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Bestselling graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier reflects on her lifelong struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and emetophobia—the fear of vomiting—and how channeling those experiences into stories helped her feel less isolated and encouraged young readers to seek support. She explores a walking meditation practice designed to slow down racing thoughts, reconnect with the body, and face discomfort with curiosity rather than avoidance. The episode demonstrates how slowing physical movement can calm an anxious nervous system.
This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.
Curious
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Approaching anxiety and discomfort with curiosity—noticing sensations, breathing, and body signals without judgment—rather than struggling against them or avoiding triggers, can gradually reduce the grip of anxious thoughts.
Editorial
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References
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Smile — Raina Telgemeier (2010) — Telgemeier's breakthrough graphic memoir about dental trauma and anxiety in adolescence
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Guts — Raina Telgemeier (2018) — Graphic memoir exploring anxiety, panic attacks, and emetophobia through personal narrative
Misc
✧Telgemeier's work has resonated with millions of young readers precisely because it normalizes anxiety and mental health struggles—showing that even bestselling authors experience panic and fear.
✧The walking meditation practice is deliberately simple and accessible—requiring no equipment, no special environment, just 10 minutes and a quiet space.
✧The episode emphasizes the body-first approach to anxiety: by anchoring attention to physical sensation (steps, breath), the mind's anxious narrative loses grip.
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