In this special live edition of the Fear Less Podcast, recorded at the 2025 Mountain Valley Reunion, Zack brings together alumni, parents, current residents, and staff to share powerful stories of hope, resilience, and transformation. Against the backdrop of a sunny summer day in Plainfield, NH, voices from across the Mountain Valley family reflect on their personal journeys—overcoming debilitating anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental health struggles—and the pivotal role this community played in their recovery.

From heartfelt testimonies of residents who once felt hopeless to the gratitude of parents who witnessed their children’s growth, the episode captures the unique culture of Mountain Valley: a place where courage is celebrated, vulnerability is honored, and connection fuels change. Through laughter, tears, and words of encouragement, each speaker reminds us that while fear may feel insurmountable, the right support can transform it into strength—and love.

Zack Hack- In this week’s anxiety hack Zack shares a quote about love to help you Fear Less.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack sits down with career clarity expert Lisa Marker-Robbins to explore how parents can support their young adults in navigating the often overwhelming path toward school, career, and independence. Drawing on decades of experience and her role as a mom of five, Lisa breaks down the fears, anxieties, and misconceptions that keep both parents and their children stuck. She explains how her three-step framework—focusing on self-awareness, career exploration, and intentional next steps—can bring clarity and confidence to the post-high school journey.

Lisa and Zack dive into the emotional dynamics between parents and teens, discussing how fear and over-accommodation can unintentionally stall growth. They also explore how career coaching can act as a form of exposure therapy, helping young people build real-world experience, assess their fit with different careers, and find purpose. Whether your child is lost after college, stuck in indecision, or avoiding future planning altogether, this conversation offers hope, strategy, and practical tools for taking the first step toward meaningful adulthood.

Zack’s Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that will help you Fear Less as you try more.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this powerful episode, Zack welcomes back two inspiring leaders—Tim Vaughan, Executive Director of The Trade, and Will Laughlin, CEO of The Trade and Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Together, they introduce The Trade, a new work-life preparatory program for young adults (ages 18–30) who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure about their next steps. Drawing from decades of experience in education, mental health, and mentoring, Tim and Will explain how The Trade provides meaningful work, mentorship, and a supportive community—all on a 2,000-acre mountain campus in New Hampshire. This episode explores how hands-on learning, and genuine human connection can help young people move forward with purpose and confidence.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges facing today’s young adults—including anxiety, isolation, and lack of direction—and offers a hopeful, practical alternative to traditional therapy or college paths. Rooted in the principles of occupational therapy and self-determination theory, The Trade offers a modern rite of passage where young adults earn real wages, gain skills, and build relationships that help them launch into adulthood. Whether you're a parent, a clinician, or a young adult searching for direction, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a vision for what’s possible when we stop pathologizing struggle—and start building community around purpose.

Zack’s Anxiety Hack- Zack shares an inspiring quote from Mary O’Reily a famous Occupational Therapist!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.