Interview: In this episode, host Will Laughlin is joined by world-class swimmer, scholar, educator, and actor, Kurt Kroesche.  Kurt shares candidly about his life-long battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its pervasive influence on his life and achievements. From his early days, Kurt was haunted by an overwhelming fear of contracting cancer, which shaped his thoughts, actions, and life in significant ways. Despite these challenges, Kurt used the same obsessive-compulsive tendencies to fuel his dedication and discipline as a swimmer, eventually joining Stanford’s esteemed swim team and becoming a national champion.

Kurt opens up about a dark period in his life, where he felt compelled to drop out of school. He details his journey to find help, his encounters with a therapist who enlightened him about OCD, and the rigorous yet rewarding process of working through his fears. Kurt's story is one of resilience and determination, showcasing how he harnessed the very condition that plagued him to thrive academically, athletically, and artistically.

This episode dives deep into the paradox of living with OCD, the power of understanding one’s mind, and the beauty of resilience. It sheds light on how facing one’s fears and embracing one’s vulnerabilities can lead to unexpected accomplishments. Whether you are a student, an athlete, dealing with mental health issues, or just looking for an inspiring story, Kurt’s journey will leave you with a new perspective on fear, resilience, and the human spirit.

Zack’s Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack we will explore a simple yet effective way of dealing with anxiety through breath work. 

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.