Secondhand Therapy

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Latest Episodes:

Inner Critic Sounds Like... Mom | #092 Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Support the boys:
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/

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

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

Hobby Hunting and Identity Crises | #091 Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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

Louie can’t stop wondering if his therapist is a Trump supporter. Louie talks about the early sessions of starting therapy, including opening up about his depression, anxiety, and trauma through intake surveys. He also shares why he’s on a mission to find a hobby — and how it could transform every relationship in his life. Michael has a theory about why Louie hates schedules, and opens up about his own identity struggles. Together, they ask a big, uncomfortable question: Who gets to decide what makes someone a good person?

It’s a vulnerable, funny, and deeply honest conversation about starting therapy, navigating mental health, identity, and the awkwardness that comes with trying to grow.

Topics: mental health podcast, starting therapy, depression and anxiety, trauma recovery, identity and self-worth, therapy for men, funny therapy podcast, personal growth, male friendship, comedy meets vulnerability.

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

New Therapists, Old Patterns | #090 Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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

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)

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

Replay - PTSD and Self-Love with Hanorah Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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

I Don’t Want Help! What Even is Growth? | #089 Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

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

Replay - Little Boy on the Beach Gave Me a Panic Attack Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

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

Michael unpacks a vivid dream that stirred up old wounds, leading to a raw conversation about how he’s really processed his grief. He and Louie dive into what “showing emotion” actually means—especially for men—and why crying in front of people feels impossible. Louie opens up about a therapy exercise that triggered a full-blown panic attack, and the episode takes a deeper turn as they both reflect on their childhoods and how it shaped them.

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

Read Receipts & The Panic Spiral of “I Miss You” | #088 Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

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

Louie’s off keto and melting down over Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but it quickly becomes clear this episode isn’t really about cereal. What starts as a goofy check-in turns into a full-blown emotional audit — from the weight of unsaid feelings to the desperate scramble to fix something you maybe just made worse. The guys unravel the difference between:

How can I talk to you better?" vs. "What can we do differently?"

Selfless care vs. reputation management

Guilt-driven repair vs. genuine accountability

They dissect what it means to feel dismissed, how panic can hijack your intention, and why changing how you speak to someone isn’t always love — sometimes it’s self-erasure. It’s funny, it’s chaotic, and Also featuring: – “You hit me with a baseball!” – Weaponized ‘I miss you’s – A fake breakup that feels a little too real – Love on the spectrum – And Michael finally realizing he’s never actually thought before speaking 🙃

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

Fake Growth. Real Talk. | #087 Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

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

This is probably our most uncomfortable conversation so far... This week, we dive into the messy beauty of personal growth, family trauma, and the illusion of progress. Michael spirals into thoughts about mortality and uncovers patterns passed down through his family—aka the “family curse.” He opens up about feeling stuck, avoiding discomfort, and calling it self-improvement. Louie isn’t having it. He calls out the loopholes, the fake growth, and the safety blanket of the comfort zone. There’s tension. There’s truth. There’s laughter in between the heavy stuff. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lied to yourself in the name of growth, or wondered if your trauma is inherited—this one’s for you. mental health, therapy, self-awareness, generational trauma, comfort zone, vulnerability, personal development, funny therapy podcast

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

I Don’t Feel Connected to my Mother | #086 Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Support the boys:
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

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

http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources

_____

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

Grief (Part II) / Music Triggers & Healing Over Time When the World Won’t Stop | #085 May 26, 2025

Show notes

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

Louie opens up about how music can unexpectedly trigger waves of grief — and reflects on the strangely beautiful reality that the world keeps moving after someone dies. Michael shares how his own experience of loss has shifted over time, revealing how grief evolves and reshapes our sense of self. Together, they explore the many forms grief can take — from deep sorrow to unexpected moments of connection and hope — and how it intersects with our mental health. Whether you're grieving a loved one, a relationship, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers comfort, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone.

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

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