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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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!

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

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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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

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

(914) 588-6564

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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

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

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

(914) 588-6564

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

Show notes

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.

Connect with Zac

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

(914) 588-6564

@releaserecovery

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

Show notes

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