Gabrielle Union on PTSD, Social Anxiety, and Navigating Fame

What does it take to tell the truth when the world punishes you for it? In this conversation we're bringing back from 2021, Gabrielle Union talks about living with PTSD and social anxiety, the experiences in toxic workplaces, and what it means to keep speaking out even when fear follows close behind. She shares how activism triggers anxiety, the coping tools to keep you grounded from therapy to mindfulness, and how to redefine success through truth, purpose, and self-acceptance. Get ready to see how courage and healing can coexist and how learning to be alone doesn’t mean being lonely. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What does a toxic workplace look like, then vs. now? 06:30 The emotional cost of telling the truth in an industry built on silence. 11:00 How trauma survivors navigate social anxiety, boundaries, and life in the public eye. 16:00 Tools to calm anxiety and regain control. 21:45 How intentional alone time restores peace, clarity, and self-trust. 24:30 The powerful distinction between being alone and being lonely. 28:15 How Gabrielle’s 2012 Essence speech became a turning point toward truth and self-acceptance. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Gabrielle: on LinkedIn @gabrielleunion + Instagram @gabunion