280: Overcoming Social Anxiety: How to Be Brave and Build Genuine Connections with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

Hey Brave Table fam! It’s solo-cast time, and we’re diving deep into a topic many of you have asked about—social anxiety. You know, that awkward, sweaty-palms feeling before a networking event, family gathering, or holiday party? Yeah, we’re tackling that head-on.

In this episode, I’m sharing actionable tips to crush social anxiety and turn every interaction into a meaningful connection. From gamifying your conversations to mastering the art of mingling, this episode will empower you to show up fully as your authentic self. Plus, I spill the tea on my own awkward moments (hello, broken Hindi and introvert-hubby stories!) and share how you can reframe the way you approach social settings. Get ready to brave your edges, lean into your discomfort, and transform those “ugh” moments into “aha!” ones.

KEY POINTS

Get curious and make others feel seen.

Meet people and learn three unique things about each.

Bring engaging conversation starters.

Visualize your confident self creating meaningful interactions.

Practice the art of exiting gracefully

Skip surface questions and ask something meaningful instead.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro: Solo-cast vibes & why we’re diving into social anxiety

[00:02:00] My personal struggles with shyness and social gatherings

[00:05:00] Gamify your networking: A fun approach to meeting people

[00:09:00] Broken Hindi moments: Navigating cultural insecurities

[00:12:00] Conversation starters that actually work (+ card deck plug)

[00:15:00] The art of exiting small talk gracefully

[00:20:00] Why shallow questions suck (& what to ask instead)

[00:22:00] Reframing social anxiety: From fear to meaningful connection

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Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

IG / @neetabhushan 

IG / @thebravetable 

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

YOUTUBE / @NeetaBhushanOfficial

Want more?

Become a Certified Spiritual Life Coach ( grab the Early bird offer) →  Spiritual Life Coach program

Visit the website and order your free copy of “That Sucked, Now What?” ( just pay for shipping)  → neetabhushan.com/free-book-bonus/

Grab your Affirmation/ Conversation Card deck here → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/ 

Take just 2 minutes and find what YOUR emotional type is by taking  my FREE quiz here →  theemotionalreset.com/quiz

For a weekly dose of my hacks, tools, & tips to emotionally reset, join my newsletter here → yourweeklyreset.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.#225: Beat Your Public Speaking Fear and Shine with Your True Self with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.#236: The Truth About Forever Relationships And What We're Getting Wrong with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.#245: How Self-Love Transforms Your Relationships: Attracting the Right People with Sanaiyah Gurnamal (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Loved this episode? Share it with your bestie, your introverted partner, or anyone navigating the holiday party circuit. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @thebravetable with your biggest takeaways! And remember, during this holiday season, be just a little bit more brave—in your actions, in your relationships, and in your life.

See you next time, Brave Table fam! 🧡

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book, That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health Podcast The Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler. 

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.