Mental Illness Happy Hour #785 - Owning Our Issues In Relationships - Zach Brittle
Jan 30, 2026
Zach Brittle, a marriage and family therapist who writes and podcasts about relationships and recovery, shares personal stories about sobriety, anger, and how fear hides under rage. He explores perfectionism, shame, secrecy, and the ways conflict can either destroy or deepen connection. Practical relationship rules, parenting reflections, and managing defensiveness come up in short, candid conversations.
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Delayed First Drink Led To Later Problem
- Zach describes his first drink at age 21 after resisting earlier offers and then escalating his drinking over time.
- He links problematic drinking to life stressors, especially after his children were born and during COVID-19.
Christmas Tree Stand Revelation
- Zach recounts smashing an aluminum Christmas tree stand in a rage while sober during early recovery.
- That event revealed his anger lived inside him, separate from alcohol use.
Pull The Thread To Find Core Fears
- Pulling the thread of anger often leads to fears of being unlovable, failing, or dying poor.
- Zach uses that chain to identify core insecurities underneath surface rage.
