Secondhand Therapy

Michael admits failure embarrasses him. Louie confesses to a codependent moment. Together they explore imperfection, relationships, and what growth really looks like. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ In this episode, he shares how failure feels embarrassing, why imperfection is so uncomfortable, and what it means to be okay with being seen as flawed. Louie and Michael debate the phrase “figure it out” — is it tough love or secretly insulting? Michael opens up about practicing reliance and verbal processing with the people in his life, while Louie reflects on a recent codependent moment that sparks tension between them. It’s a vulnerable and funny conversation about trying new things, embracing failure, communication in relationships, and the messy process of personal growth. Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 topics: therapy podcast, mental health podcast, embracing imperfection, learning to fail, vulnerability, codependency recovery, communication in relationships, personal growth podcast, men’s mental health, self acceptance, trying new hobbies, emotional growth, unlicensed therapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Louie reflects on radical acceptance, family wounds, and whether he truly desires a connection with his father. This week, Louie and Michael unpack the idea of fatherhood — from the hypothetical qualities they wish they’d had in a dad, to what it means to grow up without a father figure. Louie challenges Michael’s story of not having one, and shares his perspective on who carries the responsibility for repairing parent–child relationships. Michael opens up about how codependency and avoidance have shaped his romantic life, especially in a long-distance relationship. He shares the painful reality of emotional whiplash — the push–pull, yo-yo effect — and how it impacts intimacy, trust, and connection. It’s a vulnerable and raw conversation about fathers, family dynamics, codependency, and the difficult process of learning to accept people as they are while still protecting your own emotional health. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Topics: therapy podcast, mental health podcast, radical acceptance, father wounds, fatherhood, absent father, family dynamics, repairing parent–child relationships, codependency recovery, long distance relationships, emotional whiplash, yo-yo relationships, self-growth, unlicensed therapy, breakups, heartbreak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Louie has a bone to pick with the audience over last week’s episode — and his therapist has thoughts. This week, Louie unpacks why being “hard to argue with” might be hurting his relationships, and what it really means to meet people where they are without losing yourself. Michael shares a fresh example of Louie’s dismissive side and opens up about the possibility of having Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Louie reflects on a recent conversation with his mom that stirred unexpected discomfort, while Michael shares lessons from his CODA (Codependents Anonymous) meetings about boundaries, connection, and self-awareness. It’s an honest, funny, and vulnerable conversation about communication, self-growth, family dynamics, and the messy process of trying to show up authentically in relationships. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Topics discussed: therapy podcast, mental health podcast, rejection sensitive dysphoria, RSD, codependency recovery, CODA meetings, family dynamics, emotional boundaries, self-awareness, meeting people where they are, communication in relationships, personal growth, unlicensed therapy podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Michael and Louie get real about boundaries, control, and what it takes to accept people — especially family — as they are. This week, Louie opens up about deciding to accept his mom for who she is, letting go of the hope for a deeper emotional connection, and navigating the grief that comes with a more shallow relationship. Michael shares how childhood neglect, acts of service, and the loss of key family support have shaped the way he gives and receives love. Together, they unpack emotional walls (“the bricks”), codependency, the need for validation, and how old wounds show up in adult relationships. And then we get into a fight over communication. Autism vs ADHD: the Showdown. It’s raw, unfiltered, and sometimes hilarious — a deep dive into family dynamics, attachment, emotional boundaries, and why some conversations feel like battles. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy.. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Topics discussed: therapy podcast, mental health podcast, family boundaries, mother-son relationship, emotional boundaries, letting go of control, accepting family, childhood neglect, acts of service love language, codependency recovery, inner critic, family dynamics, grief and loss, personal growth, unlicensed therapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Louie’s new therapist introduced him to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — and it’s already getting personal. In what early listeners have called our "most beautiful episode yet"... Louie brings EFT-style attachment questions to the pod, exploring what he and Michael learned from their families about vulnerability, emotional safety, and connection. They reflect on how their mothers shaped their ability (or inability) to express feelings, the emotional roles they were expected to play, and what it means to unlearn emotional avoidance as adults. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why is vulnerability so hard for me?” — this one’s for you. topics: emotionally focused therapy, EFT, therapy podcast, attachment styles, emotional vulnerability, childhood trauma, family dynamics, inner child healing, men’s mental health, emotional avoidance, healing relationships, therapy questions, how to be vulnerable, funny therapy podcast BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy.. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Michael has a new therapist — again — and session one gets heavy fast. In this episode, Michael opens up about his childhood introduction to pornography, the grief of losing his mom, and how he's been (literally) conjuring her in his mind. He shares his fears around trying new things, the weight of codependency, and the haunting voice of his inner critic… which sounds a lot like his mother. Louie joins in to reflect on shame, identity, and the early experiences that shaped them both. It’s an honest, funny, and deeply emotional conversation about therapy, loss, childhood trauma, and learning how to grow without the people who shaped us — for better or worse. Topics: mental health podcast, grief and loss, inner critic, codependency, childhood trauma, therapy session, pornography addiction, men’s mental health, self-discovery, healing journey, comedy and grief, emotional resilience, parent wound, unlicensed therapy podcast BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy.. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

In a candid exchange, Louie reveals his concerns about his therapist's politics while navigating the awkwardness of early therapy sessions. He embarks on a quest for hobbies that enrich his life and relationships, discussing the fine line between fun and obligation. Michael shares his identity struggles, prompting reflections on self-worth and the nature of good character. They confront the fears tied to creative pursuits and reassure each other that personal growth can mean letting go of toxic relationships.

Louie and Michael just had intake sessions with their new therapists—and the experiences couldn’t have been more different. Louie returns to working with a woman therapist and unpacks what it’s like doing virtual therapy from the intimacy of your own space. He opens up about childhood trauma, the emotional impact of therapy on Zoom, and why his new therapist has never used social media—and what that says about mental health today. Meanwhile, Michael is adjusting to a new relationship dynamic and facing fear in unexpected places—including a moment when his partner fell asleep and he felt too anxious to go for a walk. The two discuss how fear of abandonment, relational anxiety, and early trauma still show up—then dive into a classic role play that spirals in the most chaotic (and healing?) way. If you're into therapy, emotional processing, relationship dynamics, or navigating modern mental health—this episode is for you. Who doesn't love muffins, ya know. Topics: Virtual therapy vs in-person sessions Fear of abandonment & relationship anxiety Social media and mental health First therapy sessions and trauma discovery Role play therapy (with laughs and breakthroughs)   Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions involving sexual assault.   Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/ponybearstudios http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

This episode ends up going very deep... Michael’s patience hits a breaking point after being on hold for 4 hours—then his girlfriend tries to help, and it only makes things worse. Lou and Michael unpack why support can sometimes feel like control, and how some conversations trigger defensiveness or feel like interrogation. They dive into the tension between processing emotions vs. taking action, explore their very different approaches to therapy, and debate what real growth actually looks like. The episode takes a deeper turn as they confront generational trauma, emotional triggers, and what it takes to break toxic family cycles. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks