultivate equanimity ([66:14], [73:20]).

6. FOMO to JOMO: Transforming Fear of Missing Out to Joy of Missing Out

   • Historical Context of FOMO: Jay connects FOMO to our evolutionary past, where being ostracized could mean life or death ([35:02]-[39:29]).

   • Redefining Personal Values: He advises listeners to identify what they truly value by examining their feelings of envy, thereby shifting focus from external achievements to internal fulfillment ([38:37]-[39:28]).

7. Community and Connection

   • Importance of Social Bonds: The episode highlights the essential role of community in mitigating anxiety and despair. Genuine connections foster support and reduce feelings of isolation ([35:49]-[76:51]).

   • Active Engagement: Jay encourages active participation in building and maintaining meaningful relationships as a cornerstone for mental well-being ([76:51]).

Notable Quotes

• "Anxiety is really overestimating the threat. And I think you said underestimating your ability to deal with it." — Jay Shetty [03:36]

• "Our mental health is like a muscle. Our resilience is us training our mental health so we can deal with the BS that's definitely going to find us in the outside world." — Jay Shetty [04:53]

• "Anxiety is a signal letting us know it's time for more calories." — Jay Shetty [75:52]

• "Equanimity is to say, look, we're going to improve our relationship with this emotion that is the most misunderstood because currently we call it an identity." — Jay Shetty [63:59]

• "Overachievers have it, maybe even more than everybody else, but everybody has it." — Ed Mylett [11:05]

Insights and Conclusions

• Reframing Anxiety: Anxiety should not be viewed solely as a debilitating condition but as a natural response that, when managed correctly, can enhance personal growth and resilience.

• Action Over Avoidance: Proactively facing challenges and uncomfortable situations strengthens mental fortitude, reducing the long-term impact of anxiety.

• Balancing Introspection and Community: While self-awareness and internal practices are crucial, building strong, supportive communities provides essential external support systems.

• Continuous Practice: Developing equanimity and resilience is an ongoing process that requires regular practice and dedication, much like physical training.

• Shift from External Validation to Internal Fulfillment: Moving away from seeking validation through achievements and social media towards finding joy and satisfaction in personal values and meaningful relationships promotes lasting mental well-being.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compelling guide for listeners seeking to transform their relationship with anxiety. Through the collaborative insights of Ed Mylett and Jay Shetty, the conversation empowers individuals to harness anxiety as a catalyst for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and self-awareness. Whether you're grappling with anxiety or looking to strengthen your mental resilience, the strategies discussed offer practical steps toward achieving a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Recommendation: To delve deeper into these concepts, listeners are encouraged to read Jay Shetty's book, Unanxious: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stressed and More Calm, and consider engaging in community discussions to further build resilience and support networks.