In this powerful solo Zack dives deep into the functional purpose of anxiety and how it can actually serve us rather than sabotage us. Drawing on his clinical experience and personal reflections, Zack reframes anxiety as a messenger, something that, when listened to and understood, can be a powerful motivator and guide. Using real-life examples from his own life and his work at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, Zack explores the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses triggered by anxiety and how we can tune into those responses to prepare, adapt, and thrive rather than shut down or avoid. He breaks down the common "fight, flight, freeze, and fawn" reactions and emphasizes that fear isn’t something to eliminate—but rather, something to make less intrusive and more constructive.

Zack also shares personal stories, including how anxiety helped him prepare for fatherhood and process fear during a high-risk pregnancy. He emphasizes that our emotions aren’t enemies—they’re signals that deserve attention, curiosity, and response. Referencing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the book The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris, Zack encourages listeners to transform their relationship with fear, rather than trying to eliminate it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt consumed by anxiety and is ready to learn how to partner with it instead.

Zack Hack: In this week’s hack Zack shares an inspiring quote from Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.