Discover why 320 million people experience that 'buzzy' feeling in social settings that leads to regrettable moments, and learn proven techniques to break the cycle and show up authentically with friends.

I want to learn how to be more authentic and composed in fun social situations with friends. When I am talking to friends I can quickly get this buzz like I am drunk and it leads to poor decisions that I regret. It's nothing major but just small stuff like saying a poor joke ect.


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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Nia: Hey everyone, welcome to today's episode! I'm Nia, joined by my friend Blythe, and we're tackling something I think many of us can relate to—that weird buzzy feeling you get in social situations that sometimes leads to regrettable decisions.
Blythe: Oh absolutely! You know what's fascinating? Social anxiety affects roughly 4% of people worldwide—that's about 320 million people who struggle with that fear of negative evaluation or rejection in social settings.
Nia: Wait, that many? I had no idea! And it's not just about being shy, right? It's that feeling where your brain is convinced everyone is judging your every move.
Blythe: Exactly. And what happens for many people is they develop this pattern where they feel anxious, then maybe have a drink to loosen up, say something they regret, and then the cycle continues. It's like their anxiety becomes this self-fulfilling prophecy.
Nia: I totally get that! It's like your brain says "don't mess up" so loudly that you end up... messing up. Then you overthink it forever.
Blythe: Right! And the good news is there are proven techniques to break this cycle. Social anxiety is actually very treatable once you understand what's happening in your mind. Let's dive into how our thoughts about social situations—not the situations themselves—are what really drive our anxiety.