Fear Less

Zack Schafer
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to the Fear Less podcast, a show dedicated to discussing anxiety, fear, and general mental well-being. In this podcast, host Zack Schafer sits down with clinical professionals, educators, parents, and individuals with anxiety to have meaningful conversations about fear and how to manage it. Through expert knowledge, personal stories, and practical everyday tips, Zack helps listeners gain the insight, confidence, and skills necessary to master their fears. Zack Schafer, MS, OTR/L, is a mental health occupational therapist and the executive director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center (MVTC), a non-profit residential treatment program for youth with debilitating anxiety. This podcast is sponsored by MVTC and aligns with the program's mission to help anxious young people to fear less and live fully. However, fear and anxiety don't just impact young people—they affect everyone. Our collective fears and anxieties shape the health of our communities and society as a whole. The Fear Less podcast was created to reach a broad audience and inspire all who listen to come together, face their fears, and live courageously. For more information visit: • www.mountainvalleytreatment.org • Instagram: @mountainvalleytreatmentcenter • LinkedIn: Mountain Valley • LinkedIn: Zack Schafer

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Afraid for Our Future? Coping with Climate Anxiety an Eco Grief in a Changing World

    What happens when climate change starts affecting your mental health?  In this week's episode Zack sits down with clinical psychologist and climate psychology pioneer Dr. Thomas Doherty to explore the growing experience of eco anxiety, climate grief, and the emotional toll of living in an era of environmental uncertainty, drawing from insights in his book "Surviving Climate Anxiety: A Guide to Coping, Healing, and Thriving." Dr. Doherty explains how anxiety about global warming, extreme weather events, and environmental loss is often a natural response to real-world threats—not a personal weakness. Together, they break down the difference between healthy concern and overwhelming anxiety, and why so many young people and families are struggling with climate-related stress. This conversation offers practical tools for coping with climate anxiety, including how to validate your fears, reduce catastrophic thinking, and build resilience through values-based action and community connection. Zack connects these strategies to broader anxiety treatment principles, showing how fear can be reframed as a signal rather than a sentence. If you or someone you love feels overwhelmed by climate change, environmental grief, or fears about the future of the planet, this episode provides clarity, hope, and actionable steps toward emotional balance in an uncertain world. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Dr. Doherty's book, Surviving Climate Anxiety: A Guide to Coping, Healing, and Thriving to help you Fear Less.  Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    39 min

  2. 25 FEB

    You Are More Than Your Trauma: Finding Freedom from PTSD with Dr. Ken Huey

    In this powerful episode of Fear Less, Zack sits down with Dr. Ken Huey to explore how childhood trauma wires fear into the brain — and how healing rewires it. Dr. Huey shares his personal story of abuse, complex trauma, and post-traumatic stress, and how he transformed those experiences into a life dedicated to helping others heal.   With more than 35 years in residential treatment, Dr. Huey explains the connection between trauma, anxiety, and PTSD, unpacking how the limbic system encodes fear and how trauma triggers shape behavior. He outlines how relational and repetitive corrective experiences can help the brain relearn safety and restore growth.   This conversation moves beyond diagnosis into transformation. Dr. Huey challenges the "victim identity" mindset with a clear and empowering message: trauma may not be your fault, but healing is your responsibility.   Parents, clinicians, and individuals navigating high ACEs scores will gain insight into trauma recovery, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. If you're searching for guidance on healing from childhood trauma, overcoming PTSD, or understanding how anxiety and trauma intersect, this episode delivers both clarity and hope. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Helen Keller, that helps you to Fear Less! Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    36 min

  3. 18 FEB

    When Anxiety Derails Your Life: How One Young Woman Found Herself Again

    What does it really take for a young person to rebuild their life after anxiety derails high school and college plans? In this powerful episode Zack sits down with Mountain Valley Treatment Center resident Becca Gorelick, just 48 hours before her graduation from the program. Becca shares how a traumatic home invasion intensified her anxiety, school avoidance, and panic attacks—ultimately leading her to seek residential treatment at Mountain Valley. With honesty and insight, she reflects on her first stay, her return to college at the University of Utah, and how unresolved anxiety, identity struggles, and academic pressure led her back for a second round of support. For parents of teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, trauma, or college transitions, Becca's story offers real hope. She speaks candidly about exposure therapy (including a memorable and life-changing public "smoothie" exposure), EMDR work around trauma, learning to tolerate uncertainty, and rebuilding trust in herself. Most importantly, she shares how Mountain Valley's structure, community, and anxiety-specific treatment helped her move from simply surviving to rediscovering who she is. This episode is a moving reminder that recovery isn't linear—and sometimes asking for help again is the bravest step forward. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Mariann Williamson, about ways to grow as a person and learn to Fear Less. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    1 hr

  4. 11 FEB

    What Anxious Teens REALLY Need: Insights from Eight Years in Anxiety Treatment

    What actually helps a young person overwhelmed by anxiety or OCD—and how do parents know when it's time for something more than weekly therapy? In this episode Zack sits down with Ashley Metz, a longtime clinician at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, to reflect on her years working closely with adolescents and families. Ashley shares what she has learned from walking alongside young people who felt misunderstood, stuck, or unable to access daily life—and how healing often begins when pressure is reduced and kids are given space to be themselves. This conversation offers parents a thoughtful look at why anxiety and OCD can become so consuming, especially in today's world of constant technology, academic pressure, and identity stress. Ashley explains how residential treatment can help by removing distractions, creating safety, and allowing kids to practice real-life skills in a supportive community. She also speaks about the importance of joy, play, and feeling truly seen—not just "fixed." For parents wondering how to support their child while holding onto hope, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a deeper understanding of the healing process. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Benjamin Franklin, about ways to Fear Less. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    45 min

  5. 4 FEB

    Anxiety and the College Transition: A Young Adult's Story of Recovery, Confidence, and Growth

    What happens when anxiety, self-doubt, and a major life transition collide?—and how do you find your way back? In this episode  Zack sits down with Shane Holcomb, a former Mountain Valley resident and current University of Colorado Boulder student, to explore the real challenges of anxiety during the transition to college. Shane reflects on how social anxiety, loss of confidence, and impulsive behaviors—including sports gambling—began to take hold when he assumed his struggles would disappear just by going to college. Through candid storytelling, Shane shares how treatment helped him rebuild self-trust, confront fear through exposure work, and rediscover joy, confidence, and purpose. From learning to ride a bike at 19 to reclaiming his passion for sports without addiction attached, this conversation highlights recovery as a process—not a quick fix. It offers hope to young people who feel stuck and reassurance to parents navigating high-stakes decisions about support, treatment, and the path forward. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Susie Kassam,who is an American writer, poet and philosopher. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    50 min

  6. 21 JAN

    Autism, Anxiety, and OCD: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know

    What happens when autism, anxiety, and OCD look so similar that even caring parents and professionals can't tell what's driving the behavior? In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack talks with Dr. Alison LaFollette, Clinical Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, about why these conditions so often overlap—and how to start separating what's sensory, what's anxiety, and what's OCD. Dr. LaFollette explains the core autism criteria (social communication differences plus rigidity/routines, transitions, specific interests, and sensory sensitivities) and shares why anxiety is so common for neurodivergent kids navigating a world not built for them. They also dig into treatment: ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) can work for autistic teens with anxiety/OCD, but it often needs smart adjustments. Dr. LaFollette highlights the importance of practicing exposures across many settings (so learning generalizes), building real-life skills alongside ERP, and checking understanding with open-ended reflection instead of "Does that make sense?" The takeaway for parents: the goal isn't "no accommodations" or "accommodate everything"—it's a balanced plan that reduces suffering, supports regulation, and helps your child build a meaningful, more independent life. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Emily Swiatek, "Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life." Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    40 min

  7. 14 JAN

    Finding Balance: 5 Dichotomies of Parenting an Anxious Child

    Parenting a teen with anxiety can feel confusing, contradictory, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode Zack breaks down what he calls the five key dichotomies of parenting an anxious child—the opposing truths parents must hold at the same time in order to truly help their teen grow. From being compassionate and firm, to offering support while allowing struggle, this episode speaks directly to parents who feel stuck between "doing too much" and "not doing enough." Drawing from years of clinical work with anxious adolescents, Zach offers practical guidance for navigating common parenting challenges such as school avoidance, emotional overwhelm, boundary setting, and fear-driven decision making. Parents will learn why progress isn't linear, how to reduce anxiety without reinforcing avoidance, and how to lead with confidence even when anxiety is loud. This episode is especially helpful for parents of teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, or emotional regulation—and for anyone looking to parent with clarity, balance, and long-term resilience in mind. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Victor Frankel, author of the book "Man's Search for Meaning". Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    40 min

  8. 7 JAN

    New Year, Less Fear: The Psychology of Change and Building Habits

    Change is hard—especially when fear and anxiety get in the way. In this solo episode of Fear Less, our host Zack Schafer breaks down why change feels so uncomfortable and how to approach it in a realistic, sustainable way. Drawing from the Stages of Change model and insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear, Zach explains how habits form, why relapse is part of growth, and how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. Whether you're setting New Year intentions or feeling stuck between wanting change and fearing it, this episode offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a compassionate framework for moving forward—one step at a time. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

    52 min
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About

Welcome to the Fear Less podcast, a show dedicated to discussing anxiety, fear, and general mental well-being. In this podcast, host Zack Schafer sits down with clinical professionals, educators, parents, and individuals with anxiety to have meaningful conversations about fear and how to manage it. Through expert knowledge, personal stories, and practical everyday tips, Zack helps listeners gain the insight, confidence, and skills necessary to master their fears. Zack Schafer, MS, OTR/L, is a mental health occupational therapist and the executive director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center (MVTC), a non-profit residential treatment program for youth with debilitating anxiety. This podcast is sponsored by MVTC and aligns with the program's mission to help anxious young people to fear less and live fully. However, fear and anxiety don't just impact young people—they affect everyone. Our collective fears and anxieties shape the health of our communities and society as a whole. The Fear Less podcast was created to reach a broad audience and inspire all who listen to come together, face their fears, and live courageously. For more information visit: • www.mountainvalleytreatment.org • Instagram: @mountainvalleytreatmentcenter • LinkedIn: Mountain Valley • LinkedIn: Zack Schafer

Information

  • Creator
    Zack Schafer
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Fear Less
  • Provider

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