EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 39 MIN
294: Navigating Fear: Insights from Neuroscience, Trauma Research, and Fundraising Challenges with Arash Javanbakht
from What the Fundraising · host Mallory Erickson
In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast, Join Arash Javanbakht, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC), as he delves into the intricate workings of fear and anxiety. With expertise spanning neuroscience, trauma research, and nonprofit fundraising, he offers a comprehensive exploration of how fear manifests in our brains, its evolutionary origins, and practical strategies for managing it in various aspects of life! Arash's clinical focus encompasses civilians, law enforcement, and refugees, particularly those affected by war trauma in regions like Syria and Iraq. Through STARC, he conducts groundbreaking research into the biological and psychological factors contributing to resilience and vulnerability in trauma response. Also, Arash pioneers the integration of technology into mental health care, exploring augmented reality and telemedicine for innovative in vivo treatment of anxiety disorders and PTSD. Moreover, his work has received widespread acclaim, featuring in prominent media outlets such as CNN, Al Jazeera, NPR, and The Washington Post. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the biology and psychology of fear responses. Analyze fear's influence on decision-making, particularly in nonprofit fundraising. Develop strategies for overcoming fear-related challenges. Cultivate resilience and find meaning in adversity. Apply practical tips for harnessing fear as motivation. This week's episode is sponsored by DonorPerfect. DonorPerfect's Community Conference is igniting a passion for change! This year's event, on June 4th & 5th, will equip you with the tools to excel in donor management, program innovation, community engagement, and organizational growth. Remember, every powerful movement starts with a single spark.Your expertise is that spark! Head over to donorperfect.com/donorperfect-conference to register today! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point
What this episode covers
In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast, Join Arash Javanbakht, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC), as he delves into the intricate workings of fear and anxiety. With expertise spanning neuroscience, trauma research, and nonprofit fundraising, he offers a comprehensive exploration of how fear manifests in our brains, its evolutionary origins, and practical strategies for managing it in various aspects of life! Arash's clinical focus encompasses civilians, law enforcement, and refugees, particularly those affected by war trauma in regions like Syria and Iraq. Through STARC, he conducts groundbreaking research into the biological and psychological factors contributing to resilience and vulnerability in trauma response. Also, Arash pioneers the integration of technology into mental health care, exploring augmented reality and telemedicine for innovative in vivo treatment of anxiety disorders and PTSD. Moreover, his work has received widespread acclaim, featuring in prominent media outlets such as CNN, Al Jazeera, NPR, and The Washington Post. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand the biology and psychology of fear responses. Analyze fear's influence on decision-making, particularly in nonprofit fundraising. Develop strategies for overcoming fear-related challenges. Cultivate resilience and find meaning in adversity. Apply practical tips for harnessing fear as motivation. This week's episode is sponsored by DonorPerfect. DonorPerfect's Community Conference is igniting a passion for change! This year's event, on June 4th & 5th, will equip you with the tools to excel in donor management, program innovation, community engagement, and organizational growth. Remember, every powerful movement starts with a single spark.Your expertise is that spark! Head over to donorperfect.com/donorperfect-conference to register today! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_malloryerickson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthefundraising YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@malloryerickson7946 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mallory-erickson-bressler/ Website: malloryerickson.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-fundraising/id1575421652 If you haven’t already, please visit our new What the Fundraising community forum. Check it out and join the conversation at this link. If you’re looking to raise more from the right funders, then you’ll want to check out my Power Partners Formula, a step-by-step approach to identifying the optimal partners for your organization. This free masterclass offers a great starting point
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294: Navigating Fear: Insights from Neuroscience, Trauma Research, and Fundraising Challenges with Arash Javanbakht
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