In this episode of the Anxiety Matters podcast, Bonnie East and West welcome their esteemed guest, Dr. Robert Leahy, a renowned psychologist and author of numerous books, including his recent release, "If Only: Finding Freedom from Regret." Their conversation centers around understanding the multifaceted nature of regret and how it can impact our lives, decisions, and mental health.

Dr. Leahy emphasizes that regret can be both a productive and unproductive emotion. While it often brings discomfort, it can also serve as a pathway to self-improvement and wisdom when navigated wisely. He draws comparisons between how we think about past decisions and current relationships, introducing the concept of “adaptive humility” as a means of fostering healthier interactions and deeper insights into our emotional lives. The conversation touches on how many individuals ruminate over past mistakes, but Dr. Leahy suggests reframing these thoughts into opportunities for growth.

They also discuss the inherent uncertainty of life and how our society's obsession with perfectionism can lead to increased regret. Dr. Leahy's insights remind us that it's natural to have mixed feelings when faced with decisions, and he encourages listeners to embrace this ambivalence rather than be paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice.

Throughout the episode, the narrative weaves in practical advice on how to handle regrets constructively, particularly in the context of relationships. Using metaphors such as a train journey, Dr. Leahy illustrates the importance of letting go of past grievances, allowing listeners to consider the potential futures that await them instead of dwelling on past failures.

By the end of the episode, they summarize that regret doesn’t have to define us; instead, it can guide us toward a more authentic life filled with meaningful relationships and experiences. Dr. Leahy's wisdom encourages us to shift our focus from what we’ve lost to what we can still gain, ensuring that moving forward becomes a journey characterized by growth, resilience, and, importantly, compassion—both for ourselves and others. This insightful and thought-provoking conversation not only shines a light on the complexities of regret but also empowers listeners to find freedom within it.

HIGHLIGHTS:

7:37 Welcoming Dr. Robert Leahy

14:21 Understanding Regret in Our Lives

36:36 Regret and the Impact of Loss

46:04 Balancing Regret and Emotional Intelligence

connect with Dr. Leahy:

American Institute for Cognitive Therapy: https://www.cognitivetherapynyc.com/staff/dr-robert-leahy/

Amazon Author Page & Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-L.-Leahy/author/B000APW3QO?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=40d07c19-96d0-4e2f-98ab-5dde55f32df9

CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS:

Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west)

website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com

Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf

Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east)

website:

Have you made your goals for 2026 yet? If not, you're just in time to join BZE and BZW as they delve into the importance of setting SMART goals.

They reflect on their personal goal-setting experiences and share the impact of turning vague aspirations into actionable objectives. Their conversation highlights the role of self-monitoring in achieving success and offers practical tips for tracking progress, all while emphasizing the significance of self-compassion.

This dynamic duo also outlines their podcast goals for the upcoming year, aiming to expand their listener base and introduce engaging content through high-profile guests. Ultimately, they aim to motivate their audience to set their own aspirations, fostering a supportive community focused on growth and understanding.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1:56 Setting SMART Goals

5:36 Monitoring Progress

8:52 Personal Goals and Aspirations

14:35 Promoting the Upcoming Book

16:51 Goals for the Podcast

24:29 Engaging High-Profile Guests

CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS:

Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west)

website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com

Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf

Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east)

website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com

The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

Bonnie & Bonnie revisit their very first conversation to share their journey and the serendipity that brought them together as colleagues and friends, exploring the unexpected connection born from a shared name and profession. As they celebrate the holiday season, they're thrilled to present this special re-release, allowing new listeners insight into their dynamic and the inception of their podcast.

Throughout their discussion, they reflect on the humorous and frustrating moments at the start of their careers when they first discovered each other's existence. Initial feelings of annoyance quickly transformed into a deep appreciation for the unique path each has taken in the field of psychology. They recount how their unique similarities extend far beyond just a shared name; from their therapeutic approaches to the fateful moments that shaped their careers, they explore the synchrony of their lives.

By listening to their journey, both seasoned followers and newcomers, will gain a deeper appreciation for the heart and humor that underpins their conversations about anxiety. Join them as they celebrate their connection, the work they're passionate about, and the exciting journey ahead on the Anxiety Matters podcast.

HIGHLIGHTS:

0:31 Reflecting on Our Journey

3:52 Replaying Our Original Episode

4:14 New Year Goals Ahead

4:21 How We Met: A Serendipitous Connection

9:43 The First In-Person Meeting

13:03 Discovering Our Paths in Psychology

19:01 The Impact of Our Work

CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS:

Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) Website

Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) Website

The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.