Therapy Gecko - Episode: "I CAN DO MORE PUSH UPS THAN YOU"

Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Lyle (The Gecko)
Location: Washington Square Park, Manhattan, New York

Introduction

In this episode of Therapy Gecko, hosted by Lyle, an unlicensed lizard psychologist, listeners are taken on an insightful journey through conversations with strangers in Washington Square Park, Manhattan. Lyle adopts the persona of a gecko to engage with individuals about their personal struggles, aspirations, and daily lives, especially focusing on moments of vulnerability and self-discovery.

Conversation with Paulina ("Moolah") [02:04 - 13:49]

Overview:
Paulina shares her transition from a hectic, single life to a more stable married life. She discusses the challenges of balancing work, personal growth, and adapting to married life, highlighting the impact of stress and cultural expectations on her mental health.

Key Points:

• Marriage and Stability:
  Paulina explains how marriage has brought stability but also a different outlook on life. She contrasts her previous single, high-stress lifestyle with her current more relaxed state.
  “I have an entirely different, like, kind of outlook on life... I have a husband now.” [05:28]

• Work and Stress:
  Reflecting on her past, Paulina describes working seven days a week, leading to significant stress and physical symptoms like hair loss.
  “I was working so much that I started losing the hair out of my Holy.” [04:24]

• Cultural Background:
  Originally from Russia, Paulina discusses the cultural shock of moving to the U.S. at age ten and the challenges of adapting to a new environment while dealing with language barriers and discrimination.
  “I'm from Russia, but I'm mixed. My grandma's Ukrainian.” [05:22]

• Marriage Story:
  Paulina recounts meeting her husband under unconventional circumstances at Washington Square Park and how their relationship evolved quickly, leading to marriage within a short period.
  “We moved really quick. We’ve been together for 10 months now.” [08:07]

• Future Aspirations:
  She expresses her desire to start a family despite economic uncertainties, believing she can provide a better life for her future child.
  “I want to start a family... I feel like I’d be able to make a life for that child that nobody else would.” [13:22]

Notable Quote:
"It isn't easy putting a kid into that, but I feel like I’d be able to make a life for that child that nobody else would." – Paulina [13:22]

Conversation with Cameron [18:14 - 27:02]

Overview:
Cameron delves into her aspirations to pursue a career in criminal justice, the obstacles she faces due to societal prejudices, and her experiences with substance use as a coping mechanism.

Key Points:

• Career Aspirations:
  Cameron aspires to enter criminal justice to address flaws in the policing system and immigration issues. She discusses the motivation behind her choice and the impact of political climates on her goals.
  “I have a lot of disdain towards how the police system is going right now.” [21:03]

• Challenges and Discrimination:
  She highlights the discrimination she faces based on her appearance, background, and ethnicity, which hampers her job search and academic pursuits.
  “Based on how I look and where I'm from... it's harder.” [19:44]

• Educational Journey:
  Cameron shares her experiences in law classes and her frustration with the limited applicability of her degree in the current job market, emphasizing the stress of balancing work and education.
  “I worked at Chipotle before and I had people that had master's degrees... serving food.” [15:18]

• Substance Use and Coping:
  Discussing her use of marijuana, Cameron explains how it helps her manage stress and maintain calmness, despite the physical repercussions of her allergies.
  “It brings peace to my life... helps me really see things for how they are calmly.” [27:25]

• Philosophical Insights:
  The conversation touches on the concept of dopamine loops and the impact of technology and substance use on mental health, with Cameron providing a nuanced perspective on balancing happiness and longevity.
  “It's all about the joys of life, not the pain. Pain is beauty." [26:15]

Notable Quote:
"I want to make a difference... I have family who have friends and girlfriends who are actively getting issues with immigration." – Cameron [22:15]

Conversation with Veda [30:07 - 63:22]

Overview:
Veda discusses her deep interest in psychology, her experiences with ego death, and her aspirations to innovate within the field to better address pervasive issues like depression and societal pressures.

Key Points:

• Ego Death Experience:
  Veda describes a profound ego death experience that reshaped her understanding of self and spirituality, leading her to embrace a more positive outlook on life and belief in a personal connection with God.
  “I lost all concept of self and separation... It was the most insane experience of my life.” [48:03]

• Psychological Aspirations:
  She aims to be a researcher and public speaker who uncovers new psychological insights to help others heal, frustrated by repetitive advice that fails to address deeper issues.
  “I want to discover some really crazy shit we haven't discovered in psychology.” [53:00]

• Dopamine Loops and Mental Health:
  Veda shares her understanding of dopamine loops and the challenges of overcoming addiction, emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on high-reward, low-effort activities to restore receptor sensitivity.
  “Everyone's receptors are getting shot... your receptors are picking up on that dopamine.” [44:26]

• Academic and Personal Challenges:
  Balancing her academic pursuits in social work with personal mental health struggles, Veda emphasizes the necessity of self-care to effectively support her future clients.
  “My mental health is a wreck. How can I help them if I can't help myself?” [85:50]

• Representation in Therapy:
  Veda highlights the lack of representation in the therapy field, advocating for more culturally competent therapists who understand the unique experiences of marginalized communities.
  “Less than 15% of therapists are black and less than 4% are queer.” [83:33]

Notable Quote:
"It's just really hard putting a kid into that. But I feel like I’d be able to make a life for that child that nobody else would." – Veda [62:11]

Conversation with Saren [66:03 - 88:37]

Overview:
Saren, a paralegal student aspiring to join the fire department, discusses her familial relationships, academic challenges, and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining mental health while pursuing her goals.

Key Points:

• Family Dynamics:
  Saren describes a strained relationship with her father while maintaining a positive bond with her mother and younger sister. She navigates the complexities of living with an inconsistent parent.
  “He’s really inconsistent. Very strange.” [67:50]

• Educational Path:
  Currently enrolled in paralegal studies, Saren shares her ambition to join the fire department, detailing the rigorous selection process and her commitment to achieving her goals despite setbacks.
  “I want to join the fire department. That’s something I really care about.” [70:07]

• Mental Health and Boundaries:
  Reflecting on her internship experience, Saren emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with those who may exploit her efforts, highlighting the toll it takes on her mental health.
  “How can I help my students if I can’t help myself?” [85:50]

• Social Support and Relationships:
  She discusses the significance of friendships and support systems in overcoming personal challenges, advocating for open communication and mutual respect.
  “Don’t shut yourself off. Always talk to your friends when you get the chance.” [77:46]

• Advocacy for Representation:
  Saren echoes Veda’s concerns about representation in therapeutic professions, stressing the need for therapists who share similar cultural and social backgrounds to better understand and support clients.
  “I’d rather have somebody black and queer.” [83:54]

Notable Quote:
"Choose love over fear." – Veda [63:17]

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Therapy Gecko offers a platform for candid and meaningful conversations about personal struggles, societal pressures, and the pursuit of self-improvement. Lyle's unique approach as a gecko psychologist fosters an environment where guests feel comfortable sharing their deepest fears and aspirations. The episode underscores the importance of self-awareness, cultural competency, and mental health care in navigating the complexities of modern life.

Final Thoughts:
"It's perfectly okay to start over whenever you need to." – Paulina [89:39]

End of Summary