117. Alumni Stories from Mountain Valley Reunion 2026 Part 1

117. Alumni Stories from Mountain Valley Reunion 2026 Part 1

Recorded live at Mountain Valley Treatment Center's [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/] 2026 alumni reunion, this episode brings together former residents to reflect on treatment, friendship and personal growth. Willow recalls how an unexpected roadside mishap revealed the strength of the community, while Zoe and Sahana discuss learning to be vulnerable, build deeper friendships and connect with people who are different from them. Juli describes returning to Mountain Valley during the lowest period of her life and discovering that needing more help did not make her a failure. Sabrina shares how the community accepted both her mental and physical health challenges, helping her become more confident, socially engaged and flexible in her thinking. James reflects on anxiety, ADHD and the perspective he gained by returning as an intern. Audrey talks about OCD, depression, chronic health problems and learning that a fulfilling life is possible without first eliminating every difficult feeling or symptom. She also shares how Mountain Valley inspired her interest in supporting other young people. Jonah closes the alumni testimonials with an honest account of how demanding treatment can be, emphasizing the importance of taking constructive action even when life feels unfair or painful. Zack ties their stories together with a reflection on community as a powerful force for facing fear and creating change. Zack's Hack: In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Margaret "Meg" Wheatley, author, speaker and management consultant. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

116. Lifequakes: Finding Purpose Through Uncertain Transitions

Every major transition—retirement, a career change, an empty nest, a loss, or an unexpected new direction—can bring uncertainty and anxiety. In this episode, Zach talks with Dr. Will White about navigating his own transition after more than 35 years in behavioral healthcare. Together, they explore identity, purpose, self-worth, and how a "lifequake" can become an opportunity for reflection and growth. Will also shares how these experiences shape his work through the White Mountain Adventure Institute [https://www.wmai.org/] (WMAI.org), [http://wmai.org] his leadership coaching and consulting practice, where he helps leaders and organizations navigate change with clarity, intention, and resilience. Drawing from his personal and professional experience, he offers practical ways to move forward—including spending time in nature, journaling, strengthening relationships, reconnecting with personal values, and accepting that you don't need to title your next chapter before you begin writing it. Zack's Hack: In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Bob Goff, an American author, speaker, and former attorney. He is best known for writing about courage, purpose, faith, and putting love into action. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

115. Beyond Picky Eating: Autism, ARFID, and Building a Healthier Relationship with Food

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is much more than picky eating—and for many autistic children, teens, and adults, it can become a serious challenge that affects nutrition, family life, and emotional well-being. In this episode, Zack sits down with autism specialist and licensed clinical social worker Chris Blankenship, founder of Autism Learning Lab [https://www.autismlearninglab.com/], to explain why ARFID is so common in autistic individuals and how families can recognize the difference between typical selective eating and a diagnosable eating disorder. Together they explore the connection between autism, sensory sensitivities, cognitive rigidity, food anxiety, and restrictive eating, while breaking down the latest understanding of ARFID in an accessible, practical way. Chris shares evidence-informed treatment approaches that parents, caregivers, and clinicians can begin using today—including food linking, gradual exposure, family-based strategies, and ways to reduce anxiety around mealtimes without creating power struggles. Whether you're parenting a child with autism, supporting someone with ARFID, or looking for effective treatment strategies for restrictive eating, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of how small, consistent steps can help expand food choices and improve quality of life. Zack's Hack: In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese thinker who is credited with founding Taoism and the author of Tao Te Ching. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

114. Stop "Shoulding" on Yourself: Learning to Accept Life's Difficult Moments

Feeling overwhelmed by work, parenting, relationships, and the endless pressure to keep up? In this deeply personal solo episode Zack shares his own experience navigating burnout, exhaustion, and the constant feeling that he should be doing more. Drawing from his life as the Executive Director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/] a husband, father of two young children, and endurance athlete, Zach explores how unrealistic expectations and "should" statements often create more suffering than the challenges themselves. Instead of chasing a version of life that doesn't exist, he offers a powerful invitation to practice acceptance and self-compassion. Grounded in principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and real-world experience, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone feeling stretched too thin by life's commitments. Whether you're a parent, professional, caregiver, or simply someone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or the pressure to be everything to everyone, you'll discover how embracing the present moment can reduce emotional suffering while still allowing you to move toward the life you value. This conversation is a reminder that peace isn't found by eliminating hardship—it's found by learning to live fully, even in the midst of it. Zack's Hack: In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn, who is an author, researcher and meditation instructor. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

113. A Mountain Valley Success Story: Overcoming Social Anxiety, Depression, and School Avoidance

What does it really feel like to be a teenager struggling with debilitating anxiety, school refusal, and depression—and what happens when residential treatment finally begins to work? In this inspiring episode of Fear Less, Zack sits down with Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/] alum Elizabeth Baker, who courageously shares her personal journey from refusing to attend school and cycling through multiple treatment programs to finding hope through specialized anxiety treatment. Elizabeth offers an honest look at what led her family to seek residential care, why Mountain Valley's focus on anxiety and OCD made a difference, and how exposure therapy helped her face social anxiety, intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and the fears that had controlled her life for years. Elizabeth also reflects on the importance of therapeutic community (milieu therapy), the power of vulnerability, and the reality that recovery is rarely a straight line. She speaks candidly about setbacks after treatment, continuing her healing journey, and the life-changing relationships that helped her believe recovery was possible. Whether you're a parent searching for the right treatment program for an anxious teenager, a clinician interested in residential anxiety treatment, or a Mountain Valley alumnus curious to hear another graduate's story, this episode offers practical insight, hope, and a powerful reminder that healing happens one courageous step at a time. Zack's Hack: In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Fallon Goodman, who is a clinical psychologist and an assistant professor at George Washington University. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]