159: "Tap" Away Anxiety with Jessica Ortner

Summary -

In this episode, Michelle reunites with longtime friend and Tapping Solution co-founder Jessica Ortner to dive into the science and soul of Tapping (EFT) — and why it's one of the fastest ways to calm anxiety, release guilt, and navigate stressful moments (especially during the holidays).
Jessica breaks down what tapping actually is, how it works in the brain and body, and why new research shows dramatic reductions in cortisol and anxiety in just minutes. She shares how tapping helps with panic, family triggers, emotional eating, old memories, and even future stress through “memory reconsolidation”—essentially editing the emotional charge around a memory.
They also explore self-acceptance vs self-judgment (“you can’t hate yourself happy”), Jessica’s bestselling books, her Daily Guidance tapping card deck, and a sneak peek at her upcoming kids’ confidence deck. Jessica even guides listeners through a quick live tapping round to release guilt and acknowledge personal growth.
Whether you're overwhelmed, preparing for holiday gatherings, or want to feel more centred, this conversation offers practical tools you can use today.
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Key Points
• What tapping (EFT) is and how it calms the nervous system
• Why tapping works for past, present, and future stress
• The neuroscience: cortisol reduction & fMRI craving research
• Why acceptance—not self-criticism—is the doorway to change
• Holiday stress: how to shift your energy before family gatherings
• Daily Guidance card deck + upcoming kids’ tapping deck
• Live tapping demo for releasing guilt & acknowledging growth
• Jessica’s core belief: rejection is redirection toward something better

-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