The Game Changer Podcast
The Game Changer Podcast explores the intersection of health, purpose, and performance — spotlighting leaders, clinicians, and creators who turn adversity into growth.
Hosted by Michelle Dutro — Air Force veteran, former firefighter, PTSD nonprofit founder, and founder of Inner North Star Retreat — each episode blends candid conversations with science-backed tools for stress mastery, mental fitness, and resilience.
This is a show for curious, growth-minded people who believe the best chapters of their lives are still ahead of them — and who want real conversations, new ideas, and the kind of guests you won't find on every other podcast.
At a time when everything seems designed to divide us, this is a place to learn something genuinely new, think a little differently, and grow — without anyone telling you what to think.
With over two decades in biofeedback and wellness, Michelle brings a trauma-aware, compassion-forward approach that helps listeners elevate their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
New episodes every Monday. Go deeper at michelledutro.com — The Path online course, private three-day retreat experiences, and Michelle's books.
📰 Published author — Spirituality & Health Magazine
📖 Chapter contributor — Awakened Hearts Book Series | Featured in Awaken Magazine: https://awakenedmagazine.com/michelle-dutro
The Game Changer Podcast
159: "TAP" Away Anxiety with Jessica Ortner
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In this conversation, Jessica Ortner discusses Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), commonly known as tapping, and its role in managing anxiety. She explains how anxiety manifests not just in thoughts but also physically in the body. By using tapping, individuals can unlock the memories and thoughts that trigger physical anxiety responses, allowing for a calming effect on the brain and a reconnection with the present moment. Tapping is highly recommended for anxiety management, mind-body connection, stress relief, calming techniques, mental health, and emotional wellness.
Takeaways
EFT, or tapping, helps address physical anxiety responses.
Anxiety is felt in the body, not just in thoughts.
Positive affirmations may feel insincere when managing anxiety.
Tapping unlocks thoughts and memories linked to anxiety.
It sends calming signals to the brain's amygdala.
The technique helps individuals feel safe in the moment.
Tapping allows for better communication between mind and body.
It's a self-help tool for emotional wellness.
The practice can lead to stress relief and improved mental health.
Reconnecting with the body is essential for anxiety management.
To learn more go to www.thetappingsolution.com
And download the app in the app store, just search for “The Tapping Solution”
Follow Jessica Ortner @jessicaortner on FB and IG
Chapters
00:00 – Intro, Jessica’s return & Hay House cruise / stingray story
03:42 – Why Michelle uses tapping at her PTSD retreat & how fast it can calm the body
04:57 – What is tapping (EFT)? Acupressure points, the amygdala & why it works
08:40 – Past, present & future anxiety: memory reconsolidation and “editing the file”
10:42 – Acceptance vs self-judgment: “you can’t hate yourself happy”
15:39 – Holiday stress & how to use The Tapping Solution app in real life (family gatherings, anxiety, etc.)
20:12 – Science behind tapping: cortisol study, stress reduction & fMRI craving research
24:19 – Stress, immune system, and Jessica’s books on weight loss, body confidence & lasting change
31:43 – Daily Guidance tapping card deck: inspiration, how to use it & the kids’ confidence deck sneak peek
38:15 – How to stay connected: app details, free content, veterans/first responder category & where to follow Jessica
40:57 – Live demo: card pull (“I release any guilt…”) + one round of guided tapping
43:42 – Final question: what Jessica absolutely believes to be true & full-circle callback to her 2016 answer + outro
🤝 Let’s Connect: linktr.ee/michelledutro
🌐 Learn more: www.michelledutro.com
🏞️ Retreat Center: www.innernorthstar.com