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Unmasking Fear: Why We Seek the Thrill

Episode 203 Oct 28, 2025
Unmasking Fear: Why We Seek the Thrill

In this special Halloween episode, we chat with LifeStance therapist Ed Collins, author of Fear Itself: The Nature of Fear and Its Value to the Human Race. Together, we dive into what really lies beneath our fears—why we seek out scary experiences, how fear connects to anxiety, and the surprising ways it can help us grow.

Ed also shares how fear has shaped human survival and why it continues to fascinate us each Halloween season. It’s a thought-provoking look at the emotion that both frightens and fuels us.

Edward Collins, MA, LPC

MEET THE GUEST

Edward Collins, MA, LPC

Ed Collins, LPC Ed Collins is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan who has been practicing since 2002. He has an MA in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Secondary Education and English Literature and Language. Ed approaches each person with a holistic view. It is rarely just the presenting issue but a conglomeration of events and attitudes that may create difficulties in their world. He provides authentic, in-person counseling with a focus on client fulfillment and success. Ed strives to establish a trusting relationship to better serve the client. Using many trusted modalities to bring forth the best results for each individual, Ed explores what has brought the client to where they feel they are. Working together, he helps them determine the optimum path to attain their personal goal. In his spare time, Ed enjoys learning, reading, gardening, travel, and most important, his family.
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