I’ve Got Issues, a community affairs program on KTWU-TV in Topeka, Kan., generally concentrates on the big picture: affordable healthcare, teacher pay, terrorism. But for its upcoming “Face Your Fears” episode Wednesday (Oct. 12), it’s exploring the topic of phobias by bringing participants face to face with what they’re most afraid of — such as big spiders and wriggly snakes, reports the local Capitol-Journal.
“We’re going to have some fun with it,” VanDerSluis said. “It’s going to be serious and quirky at the same time.”
Jared Gregg, coordinating producer, said the topic emerged during a brainstorming session when a staffer admitted being terrified of roller coasters.
Experts will appear on the show to explain phobias. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 8.7 percent of Americans, or 19.2 million persons, have a a phobia or anxiety-related disorder.