In this powerful episode of Fear Less, Zack sits down with Andy Benckart, a master's-level social work student and young adult in recovery, to dive deep into the complex intersections of anxiety, OCD, and addiction. Andy shares his lived experience navigating chronic migraines, anxiety, substance use, and an eventual OCD diagnosis, shedding light on how these challenges are often intertwined. His story takes listeners from early struggles in high school and college to the transformative impact of wilderness therapy and transitional living programs. Andy also discusses the vital role that surfing and nature have played in his recovery journey, offering a unique perspective on surrender, control, and healing through connection to the outdoors.

Throughout the conversation, Andy highlights how 12-step programs, therapeutic support, and outdoor experiences helped him build resilience, self-awareness, and hope for a better future. Zack and Andy explore critical ideas like the subtle ways OCD can present, why addiction often masks deeper mental health struggles, and how the lessons of nature — like surrendering to a powerful wave — mirror the process of recovery. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health challenges or supporting a loved one, this episode offers invaluable wisdom, hope, and a reminder that growth often starts by letting go.

Zack’s Hack- In this week’s quote to address fear Zack shares a quote from Victor Frankel.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

 

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.

In this compelling episode Zack sits down with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia to explore the realities of living with ADHD and how it intersects with anxiety, OCD, and executive functioning. A lecturer at Harvard Medical School and clinical associate at McLean Hospital, Dr. Olivardia brings both professional expertise and personal insight as someone who has lived with ADHD his entire life. The conversation dives deep into what ADHD actually is, how it’s often misunderstood, and why people with ADHD often experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to environmental expectations and internal challenges.

Listeners will gain practical takeaways around managing ADHD symptoms, whether through medication, behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, or lifestyle changes. Dr. Olivardia shares relatable personal stories—from riding the subway to focus on reading to writing his dissertation to punk rock—and breaks down the importance of accepting neurodiversity in a judgment-free, strength-based way. If you've ever felt like your brain works differently, this validating and informative episode is not to be missed.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack welcomes Christin Brown, a licensed independent clinical social worker and OCD specialist based in Massachusetts. Christin has a subspecialty in Hoarding Disorder, and in this conversation, her and Zack delve into this often-misunderstood diagnosis and its relationship to OCD. Christin shares her professional insights as well as her personal experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, offering a nuanced understanding of hoarding behaviors—ranging from emotional attachment to objects to digital hoarding like excessive photo saving or unopened tabs. This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals, families, and individuals navigating hoarding-related struggles.

The conversation explores key differentiators between hoarding disorder and OCD, including the importance of values-based treatment and the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Christin emphasizes the importance of tailored exposures—such as discarding unused items, avoiding acquiring new ones, and challenging the emotional significance tied to objects. She also discusses practical tips for family members supporting a loved one with hoarding disorder and offers real-life case examples, including therapeutic rituals like shredding sentimental items. This episode sheds light on how understanding, compassion, and evidence-based therapy can make a significant difference for individuals struggling to let go—both physically and emotionally.

Zack’s Hack- In this week’s anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack welcomes Jayme Valdez, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Clearview OCD Counseling. Jayme specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, trauma, and addiction, and she shares her unique approach to addressing the overlap between OCD and addictive disorders. She challenges the traditional belief that OCD and addiction must be treated separately, advocating for a concurrent treatment model that acknowledges their shared compulsive patterns. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience, Jayme highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions, harm reduction, and fostering connection as means to support long-term recovery.   Throughout the episode, Jayme provides invaluable insights for clinicians, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, and their loved ones. She explains how OCD and addiction operate in similar cycles of intrusive thoughts and urges, followed by compulsive, ritualized, behaviors, painting a clear picture for how addressing these two challenges together is not only doable, but highly effective. Listeners will gain practical strategies for navigating recovery, breaking unhealthy cycles, and supporting loved ones without enabling harmful behaviors. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, addiction recovery, and breaking free from patterns that keep individuals stuck.   Zack’s Anxiety Hack: Zack shares a quote from Nelson Mandela to help you Fear Less!   Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack welcomes Carl Lovejoy, one of the co-founders of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, to reflect on the center's origins and evolution. Carl shares his journey from working in independent schools to helping establish Mountain Valley in 2011, recognizing the need for specialized support for high-achieving students struggling with anxiety and related disorders. He recounts the center’s humble beginnings in Pike, New Hampshire, with just four families and how it grew into a nationally recognized residential treatment program. Carl and Zack discuss the transition to the Plainfield campus, which offered greater accessibility and a more structured, home-like environment that fosters healing. They also highlight the role of traditions, the power of community, and the importance of making treatment feel welcoming rather than clinical.

The conversation shifts to the evolution and future of Mountain Valley, as Carl and Zack discuss the changing mental health needs of youth, including the rise of OCD and ASD diagnoses, and how Mountain Valley continues to adapt its approach to meet those challenges. The podcast concludes with Carl and Zack reflecting on the deep relationships formed at Mountain Valley, the ongoing commitment to keeping the culture strong, and the recent revival of the Mountain Valley Alumni Association, designed to help youth and families maintain a sense of community long after graduation. 

Zack’s Anxiety Hack: Zack shares a quote from Joseph Campbell to help you Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack sits down with Nicole Carosi, the mother of a former Mountain Valley Treatment Center resident, Isabella. Nicole shares an intimate look into her family’s journey with Isabella’s anxiety, perfectionism, and depression, detailing the struggles that led them to seek intensive treatment. She reflects on the challenges of parenting an anxious child, the decision to enroll Isabella at Mountain Valley, and the nonlinear path toward healing. Throughout their discussion, Zack, who was Isabella’s therapist during her time at Mountain Valley, offers unique insight into her therapeutic journey, including the pivotal moments that led to breakthroughs for both Isabella and her family. 

Nicole candidly discusses the emotional toll of seeking treatment, the difficult transition of dropping Isabella off, and the heartbreaking moment of realizing that initial treatment wasn’t working. She also shares how Isabella’s return to Mountain Valley, after a brief departure, allowed her to truly engage with the program and make lasting progress. Through therapy, family coaching, and deep self-reflection, Nicole and Isabella learned valuable lessons about managing anxiety, setting boundaries, and fostering resilience. Now thriving in her senior year of high school, Isabella’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and finding the right support.

Zack’s Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack Zack shares some words of wisdom from singer/songwriter Taylor Swift.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this insightful solo episode, Zack dives  into the vital role of occupational therapy (OT) in mental health treatment, particularly at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Zack shares his personal journey into the OT field, the therapeutic power of meaningful activity, and how Mountain Valley integrates OT principles into their residential program for adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety and OCD. Through personal stories and professional insights, Zack highlights how occupational therapy fosters healing through engagement, functionality, and community connection.

Listeners will gain a rich understanding of the history of OT and its practical applications within the field of mental health care. Zack reviews the "5 C’s”, a concept that originated from the work of Dr. Rachel Thibeault, an occupational therapist who studied psychological resilience and well-being in underprivileged and marginalized communities.  Zack discusses how the “5 C’s” —Centering, Contemplation, Connection, Contribution, and Creativity— are core principles that guide the healing process and shape the therapeutic milieu at Mountain Valley. Zack also discusses how OTs at Mountain Valley collaborate with clinicians to support life skills, social participation, and exposure therapy, for adolescents and young adults with anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. This episode demonstrates the profound impact of OT in mental health care and is a must-listen for professionals, parents, and anyone interested in holistic approaches to mental well-being.

Zack’s Hack: In this week’s hack Zack shares a quote about how action is a key antidote to helping you fear less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

 

 In this episode Zack talks with Camille Wrege, an occupational therapist at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, about her journey into occupational therapy (OT) and how she applies it to mental health treatment for teenagers with anxiety and OCD. Camille shares her personal background, including how early experiences with her grandfather and a passion for holistic care led her to pursue occupational therapy. She highlights the role of OT in supporting young people by improving functional skills like hygiene, social participation, executive functioning, and independent living. Camille also discusses the intersection of OT and exposure therapy, emphasizing the importance of grading exposures appropriately to build confidence and resilience.

Throughout the episode, Camille reinforces her core belief in the power of connection, both as a personal value and a fundamental aspect of her therapeutic approach. She explains how OT facilitates social engagement, helping clients build relationships, navigate daily challenges, and integrate exposure-based interventions into real-life activities. The conversation also delves into her experiences working with clients, such as guiding a young adult through meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking to overcome OCD-related fears. The episode concludes with Camille’s advice for those struggling with mental health: prioritize self-care through sleep, nutrition, movement, and human connection.

 Zack Hack: This week’s Zack shares a reflective quote to help you fear less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack sits down with Hayden Fleischer and his mother, Amy, to discuss Hayden’s transformative journey through Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Hayden, who once struggled with debilitating anxiety that kept him out of school for months at a time, shares his experience of overcoming fear, rebuilding his confidence, and ultimately returning to Mountain Valley as a residential counselor. Amy, a psychotherapist, reflects on the challenges of recognizing Hayden’s anxiety, the difficult decision to send him to treatment, and the powerful impact of family therapy. Together, they explore the emotional highs and lows of treatment, the importance of structured exposure therapy, and the resilience it takes to reclaim joy and independence.

Now a mentor for others facing similar struggles, Hayden opens up about how the program gave him back his sense of self and purpose. He candidly shares how addressing his anxiety not only improved his mental health but also had measurable physical effects, reducing chronic inflammation and illness. His story underscores the crucial role of experiential therapy, community support, and exposure-based interventions in fostering lasting change. Amy and Hayden also discuss the long-term impact of treatment, including Hayden’s transition to boarding school, his success in college, and his aspiration to become a therapist. This inspiring conversation offers hope to families navigating the complexities of anxiety, emphasizing that while the journey is tough, healing is possible with the right support and interventions.

Zack’s Anxiety Hack- Zack shares and reflects on a quote from Mark Twain.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.