Fear Less

Parents today are swimming in mental-health advice—some helpful, a lot confusing. In this episode Zack sits down with psychotherapist Lynn Lyons (author of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and host of the "Flusterclux" podcast) to cut through the noise. Lynn explains why anxiety thrives on over-talking, endless reassurance, and "safety chatter," and how well-meaning accommodations at home and school can accidentally make avoidance worse. She offers concrete, doable shifts for parents: talk 85% less, model approach instead of avoidance, build autonomy, and invite "productive struggle" so teens learn they can handle discomfort.

You'll also hear practical guidance for school refusal (what to change tonight and how to partner with the school), why stress ≠ trauma, and how to replace fragility language with skills and confidence. If your teen is anxious—and you're anxious about what to do—this conversation gives you a clear playbook and renewed hope.

Zack Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from LR Nost to help you Fear Less!

To find out more about Lynn Lyonns and the resources she talks about check out her website: https://www.lynnlyons.com/

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack talks with Mountain Valley clinician Katharine Call, who opens up about her journey from professional skiing to living with—and ultimately overcoming—anxiety. Katharine shares how the pressures of competitive athletics, from ski academies to the U.S. national team, intensified her struggles with emetophobia and performance-related fears. She describes how her anxiety often went unnoticed or was misunderstood as physical illness, and the turning point that came when she finally received the right mental health support.

Parents of anxious teens—especially those navigating sports—will find this conversation both relatable and hopeful. Katharine reflects on the hidden pressures of specializing too early, the importance of building an identity outside of athletics, and the role exposure therapy and balance played in her recovery. Her story offers valuable insights for families supporting a teen athlete wrestling with anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt, and reminds us that courage and strength are often found in the midst of fear.

Zack Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from MMA fighter Ronda Rousey to help you Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this week's episode Zack talks with Nichol Ernst, LCSW, CEO/Clinical Director and co-owner of Summit Achievement, to unpack how the outdoors and adventure therapy help anxious teens. Nichol explains Summit's integrated treatment model—weekly rhythms of accredited academics, individualized therapy, and guided outdoor experiences—that turns nature into a practical lab for exposure, executive functioning, and confidence-building. They explore why time outside reduces avoidance, increases presence, and helps reframe fear—especially for school anxiety/school refusal, OCD/ERP carryover, and neurodivergent (ASD) teens who benefit from sensory input and structured challenge.

The conversation highlights parent coaching and family-system change, perceived vs. actual risk in the outdoors, and how real-world wins on trail translate to the classroom and home. Nichol also addresses the history and evolution of "wilderness therapy," best practices, and why today's outdoor behavioral healthcare is data-informed, licensed, and collaborative. Hope and next steps for families round out the episode.

Zack Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote about how time in the outdoors can address anxiety.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

On this episode Zack talks with Mountain Valley alumna—and current OT grad student—Amelia Teta about what truly helps when anxiety and OCD take over. Amelia traces her path from school avoidance to meaningful engagement, highlighting how Mountain Valley's evidence-based approach—especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—taught her to "be with" difficult emotions instead of resisting them. She unpacks the role of community, stewardship (chores and contribution), routines, and mental-health-informed occupational therapy in building confidence and everyday function. Candid, practical, and hopeful, this conversation offers families and caregivers a clear view of what effective anxiety/OCD treatment looks like—and how to keep the momentum going after discharge.

Zack Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote about fear from Eleanor Roosevelt.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this special back-to-school episode Zack sits down with Mountain Valley's Director of External Affairs and Enrollment, Everett Logan, to share practical strategies for parents whose teens are struggling with school avoidance and anxiety. Everett draws on his background as a teacher, school counselor, and leader at Mountain Valley to outline five key tips that can help families manage back-to-school stress: normalizing anxiety without enabling avoidance, managing your own parental anxiety, setting predictable routines, being proactive with plans, and looking beyond academics to support your teen's overall development. Together, Zack and Everett offer real-world advice to help parents foster resilience, hold healthy boundaries, and prevent school avoidance from derailing their child's year.

If your teen is anxious about returning to school—or you're a parent looking for practical guidance—this episode is packed with insights to help your family approach the new school year with more calm, confidence, and connection.

Zack's Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from Dr. Harriet Lerner about fear and courage.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack sits down with Patrick Cooke, Assistant Director of Studies at Knower Academics, to explore the powerful intersection of mental health and education. Patrick shares how the partnership between Knower Academics and Mountain Valley Treatment Center has created therademics—an approach where therapeutic goals are woven directly into academic work. Together, they discuss how anxiety and OCD often show up in the classroom, the impact of common accommodations like extra time, and how parents and educators can better support students without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance. Drawing from both his years as an educator and his experiences as a rock climbing coach, Patrick explains how lessons from adventure sports—facing fear, staying present, and building resilience—apply directly to helping teens and young adults navigate academic stress. This conversation offers parents practical insights into balancing academic progress with therapeutic growth, while giving their child the tools to manage anxiety long after school ends.

Zack's Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from life coach, Mastin Kipp.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this special live edition of the Fear Less Podcast, recorded at the 2025 Mountain Valley Reunion, Zack brings together alumni, parents, current residents, and staff to share powerful stories of hope, resilience, and transformation. Against the backdrop of a sunny summer day in Plainfield, NH, voices from across the Mountain Valley family reflect on their personal journeys—overcoming debilitating anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental health struggles—and the pivotal role this community played in their recovery.

From heartfelt testimonies of residents who once felt hopeless to the gratitude of parents who witnessed their children's growth, the episode captures the unique culture of Mountain Valley: a place where courage is celebrated, vulnerability is honored, and connection fuels change. Through laughter, tears, and words of encouragement, each speaker reminds us that while fear may feel insurmountable, the right support can transform it into strength—and love.

Zack Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote about love to help you Fear Less.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack sits down with career clarity expert Lisa Marker-Robbins to explore how parents can support their young adults in navigating the often overwhelming path toward school, career, and independence. Drawing on decades of experience and her role as a mom of five, Lisa breaks down the fears, anxieties, and misconceptions that keep both parents and their children stuck. She explains how her three-step framework—focusing on self-awareness, career exploration, and intentional next steps—can bring clarity and confidence to the post-high school journey.

Lisa and Zack dive into the emotional dynamics between parents and teens, discussing how fear and over-accommodation can unintentionally stall growth. They also explore how career coaching can act as a form of exposure therapy, helping young people build real-world experience, assess their fit with different careers, and find purpose. Whether your child is lost after college, stuck in indecision, or avoiding future planning altogether, this conversation offers hope, strategy, and practical tools for taking the first step toward meaningful adulthood.

Zack's Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that will help you Fear Less as you try more.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this powerful episode, Zack welcomes back two inspiring leaders—Tim Vaughan, Executive Director of The Trade, and Will Laughlin, CEO of The Trade and Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Together, they introduce The Trade, a new work-life preparatory program for young adults (ages 18–30) who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure about their next steps. Drawing from decades of experience in education, mental health, and mentoring, Tim and Will explain how The Trade provides meaningful work, mentorship, and a supportive community—all on a 2,000-acre mountain campus in New Hampshire. This episode explores how hands-on learning, and genuine human connection can help young people move forward with purpose and confidence.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges facing today's young adults—including anxiety, isolation, and lack of direction—and offers a hopeful, practical alternative to traditional therapy or college paths. Rooted in the principles of occupational therapy and self-determination theory, The Trade offers a modern rite of passage where young adults earn real wages, gain skills, and build relationships that help them launch into adulthood. Whether you're a parent, a clinician, or a young adult searching for direction, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a vision for what's possible when we stop pathologizing struggle—and start building community around purpose.

Zack's Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from Mary O'Reily a famous Occupational Therapist!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this solo episode our host and Executive Director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, Zack Shafer MSOTR/L unpacks one of the most overlooked components of teen mental health: sensory processing. Speaking directly to parents of adolescents who are anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive, Zack explains how teens with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder often experience the world through a different sensory lens—and how those differences can dramatically affect their ability to cope, self-regulate, and function in daily life.

With warmth and clarity, Zack breaks down terms like sensory processing vs. sensory integration, and lesser-known but critical senses like proprioception (body awareness), vestibular input (balance and movement), and interoception (internal body signals). He shares research linking sensory challenges with mental health conditions and helps parents understand why their teen might shut down in crowded spaces, seem "overreactive" to touch or sound, or crave constant physical input. More importantly, Zack offers practical tools and language to help parents support their teen's sensory needs—whether through environmental modifications, movement-based activities, or simply a shift in perspective.

If your teen's anxiety or OCD seems tied to "little things" that quickly escalate, this episode offers a new framework for understanding—and a hopeful path forward rooted in science, compassion, and occupational therapy insight.

Zack Hack: In this week's episode Zack shares an insightful quote from Peter Levine, a famous trauma therapist to help you fear less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.