Fear Less

103. School Anxiety in Neurodivergent Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Autism, ADHD, and Academic Stress

Why does school feel overwhelming—or even impossible—for some children, especially those with autism, ADHD, or learning differences? In this episode, Zack sits down with Brandon Moffitt, executive director of Black Mountain Academy [https://theblackmountainacademy.com/], to explore the rising challenge of school anxiety and how it uniquely impacts neurodivergent students. Together, they unpack how anxiety often coexists with autism and ADHD, and why it can be easily misunderstood or overlooked by parents and educators alike. From school avoidance to perfectionism and emotional shutdowns, this conversation helps parents better recognize what may really be driving their child's struggles. Brandon offers a hopeful and practical framework for supporting kids—emphasizing the importance of addressing both anxiety and underlying learning differences through a balanced, individualized approach. The episode highlights how integrated support between parents, educators, and clinicians can help children not only succeed academically, but also socially and emotionally. For parents feeling overwhelmed, this conversation provides reassurance, clarity, and actionable insights to better understand their child—and to help them move from fear and avoidance toward confidence and engagement in school. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a lyric from famous American singer and songwriter, Jack Johnson. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

102: Why Women Struggle with Anxiety: Perfectionism, Trauma, and the Pressure to Be Everything

Why do so many women feel anxious, overwhelmed, and like they're never doing enough? In this episode, Zack sits down with Madi Harper, co-founder of Emerge Treatment, [https://www.emergeutah.com/] a women only mental health treatment center, to explore the unique ways anxiety shows up in women's lives. From perfectionism and people-pleasing to emotional labor and societal expectations, Maddie shares how many women are conditioned to prioritize others while suppressing their own needs—often leading to chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and a loss of identity. Drawing from both her personal journey and clinical experience, Maddie explains how anxiety in women often hides beneath high achievement and caretaking roles rather than obvious distress. She highlights the importance of shifting from self-blame to self-understanding, helping women see their anxiety as an adaptive response rather than a personal flaw. This episode offers a compassionate and insightful look at how women can begin healing—by reconnecting with themselves, setting boundaries, and learning that their worth is not defined by performance, but by who they are. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from famous American writer and feminist activist Andrea Dworkin. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

101: The Missing Piece in Mental Health? Habits, Discipline, and Daily Routines

What if improving your anxiety wasn't just about therapy—but about how you live your everyday life? In this episode Zack sits down with Josh Gardner, COO and CFO of The Hope Group, [https://hopegrouphealth.com/] to explore how foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, movement, and connection can dramatically impact mental health. Drawing from both his leadership in behavioral healthcare and his personal life as an endurance athlete, Josh shares how optimizing daily routines can become one of the most powerful tools in recovery. Together, they unpack why many people struggle to make progress when they overlook basic physiological needs—and how small, strategic changes can create meaningful shifts in well-being. From habit stacking and discipline to the role of discomfort in growth, this conversation offers a practical and refreshing perspective for anyone navigating anxiety, burnout, or emotional challenges. If you're looking for actionable ways to improve your mental health beyond traditional therapy, this episode provides a roadmap grounded in both science and real-world experience. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from social worker, author and researcher, Dr. Brene Brown. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

100 Episodes of Fear Less: Clips from Our Most Popular Episodes on Anxiety, OCD, and Recovery

In this special 100th episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack Schafer celebrates the milestone by revisiting some of the most downloaded and talked-about conversations from the show's history. Instead of a traditional interview, this episode features a compilation of clips from ten of the most popular episodes, chosen based on overall downloads, early listener engagement, and long-term impact. Each segment highlights powerful moments from past guests who shared personal stories of anxiety, OCD, exposure therapy, recovery, and the process of learning how to live a meaningful life despite fear. Throughout the episode, listeners hear key insights from individuals who have experienced anxiety firsthand, as well as clinicians who specialize in evidence-based treatment. The clips reflect the core themes of the podcast—facing fear instead of avoiding it, understanding how anxiety works, and learning practical strategies that help young people and families move toward growth and independence. Whether you are new to the podcast or a long-time listener, this compilation offers a strong introduction to the most impactful ideas shared on Fear Less and highlights why the show has become a trusted resource for people looking to better understand anxiety and how it can be treated. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

99. Living with Anxiety, Autism, and a Stutter: How Cam Rainey Learned to Face His Fears

What does it take for a young person living with anxiety, autism, and a severe speech stutter to step forward and share their story publicly? In this powerful episode, Zack speaks with Mountain Valley alumnus Cam Rainey, who courageously joins the show to talk about his journey through anxiety, depression, and substance use before entering treatment. Cam reflects on the struggles that once defined his life—including social fears, isolation, and feeling stuck—and how coming to Mountain Valley helped him begin confronting those challenges through exposure therapy and supportive community. Cam shares candid insights about the small but meaningful exposures that helped him rebuild confidence—from initiating conversations and advocating for himself to facing awkward social situations that once felt impossible. Now continuing his growth at The Bridge program in Costa Rica, Cam discusses how living abroad has expanded his perspective on life, relationships, and purpose. His story is an inspiring reminder that recovery from anxiety is not about eliminating fear, but learning to move toward it with courage, honesty, and even humor. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Don Miguel Ruiz who is the author of The Four Agreements and is a wise sage of wisdom Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]