Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Psychic Source:

Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

Southern New Hampshire University:

Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored

_____

Why do we people-please? Why is having opinions so scary? And why do old memories and regrets stay with us for life?

This episode dives deep into people pleasing, fear of abandonment, identity, childhood emotional development, and the pressure of expectations. We talk about why we struggle to disappoint others, why external validation feels safer than authenticity, and how regret and unresolved memories shape adulthood.

We also unpack a short story about childhood friendship, curiosity, sexuality, nostalgia, and the emotional weight we carry from growing up.

Topics include:
• people pleasing & fawning response
• fear of abandonment
• identity & self-worth
• regret & shame
• childhood emotional development
• nostalgia & memory
• masculinity & emotional expression
• therapy & personal growth

If you’ve ever struggled to say no, feared disappointing others, or wondered who you really are — this episode is for you.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Psychic Source:

Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

Southern New Hampshire University:

Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored

_____

In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, we dive into dopamine detox, phone addiction, and what happens when you remove distractions from your life. One host quits his smartphone, switches to a Light Phone, ditches Bluetooth, and starts living with extreme intention—only to realize it’s way harder (and more uncomfortable) than expected.

We talk about doomscrolling, online shopping addiction, constant comparison, and the feeling of always searching for something you can’t define. Is modern technology making us anxious, disconnected, and unhappy?

We also get into family dynamics, political tension, overthinking, and the struggle with self-worth—especially when you assume people are judging you. Why do we spiral about what others think? And how do you stop?

This episode is about slowing down, being present, and learning how to sit with discomfort instead of escaping it.

Topics include:

• Dopamine detox & digital minimalism
• Phone addiction & social media habits
• Intentional living & mindfulness
• Anxiety, overthinking, and shame
• Family conflict & emotional triggers
• Self-worth and comparison

If you’ve ever felt addicted to your phone, stuck in your thoughts, or unsure if you’re growing or just spiraling—this one’s for you.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

ADHD burnout, perfectionism, EMDR therapy, anxiety, and deciding when you're ready to share your story.

_____

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Psychic Source:

Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

Southern New Hampshire University:

Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored

_____

ADHD, executive dysfunction, EMDR therapy, anxiety, and healing after relationships — this episode dives deep into the messy reality of mental health recovery.

Michael opens up about living with ADHD, the pressure of rigid routines, executive dysfunction burnout, and the exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, and chasing the ideal self. He shares how ADHD impacts productivity, identity, motivation, and emotional regulation.

Lou reflects on recent EMDR therapy sessions while processing a past relationship and the emotional residue left behind. He discusses anxiety, avoidance, emotional numbness, and the fear that comes with telling deeply personal stories. The conversation explores vulnerability, trauma processing, therapy breakthroughs, and deciding when you're ready to share your truth.

This episode is for anyone navigating ADHD overwhelm, therapy healing, relationship grief, anxiety recovery, perfectionism, and personal growth.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

We called a psychic medium to talk to our dead loved ones… and it got real.

_____

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Psychic Source:

Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

Southern New Hampshire University:

Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored

____

In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, we share what happened when we called a psychic medium to see if we could speak to our deceased loved ones.

What started as skepticism turned into an emotional experience neither of us expected. One of us connected with his mother who passed away 10 years ago. The other spoke about a deceased ex-partner and unresolved guilt. We talk about grief, survivor’s guilt, regret, emotional numbness, and what it means to feel like nobody needs you.

Is talking to a psychic real? Are medium readings legit? Or is it just cold reading and coincidence? We break down what felt accurate, what didn’t, and how it stirred up deeper conversations about therapy, closure, depression, burnout, suicidal ideation, and self-abandonment.

We also explore:

• Guilt about your last conversation with a parent

• Feeling disconnected after loss

• Numbing with work or substances

• The pressure to be needed

• The realization that maybe the person who needs you most… is you

If you’ve ever lost a parent, struggled with grief, wondered about psychics or mediums, or felt like no one would notice if you disappeared, this episode is for you.

Disclaimer: We are not therapists. This is not professional advice.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Codependency, people-pleasing, and losing yourself in love — how to break the cycle and build real intimacy.

_____

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Psychic Source:

Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

Southern New Hampshire University:

Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored

______

Why do we lose ourselves in relationships, chase validation, and confuse caretaking with love?

This week we sit down with Ken to unpack the reality of codependency — from people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, and attachment anxiety to the addiction of needing validation from partners. We talk CoDA meetings, self-worth, intimacy avoidance, honesty in relationships, and the uncomfortable process of learning boundaries without losing compassion.

If you’ve ever felt responsible for fixing your partner, struggled to express needs, or stayed in unhealthy dynamics out of fear of abandonment, this episode will hit hard.

We also get into:
• why codependent people struggle with identity
• the difference between love and emotional dependency
• learning to stop controlling outcomes and tolerate discomfort
• how honesty builds real intimacy (even when it’s terrifying)
• breaking the cycle of choosing “projects” instead of partners

This is a vulnerable, funny, and deeply honest conversation about recovery, relationships, and learning to finally choose yourself.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Exploring dry drunk behavior, earned love, and why misery can feel safer than happiness.

_____

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Psychic Source:

Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

Southern New Hampshire University:

Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored

______

In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable idea of being a “dry drunk” — not addicted to substances, but addicted to behaviors, control, and emotional suffering.

What starts as a conversation about sobriety quickly turns into something deeper: the fear that happiness isn’t real, the belief that love must be earned, and the quiet ways self-worth gets shaped by childhood experiences.

We talk about feeling stuck in survival mode, struggling to accept love without performing for it, and why misery can feel safer than healing. From identity confusion to self-neglect, people-pleasing, and the anxiety of being perceived, this episode explores the internal battles that don’t always look dramatic from the outside — but feel overwhelming on the inside.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re self-aware but still trapped in the same patterns… this conversation will hit close to home.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

If the world ended in 14 days, who would you choose — and why are you scared to choose anyone?

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

BetterHelp:

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsored

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/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

What would you do if the world was ending in 14 days?

This week on Secondhand Therapy, we break down Seeking a Friend for the End of the World through a therapy lens — and it gets personal fast. We talk about attachment styles, fear of abandonment, self-sabotage, purpose, loneliness, and the urge to unblock your ex when mortality hits.

Would you numb out with chaos… or search for connection?
Would you end it with family, your partner, or alone?
And why does control feel safer than vulnerability?

This episode dives into:

• Anxious vs avoidant attachment

• Preemptive abandonment

• Fear of being “too much”

• Existential anxiety & meaning

• Why we sabotage love before it can hurt us

It’s funny. It’s uncomfortable. It’s deeply honest.

If the clock were ticking — who would you choose?

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Why happiness feels unsafe, how fear and guilt take over, and why letting your guard down feels dangerous.

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

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/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

Why does happiness feel dangerous? In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we break down fear, sadness, guilt, and the belief that joy invites punishment. Using the feelings wheel, therapy insights, and personal stories about grief, superstition, self-sabotage, and emotional isolation, we explore why letting your guard down can feel unsafe—and how protecting yourself might actually be keeping you stuck.

This episode covers emotional programming, fear of success, pride vs. gratitude, inherited coping mechanisms, and why some of us feel more comfortable in misery than peace. Dark humor, honesty, and introspection—this is not therapy, but it is real.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Why knowing the right choice doesn’t mean we’ll make it—self-sabotage, permission, and productivity guilt.

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

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/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

Why do we avoid the things we know are good for us?

In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we unpack the frustrating loop of knowing the right choice—and still doing the opposite. From routines, gym habits, food decisions, and productivity, to deeper conversations about permission, self-worth, and why “doing the task” isn’t the same as experiencing it.

We talk about:

• All-or-nothing thinking and overwhelm

• Why productivity becomes identity

• Permission, avoidance, and self-sabotage

• Therapy insights on routine, ADHD, and motivation

• The difference between function and joy

• Why caring for yourself feels harder than it should

This is a raw, funny, and uncomfortable conversation about self-discipline, self-compassion, and why taking care of yourself isn’t as simple as “just doing it.”

We’re not therapists. This is not professional advice.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Anxiety with no trigger, body image shame, food guilt, and the pressure of becoming your “higher self.”

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

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/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

What does it mean when anxiety shows up with no trigger? In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we talk about living with anxiety in the body, learning to stop fighting it, and the frustration of being told to “just calm down.”

We unpack vulnerability, validation, and why some people need their feelings acknowledged out loud—while others don’t. The conversation turns to body image, weight gain, food guilt, perfectionism, and why moderation feels impossible for some people.

We also explore parts work, routines vs survival mode, and the pressure of the “higher self” mindset—when motivation turns into self-shame.

This episode is an honest, funny, and uncomfortable look at anxiety, mental health, food, and learning how (and when) to show up for yourself.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

People-pleasing, fear of failure, and how your mom’s voice became your inner critic.

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

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/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

Why is it so hard to say “I don’t know”?
Why does being liked feel like survival?

In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we unpack people-pleasing, fear of failure, and the invisible ways our parents shape our inner critic. One host shares what therapy is revealing about his need to be “nice,” his terror of messing up, and how his relationship with his mother quietly programmed his fear of rejection.

We talk about:

• People-pleasing as a trauma response

• Fear of failure and perfectionism

• Why being “nice” blocks real connection

• Feelings vs facts (and the stories we tell ourselves)

• Productivity as a substitute for self-worth

• Learning to say no without guilt

• Wanting your parent to be more — and turning that disappointment inward

This episode explores how abandonment fear, emotional control, and self-worth get tangled together — and what it looks like to start unlearning those patterns in real time.

We’re not therapists. We’re just two people in therapy, talking honestly about what we’re learning.

If you struggle with people-pleasing, approval-seeking, fear of being disliked, or feeling like you’re never enough, this episode will hit close to home.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks