Alex Honnold doesn’t just climb mountains—he defies them. The legendary free solo climber (scaling sheer rock faces without a rope or safety equipment) and star of Free Solo, the Academy Award-winning documentary, joins The Zac Clark Show for a deep dive into the psychology of risk, obsession, and resilience. Alex opens up about his all-or-nothing mentality, the dangers and discipline of climbing, and why he’s never touched alcohol. He, Zac, and Jay explore the parallels between extreme sports and recovery—how both demand total commitment, the power of consistency, and the fine line between passion and self-destruction.

But what happens when the stakes shift from personal ambition to family responsibility? Alex reflects on fear, mortality, and the risks he’s willing—and unwilling—to take now that he’s a husband and father. From free soloing to social media, spirituality, and the pressures of unwanted fame, this conversation goes far beyond the wall into the mind of someone who has quite literally made it to the mountaintop.

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

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Broadway star, TV host, and entrepreneur Amanda Kloots was already a public figure, but when she began sharing her husband Nick Cordero’s battle with COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic, her openness struck a deep chord. Through daily social media updates, she gave the world a raw, real-time look at love, loss, and resilience—bringing the often private and painful experience of grief into the open to help others process their own. Since then, she has continued to be a beacon of hope and healing, using her platform to spark important conversations about moving forward after tragedy.

But in this episode, we go beyond the story many already know. Amanda shares how losing the love of her life has changed her idea of love itself, and what it’s like to seek new connections while carrying the weight of that experience. She opens up about the complexities of dating after loss, how it affects potential partners, and what she truly wants moving forward. She also reflects on the ways her faith carried her through unimaginable loss, how her relationship with spirituality has evolved, and what it means to surrender when life takes an unexpected turn.

Zac, Jay, and Amanda dive deep into resilience, healing, and learning to embrace the next chapter while honoring the past--a conversation about faith, hope, and finding light in the darkest moments.

To learn more about Amanda's new wellness supplement brand: https://properhealth.com/pages/about-proper

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What are the odds of getting a random LinkedIn message that leads you back to the very place where you rebuilt your life? For Andrew Roberts, CEO of High Watch Recovery Center, that’s exactly what happened.

High Watch Recovery Center, founded in 1939, is one of the longest-standing nonprofit addiction treatment centers in the U.S., rooted in 12-step recovery and dedicated to helping people heal through spiritual, clinical, and holistic approaches.

In this powerful conversation, Andrew takes us through his decades-long sobriety journey—from getting sober at 20, drinking again after 14 years over a single drink, and ultimately finding his way back to leadership, purpose, and service. In this episode, Andrew shares:

• Losing his father at a young age—the trauma that set him on a path to substance abuse.

• Surviving the underbelly of 1980s New York, lost in addiction to crack and heroin.

• From Columbia University to rock bottom—how he went from the Ivy Leagues to long-term treatment.

• The deep link between trauma and addiction, and how early loss shaped his struggle.

• A powerful story of redemption involving a marriage, a divorce, and a rehab.

• His take on harm reduction, 12-step recovery, and the evolving landscape of addiction treatment.

This episode is about grace, resilience, and the power of recovery. Whether you’re in the trenches, working in the field, or just want to hear a wild story of redemption and second chances, please give this conversation a listen. 

For more information about Highwatch Recovery, please visit here: https://highwatchrecovery.org/

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Mental health access isn’t equal, and Damian Travier is working to change that. As the Executive Director of Access Psychology Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to culturally competent mental health care for underserved communities—Damian is on a mission to close the gap for young people of color by providing free training for educators, funding therapy for those in need, and breaking down systemic barriers. In this powerful conversation, he and Zac dive into the reality of mental health stigma in marginalized communities, the critical role of representation in treatment, and why addressing mental health early can change lives. If you care about mental health advocacy, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

For more information about Access Psychology Foundation, please click here: https://www.access-psychology.org/

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This week, Zac sits down with Nate Checketts, founder and CEO of Rhone, a brand that combines high-performance apparel with a strong sense of purpose. They explore how mental fitness plays a central role in both Nate’s personal journey and the mission of his brand. Nate shares how Rhone is committed to inspiring men and women to take care of their physical and mental health, going beyond creating apparel. 

From growing up as the son of the former president of the New York Knicks to navigating a diabetes diagnosis and building a business with a deeper purpose, Nate discusses the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. The conversation touches on overcoming public stigma, cultivating real friendships, and the role of mental health in leadership.

Zac and Nate also dive into Rhone’s partnerships, including their work with the NBA and LPGA, and how the brand integrates mental health initiatives that support athletes and the community.

This episode offers an inspiring look at leadership rooted in mental health advocacy, genuine connections, and empowerment. Tune in for an authentic conversation on vulnerability, overcoming challenges, and supporting each other on the journey to mental fitness.

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In this special 40th episode of The Zac Clark Show, Zac sits down with TZCS producer, sometime co-host, and longtime friend, Jay Devore, for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation. Having been part of Zac's journey since his first days in New York and early sobriety, Jay shares the wild, raw, and sometimes hilarious stories that have shaped their friendship. From an unforgettable car-trunk childbirth on the streets of New York to Zac’s infamous gallbladder saga, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping moments and heartfelt reflections.

Together, Zac and Jay explore the parallels between parenthood and recovery, the power of community, and the relentless pull of addiction. They discuss modern challenges—from the dangers of social media and THC use among kids to the mental health challenges faced by athletes and everyday people alike.

Finding humor in the pain and wisdom in the chaos, this episode dives into the raw realities of addiction and recovery, delivering raw honesty, hard-earned lessons, moments of unexpected laughter, and the beauty of second chances. 

Don’t forget to subscribe and comment—your support means everything and keeps the conversation going! 

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

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In this episode of The Zac Clark Show, Zac sits down with renowned tattoo artist and sculptor Julius Margulies, a.k.a. Snuffy, to explore his powerful story of recovery and artistic transformation. Snuffy, who has inked celebrities like Pete Davidson and Machine Gun Kelly, shares how his creative explosion post-recovery helped him break free from past struggles. 

With his unique approach to tattoo design, requiring clients to submit personal stories or essays before he creates custom, meaningful artwork, Zac and Julius dive deep into the role of art in healing, mental health, the importance of self-expression, and how recovery and the creative process can go hand-in-hand.

For more info on Snuffy and his work:

https://www.instagram.com/SNUFFY.NYC/

https://www.snuffy.us/#snuffy500

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

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In this mini-episode of The Zac Clark Show, Zac and TZCS producer Jay Devore chat about A.J. Brown's viral moment reading a book on the Eagles' sidelines and what it says about mental health in sports. They break down why taking care of your mind is just as important as physical training, share stories about mindfulness, and discuss how self-care is changing the game for athletes. A.J. Brown’s simple act of reading to maintain a positive mental state sparked a viral reaction—drawing criticism, confusion, and conversation. But most importantly, it pushed the topic of mental health into new spaces with fresh perspectives. This is a conversation we need to keep having. 

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What if your diet could transform the way you drink—or even help you quit altogether? This idea lies at the heart of Dr. Brooke Scheller’s innovative work. As a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and founder of Functional Sobriety, she is redefining the recovery conversation through the power of nutrition.

Dr. Scheller, author of How to Eat to Change How You Drink, isn’t just offering nutrition tips—she’s revolutionizing what recovery can look like. By shining a spotlight on the alarming links between alcohol and cancer and explaining how cravings often stem from blood sugar, not just willpower, she delivers a bold, science-backed approach. Her work dives deep into the physiological impact of alcohol on the body, showing why nutrition is a game-changer in understanding not only why someone drinks but why they keep drinking.

Can recovery be more than abstinence? How does her work align—or clash—with the foundations of 12-step programs? And what does the rise of “sober curiosity” and Dry January say about where our culture is headed?

Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just looking to feel better, Dr. Scheller’s insights will leave you questioning how you live, what you drink—and why nutrition is the key to building healthy life habits on a physical, mental and spiritual level. 

For more information about Functional Sobriety, Dr. Scheller’s nutrition-based program for alcohol reduction:

https://www.functionalsobriety.com/

For more information about Dr. Scheller’s book: How to Eat to Change How You Drink:

https://www.functionalsobriety.com/book

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On January 23rd at City Winery, we honor the life of Nic Pagano through a night of music and community. After losing Nic to an accidental overdose in 2021, his father, Rich Pagano, has turned unimaginable grief into a mission to raise awareness and provide hope. The Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship for Recovery is not only a tribute to Nic’s memory but also a lifeline for others in need of treatment, particularly in the LGBTQIA+ community.

In this deeply emotional episode, Rich shares his family's journey through Nic’s struggles with substance use disorder. He opens up about the pain of loss, the lessons they learned, and the hope they’ve found in honoring Nic’s legacy. It’s an episode for parents navigating the heartbreak of addiction, for families seeking guidance and understanding, and for anyone who believes in the power of compassion and recovery.

Nic was a bright, compassionate, and talented soul who dreamed of helping others as a social worker. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy now lives on, opening doors for others to find recovery and inclusion.

Join us in celebrating Nic's light while supporting this critical cause. Tickets are selling fast—don’t miss an unforgettable evening of music, hope, and connection. 

For tickets and more information about the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship For Recovery Event, please click here:

https://tinyurl.com/a22aynhc

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

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