In this episode, Dr. Lee and Emilia Kasprzak sit down with Dr. Karen Rowa, full professor at McMaster University and Clinical Director of the Anxiety Treatment & Research Clinic at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Dr. Rowa is a powerhouse in anxiety research and therapy, bringing deep expertise and real-world strategies to help understand and manage our anxious minds. 

We break down why your brain spirals before an exam, why social anxiety makes you overanalyze every conversation, and how small daily habits can rewire your brain for calm. Dr. Rowa reveals why exposure therapy is both terrifying and life-changing, how safety behaviors keep us stuck, and the surprising ways social media fuels anxiety. She also shares her experience consulting for Canada’s Got Talent, and how performers can battle stage fright under pressure. Plus, we answer student questions about test anxiety, imposter syndrome, and OCD. 

Dr. Rowa also weighs in on the link between money and happiness, the financial realities of working in mental health, and the must-know tips for getting into psychology grad school. This episode is an absolute must listen!