Podcast Summary: Therapuss with Jake Shane – Session 101: Julia & Payton
Release Date: October 19, 2025
Host: Jake Shane
Guests: Julia & Peyton
Episode Overview
This surprise session of Therapuss reunites Jake Shane with friends Julia and Peyton in New York, bringing the signature blend of irreverent, tongue-in-cheek banter with candid, deeply introspective dives into feelings, friendship, pop culture, dating, and life transitions. Between riotous anecdotes and real talk, the trio explores everything from navigating singledom and New York living to the nuances of modern dating, therapy-adjacent advice, and the comfort of shared nostalgia.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening Energy, Inside Jokes & Shonda Rhimes Worship (02:19–03:45)
- The episode kicks off with playful confusion about where to look while recording, immediately setting a light, chaotic tone.
- A running bit involves a “prayer to Shonda Rhimes,” the revered creator behind Scandal:
“Thank you, Shonda, for everything you do for us. We'll never take for granted the constant entertainment and the joy your work brings us. Your art unites us all, and we are eternally grateful — in Scandal we pray it's handled. Amen.” (03:28 – Julia)
2. TV & Book Obsessions: “The Summer I Turned Pretty” & Pop-Culture Hot Takes (04:01–11:11)
- The trio analyzes The Summer I Turned Pretty — sharing unfiltered opinions, debating character arcs, and appreciating showrunner Jenny Han’s Swiftie Easter eggs:
“If Belly doesn’t end up with Conrad, like, it will be tears on sight.” (04:15 – Peyton)
“[Jenny Han] puts Easter eggs in the show. There are hydrangeas in the front yard...when she starts coming back for Conrad, there’s a red hydrangea.” (06:32 – Peyton) - Revelations about relationships, emotional unavailability, and how TV tropes echo real-life dating struggles:
“He gives his love and then he takes it away...world’s worst communicator.” (07:23 – Julie)
- Julia expresses her autumnal mood and birthday expectations, seeking nothing more than texts and “happy birthdays” (01:35–02:00).
3. Friendship Chemistry, NYC Life, & Roommate Realities (11:12–18:32)
- Catching up about Julia and Peyton’s big move to New York — loving the city, nightlife, and the (mis)adventures of decorating, organizing, staying out too late, and relentless socializing.
- The “coffee table made from magazines” DIY idea is met with Jake's skepticism:
“Are you gonna glue the magazines together? What if it falls?” (22:24 – Julia)
4. Vulnerability, Social FOMO, & Navigating Friendship Tensions (17:28–21:14)
- Open acknowledgment of exhaustion, pressure to do everything, and juggling plans.
- Honest moment on missing each other, fear of missing out, and the reality of post-college social life:
“It’s been so much fun. We literally have not had a singular moment without a plan… popping around.” (17:36 – Julie)
“I saw a meme the other day — ‘me and my besties friendship bracelets’ — and it was handcuffs. That is how I would describe our first three weeks in New York.” (17:43 – Peyton)
5. Game Segment: Mind Meld & Friendship Telepathy (13:22–16:23)
- The classic “say the same word at the same time” game showcases group chaos and the inside jokes that underpin their dynamic. Attempts to sync on words like “Conrad,” “Glam Bag,” “Stoney Clover,” and “Suitcase” are doomed — each round devolving into laughter and confusion:
“You guys already know what you’re gonna say next, yeah… oh, you’re gonna get it, huh?” (14:04 – Peyton)
6. Dating & Relationships: Honest Q&A from Listeners (47:48–53:59)
A. Navigating Post-Breakup Dating
- Julia shares her own breakup recovery and singles’ journey; she’s grateful for the variety of experience but realistic about moving on:
“Everyone that I've been dating since I broke up with my ex... I'm super grateful for these experiences because I wanted them. Of course. But I think it’s just gonna take a minute to, like, like someone again.” (37:58 – Julie)
- Emphasis on focusing on yourself post-breakup and not rushing into new relationships:
“After a breakup, you should really focus on yourself.” (39:01 – Julie)
B. First Date Advice, Confidence, & Modern Dating Safety
- The importance of perspective: “Going on a date... the outcome is like, one of a very few things: a funny story, a good experience, or you met someone for a relationship.” (39:31 – Julie)
- Always have a “scapegoat” to leave if needed; share your location or use safety features like Bumble’s “Share my Date.”
“On Bumble, you can use the share my date feature...send it to your friends/family.” (40:43 – Julia)
C. Friendship Comparisons & Insecurities Around Attention
- Deep dive into feeling unseen when a friend is the center of romantic attention:
“It should make you feel better that attention from romantic partners does not validate any type of insecurity you harbor inside.” (41:53 – Julia)
“You respectfully can’t project your insecurities onto her. I don’t think that’s fair.” (42:44 – Julia)
D. Situational Dating Dilemmas & Group Advice Calls
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Should you reach out to the guy who ghosted you and now he's back?
“It’s giving love bombing, bad vibes — you’re better off without.” (43:20 – Peyton)
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Dating someone who's about to move away?
“Life is too short to not do things because they scare you. Life is about experiences.” (44:50 – Julie)
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Phone-a-friend segment with Matt discussing the plight of being the only single pal:
“I would prescribe calling Matt because Matt would go to the bar.” (47:52 – Julia)
“If your friends aren't going to the bar with you, are they really your friends? (joking)” (48:31 – Peyton)
7. Nostalgia & College Memories (31:26–36:13)
- Reminiscing about their USC days, game-day craziness, bar lore (Bandidos), and living situations — from “Funfetti” bath mat carpets to roommate antics:
“We only had Bandidos. And respectfully, Bandidos was genuinely life changing. It was a playground.” (33:15 – Julia)
- Group longing for the excitement and messiness of college:
“Do you remember when Evan used to brush her teeth every night and she would gag on her toothbrush every night?” (34:12 – Julia) “You have the worst carpet of all time. That’s what I’m saying — Funfetti bath mat.” (35:19 – Julie)
8. Body Oddities, OCD, and Rituals (54:15–55:32)
- Julia and Julie commiserate about “bladder OCD” — the compulsion to pee multiple times before bed:
“I pee 17 times before I…I always have to pee.” (54:40–54:51 – Julia, Julie)
9. Concert Highs & The Power of Music (58:10–59:49)
- Rave review of the Tate McRae concert (Miss Possessive World Tour):
“She just levels up...I was in full body chills…she’s so humble about it.” (58:16–59:05 – Julia, Peyton)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On pop culture as comfort:
“Your art unites us all, and we are eternally grateful — in Scandal we pray it's handled. Amen.” (03:31 – Julia) - On emotional intimacy (or lack thereof):
“He gives his love and then he takes it away.” (07:23 – Julie) - On dating:
“Going on a date...the outcome is like, one of a very few things: a funny story, a good experience, or you met someone for a relationship.” (39:31 – Julie) “After a breakup, you should really focus on yourself.” (39:01 – Julie) - On modern friendship:
“I saw a meme the other day...me and my besties friendship bracelets — and it was handcuffs. That's how I would describe our first three weeks in New York.” (17:43 – Peyton) - On missing friends:
“The day you left.” (55:56 – Julia, on when she realized she missed her friends) - Concert fandom:
“If you have any time, go see Tate McRae’s Miss Possessive World Tour, it will rock your world.” (59:31 – Julia)
Important & Fun Segment Timestamps
- Shonda Rhimes Prayer: 02:44–03:45
- Summer I Turned Pretty Debate: 04:01–11:11
- NY Apartment Decorating Chat: 21:20–23:00
- Game Segment (Say the Same Word): 13:22–16:23
- Post-Breakup & Dating Q&A: 37:48–41:11
- Advice on Feeling Invisible Next to a “Pick Me” Friend: 41:51–42:49
- Phone-a-Friend — Matt for Single Friend Advice: 47:48–48:31
- College Nostalgia & Bandidos Bar: 31:26–36:13
- Peeing OCD & Rituals: 54:15–55:32
- Tate McRae Concert Recap: 58:10–59:49
Overall Vibe & Takeaways
The episode is a non-stop carousel of humor, insight, pop culture references, and real talk on navigating friendship, growing up, and figuring out WTF you're doing — all laced with Jake, Julia, and Peyton’s seamless back-and-forth. Listeners get a seat at the table for honest explorations of dating and confidence, friend group woes, the weirdness of post-college transitions, and the joys of a new chapter in a new city.