296: Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly with Dr. Chloe Carmichael

We are excited to welcome clinical psychologist and USA Today bestselling author, Dr. Chloe Carmichael, today. 

Chloe wrote Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety, which Deepak Chopra endorsed. Her latest book, Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly prompted Eric to reach out to her. That book received recommendations from Dr. Phil McGraw, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Patrick Bet-David, and various other thought leaders.

She joins us to explore mental health, the importance of free speech, and what goes on within corporate organizations.

Chloe’s Journey

Dr. Chloe Carmichael built her career as a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, blending academic insight with real-world experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has a private practice in New York City. Her background as a yoga teacher and her fascination with mindfulness shaped her approach to emotional regulation and performance, and she has worked extensively with high-achieving professionals. Over time, her work has evolved from traditional therapy into coaching, corporate consulting, and thought leadership, bridging the gap between psychology and practical success strategies.

Productive Anxiety

Chloe explains that anxiety, when understood and managed, can be a powerful motivational tool because the physiological arousal associated with anxiety is similar to the energy needed for preparation and action. Productive anxiety becomes maladaptive only when paired with avoidance or self-criticism. Instead of suppressing it, people can use that energy to plan, anticipate, and perform better. Recognizing that anxiety is a natural human function helps people shift from fear-based reactions to constructive responses.

High Achievers and Self-Regulation

When anxiety gets reframed as preparation rather than panic, it becomes an ally in achieving excellence. High performers often experience elevated anxiety because they set ambitious goals and carry heavy responsibilities. The challenge is not to eliminate anxiety but to regulate it. Practices such as self-awareness, structured planning, and mindfulness help individuals to harness their natural drive without burning out. 

Emotional Awareness

Tuning into emotional cues can offer valuable feedback rather than distractions. Emotions signal what matters most, and ignoring them can lead to misalignment or poor decisions. Identifying the underlying messages (fear of failure, desire for growth, or need for control) allows people to channel those feelings into intentional actions rather than reactive ones.

Boundaries and Self-Validation

Boundaries are essential, especially for those who seek their validation externally. Many high achievers rely on the approval of others, which can increase anxiety when feedback is inconsistent or negative. Chloe encourages the development of self-validation skills and acknowledging one’s own efforts and internal standards. Setting emotional and time boundaries helps maintain focus, energy, and confidence, even in competitive environments.

Practical Tools for Managing Anxiety

Chloe offers practical strategies for turning anxiety into productive energy. She recommends setting clear, achievable goals and using visualization to stay focused on positive outcomes. Scheduling dedicated worry time helps contain overthinking, while separating problem-solving from emotional processing prevents downward spiraling. Reframing self-talk from “what if I fail?” to “how can I prepare?” will turn fear into action and build confidence.

Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques

Mindfulness is essential for calming the nervous system and being grounded. Deep breathing, guided meditation, and journaling slow the mind and create distance from anxious thoughts. Chloe points out that mindfulness does not eliminate anxiety. It helps the mind engage with it objectively, cultivating emotional resilience and better decision-making.

Leadership and Psychological Safety

Chloe highlights the importance of creating environments where people feel psychologically safe to express their ideas and concerns. Leaders who model calm, reflective behavior encourage teams to think critically rather than reacting emotionally. Leaders will also benefit from acknowledging their own anxieties, as that normalizes stress and builds trust within teams.

Balancing Ambition and Well-being

Ambition and mental health are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Sustainable success requires the balancing of drive with recovery. High performers should schedule rest, physical movement, and meaningful personal time to prevent chronic stress. 

Integrating Psychology into Everyday Life

Chloe views psychology as a proactive skill set that helps people live with intention rather than reaction. She encourages listeners to use psychological tools in everyday life, not just in therapy or moments of crisis. Emotional tracking, mindfulness, and self-compassion can strengthen relationships, sharpen leadership, and boost creativity.

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