Episode 217 -Fan Favorite - Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

Episode 217 -Fan Favorite - Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

Author: JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher August 16, 2025 Duration: 37:24

We're bringing back a fan favorite episode from the Buddhism for Everyone archives with an exploration of fear, anxiety, and bravery. Fearlessness is often spoken of in Buddhist teachings, but here we go beyond the idea of simply "being brave" to uncover how the Buddha understood fear itself. Together, we'll look at what causes fear, the antidotes that dissolve it, and how we can tap into the quiet courage already within us.

In Buddhism, there is a distinction between skillful fear and unskillful fear. Skillful fear can protect us. An example of skilful fear is noticing a subway train barreling down the tracks and stepping back. But unskillful fear? That's the kind that traps us, limits us, and leads to actions that cause suffering. In this beloved episode, we explore unskillful fear and how to meet it with wisdom, compassion, and practical tools for everyday life.

We also examine the common forms unskillful fear takes, such as:

  • Fear of things that may or may not happen

  • Fear of the inevitable changes of life, like aging

  • Fear for the safety or happiness of those we love

This episode has been replayed again and again by listeners who say it's brought them peace, clarity, and even a little spark of bravery. We're so happy to share it with you once more.

Find us at the links below: 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group: Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: @buddhism4everyone

X: @Joannfox77

TikTok: @buddhism4everyone

To learn more about virtual classes with JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Study Program


You'll find Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox to be a conversation that feels both timeless and immediately useful. JoAnn Fox, a Buddhist teacher with over two decades of experience, guides these discussions with a genuine warmth and a welcome touch of humor, making profound ideas feel accessible. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about the tangible ways these ancient practices can reshape our modern days. Each episode, released every other week, delves into practical applications. You might explore how to cultivate patience during a frustrating commute, find a deeper sense of contentment amidst daily routines, or develop the compassionate resilience the world needs. The podcast serves as a gentle, consistent reminder that spiritual growth isn't separate from ordinary life-it's woven right into it. JoAnn's approach demystifies meditation and mindfulness, framing them as tools for anyone seeking more peace or clarity. Whether you're completely new to these concepts or looking to deepen an existing practice, the conversations meet you where you are, offering insights that encourage reflection and, most importantly, action in your own life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
Podcast Episodes
Episode 229 - Boundaries in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:03
In Buddhism, we're encouraged to cherish others more and deepen our compassion. Some may wonder if there is a contradiction between these heart-opening practices and having healthy boundaries. But here is the truth: even…
Episode 228 - Be Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:02
If you've ever longed for love—and let's be honest, who hasn't?—you'll recognize the familiar dance our minds do. We build the "ideal" in our heads. We make lists of the qualities we need in a partner. We dissect our pas…
Episode 227 - Always Rely on a Happy Mind Alone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:44
Always rely on a happy mind alone. This Buddhist slogan for training the mind isn't about "positive thinking" or just being happy. A "happy mind" refers to a mind that is peaceful and free from delusions, like like anger…
Episode 226 - Tame the Monkey Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:59
Register for the free classes, Continuing the Walk for Peace: An Inner Peace Toolkit: https://buddhismforeveryone.com/walk-for-peace-toolkit In this episode, we talk about your monkey. The monkey on your back. You know t…
Episose 225 - Is your mind the Matrix? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:30
In The Matrix, the red pill reveals the truth behind appearances and opens the path to freedom. In Buddhism, a realization of the true nature of reality is the ultimate path to freedom. In this episode, we explore how wa…
Episode 224: Finding Happiness in Others' Joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
Imagine feeling a burst of joy every time someone else wins. A friend gets a promotion, your sister finds love, a stranger shares good news, and you feel happiness with them. That spark of delight is the heart of sympath…
Episode 223 - Feed love or Feed Pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
We constantly make small choices that shape the reality of our relationships, whether with our partner, children, friends, or colleagues. They determine whether we deepen connection or cause resentment and distance to qu…
Episode 222: Preventing Anger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:27
Longtime Buddhist Teacher, JoAnn Fox, explores five powerful Buddhist antidotes to anger and aversion: patience acceptance recognizing karma remembering impermanence seeing other people or challenges as spiritual teacher…
Episode 221 - W.A.I.T. What Am I Thinking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:41
Delusions are distorted ways of looking at things that make our mind unpeaceful and uncontrolled. Anger exaggerates someone's faults. Attachment exaggerates someone's good qualities. Both lead us away from reality and ke…
Episode 220 - Self-Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:57
In this episode, JoAnn Fox shares the practice of W.A.I.T.—What Am I Thinking? to help us cultivate self-compassion and retrain the often-critical voice in our minds. Through mindfulness, we can begin to notice the thoug…