53. Embracing Sensitivity and Strength: Gin Majka’s Journey through Anxiety
Release Date: 12/18/2024
65. Befriending Fear: Why We Have Anxiety and How to Use It
Fear Less
In this powerful solo Zack dives deep into the functional purpose of anxiety and how it can actually serve us rather than sabotage us. Drawing on his clinical experience and personal reflections, Zack reframes anxiety as a messenger, something that, when listened to and understood, can be a powerful motivator and guide. Using real-life examples from his own life and his work at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, Zack explores the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses triggered by anxiety and how we can tune into those responses to prepare, adapt, and thrive rather than shut down...
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64. Living with ADHD: Dr. Roberto Olivardia on Managing Anxiety, OCD & Executive Functioning
Fear Less
In this compelling episode Zack sits down with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia to explore the realities of living with ADHD and how it intersects with anxiety, OCD, and executive functioning. A lecturer at and clinical associate at , Dr. Olivardia brings both professional expertise and personal insight as someone who has lived with ADHD his entire life. The conversation dives deep into what ADHD actually is, how it’s often misunderstood, and why people with ADHD often experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to environmental expectations and internal challenges....
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63. Fear of Letting Go: The Intersection of OCD and Hoarding Disorder with Christin Brown LICSW
Fear Less
In this episode Zack welcomes specialist based in Massachusetts. Christin has a subspecialty in Hoarding Disorder, and in this conversation, her and Zack delve into this often-misunderstood diagnosis and its relationship to OCD. Christin shares her professional insights as well as her personal experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, offering a nuanced understanding of hoarding behaviors—ranging from emotional attachment to objects to digital hoarding like excessive photo saving or unopened tabs. This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals,...
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62. OCD & Addiction: Hidden Connections and Concurrent Paths to Healing with Jayme Valdez LMHC
Fear Less
In this episode Zack welcomes Jayme Valdez, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of . Jayme specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, trauma, and addiction, and she shares her unique approach to addressing the overlap between OCD and addictive disorders. She challenges the traditional belief that OCD and addiction must be treated separately, advocating for a concurrent treatment model that acknowledges their shared compulsive patterns. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience, Jayme highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions, harm...
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61. Mountain Valley's History, Culture, and Alumni Support Network with Carl Lovejoy
Fear Less
In this episode Zack welcomes Carl Lovejoy, one of the co-founders of to reflect on the center's origins and evolution. Carl shares his journey from working in independent schools to helping establish Mountain Valley in 2011, recognizing the need for specialized support for high-achieving students struggling with anxiety and related disorders. He recounts the center’s humble beginnings in Pike, New Hampshire, with just four families and how it grew into a nationally recognized residential treatment program. Carl and Zack discuss the transition to the Plainfield campus, which offered greater...
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60. From Struggle to Strength: Parenting an Anxious Child
Fear Less
In this episode Zack sits down with Nicole Carosi, the mother of a former resident, Isabella. Nicole shares an intimate look into her family’s journey with Isabella’s anxiety, perfectionism, and depression, detailing the struggles that led them to seek intensive treatment. She reflects on the challenges of parenting an anxious child, the decision to enroll Isabella at Mountain Valley, and the nonlinear path toward healing. Throughout their discussion, Zack, who was Isabella’s therapist during her time at Mountain Valley, offers unique insight into her therapeutic journey, including the...
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59. OT’s Role in Mental Health with Mountain Valley’s Executive Director Zack Schafer
Fear Less
In this insightful solo episode, Zack dives into the vital role of occupational therapy (OT) in mental health treatment, particularly at . Zack shares his personal journey into the OT field, the therapeutic power of meaningful activity, and how Mountain Valley integrates OT principles into their residential program for adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety and OCD. Through personal stories and professional insights, Zack highlights how occupational therapy fosters healing through engagement, functionality, and community connection. Listeners will gain a rich understanding...
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58. Occupational Therapy & Mental Health: Camille’s Journey to Helping Teens Overcome Anxiety
Fear Less
In this episode Zack talks with Camille Wrege, an occupational therapist at , about her journey into occupational therapy (OT) and how she applies it to mental health treatment for teenagers with anxiety and OCD. Camille shares her personal background, including how early experiences with her grandfather and a passion for holistic care led her to pursue occupational therapy. She highlights the role of OT in supporting young people by improving functional skills like hygiene, social participation, executive functioning, and independent living. Camille also discusses the intersection of OT...
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57. Breaking the Cycle of Fear: A Mother and Son’s Story of Healing
Fear Less
In this episode Zack sits down with Hayden Fleischer and his mother, Amy, to discuss Hayden’s transformative journey through Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Hayden, who once struggled with debilitating anxiety that kept him out of school for months at a time, shares his experience of overcoming fear, rebuilding his confidence, and ultimately returning to Mountain Valley as a residential counselor. Amy, a psychotherapist, reflects on the challenges of recognizing Hayden’s anxiety, the difficult decision to send him to treatment, and the powerful impact of family therapy. Together, they...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 photographer, harmonizing her passions for creativity, environmental storytelling, and meaningful human connection. As she continues the never ending journey of managing her mental health, Gin shares how she has learned to leverage coping strategies, therapeutic support, and view her sensitivity and perfectionism as assets rather than liabilities in her everyday life. Gin encourages others to accept that life’s journey—both personally and professionally—is rarely straightforward and there is beauty to be found in the chaos.
Zack’s Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack Zack shares how harnessing creativity can help you fear less.
Gin Malka’s website is-https://www.ginmajka.com/
Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.