The Zac Clark Show

Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA) and her son Harry Cunnane join The Zac Clark Show for a powerful conversation about their journey through Harry’s substance use disorder and the road to recovery. Drawing from their co-authored memoir, "Under Our Roof: A Son’s Battle for Recovery, a Mother’s Battle for Her Son," they share raw insights into the challenges of addiction, the resilience of family, and the importance of breaking stigma. In Congress, Rep. Dean, a member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Taskforce, has championed initiatives to combat the opioid crisis, increase access to mental health treatment, and support families impacted by substance use. Harry, now 13 years sober, works as Vice President of Business Development at Caron, a nonprofit addiction treatment center providing evidence-based care and recovery resources.

From intimate family dynamics to broader policy and legislation on a national scale, hearing a high-level public official share such a raw, personal, and painful story is a powerful reminder that substance use disorder can impact anyone, anywhere. These honest conversations not only provide hope but also let families know they’re not alone. They shine a light on the resources available and offer a path forward for those who might not know where to turn. Please tune in to hear their inspiring story and their efforts to transform how we address addiction and recovery.

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

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In this powerful episode of The Zac Clark Show, Dr. Bonnie Milas shares her deeply personal journey through unimaginable tragedy and her mission to protect other families from the same fate. A cardiac anesthesiologist, intensivist, and clinical professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Milas lost both of her sons to accidental fentanyl overdoses within 15 months. Professionally, she’s on the frontlines treating patients affected by opioid use disorder, and she is a passionate advocate for the availability of naloxone—a life-saving nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses when administered in time.

Dr. Milas’s advocacy is vast and tireless: she’s lobbied for over-the-counter naloxone access, provided testimony to the FDA and Philadelphia city council, and collaborates with organizations like the American Society of Anesthesiologists to spread overdose rescue education nationwide. She also leads training on naloxone administration through her initiative REVIVEme.com and serves as Chief Narcan Rescue Officer at her institution. Driven by her own loss, Dr. Milas is devoted to breaking the stigma around opioid addiction and empowering families with the tools to prevent overdose deaths. Join us as she opens up about her experiences, the emotional toll, and her relentless fight to save lives through advocacy and education.

Editor’s Note: Zac Clark and Dr. Bonnie Milas are brand ambassadors for NARCAN® Nasal Spray. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed during this conversation are solely their own. 

To learn more:

About NARCAN® Nasal Spray: https://narcannasalspray.ca/en/

REVIVEme: https://www.asahq.org/advocating-for-you/reviveme

More about Dr. Bonnie Milas’s Story

In this special post-TCS New York City Marathon episode, Zac, on the eve of his own 10th NYC Marathon, sits down with four inspiring runners who share how the race has transformed their lives. Each guest brings a unique story of resilience, healing, and growth. Featured guest Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners and a two-time NYC Marathon finisher, discusses his commitment to making running accessible to all through NYRR’s mission of enhancing community health. Rob, a native New Yorker and former sports executive at ESPN and NBC Sports, offers his perspective on how the marathon fosters unity and empowerment.

Among Zac’s guests are Andrew Schwartz, Luc Zoratto, and Sean McGowan, who ran this year’s marathon to support the Release Recovery Foundation, raising funds for scholarships to provide recovery treatment through Release Recovery. Luc, a Canadian social media influencer open about his sobriety journey, shares how discovering running has been a powerful tool in his recovery. Sean McGowan, Senior Director of Continuing Care at High Watch Recovery Center—the world’s first 12-Step treatment center—speaks to the mental wellness benefits that running has brought to his life.

Together, these runners demonstrate that the NYC Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of recovery. Join us for these compelling stories of transformation and the life-changing impact of running the largest marathon in the world.

Right now, our listeners get 20% off your first order when you use the code Zac20 or go to shopduer.com/ZAC. Code will be active until Dec 15, 2024 excluding the Black Friday blackout period from Nov 22 to Dec 2

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

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Most kids who play sports share the ultimate dream—becoming a professional athlete, performing on the biggest stage under the brightest lights. Michael Carter-Williams lived that dream. His name was called on NBA draft night, he was crowned Rookie of the Year, and he seemed destined for NBA superstardom. But life moved in a different way, and his greatest challenges would unfold far from the court. The very traits that defined him as an athlete—grit, determination, and resilience—became essential in facing not only physical injuries but also serious mental health struggles, leading him on a journey of self-discovery he never saw coming.

In this episode of The Zac Clark Show, Michael Carter-Williams opens up about the darker side of his journey through professional basketball, revealing the challenges that followed the high of winning the league’s top rookie honor. Michael shares an honest and raw account of his battle with anxiety and depression, shedding light on the mental health challenges athletes face behind the fame and glory.

Reflecting on the pressures of professional sports, Michael opens up about the difficulty of sustaining a career at the highest level. He delves into the challenges of transitioning away from a sport that once defined his identity, how therapy became a life-saving tool during his darkest moments, and the crucial need to address and understand mental health issues in the world of professional athletics.

Please give this important conversation a listen. The more high-profile figures share their stories, the more we can normalize how we think, talk about, and address mental health issues.

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

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What if deep, intimate, and meaningful friendships could change the world? 

Dr. Niobe Way, an internationally renowned Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU, believes this is the path toward a more humane future. As a leading expert on what she calls the “crisis of connection” affecting boys and men in the U.S. and beyond, Dr. Way draws from over 40 years of research on social and emotional development, exploring how cultural ideologies shape child development and family dynamics.

Her research centers around three key insights: (1) boys and men deeply crave meaningful, intimate friendships, (2) our culture stigmatizes male-to-male intimacy, labeling it as soft, feminine, or indicative of same-sex desire, and (3) this cultural failure has fueled a mental health crisis, leading to rising levels of depression, suicide, and mass violence among boys and men.

In her latest book, Rebels with a Cause: Reimagining Boys, Ourselves, and Our Culture, Dr. Way brings together four decades of research. In our conversation, we discuss her discoveries and how our culture has gendered basic human instincts, prioritizing academic achievement and romantic relationships over friendships. This imbalance has led to a crisis of connection, heightening loneliness, depression, and violence. Dr. Way insists that boys are telling us what they need—we just need to listen.

Her earlier book, Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection, inspired the Oscar-nominated film Close, which won the Grand Prix Award at Cannes. Dr. Way is also the founder of the Project for the Advancement of Our Common Humanity (PACH) and leads "The Listening Project," an initiative focused on fostering curiosity, connection, and empathy to combat loneliness and anxiety. She has served as President of the Society for Research on Adolescence, holds a doctorate from Harvard School of Education, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Yale.

This conversation is a must-listen! A thought-provoking discussion on the transformative power of friendships, the cultural barriers boys and men face in seeking them, and why nurturing deep, supportive friendships is essential to addressing many of today’s societal challenges.

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

releaserecovery.com

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Matt Williams fell far. He spent years living a double life—school teacher by day and bartender grappling with a growing alcohol and cocaine problem by night—yet he knew he was destined for something better.

After a life-altering DUI arrest that landed him in jail, Matt made the courageous decision to seek help, embracing sobriety and a new outlook on life. From that pivotal moment, he experienced a meteoric rise to a life worth living. Bolstered by the unwavering support of his wife, Chelsea, their strength and determination not only transformed Matt’s life but also birthed FROPRO, a nutrition-rich snack bar. FROPRO is much more than a healthy snack; it represents tenacity, creativity, and a commitment to healthy living.

In this conversation, we explore Matt’s incredible journey from addiction to entrepreneurial success. He discusses the importance of resilience, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and the core values that drive FROPRO—handcrafted, plant-based, and dedicated to supporting the local recovery community.

This uplifting episode is about personal growth, the power of a supportive community, and how FROPRO is more than just a snack bar; it’s a movement toward better living.

Join us to hear Matt’s inspiring story and discover how he’s raising the bar for himself and others every day!

To learn more about FROPRO:

https://gofropro.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqNf0AZVATlaDU_r0ncf9W3lakTFpwk-sbKtHkPC6zd1CyF3tRl

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

releaserecovery.com

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In this introspective solo episode, Zac reflects on his 13-year sobriety anniversary and the theme of letting go. He grapples with conflicting feelings about celebrating sober milestones, questioning whether acting like a decent human being warrants praise, given the chaos he once brought to others. He shares how this time of year brings heavy feelings, remembering his last days estranged from his family, running around the streets using drugs.

Zac emphasizes the importance of sharing sobriety stories to inspire people beginning their sober journey and addresses a key aspect about recovery: unlike traditional illnesses, those most qualified to help people struggling with addiction have lived through it themselves. He discusses the challenges families face when seeking help for loved ones with substance use disorders, noting how they can become trapped in cycles of chaos that hinder their own healing and their loved ones.

Reflecting on his journey, Zac shares how his parents' tough love—cutting him off financially—was crucial to his recovery. He also explores the evolving language surrounding addiction recovery and gives a shout-out to Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss Head Football Coach, for his candidness about alcoholism and the freedoms gained through sobriety. Zac concludes by honoring the fallen heroes of 9/11 and spotlighting the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families to instill values in future generations.

Please join in and listen to this poignant episode about leaning in and letting go. Go Birds!

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

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Annika Sten Pärson is a change maker in global mental health. As the Founding Partner and Executive Chair of The Inner Foundation, she leads a global initiative with a bold commitment of over $100 million over the next 20 years, funding innovative mental health solutions and startups to address the crisis head-on.

In this episode, Annika shares her extraordinary journey from a corporate executive in Stockholm to a leading advocate for social change. With over 25 years of experience in telecoms, media, retail, and consumer goods, she made a transformative shift to focus on mental health.

Her passion is centered on the 1.8 billion "emerging adults" aged 18 to 25, whose inner worlds must be supported to foster a thriving outer world. Annika’s personal experiences—being adopted, working in social services focusing on maternal and reproductive care, navigating her own reproductive challenges, and adopting her own children—have profoundly shaped her commitment to this cause. Her past roles include serving as CEO of the Seleni Institute, which supports women’s reproductive and maternal mental health, and volunteering as a therapist at 1825 – Therapy Center for Young Adults in Stockholm, a non-profit she co-founded.

We also explore the broader issue of under-investment in mental health, with only 2-5% of the $9.5 trillion global health expenditure directed toward this critical area, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Annika discusses the resilience needed for young people and the importance of self-care for those striving to make a difference.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a leader dedicated to transforming mental health care and supporting the next generation on a global scale.

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

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In this episode, we sit down with Tommie Runz, a man whose journey through sobriety, fatherhood, and fitness has led him to become a powerful voice in the running and wellness community. Sober since 2017, Tommie has transformed his life through running, completing four marathons in roughly eight weeks and qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2021. He's the founder of Chip Time Running and the creator of The Run Eat Sleep Show podcast, where he discusses all things running and wellness.

Tommie shares his story of overcoming alcohol use disorder, the impact of his father's death, and how running became a pivotal part of his recovery and personal transformation. We dive into his mission to build a community around running, mindfulness, and self-improvement, particularly focusing on empowering people of color in a predominantly white running space. Tommie talks candidly about the underrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in the running community, the unique challenges they face, and his efforts to promote health and wellness in these communities.

Join us as Tommie discusses the importance of being open about his sobriety, the inspiration behind Chip Time Running, and his ongoing work to create a supportive, inclusive environment for all runners. This episode is not just about running; it's about resilience, community, and the power of turning personal struggles into a force for positive change.

Connect with Zac

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

releaserecovery.com

@releaserecovery

Why are men 4x more likely to die by suicide? Three times more likely to die by drug overdose?

Are young men being overlooked in the cultural shift toward greater awareness, resources, and support for mental health and wellness?

Are there enough resources and support systems in place to encourage young men to seek help when facing mental health or substance use challenges?

These questions were the catalyst for Matthew Stefanko to found MANUAL, a pioneering online platform designed to help young men navigate the complexities of mental health and personal development. Now, following a game-changing merger with Release Recovery, a leading organization in substance use and mental health recovery founded by Zac, Matthew joins us to explore how this powerful alliance is set to revolutionize support for men, particularly young men.

Matthew shares his personal journey, from being bullied as a child to struggling with mental health issues and alcohol dependency. He reflects on the unique challenges young men face in seeking help and why partnering with Zac and Release Recovery was a pivotal moment for MANUAL. Together, they’re poised to drive meaningful change in men’s mental health. MANUAL was created to meet young men where they are, providing the tools and resources they need to take control of their well-being. With the support of Release Recovery, this mission is now set to reach even more young men across the country, combining digital and in-person support on college campuses and high schools nationwide.

Together, Release Recovery and MANUAL are set to break down the barriers that keep men from asking for help, creating a safe space for them to grow, heal, and thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about mental health, personal growth, and the future of men’s well-being. 

Connect with Zac

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

releaserecovery.com

@releaserecovery