Becoming Panic Proof

In this powerful episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Nicole Cain — trauma-informed clinical psychologist, functional medicine practitioner, and author of Panic Proof – The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever. Together, we explore the real difference between fear, anxiety, and panic, and why understanding the spectrum of nervous system activation can completely change the way we relate to our inner world. Rather than seeing anxiety as something broken within us, this conversation invites a deeper understanding of how the body is designed to protect us — and how that protection can sometimes become overactive.

Dr. Cain shares the science of neuroplasticity and why anxiety is not a life sentence but something that can be rewired and healed. We dive into the nine distinct patterns of anxiety (you may recognise yourself in one), how panic builds from a whisper into a shout, and why symptoms are not malfunctions but meaningful messages. We also explore bottom-up, body-based approaches such as EMDR and somatic therapy, the power of language and identity in shaping our healing journey, and the beautiful intersection between neuroscience, functional medicine, and spirituality. It’s a grounded yet expansive conversation that offers both practical tools and a renewed sense of possibility.

Points Of Discussion:

00:03:25 – Fear vs Anxiety vs Panic explained
00:06:22 – The anxiety spectrum: green, yellow, red
00:08:52 – The “whisper before the scream”
00:11:24 – Performance arousal vs fear
00:13:19 – The brain’s panic pathway (amygdala explained)
00:15:43 – Symptoms are messages, not malfunctions
00:20:49 – The power of language in healing
00:24:31 – The 9 types of anxiety
00:33:21 – Bottom-up nervous system healing
00:38:06 – 4-Step body-based anxiety reset
00:44:04 – Expanding your window of tolerance
00:46:23 – PTSD, sound & nervous system healing
00:48:52 – Science meets spirituality
00:54:47 – Suppressed voice & chronic illness

Resources & Links:

Website: https://drnicolecain.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolecain/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrNicoleCainNDMA

About Dr Nicole Cain:

Dr. Nicole Cain, a leading expert in trauma-informed clinical psychology and holistic medicine for anxiety and panic, is the author of the acclaimed book Panic Proof (Rodale, 2024).
A sought-after speaker and writer, Dr. Cain has shared her expertise alongside renowned figures and is the author of the book Panic Proof, and her writing is regularly featured in prestigious publications like Psychology Today and Health magazine.

Dr. Nicole is also the founder of the Holistic Wellness Collective, a one-stop-shop membership program designed to support self-healers. This program guides users through the practical application of Panic Proof’s wisdom, offering helpful videos and a supportive community.