41. Navigating Young Adult “Transition Anxiety” with Joanna Lilley
Release Date: 09/04/2024
56. Building Resilient Youth: Russell Shaw on Parenting, Technology, and Education
Fear Less
In this episode Zack interviews Russell Shaw, Head of School at Georgetown Day School in Washington D.C., and a contributing writer for The conversation explores Russell's journey from politics to education and his profound insights on the intersection of parenting, technology, and education. Russell shares the rationale and impact of implementing a cell phone ban in his high school to foster deeper social connections among students and reduce the mental health challenges exacerbated by excessive screen time. He also introduces the concept of "lighthouse parenting," a metaphor...
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55. How to Parent Anxious Children Using S.P.A.C.E. with Amy Killy LICSW
Fear Less
In this episode Zack interviews Amy Killy, a licensed clinical social worker from Washington D.C. who specializes in working with anxious children and their parents. Amy provides a deep dive into S.P.A.C.E. (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment, a model designed to empower parents to effectively respond to their child’s anxiety. Through focusing on parent behavior and shifting their responses to their child anxiety, research shows there can be a significant and long lasting reduction in anxiety symptoms. Amy discusses the common pitfalls parents of anxious children...
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54. From Fear to Confidence: How Supportive Immersion Sparks Youth Resilience
Fear Less
In this episode Zack engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Heather Tracy and Dr. Danny Recio, co-founders of and the in Costa Rica. They dive into their unique approach called “Supportive Immersion,” a model that combines cultural integration, experiential learning, and relationship-centered scaffolding to help adolescents and young adults face anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Recio explain how designing intentional, real-world challenges—backed by empathy, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving—empowers students to...
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53. Embracing Sensitivity and Strength: Gin Majka’s Journey through Anxiety
Fear Less
In this inspiring episode Zack talks with former Mountain Valley resident, Gin Majka, who candidly shares her journey through anxiety, perfectionism, and the path to self-discovery. As an 18-year-old facing severe panic attacks and academic pressure, Gin’s time at Mountain Valley served as a turning point in her young life. Now, nearly a decade after graduating the program, Gin reflects on how the supportive environment and exposure-based therapies helped her accept discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and set her on a path towards healing and self-discovery. Today, Gin thrives as a freelance...
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52. The Homing Instinct: Mentoring Teens Through Fear, Vulnerability, and Growth
Fear Less
In this episode Zack talks with Ciara Fanlo, founder of , a mentoring program for teens. Drawing on her own experience as a “troubled teen,” Ciara recounts the challenges she faced in adolescence—ranging from crippling anxiety and perfectionism to questioning her sense of belonging. Through wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools, and a series of transformative treatment programs, she forged a deeper understanding of herself. Ciara’s story highlights how facing discomfort and embracing vulnerability can help individuals discover their inner compass, ultimately guiding them...
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51. Breaking the Cycle: The Role of Fear in Addiction and Recovery with Chris Leston
Fear Less
In this heartfelt episode Zack sits down with Chris Leston, the Executive Director and founder of a treatment program dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use challenges located in Pike, N.H. Chris shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery, offering deep insight into the complex world of substance use disorders and the pivotal role the fear and anxiety play in the process. Chris discusses how underlying issues like perfectionism, control, and fear of judgment contributed to his struggles and how confronting these anxieties was crucial for his...
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50. The Power of Growth Mindset for Anxiety: Insights from Therapist Ira Hayes
Fear Less
In this enlightening episode Zack welcomes back from New Jersey, to discuss the transformative power of the growth mindset. Ira has an incredible passion for the transformative power of growth mindset and has extensive experience integrating growth mindset into school systems and therapeutic practices. In this episode, Ira unpacks the essence of what growth mindset, how it differs from a fixed mindset, and its profound impact on anxiety, resilience, and personal development. Throughout the conversation, Ira discusses the latest research behind growth mindset, highlighting key figures like Dr....
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49. Guiding Families Through Anxiety Treatment: An Interview with Admissions Manager Becca Winant
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In this episode Zack interviews Becca Winant, the Admissions Manager at With nearly eight years of experience at Mountain Valley, Becca shares her journey from starting as a residential counselor to becoming a key figure who guides families through the admissions process. She discusses her passion for working with adolescents struggling with anxiety and related disorders, drawing from her background in health education and yoga instruction. Becca offers valuable insights into Mountain Valley's unique approach to treating anxiety, including their three-phase treatment model and holistic...
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48. A Mother's Journey: Helping My Anxious Teen Find His Way
Fear Less
In this heartfelt episode Zack sits down with Emma, a psychotherapist and mother of two, who shares her deeply personal journey of helping her son navigate severe anxiety and OCD during his adolescence. Despite her professional background, Emma found herself grappling with the overwhelming challenges of her son's mental health struggles, which began to surface intensely when he was in sixth grade. From school refusal and debilitating fears to the complexities of co-parenting and the judgment of others, Emma opens up about the myriad obstacles she faced in trying to support her son. Emma...
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47. Boosting Mental Health in Kids: The Power of Mattering and Contribution
Fear Less
In this episode Zack sits down with Sarah Bennison, the co-founder and CEO of . They explore the profound impact of "mattering"—the feeling of being valued and making meaningful contributions—on mental health, particularly among adolescents struggling with anxiety and related disorders. Drawing from her extensive background in education and service learning, Sarah discusses how integrating mattering into school curricula can combat toxic achievement culture and improve students' mental well-being. She shares insights on how experiential learning and community engagement empower kids to...
info_outlineIn this episode Zack is joined by Joanna Lilley, a therapeutic consultant and podcaster who specializes in helping young adults and their families navigate the complex transitions of young adulthood. As a therapeutic consultant, Joanna offers proactive support that helps young adults “launch” into a college, gap year program, vocational opportunity, etc. Joanna also offers reactive support, helping young adults and their families pivot from their current plan to find opportunities best suited to help them launch.
In this conversation, Zack and Joanna discuss how anxiety and fear impact this transitional period for young adults. Joanna shares the common fears she sees in the young adults and families she works with and offers her expert advice and wisdom on how to best navigate a time that is riddled with uncertainty. Joanna’s discusses her recent article, "Cold Feet," where she explores why it's common for students to experience last-minute doubts about their college plans and how to approach these feelings constructively. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode provides valuable strategies for how to manage the inevitable stress, anxiety, and fear that uncertainty that comes with such significant life changes and is an essential listen for anyone involved in guiding young adults through these critical developmental years.
Zack Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack Zack dives into the “5-4-3-2-1-“ sensory strategy that you can use to ground yourself in a moment of anxiety or panic.
Check out Joanna’s Success is Subjective Podcast.
Here is a link to the Cold Feet article on Joanna’s website.
Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.