Podcast Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
Episode: Carrie Burke, MINDFIRE: Diary of an Anxious Twentysomething
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Carrie Burke

1. Introduction to Carrie Burke

In this episode, Zibby Owens welcomes Carrie Burke, a remarkably accomplished 22-year-old New York City-based journalist, content creator, and bestselling author. Carrie brings a wealth of experience, having authored 21 children's books, including the popular Cupcake Club series and Fashion Academy, both of which have been adapted into award-winning Off-Broadway productions. Her latest work, Mindfire, delves deep into her personal struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Notable Quote:

"Carrie Burke is a New York City based journalist, content creator and best selling author. Her most recent book, My Real Life Rom com was a Barnes and Noble bestseller and peaked at number one in creating an intimacy category on Amazon."
— [03:50] Zibby Owens

2. Exploring "Mindfire"

Mindfire serves as a roadmap for individuals grappling with mental health challenges, offering guidance and a sense of community. Carrie shares that the impetus for writing the book stemmed from her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time marked by heightened anxiety and isolation for her generation. The book intertwines her personal narrative with educational insights, aiming to demystify misconceptions surrounding OCD and anxiety.

Notable Quote:

"My mission with Mindfire is to tell my story in hopes that other people might be able to relate, to teach people about the OCD and the anxiety that we don't see in the media."
— [05:40] Carrie Burke

3. Battling Anxiety and OCD

Carrie's journey with mental health began early, with signs of OCD evident from the age of eight. She describes her childhood rituals, such as needing to touch objects with both hands to achieve peace of mind, which she humorously dubbed "Qua Qua." These compulsions intensified in her late teens, culminating in a significant panic attack during the pandemic. This pivotal moment led to her diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and OCD, reshaping her understanding of her mental health.

Notable Quotes:

"I didn't really understand how debilitating it would be until I started experiencing it firsthand."
— [06:30] Carrie Burke

"Reframing the perspective in your mind... the goal is to just exist with your intrusive thoughts and your anxiety and learn how to be stronger in them."
— [15:00] Carrie Burke

4. Coping Strategies and Recommendations

Throughout Mindfire, Carrie offers practical strategies for managing intrusive thoughts and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of:

• Acceptance: Understanding that anxiety doesn't have a finish line and learning to coexist with intrusive thoughts.
• Grounding Techniques: Using the five senses to bring oneself back to the present moment during anxious episodes.
• Movement and Exercise: Engaging in physical activities, whether it's running marathons or taking daily walks, to alleviate mental strain.
• Community Support: Surrounding oneself with understanding individuals and accessing resources to feel less isolated.

Notable Quote:

"Movement can be something as simple as going for a 10-minute walk every day or doing yoga, just moving your body in whatever way feels good."
— [29:10] Carrie Burke

5. The Intersection of Creativity and Mental Health

Carrie discusses how her engagement with TikTok became a vital outlet for her creativity and mental well-being. Initially starting as a way to cope with anxiety, her presence on the platform evolved into a means of empowering others. She leverages her social media platform to raise awareness about mental health issues, collaborate with organizations like No Bully, and promote her book.

Notable Quote:

"Social media, for me, is not just all fluff. I have this platform, and I know it's rare to have this platform, and I want to use it to my advantage in order to spread awareness for important issues like mental health."
— [23:40] Carrie Burke

6. Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

The conversation delves into personal stories that highlight Carrie's resilience and authenticity. She shares humorous moments, such as dressing up in a Dunkin' Donuts onesie for Halloween and her experiences running marathons despite battling anxiety. These anecdotes not only humanize her but also illustrate the challenges and triumphs of living with mental health conditions.

Notable Quotes:

"I've run the New York City Marathon twice, and it always falls right around Halloween. Halloween's my favorite holiday. But when you're running the marathon, it's a few days before and can't celebrate Halloween because you don't want to go out and get sick."
— [27:20] Carrie Burke

"I've learned how to fake being okay sometimes. With OCD, it's really a facade because sometimes you can just look like you're busy on your phone or swiping through social media."
— [15:40] Carrie Burke

7. Experiences with Therapy

Carrie narrates her complex relationship with therapy, starting with a challenging first experience during her teenage years. Initially resistant to seeking help, she emphasizes the importance of being ready and willing to engage in therapy to truly benefit from it. Her journey underscores the necessity of finding the right therapist who aligns with one's personal needs.

Notable Quote:

"When you have to see a therapist when you want to see a therapist, that's when it's going to be most valuable."
— [31:00] Carrie Burke

8. Empowerment and Purpose

Through her storytelling and advocacy, Carrie finds purpose in sharing her experiences. She aims to not only help herself but also to empower others facing similar struggles. Her work as a journalist and author is driven by a desire to illuminate the stories of individuals battling mental health issues, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding.

Notable Quote:

"I realized that this is something that's meant for all ages, genders. It's not just people in their 20s in college and sororities."
— [12:40] Carrie Burke

9. Conclusion and Takeaways

Zibby Owens concludes the interview by praising Carrie's honesty and authenticity, highlighting the universal relevance of her message. Mindfire is lauded as an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of mental health, offering both personal insight and actionable advice.

Notable Quote:

"Your book is so helpful. It's so honest and open and raw and real. That is what we are all doing in the world—making our messy way through life."
— [32:00] Zibby Owens

Final Thoughts

Carrie Burke's appearance on Totally Booked with Zibby provides a profound exploration of mental health through the lens of a young, dynamic author and content creator. Her candid discussions about anxiety, OCD, and the therapeutic role of creativity offer listeners both empathy and practical tools for managing their own mental health journeys. Mindfire emerges as a compelling testament to resilience and the power of sharing one's story to foster community and understanding.