308: Powerful Stress Management Approaches Designed for Times Like These

If your go-to stress strategies aren’t cutting it anymore, you’re not alone, and there’s a reason for that. Today on Finding Brave, we’re joined by deeply inspiring The Stress Coach, Jordan Friedman, to explore what really works for managing stress during high-anxiety times and why most stress-reduction methods miss the mark.

With over 30 years of experience, Jordan’s science-backed, creative approach has helped thousands reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and regain control. A former Director of Columbia University’s Health Education Program and author of The Stress Manager’s Manual, Jordan is also the voice behind The Chill Factory podcast and app. His unique work blends evidence-based techniques with creativity and humor, including offering guided "chill tours" through Central Park to help groups manage stress in fun, unexpected ways.

In this episode, we dig into why so many stress-reduction methods fail us during uncertain times and what we can do differently to support our nervous systems. Jordan breaks down what happens to the body and mind in extended states of anxiety and offers practical, sustainable strategies for managing stress.

Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into our upcoming Central Park Calm Retreat on June 13th, 2025 - co-hosted by Jordan and myself - where participants will experience these transformative practices firsthand in the amazingly beautiful urban oasis of NYC’s Central Park.

Whether you're supporting a stressed-out team, raising anxious kids, or looking for ways to stay steady and nurture your own calm and wellbeing, this episode offers the clarity and calm you've been searching for!

 

Key Highlights From This Episode:

• The remarkable personal story that led Jordan to his work in stress management. [05:11]
• Hidden stressors in today’s unpredictable world and their impact on your health. [15:40]
• How cutting back on news, TV, and social media can help ease stress. [20:39]
• Why so many stress reduction methods fail (and what to do instead). [25:38]
• Practical strategies for effective, long-term stress management. [30:03]
• The science behind Jordan’s potent ‘Mod Squad’ stress-reduction technique. [35:11]
• Ways that community and support help mitigate fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. [41:55]
• How you can connect with your inner calm at the upcoming Central Park Retreat! [46:08]

For More Information:

The Stress Coach

Jordan Friedman on LinkedIn

Jordan Friedman on YouTube

The Chill Factory Podcast

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Learn how to thrive as a highly sensitive person with Andre Sólo’s Sensitive Refuge. And hear Kathy’s Finding Brave interview with Andre on .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}