Podcast
Secondhand Therapy
Hosted by PonyBear Studios · EN
Secondhand Therapy is a funny, honest mental health podcast where two unlicensed best friends unpack their weekly therapy sessions. Join Louie Paoletti and Michael Malone as they explore anxiety, ADHD, grief, masculinity, and emotional growth—with humor, heart, and total transparency. Each episode blends raw self-reflection with real time takes on therapy, trauma, relationships, and the messy process of healing. It’s real talk about mental health in the modern world, and why personal growth is so damn hard.
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Crisis We're All Facing (with Alexis Hill) | #132
2d ago00:56:43Summary readySupport the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____Why are so many young men turning to Donald Trump, the manosphere, and influencers like Andrew Tate? Is it politics, masculinity, economic anxiety, or something deeper?This week on Second Hand Therapy, we sit down with Nevada gubernatorial candidate Alexis Hill for a wide-ranging conversation about mental health, the loneliness epidemic, modern masculinity, the rise of the manosphere, Trump voters, working-class struggles, housing affordability, childcare costs, homelessness, foster care, and why so many Americans feel left behind.We explore what young men are actually searching for, why traditional political parties are losing trust, and whether the American Dream is becoming impossible for an entire generation. Alexis also shares her plans for expanding mental health services, addressing Nevada's youth suicide crisis, tackling corporate tax loopholes, regulating AI data centers, and creating economic opportunities for working families.If you've ever wondered why politics feels so broken, why young men are increasingly drawn to strongman personalities, or what mental health and economic insecurity have to do with each other, this conversation is for you.Topics include: • Young men and Trump • Andrew Tate and the manosphere • Mental health and loneliness • Masculinity in modern America • The American Dream • Housing affordability and rent prices • Childcare costs and foster care • Homelessness and poverty • Democratic Party strategy • Corporate taxes and billionaires • AI data centers and water usage • Nevada politics and the governor's raceBUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks
Summary
Stop Complaining, I'm Trying to Protect You | #131
1w ago01:03:00Summary readySupport the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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_____If you like funny but honest conversations about therapy, mental health, self improvement, relationships, attachment styles, trauma responses, emotional regulation, and modern adulthood — you'll like this one. Or hate it. Sometimes our convos can feel intense because you haven't worked on yourself yet. Who knows.Why do some people turn everything into a story? Why does complaining sometimes feel like connection? And what happens when conflict becomes part of your identity?This week on Secondhand Therapy, we unpack emotional chaos, overthinking relationships, loneliness, people pleasing, conflict addiction, and the fear of being misunderstood. One conversation about “it’s hot outside” spirals into a deeper discussion about negativity, emotional connection, vulnerability, and why some people create drama just to feel close to others.We also talk about:relationship anxietyemotional intelligencecommunication problemscouples therapy breakthroughsfear of abandonmentneeding constant stimulationintentional living vs chaosfeeling emotionally overwhelmedtoxic coping mechanismswhy being alone feels uncomfortablemisunderstanding in relationshipsvulnerability between friendsmental health and self awarenessPlus: one unexpectedly emotional moment about simply not wanting to be alone.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks
Summary
Vulnerability or Die... Easy Choice | #130
2w ago00:57:41Summary readySupport the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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 run from love even when we want it? In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, we unpack relationship anxiety, fear of vulnerability, emotional avoidance, and the ways childhood experiences shape how we show up in dating.After a surprising reading sparks a deep conversation, we dive into grief, attachment styles, self-sabotage, codependency, and why anxiety can become the perfect escape hatch from intimacy. We talk about long-distance relationships, fear of abandonment, feeling undeserving of love, and why receiving care can feel uncomfortable.This episode blends comedy with real conversations about mental health, relationships, trauma, and personal growth.Topics in this episode: • relationship anxiety • fear of intimacy • attachment styles and dating • grief and emotional avoidance • self-sabotage in relationships • codependency and vulnerability • learning how to receive loveIf you’ve ever wondered why relationships feel harder than they should, give us a listen. Or if you're into mental health with some humor. It's kinda our thing. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks
Summary
Logically Speaking, You're Being Very Emotional | #129
3w ago01:12:32Summary readySupport the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____This week on Secondhand Therapy, we unpack the battle between logic vs emotion, and how living in your “wise mind” could change your relationships forever.We talk about: • The therapy concept of logical mind, emotional mind, and wise mind • Why partners are often opposites in relationships • The hidden ways control, anxiety, and people-pleasing show up • The difference between situational shame vs character shame • How childhood roles shape adult relationships • Why saying “no” and being authentic feels terrifying • The moment you realize you might be getting in your own wayPlus: awkward book signings, therapy homework, identity shifts, and the small moment that felt huge—returning a wallet instead of pretending to want it.If you’ve ever struggled with boundaries, authenticity, fear of rejection, or being the version of yourself others need, this episode may ruin your day, Or help. Who knows.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks
Summary
Picky in Love. Avoidant in Reality. | #128
May 401:03:15Summary readySupport the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____Are you sabotaging your relationships without realizing it? In this hilarious and honest episode, we dive into avoidant attachment, fear of rejection, dating apps burnout, and the uncomfortable role ego plays in heartbreak.We talk about why the “spark” can be misleading, how perfectionism keeps you single, and the psychology behind ending relationships before you get hurt. Inspired by therapy conversations and the Matthew Perry memoir, we unpack attachment styles, vulnerability, emotional avoidance, and the fear of not being “enough.”If you’ve ever: • Deleted and re-downloaded dating apps • Compared new partners to your ex • Felt afraid of commitment or intimacy • Wondered if you self-sabotage relationships • Struggled with breakup anxiety or closureThis episode will hit hard — and make you laugh while it does.Expect comedy, brutal honesty, and relatable mental health conversations about dating, relationships, therapy, anxiety, and personal growth.Perfect for fans of therapy podcasts, self-improvement, and comedic mental health content.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact 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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I Accidentally Humanized my Mom | #127
Apr 2700:56:46Summary readySupport the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____What happens when you realize you don’t actually know your parents as people?In this episode, we talk about the moment adulthood hits and you suddenly see your mom as a human instead of just “Mom.” We get into parent–child relationships, emotional maturity, grief, family dynamics, divorce, childhood memories, and why so many adults feel regret about not asking their parents deeper questions sooner.We share the emotional experience of trying to intentionally connect with a parent, what changes as parents age, how becoming a grandparent can shift emotional openness, and the complicated feelings that come with realizing your parents had full lives before you.We also talk about:Losing a parent and the regret of never truly knowing themHow childhood shapes your adult relationshipsTherapy concepts like reframing, empathy, and emotional growthHow grief and healing change family relationshipsThe psychology of seeing your parents differently as an adultIf you’ve ever wondered: Why don’t we really know our parents? Why does time with family feel more meaningful as we get older? Why do adult children start asking deeper questions later in life?This episode is for you. Maybe. What do we know? We're not experts.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact 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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Life is Good, I Should Ruin It | #126
Apr 2000:58:52Summary readySupport the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____Why do we sabotage ourselves right when life is going well? In this deeply honest and funny episode, we talk about self-sabotage, burnout, body image, ADHD overwhelm, emotional contagion, perfectionism, and the fear of slowing down.One host opens up about gaining weight and the shame spiral that followed, while the other calls out the real culprit: feeling defeated before even trying. From driving to Costco and leaving with In-N-Out instead of groceries, to the exhausting pressure of productivity and the inability to truly rest, this episode dives into the psychology of why change feels impossible when you’re already overwhelmed.We also explore: • Why burnout kills motivation • The hidden link between shame and self-sabotage • The pressure to always be “productive” • Why we struggle to feel content or fulfilled • Emotional contagion and childhood emotional patterns • The fear of stopping, slowing down, or “not running” anymoreThis episode blends mental health, comedy, therapy insights, and real conversations about anxiety, depression, motivation, and personal growth.If you’ve ever felt stuck, exhausted, or like you’re getting in your own way — this one will hit hard (and make you laugh).BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact 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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Can Trauma Fuel Growth and Resilience? (with David Sussillo) | #125
Apr 1301:06:42Summary readySupport the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____What happens when childhood trauma meets therapy, neuroscience, and personal growth?In this episode, we sit down with David Sussillo, a tech leader and author who grew up in foster care, group homes, and institutional living to explore how early adversity shapes the brain, emotional regulation, confidence, and adult success. Together, we unpack the psychology of trauma, resilience, and the long-term impact of feeling unsafe as a child.We talk about: • Growing up in foster care and surviving a turbulent childhood • How trauma affects curiosity, intelligence, and risk-taking • Emotional regulation, anger, anxiety, and relationship patterns • Therapy, meditation, and learning to “observe” your thoughts • Addiction, family history, and breaking generational cycles • Religion, meaning, and the fear of nothing after death • Neuroscience, AI, and what makes humans consciousThis conversation blends mental health, psychology, neuroscience, and real lived experience to answer a big question: Can trauma hold you back—or help you grow?If you’re interested in therapy, healing, self-awareness, personal growth, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, resilience, and the science of the mind, this episode is for you.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact 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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I Don't Want to be Happy | #124
Apr 600:49:02Summary readySupport the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____Why are some people afraid to be happy? In this episode, we unpack the fear of happiness, losing your identity, and why suffering can feel tied to purpose. We talk about loneliness, the “sad identity,” and the belief that being happy makes you less relatable or useful to others.We dive into emotional immaturity, childhood conditioning, emotionally immature parents, gaslighting vs lying, codependency, people-pleasing, and the urge to help or control others. We explore how trauma, family dynamics, and early experiences shape your self-concept, relationships, and sense of worth.If you struggle with feeling undeserving of happiness, fear being seen as “better than others,” or feel stuck in a helper role, this conversation will feel deeply relatable.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact 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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I'm Afraid To Be Myself | #123
Mar 3001:02:02Summary readySupport the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic 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. #sponsoredIf 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. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____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 growthIf you’ve ever struggled to say no, feared disappointing others, or wondered who you really are — this episode is for you.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact 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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