Fear Less

97. You Are More Than Your Trauma: Finding Freedom from PTSD with Dr. Ken Huey

In this powerful episode of Fear Less, Zack sits down with Dr. Ken Huey to explore how childhood trauma wires fear into the brain — and how healing rewires it. Dr. Huey shares his personal story of abuse, complex trauma, and post-traumatic stress, and how he transformed those experiences into a life dedicated to helping others heal. With more than 35 years in residential treatment, Dr. Huey explains the connection between trauma, anxiety, and PTSD, unpacking how the limbic system encodes fear and how trauma triggers shape behavior. He outlines how relational and repetitive corrective experiences can help the brain relearn safety and restore growth. This conversation moves beyond diagnosis into transformation. Dr. Huey challenges the "victim identity" mindset with a clear and empowering message: trauma may not be your fault, but healing is your responsibility. Parents, clinicians, and individuals navigating high ACEs scores will gain insight into trauma recovery, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. If you're searching for guidance on healing from childhood trauma, overcoming PTSD, or understanding how anxiety and trauma intersect, this episode delivers both clarity and hope. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Helen Keller, that helps you to Fear Less! Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

96. When Anxiety Derails Your Life: How One Young Woman Found Herself Again

What does it really take for a young person to rebuild their life after anxiety derails high school and college plans? In this powerful episode Zack sits down with Mountain Valley Treatment Center resident Becca Gorelick, just 48 hours before her graduation from the program. Becca shares how a traumatic home invasion intensified her anxiety, school avoidance, and panic attacks—ultimately leading her to seek residential treatment at Mountain Valley. With honesty and insight, she reflects on her first stay, her return to college at the University of Utah, and how unresolved anxiety, identity struggles, and academic pressure led her back for a second round of support. For parents of teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, trauma, or college transitions, Becca's story offers real hope. She speaks candidly about exposure therapy (including a memorable and life-changing public "smoothie" exposure), EMDR work around trauma, learning to tolerate uncertainty, and rebuilding trust in herself. Most importantly, she shares how Mountain Valley's structure, community, and anxiety-specific treatment helped her move from simply surviving to rediscovering who she is. This episode is a moving reminder that recovery isn't linear—and sometimes asking for help again is the bravest step forward. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Mariann Williamson, about ways to grow as a person and learn to Fear Less. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

95. What Anxious Teens REALLY Need: Insights from Eight Years in Anxiety Treatment

What actually helps a young person overwhelmed by anxiety or OCD—and how do parents know when it's time for something more than weekly therapy? In this episode Zack sits down with Ashley Metz, a longtime clinician at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, to reflect on her years working closely with adolescents and families. Ashley shares what she has learned from walking alongside young people who felt misunderstood, stuck, or unable to access daily life—and how healing often begins when pressure is reduced and kids are given space to be themselves. This conversation offers parents a thoughtful look at why anxiety and OCD can become so consuming, especially in today's world of constant technology, academic pressure, and identity stress. Ashley explains how residential treatment can help by removing distractions, creating safety, and allowing kids to practice real-life skills in a supportive community. She also speaks about the importance of joy, play, and feeling truly seen—not just "fixed." For parents wondering how to support their child while holding onto hope, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a deeper understanding of the healing process. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Benjamin Franklin, about ways to Fear Less. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

94. Anxiety and the College Transition: A Young Adult's Story of Recovery, Confidence, and Growth

What happens when anxiety, self-doubt, and a major life transition collide?—and how do you find your way back? In this episode Zack sits down with Shane Holcomb, a former Mountain Valley resident and current University of Colorado Boulder student, to explore the real challenges of anxiety during the transition to college. Shane reflects on how social anxiety, loss of confidence, and impulsive behaviors—including sports gambling—began to take hold when he assumed his struggles would disappear just by going to college. Through candid storytelling, Shane shares how treatment helped him rebuild self-trust, confront fear through exposure work, and rediscover joy, confidence, and purpose. From learning to ride a bike at 19 to reclaiming his passion for sports without addiction attached, this conversation highlights recovery as a process—not a quick fix. It offers hope to young people who feel stuck and reassurance to parents navigating high-stakes decisions about support, treatment, and the path forward. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Susie Kassam,who is an American writer, poet and philosopher. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

93. Autism, Anxiety, and OCD: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know

What happens when autism, anxiety, and OCD look so similar that even caring parents and professionals can't tell what's driving the behavior? In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack talks with Dr. Alison LaFollette, Clinical Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/] about why these conditions so often overlap—and how to start separating what's sensory, what's anxiety, and what's OCD. Dr. LaFollette explains the core autism criteria (social communication differences plus rigidity/routines, transitions, specific interests, and sensory sensitivities) and shares why anxiety is so common for neurodivergent kids navigating a world not built for them. They also dig into treatment: ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) can work for autistic teens with anxiety/OCD, but it often needs smart adjustments. Dr. LaFollette highlights the importance of practicing exposures across many settings (so learning generalizes), building real-life skills alongside ERP, and checking understanding with open-ended reflection instead of "Does that make sense?" The takeaway for parents: the goal isn't "no accommodations" or "accommodate everything"—it's a balanced plan that reduces suffering, supports regulation, and helps your child build a meaningful, more independent life. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Emily Swiatek, "Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life." Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]