The Zac Clark Show

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A Better Future for Boys and Young Men: Reimagining Masculinity and the Need for Deep Friendships | Dr. Niobe Way, Renowned NYU Professor Oct 08, 2024

What if deep, intimate, and meaningful friendships could change the world?

Dr. Niobe Way, an internationally renowned Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU, believes this is the path toward a more humane future. As a leading expert on what she calls the “crisis of connection” affecting boys and men in the U.S. and beyond, Dr. Way draws from over 40 years of research on social and emotional development, exploring how cultural ideologies shape child development and family dynamics.

Her research centers around three key insights: (1) boys and men deeply crave meaningful, intimate friendships, (2) our culture stigmatizes male-to-male intimacy, labeling it as soft, feminine, or indicative of same-sex desire, and (3) this cultural failure has fueled a mental health crisis, leading to rising levels of depression, suicide, and mass violence among boys and men.

In her latest book, Rebels with a Cause: Reimagining Boys, Ourselves, and Our Culture, Dr. Way brings together four decades of research. In our conversation, we discuss her discoveries and how our culture has gendered basic human instincts, prioritizing academic achievement and romantic relationships over friendships. This imbalance has led to a crisis of connection, heightening loneliness, depression, and violence. Dr. Way insists that boys are telling us what they need—we just need to listen.

Her earlier book, Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection, inspired the Oscar-nominated film Close, which won the Grand Prix Award at Cannes. Dr. Way is also the founder of the Project for the Advancement of Our Common Humanity (PACH) and leads "The Listening Project," an initiative focused on fostering curiosity, connection, and empathy to combat loneliness and anxiety. She has served as President of the Society for Research on Adolescence, holds a doctorate from Harvard School of Education, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Yale.

This conversation is a must-listen! A thought-provoking discussion on the transformative power of friendships, the cultural barriers boys and men face in seeking them, and why nurturing deep, supportive friendships is essential to addressing many of today’s societal challenges.

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From Living An Alcoholic Double Life To Successful Entrepreneur As Founder Of FROPRO | Matt Williams Oct 02, 2024

Matt Williams fell far. He spent years living a double life—school teacher by day and bartender grappling with a growing alcohol and cocaine problem by night—yet he knew he was destined for something better.

After a life-altering DUI arrest that landed him in jail, Matt made the courageous decision to seek help, embracing sobriety and a new outlook on life. From that pivotal moment, he experienced a meteoric rise to a life worth living. Bolstered by the unwavering support of his wife, Chelsea, their strength and determination not only transformed Matt’s life but also birthed FROPRO, a nutrition-rich snack bar. FROPRO is much more than a healthy snack; it represents tenacity, creativity, and a commitment to healthy living.

In this conversation, we explore Matt’s incredible journey from addiction to entrepreneurial success. He discusses the importance of resilience, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and the core values that drive FROPRO—handcrafted, plant-based, and dedicated to supporting the local recovery community.

This uplifting episode is about personal growth, the power of a supportive community, and how FROPRO is more than just a snack bar; it’s a movement toward better living.

Join us to hear Matt’s inspiring story and discover how he’s raising the bar for himself and others every day!

To learn more about FROPRO:

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Zac Clark Reflects on 13 Years of Sobriety, the Challenge of Helping Families Recover, and the Power of Letting Go Sep 24, 2024

In this introspective solo episode, Zac reflects on his 13-year sobriety anniversary and the theme of letting go. He grapples with conflicting feelings about celebrating sober milestones, questioning whether acting like a decent human being warrants praise, given the chaos he once brought to others. He shares how this time of year brings heavy feelings, remembering his last days estranged from his family, running around the streets using drugs.

Zac emphasizes the importance of sharing sobriety stories to inspire people beginning their sober journey and addresses a key aspect about recovery: unlike traditional illnesses, those most qualified to help people struggling with addiction have lived through it themselves. He discusses the challenges families face when seeking help for loved ones with substance use disorders, noting how they can become trapped in cycles of chaos that hinder their own healing and their loved ones.

Reflecting on his journey, Zac shares how his parents' tough love—cutting him off financially—was crucial to his recovery. He also explores the evolving language surrounding addiction recovery and gives a shout-out to Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss Head Football Coach, for his candidness about alcoholism and the freedoms gained through sobriety. Zac concludes by honoring the fallen heroes of 9/11 and spotlighting the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families to instill values in future generations.

Please join in and listen to this poignant episode about leaning in and letting go. Go Birds!

Connect with Zac

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Revolutionizing Global Mental Health: A $100 Million Commitment with Annika Sten Pärson, Co-Founder & Executive Chair of The Inner Foundation Sep 17, 2024

Annika Sten Pärson is a change maker in global mental health. As the Founding Partner and Executive Chair of The Inner Foundation, she leads a global initiative with a bold commitment of over $100 million over the next 20 years, funding innovative mental health solutions and startups to address the crisis head-on.

In this episode, Annika shares her extraordinary journey from a corporate executive in Stockholm to a leading advocate for social change. With over 25 years of experience in telecoms, media, retail, and consumer goods, she made a transformative shift to focus on mental health.

Her passion is centered on the 1.8 billion "emerging adults" aged 18 to 25, whose inner worlds must be supported to foster a thriving outer world. Annika’s personal experiences—being adopted, working in social services focusing on maternal and reproductive care, navigating her own reproductive challenges, and adopting her own children—have profoundly shaped her commitment to this cause. Her past roles include serving as CEO of the Seleni Institute, which supports women’s reproductive and maternal mental health, and volunteering as a therapist at 1825 – Therapy Center for Young Adults in Stockholm, a non-profit she co-founded.

We also explore the broader issue of under-investment in mental health, with only 2-5% of the $9.5 trillion global health expenditure directed toward this critical area, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Annika discusses the resilience needed for young people and the importance of self-care for those striving to make a difference.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a leader dedicated to transforming mental health care and supporting the next generation on a global scale.

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Building a Community One Step at a Time: Tommie Runz on Being Black, Sober, and Leading a Movement in Running Sep 04, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Tommie Runz, a man whose journey through sobriety, fatherhood, and fitness has led him to become a powerful voice in the running and wellness community. Sober since 2017, Tommie has transformed his life through running, completing four marathons in roughly eight weeks and qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2021. He's the founder of Chip Time Running and the creator of The Run Eat Sleep Show podcast, where he discusses all things running and wellness.

Tommie shares his story of overcoming alcohol use disorder, the impact of his father's death, and how running became a pivotal part of his recovery and personal transformation. We dive into his mission to build a community around running, mindfulness, and self-improvement, particularly focusing on empowering people of color in a predominantly white running space. Tommie talks candidly about the underrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in the running community, the unique challenges they face, and his efforts to promote health and wellness in these communities.

Join us as Tommie discusses the importance of being open about his sobriety, the inspiration behind Chip Time Running, and his ongoing work to create a supportive, inclusive environment for all runners. This episode is not just about running; it's about resilience, community, and the power of turning personal struggles into a force for positive change.

Connect with Zac

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Mission to Transform Young Men’s Mental Health: A Major Announcement with Matthew Stefanko, Founder of MANUAL, a Leading Online Mental Health Platform for Young Men Aug 28, 2024

Why are men 4x more likely to die by suicide? Three times more likely to die by drug overdose?

Are young men being overlooked in the cultural shift toward greater awareness, resources, and support for mental health and wellness?

Are there enough resources and support systems in place to encourage young men to seek help when facing mental health or substance use challenges?

These questions were the catalyst for Matthew Stefanko to found MANUAL, a pioneering online platform designed to help young men navigate the complexities of mental health and personal development. Now, following a game-changing merger with Release Recovery, a leading organization in substance use and mental health recovery founded by Zac, Matthew joins us to explore how this powerful alliance is set to revolutionize support for men, particularly young men.

Matthew shares his personal journey, from being bullied as a child to struggling with mental health issues and alcohol dependency. He reflects on the unique challenges young men face in seeking help and why partnering with Zac and Release Recovery was a pivotal moment for MANUAL. Together, they’re poised to drive meaningful change in men’s mental health. MANUAL was created to meet young men where they are, providing the tools and resources they need to take control of their well-being. With the support of Release Recovery, this mission is now set to reach even more young men across the country, combining digital and in-person support on college campuses and high schools nationwide.

Together, Release Recovery and MANUAL are set to break down the barriers that keep men from asking for help, creating a safe space for them to grow, heal, and thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about mental health, personal growth, and the future of men’s well-being.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

Does AA Really Work? Is Anonymity Necessary and the Enduring Mystery of 12-Step Programs Nearly 100 Years Later Aug 21, 2024

12-Step programs are sacred spaces—revolutionary in their simplicity and accessibility. Open to anyone seeking help, with no fees or barriers to entry, they have quietly helped millions of people and exist in roughly 180 countries worldwide. Despite their global presence, they remain humble and unassuming, never positioning themselves as an organization or weighing in on public controversies. At the heart of these programs is the concept of anonymity—maintaining it at the public level to ensure that principles, not personalities or status, remain the guiding force. This commitment to anonymity has allowed 12-Step programs to thrive and support countless individuals, reinforcing the idea that the strength of these programs lies in their collective message of recovery, not in any single person.

In this episode, Zac takes on the delicate and often confusing topic of anonymity in 12-step programs, particularly Alcoholics Anonymous. Since his time on The Bachelorette and entering public life, Zac has grappled with how to honor the core principles of AA—a program that’s been central to his recovery—while also wanting to share his experiences to help others.

Joined by his spiritual confidant and mentor of over a decade, Jay Devore, Zac navigates a thought-provoking and sometimes uncomfortable discussion. Together, they delve into the intricate balance of honoring the anonymity that has safeguarded AA for decades while confronting the realities of a world far removed from the 1950s when these traditions were established. Zac and Jay grapple with the appropriateness of even having this conversation, the reasons behind AA’s enduring effectiveness, and the need to reassess old tenets in a modern world where millions continue to struggle and stigma persists.

This episode is more than just a discussion—it’s a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, responsibility, and the evolving landscape of recovery and mental health. As Zac and Jay question what it means to share one’s truth in today’s world, they also examine the profound impact that doing so can have on others.

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Michael Chernow: From Addiction to Entrepreneurial Success—The Power of Sobriety and Daily Habits Aug 13, 2024

In this deeply personal and introspective episode, we sit down with Michael Chernow, a serial entrepreneur, professional athlete, father, and husband, who recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety—a milestone marking two decades of personal growth and unwavering commitment to a better life. Michael takes us on his journey from active substance use disorder to a life transformed through the sacred practices of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 steps, which played a pivotal role in his recovery.

As a health and fitness expert, Michael shares how his sobriety fueled his success, not just in overcoming addiction but also in rebuilding his life with healthy and productive habits. This transformation became the foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors, including co-founding New York City’s hugely successful The Meatball Shop, launching Seamore’s, and creating the innovative oatmeal brand Kreatures of Habit—a brand born from his early dedication to a healthy lifestyle, starting with a simple yet powerful habit of eating oatmeal every morning.

Michael opens up about the delicate balance of honoring the traditions and anonymity of 12-step programs while recognizing the unique opportunity that social media offers to inspire and help others through his public platform. His mission is to share the positive habits and experiences that have shaped his life, empowering others on their own journeys to better living.

Join us as we explore the mindset, strategies, and profound personal and professional growth that Michael has achieved through embracing sobriety and building a life dedicated to health, wellness, and service.

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(914) 588-6564

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NYT Bestseller Billy Jensen: True Crime Stardom, Fall from Grace, and Redemption Through Sobriety Aug 06, 2024

Billy Jensen is an American true crime pioneer and NY Times bestselling author, renowned for using social media to solve unsolved murders and missing persons cases. He has resolved six homicides and helped locate numerous missing individuals, a journey chronicled in his bestselling book, Chase Darkness with Me: How One True Crime Writer Started Solving Murders.

As Billy’s career soared, so did his struggle with alcohol. His impressive career includes writing for top publications like Los Angeles Magazine, Rolling Stone, and the New York Times, serving as a senior producer and investigator on Crime Watch Daily, co-hosting Unraveled on Discovery+, and co-creating the successful podcast Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad. Despite these accomplishments, his alcoholism and long-standing battle with depression worsened, culminating in sexual misconduct allegations that led to the loss of his podcast and tarnished his professional reputation.

Billy’s latest book, Killers Amidst Killers, combines his true crime expertise with his personal struggle, exploring how unresolved homicides are often disregarded or misclassified as opioid-related deaths, a critique on the sociopolitical handling of the American opioid crisis.

Now two years sober, Billy candidly shares his journey of redemption and personal growth. In our conversation, he reflects on his career, his battle with alcoholism, and his efforts to make amends while continuing to impact the world of true crime. Please join us for a compelling discussion with a man whose dramatic fall from grace is matched by his newfound dedication to leading an honorable, sober life.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

Weed Is Addictive, Sober Dating, and the Sober X-Factor with NYC's Dating Guru Lindsey Metselaar Jul 30, 2024

Is dating hard in sobriety? Should a sober person only date another sober person? Why is marijuana so fucking strong now?

In this episode, we deep-dive into the world of modern relationships with a sober lens alongside Lindsey Metselaar, the dynamic host of the hit dating podcast "We Met At Acme." An early pioneer in podcasting, Lindsey's journey began unexpectedly in 2017 after a heartbreaking breakup on her birthday led to a candid conversation with a friend about the trials and tribulations of love. This conversation sparked the creation of her now popular podcast, where she shares her experiences and invites experts to explore the complex landscape of modern romance.

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, motherhood, and a prolific talent for matchmaking, Lindsey is also sober. She has openly shared her personal struggles with addiction on her podcast, detailing her journey to sobriety from marijuana and an unhealthy love affair with Tequila.

All things love, dating and sobriety, we get into a host of topics, including:

- Lindsey's eye-opening journey from trying to be the “cool stoner girl” to realizing she was an anxious, self-medicating young woman in need of sobriety.

- Sober dating: navigating relationships without alcohol.

- Challenges of sober dating, dating “normies” (non-sober people) and the double standard for sober men.

- Being young and sober in a culture that glorifies drinking and partying.

- The rise of marijuana, “magic” mushrooms, and the growing popularity of casual non-alcoholic drug use.

- Marijuana is not your parents “gateway drug” anymore.

- Zac’s candid experiences with dating in sobriety

Please join in and listen or watch our conversation with Lindsey Metselaar, a seasoned podcast vet and unofficial New York dating guru on modern love.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

How 1 Glass Of Champagne Led To Alcoholism, A Road To Sobriety, And Helping Others Recover Jul 23, 2024

It took Dawn Gallagher well beyond 17 years to achieve 17 years of sobriety. Growing up in Brooklyn during the gritty, rebellious 70s and 80s, Dawn was behind the bar by 19, already entangled with hard partying and dark characters. By 20, she recognized her strange relationship with alcohol. At 25, facing a stark ultimatum from her mother to either get sober or leave home, Dawn chose treatment, but this was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey marked by setbacks and hard-earned victories.

The next 15 years were a turbulent odyssey: she left a successful hospitality career, went through a marriage and divorce, lived as an expat in Amsterdam, and endured a staggering 35-hour binge that spiraled into nine years of alcohol abuse. It wasn’t until she returned to New York, alone and desperate, waking up in a hungover stupor with blood caked on her that she couldn’t recall, that she faced a profound truth: her deepest desire to stay sober was not enough.

This moment of clarity marked the true beginning of her recovery.

Now, seventeen years later, Dawn stands as a pillar of support in the behavioral healthcare field. Formerly the CEO of “The Townhouse on Sixth,” a pioneering sober living facility for both men and women, she is now a certified Recovery Coach and a Recovery Associate at Release Recovery.

Dawn’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the profound impact of substance use disorder, demonstrating the strength and grace required to transform one's life and help others find their path to recovery.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

Ingrid Andress Goes To Rehab, Zac Responds To Viral Backlash, And Why Rehab Is Fun – And Needs To Be Jul 19, 2024

Motivated by a viral storm of comments surrounding Ingrid Andress’s controversial performance of the national anthem at MLB’s All-Star Break, Zac jumps back on to set the record straight. He shares his perspective on why Ingrid’s brutally honest public admission was both raw and courageous, and opens up about his own personal experience with rehab. Zac also digs into what the avalanche of negative comments reveals about widespread misconceptions regarding rehab and why this moment is an opportunity to change the narrative and encourage people to seek help. And by the way… rehab IS fun, and it needs to be to work.

The Power Of Your Story, Phillies First Pitch, and The Why Of This Show Jul 16, 2024

In this heartfelt solo episode, Zac reflects on the core purpose of the podcast and why telling your story is so important. He shares the nostalgic and powerful experience of throwing out the first pitch at the Philadelphia Phillies game, the hometown team he grew up loving and continues to love today, and the broader meaning such a momentous experience carries for the recovery community.

Please listen as Zac delves into:

The Power of Your Story: How sharing your experiences can create a ripple effect that reaches and resonates with others.
Childhood Dreams: Reliving the moment of throwing out the first pitch and its significance in his life.
Strike Out the Stigma: Emphasizing the importance of being vulnerable and authentic in our storytelling.
Building a Community: How our shared stories can build a supportive community that saves lives.
Surrender and Lean In: Embracing your story without reservation and the strength that comes from it.
The Ripple Effect: Understanding how your story can help others and create a transformative impact.

Twelve episodes in, we are grateful for the listeners who have joined us on this journey. Thank you and Keep Going.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

D1 Track Star Shares Battle with Anxiety and Young Athletes' Mental Health Struggles | Olivia Arizin Jul 09, 2024

With the Olympics around the corner, we sat down with a former Division 1 track & field collegiate athlete who once believed that nothing mattered more than making it to the Olympic stage.

Olivia Arizin was a star from the beginning. As a sophomore in high school, she ran the 5th best time in the nation in the 800 meter race. She was a 2-time state champion in Pennsylvania and earned All-Big East honors at Georgetown, culminating with winning the Big East Indoor Track & Field Championships.

However, behind the accolades and success, Olivia battled severe anxiety centered around her athletic performance. Since the 6th grade, Olivia would regularly throw up before track meets due to anxiety and the pressure to win. It wasn't until she reached college that she realized this wasn't normal and sought help.

Olivia is not alone. Young athletes, particularly in college, endure immense stress and pressure to maintain their athletic success.

In this episode, we discuss:

The abnormal level of stress and pressure high-achieving youth athletes face. Is it healthy? Sustainable?
The lack of resources and support to address and treat mental health issues across collegiate athletics.
What should the role of coaches, teams, and universities be in helping college athletes navigate the stressors of athletic competition?
Olivia’s experience transitioning from “athlete” to “civilian” at this critical jumping off point into early adulthood.
Should universities and their athletic teams do more to help young athletes transition away from the sport that has defined their young lives?

The significant mental health challenges tied to athletic performance among youth are not just an issue for the struggling athlete but also for a system that has become a commercialized business exploiting young athletes' talents.

Olivia’s journey to reclaiming her identity beyond being an athlete is a powerful reminder that youth sports are meant for children who, first and foremost, simply love to play a game.

Links:

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

NFL Executive Tim Schlittner Bravely Shares His Journey Through Alcoholism and Coming Out Jun 26, 2024

Tim Schlittner is an expert communicator. The Director of Communications at the National Football League (NFL), serving as their Deputy Spokesperson, and the former Communications Director for the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, he has built a hugely successful career managing perception, relationships and effective communications strategies. However, despite his professional prowess, his greatest challenge was crafting the narrative that mattered most – his own.

For years, Tim privately grappled with his sexuality and progressive alcoholism, each fueling the other on his painful journey to self-realization. Now, eight years sober and a proud member of the LGBTQ community, Tim has been named one of Outsports' Power 100 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Sports and is an active member of the Recovery Community. An NFL Executive, he continues to openly share about his sobriety and sexuality, providing a unique, inspiring and barrier-breaking perspective.

Brave and vulnerable, this conversation is about the journey of self-realization, the painful depths of self-denial, the freedom found in self-acceptance, and the healing power of sharing your story.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

The Grief Expert: How Grief Affects Your Body, Honoring Your Grief, And Moving On Isn’t Letting Go Jun 18, 2024

Gina Moffa wants us to talk about grief. In this episode, we deep-dive into the world of healing and human connection, and trauma’s often-overlooked companion: grief.

Gina Moffa, LCSW, MA, is a licensed psychotherapist, mental health educator, and media consultant in New York City. After a succession of professional and personal losses, including her mother, Gina became inexplicably sick only to discover the profound physical toll her own grief was taking on her body. This deepened her goal to understand and normalize talking about death, grief, and the experience of loss.

Gina has dedicated her career to helping thousands navigate trauma and grief, including working with Holocaust survivors and serving as Clinical Director at the Addiction Institute of New York at Mt. Sinai-St. Luke’s Hospital Campus. She is also the author of "Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go: A Modern Guide to Navigating Loss,” which seeks to reframe the life-long journey of processing loss and death.

In this conversation, we discuss a wide range of topics, including:

Our society’s fear of loss and death.
Grieving authentically.

The powerful physical impact of grief on our bodies.
Is romantic heartbreak as painful as the death of a loved one?
Why the grief experience may never end.
Grief in the workplace – a compassionate revamping is necessary.
Grief’s various forms, from lost loved ones and pets to divorce, friendships and even addictive substances – each teaching us to navigate its unique and poignant path.
Zac’s unexpected grief journey with ‘The Bachelorette.’
Gina's upcoming book, "That Bitch," which explores themes of loss in friendships, navigating grief, and cultivating greater compassion.

Please join in and listen to this fascinating conversation about the uncomfortable yet profoundly universal experience of grief.

Connect with Gina https://ginamoffa.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ginamoffalcsw/

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If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

Alcoholic By 17, Suicide Attempt And The Father Who Would Not Give Up: Father-Son Journey From Alcoholism To Recovery Jun 11, 2024

This week’s conversation is a tribute to the unwavering love and dedication of a father for his child. I sat down with Steve D’Antonio Sr. and Steve D’Antonio Jr, who openly share their family's journey through addiction. Steve Sr., a successful Wall Street executive and father of five, found himself bewildered and helpless when his son, Steve Jr., fell deep into alcohol use disorder by age 17, shaking the D’Antonio family to its core and leaving them without a clear path forward.

When families are confronted with alcohol and substance issues, how can they best support their children?

Equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, this conversation serves as both a resource and a testament to the extraordinary lengths parents will go to for their children. It highlights the devastating impact of alcohol and substance use disorders on families, while shedding light on the societal stigma that hinders access to necessary tools and resources for families in need. It is also a poignant reminder that when one family member struggles, the entire family suffers, making the healing process essential for everyone involved.

Today, the D’Antonio’s have dedicated their lives to helping families navigate behavioral healthcare issues. Steve Sr. left Wall Street and became a Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow studying addiction. He served as Executive Vice President for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit for addiction treatment, is a trained Peer-Parent Coach and continues to share his expertise and experience with families.

With more than 8 years of recovery, Steve Jr. has worked in the addiction and recovery field since 2017. He is the Director of Release Recovery’s New York City program, working intimately with individuals and their families to navigate the process of early recovery.

A wild, harrowing and redemptive story of family recovery – this is a conversation that I hope every parent of a child struggling with behavior healthcare issues listens to.

Close to my heart, this one is for the dads.

Connect with Zac:

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

Resources:

https://addictionlessons.com/

The Mental Healthcare System Treats People Like Criminals | Ariela Safira, Founder of Zeera Jun 04, 2024

In this conversation, we dive into the mind of Ariela Safira, a visionary determined to revolutionize the mental health care system. Ariela is the founder of Zeera, a modern telehealth platform that aims to "spotify" mental health through the principles of group therapy and a modernized approach that speaks to today’s social media-powered society. She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, the recipient of the American Psychiatric Association’s Innovation Award, and one of Inc's Top 100 Female Founders.

With Ariela, we explore the idea of creating a "Spotify of Mental Health," the importance of educational reform in mental health awareness, why our healthcare system is at its worst when people need it the most, how to foster supportive environments both in the workplace and personally, and how to move beyond the stigmatization and criminalization often associated with mental health and substance use issues.

Please give it a listen as we uncover how to "mental health" for ourselves and others, guided by a leading voice in the field.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

https://www.crisistextline.org/united-in-empathy-2023-report

@releaserecovery

Check out Zeera: https://www.zeera.com/

The Youth Of America In Crisis: Solutions and Hope | Dr. Shairi Turner, Crisis Text Line Chief Health Officer May 29, 2024

Even before the pandemic, rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicide among our youth were steadily climbing. Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer of Crisis Text Line, is on a mission to inform, educate, and transform. Crisis Text Line, the only 24/7 nationwide crisis-intervention text-message hotline in America, boasts over 65,000 trained volunteers ready to provide support and resources to those struggling with mental health.

In my conversation with Dr. Turner, we delve into the national mental health epidemic. Despite its devastating scope, Dr. Turner's solution-oriented approach is both surprising and inspiring. We covered a wide range of topics, including:

What is Crisis Text Line and how is it making an impact.
The disproportionate impact of mental health challenges on minority communities.
Racial disparities in accessing mental health services and treatment.
The rise in bullying and self-harm among our youth.
Childhood trauma.
The power of empathy to combat stigma.
6 KEY elements every community needs to foster a healthy and supportive environment for our youth.
Solutions and hope for a brighter future.

This is the critical issue of our time. Please give this hopeful discussion a listen.

Resources:

United in Empathy Report

Community Resilience Report

https://www.crisistextline.org/what-do-young-people-in-crisis-need-from-their-communities

If you are in need of mental health support, simply text HELLO or HOLA to 741741 and you will be connected to a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor.

Connect with Zac

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release:

(914) 588-6564

https://www.instagram.com/zwclark

@releaserecovery

The Importance of Sex and Communication In Any Partnership | Marriage Therapist: Kristy Fitzgerald May 21, 2024

This week’s conversation is all about RELATIONSHIPS – the things that go unsaid and the challenges of nurturing a thriving romantic relationship.

I dive into it with Marriage and Family Therapist Kristy Fitzgerald, founder of the KMF Therapy Collective. Kristy and I explore a wide range of topics including sex in relationships, sober sex and finding the right therapist. We also discuss the continued stigma for men seeking therapy, gender dynamics in couples therapy, and the impact of trauma and substance use on relationships. This insightful and relatable conversation is perfect for anyone who is in or has ever been in a relationship.

Connect with Zac

https://www.instagram.com/zwclark/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-c-746b96254/

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From Eating Disorder To The Toughest Decision A Mother Could Ever Make | My Sister, Kathryn Cannici May 14, 2024

In this week’s episode, I sat down with my sister as she shared her story for the first time. Postpartum depression. Eating disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We discussed a lot of heavy issues. I believe conversations like this will help change the world. Please give it a listen and share if you feel so inclined.

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