Podcast
Therapy Is Life w/ Gerald Mcgee
Hosted by REVOLT · EN
In an ever evolving world faced with limitless traumas Counselor Gerald Mcgee (of Everyday People Individual and Family Counseling Center) presents "Therapy Is Life". A Podcast focused on dealing with issues we live with through the power of therapy. Hopefully shedding the stigma surrounding counseling and shedding light on why its a tool we all can use.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Thumb Ball Therapy
2w ago00:58:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Therapy is Life, Gerald and this guest, herapist Nysha Gilmore, reconnect and talk about the power of networking before playing a “thumb ball” game to spark deeper conversation. They explore what self-reflection looks like in daily life, how gratitude can reshape perspective and support resilience (including during illness), and what inspires themThey close with a conversation on patience, presence, and slowing down, plus how to contact Nysha on Instagram at @therapistnextdoor. 00:00 Welcome and Networking 01:36 Thumb Ball Setup 03:15 Self Reflection Talk 08:43 Practicing Gratitude 18:45 Inspiration in Everyday Life 23:18 Showing Compassion 31:33 Righteous Heart Actions 32:19 Too Focused on Past 34:04 Trauma Blind Spots 36:21 Living in the Present 39:14 Gratitude and Perspective 41:22 Patience and Process 45:16 Self Awareness and Burnout 48:10 Patience in Dating Choices 49:58 Esau Jacob Lesson 51:07 Wrap Up and Contact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Independence Day: Shaping New Perspective
2w ago01:09:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Therapy is Life, the hosts connect America’s Revolution to mental health, arguing that perspective shapes freedom, behavior, and wellbeing. They discuss how core beliefs are influenced by family, community, and nation, and highlight lesser-known historical influences on American democracy and rights, They reflect on fear, isolation, and lingering impacts of slavery, emphasizing self-reflection, reframing, and growth through change, then close with brief 4th of July plans and a reminder to vote. 00:00 Welcome and Revolution Hook 01:17 Kirk Franklin and Gospel Freedom 03:23 Growing Up Curious 03:59 ROTC to Boot Camp Stories 07:49 Cadence Songs and Dark Humor 10:20 Perspective Shapes Mental Health 11:32 Haudenosaunee and Democracy Roots 16:11 History Bias and Shifting Narratives 19:44 Thomas Paine and Reframing Beliefs 23:17 Patriots Rebels and Religious Tensions 27:54 Lemuel Haynes and Inclusion Healing 31:19 Family Systems Healing 32:47 The Danger of Isolation 33:48 Mercy Otis Warren Rights 35:12 Boundaries Create Freedom 39:08 Phyllis Wheatley Inner Freedom 42:27 Fear and Racial Bias 51:57 Mental Health Takeaways 53:04 Change Through Challenge 57:29 Defining Growth and Success 01:00:14 Fourth of July Traditions 01:01:33 Picnic History and Language 01:02:51 Closing and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Juneteenth Pt. 1 Reflections and History
2w ago00:50:12Tap to summarizeGerald McGee and guests discuss the origins of the name, how culture and views of time shape its meaning, and why naming the holiday helps create an annual moment of remembrance for ancestors. Each shares when they first learned about Juneteenth and how it impacts their identity, emotions, and how they view July 4th. The group reflects on pride and resilience alongside grief and anger, critiques the watering down and commercialization of the holiday.00:00 Show Intro and Guests01:36 Knicks Win and Spike Lee Props02:17 Spike Lee Hustle and Oscars Talk04:36 Meet Danya LaNoie06:10 Why It’s Called Juneteenth07:47 Time Culture and Colonial Clocks10:54 Reflections Actions Celebrations11:35 Naming Juneteenth and Ancestors14:03 How We Learned Juneteenth18:02 Identity Awareness and Education Gaps20:43 Gratitude Through Juneteenth22:46 Reframing Fourth of July24:45 Commercialization Concerns26:00 Why Truth Matters28:01 Hidden Roots of Holidays30:46 Juneteenth Emotional Mix34:29 Freedom and Global Humanity39:38 Systems and Moving Goalposts41:23 History Cycles and Community43:38 Controlled Chaos Explained45:06 To Be Continued Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Juneteenth Pt 2. Community and Action
2w ago01:15:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, the hosts reflect on Juneteenth as a call to remember erased history, rebuild community, and move from celebration to reflection and action. They discuss how Black history and family stories shape identity, why earlier community-building efforts centered collective wellbeing, and how modern individualism, loneliness, the pandemic, and technology have weakened natural connection. The group also highlights civic engagement and voting as an important tool, while urging people to focus on shared goals, resist division, and stay alert to the real issues shaping society. 00:00 Juneteenth and Erased History 01:23 Black Journals and Building Community 03:28 Loneliness Epidemic and Isolation 04:18 Family Reunions and Youth After COVID 06:51 Electronics Replacing Real Connection 08:58 Misinformation and AI Echo Chambers 13:20 What Reflection Really Means 20:54 Juneteenth Reflection Into Action 23:04 Purpose Driven Freedom and Gifts 29:58 Read Elders and Old Wisdom 31:36 Ancestors and Innovation 32:08 Juneteenth to Action 32:17 Voting Without Perfection 34:37 Turnout and Power 36:17 After the Cookout 38:58 Spiritual Community Gatherings 42:14 Unity Over Differences 48:08 History Shapes Psychology 52:31 Hope for the Next Generation 01:00:56 Read and Break Bias Cycles 01:06:32 Gorilla Study and Wrap-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Fighting For Focus
Jun 1301:09:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Therapy Is Life, Jared talks with Brian P., author of Notes to Self and a peer support specialist from Charlotte, about “fighting for focus” and the realities of ADD/ADHD, especially how it can be misunderstood and underdiagnosed among Black men. Brian shares being diagnosed in his 50s after years of distractibility, losing things, forgetfulness, mood swings, sadness, job hopping, impulsive decisions, and ultimately losing a job, which pushed him to seek help. They discuss how stigma, pride, and expectations of Black masculinity can delay treatment, how anxiety and depression can worsen ADHD symptoms, and how routines, structure, exercise, stillness, and lifestyle changes can help. They also explore ADHD strengths like creativity and hyperfocus and emphasize self-awareness, compassion, and not judging others with mental illness. 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 01:24 Meet Brian P 03:05 Breakfast Banter and Memories 06:34 Growing Up Outside 08:10 Water and Reset Rituals 10:51 Why ADHD Matters Here 12:04 Early Signs in School 17:31 Adult Life and Job Struggles 22:21 Masculinity Pride and Vulnerability 27:38 Termination and Seeking Help 29:12 ADHD Anxiety Depression Link 30:18 Overwhelm And Focus 30:45 Invisible Injury Analogy 31:47 Physical Health Links 32:47 No Discrimination Message 33:21 Dopamine And Lifestyle 34:26 ADHD As Strength 37:37 Routines And Nutrition 39:07 Stillness Turtle Lesson 41:57 Overload And Tabs 44:36 Evolutionary Perspective 47:14 Therapy Anxiety Depression 50:11 Men And Emotions 59:02 Turning Pain To Purpose 59:57 Library Wake Up Call 01:02:10 Closing And Call To Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Memorial Day Salute
May 2501:25:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Therapy Is Life, recorded at Studio 28 in Beachwood (Cleveland), the hosts sit down with CJ to discuss everyday routines, fatherhood, and his military journey. CJ shares what he does for fun, his approach to raising three sons with patience and emotional expression, and perspectives on supporting daughters’ emotions. He explains why he joined the Army as a 31B Military Police soldier, and describes being hit by an IED in Iraq on May 23, 2009, leading to severe injuries, a near-death experience, and nine months at Walter Reed relearning basic functions. 00:00 Welcome to Studio 28 02:21 CJ’s Fun and Fitness 02:57 Porch Mornings and Coffee 05:05 Fatherhood Advice for Boys 07:23 Raising Daughters and Emotions 10:59 CJ’s Book and Breakthrough 13:45 Why He Joined as an MP 14:37 Black Service and Military Pride 23:41 Ranks and the E-4 Mafia 25:02 Iraq Deployment and IED Blast 31:43 Rescue, Morphine Mishap 32:58 Near Death and Blood Donors 35:11 Waking Up In Germany 35:59 Cavs Call Home 36:39 Walter Reed Rehab 37:24 Hand Sewn Recovery 39:09 PTSD And Nightmares 42:12 Breaking Point And Help 44:23 Triggers And Confidence 49:21 Advice For Veterans 50:33 Gym As Therapy 51:59 Bodybuilding Pro Journey 56:08 Understanding Veterans Trauma 01:04:37 Book Count It Out 01:09:31 Warriors And War Movies 01:15:05 Unit Named After Him 01:17:12 Final Mental Health Message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →War, Politics and Wellness
May 1500:48:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Therapy is Life, the hosts unpack the emotions war brings up, drawing from family military history and a veteran’s perspective. They discuss how politics, media narratives, and historical context shape how people understand conflict and who they see as the “enemy,” while questioning the costs and interests behind war. The conversation closes with ways to stay grounded amid constant news and global crises, including limiting exposure to social media, getting outside, unplugging from electronics, building supportive routines, leaning on community or faith spaces, and seeking help when needed. 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 01:26 War Emotions and Family PTSD 03:07 Veteran Perspective and Fear 06:48 War as Metaphor and Costs 09:29 Politics Values and War Views 13:05 Aggression Survival and Meaning 14:16 Media Narratives and Research 16:23 History Oil and Power Games 20:25 Nuclear Escalation and Superpower Curse 24:01 Humanity Compassion in Power 25:50 Soft Power vs Force 27:52 Doomscrolling and Boundaries 29:39 Grounding Outside and Affirmations 30:39 Digital Detox and Meditation 32:32 Somatic Tools and Rituals 36:43 Curate Your Home Space 38:03 Asking for Help 39:13 Music Playlists and Joy 40:22 Faith Community and Hope 41:46 Art Inspires Movements 42:53 Wrap Up and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Normalizing War and Vicarious Trauma
Apr 2900:27:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Therapy Is Life, the crew discusses how the nervous system responds to violent war visuals in movies and media, questioning how we distinguish entertainment from reality. They explore desensitization from long-term exposure, the difference between fictional violence and real footage, and how war imagery can trigger flashbacks for people who grew up in war-torn environments. The conversation connects constant exposure to hypervigilance, stress responses, and emotional numbness, and highlights how media narratives can dehumanize victims and normalize violence. 00:00 War and Welcome 01:36 Violence on Screen 02:44 Desensitized vs Real 04:43 Trauma Triggers 06:19 Media Normalization 10:30 Exposure and Nervous System 11:53 Vicarious Trauma Explained 16:39 Numbness and Self Harm 19:09 Reality of War 23:24 War Footage Impact 23:53 Wrap Up and Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →War, Doomscrolling and Our Mental Health
Apr 1900:52:26Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Therapy is Life, host Gerald McGee opens with Kate Daniels’ “War Photography” from the Vietnam War to frame a discussion about being the first generation with instant, nonstop access to war images and news and how that impacts wellbeing. The panel talks about how social-media algorithms shape what we see, how platforms have become “interest media,” and how even attempts to stay informed can turn into doomscrolling that pulls people off task. They explore subtle psychological and physical effects like heightened stress and cortisol, shifts in mood, loss of safety, compassion fatigue, desensitization, and hypervigilance, connecting today’s real-time alerts to memories of 9/11 and later fears like anthrax. 00:00 Welcome And Poem 01:56 War Media Impact 02:57 Social Media Habits 05:00 Algorithms And Interests 07:45 Animal Feed Tangent 14:09 From Fun To War Alerts 16:23 Defining Doomscrolling 18:08 Balancing News Intake 22:43 Hidden Stress Effects 23:55 Compassion Fatigue Begins 24:08 Desensitized by the Feed 25:43 Spotting Emotional Triggers 27:19 War Anxiety and Safety 28:42 9/11 Memories in Real Time 32:41 Trauma Imprints and Compassion 35:14 Talking to Kids About Violence 36:54 Age Appropriate Parenting Talks 40:42 Cultural Talks for Black Families 42:56 Hope Spirituality and Resilience 44:06 Generational Discipline Shifts 46:20 Series Wrap and Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Stay Woke
Apr 701:15:32Tap to summarizeIn this Therapy’s Life episode, the hosts unpack “stay woke” as an age-old survival practice for Black people, using Lead Belly’s Scottsboro Boys song and the wrongful rape accusations, imprisonment, and posthumous pardons as a starting point. They connect Black wokeness to historical communication and resistance—from the Middle Passage, drums, Negro spirituals, and Harriet Tubman’s coded songs to writers and leaders like David Walker, Frederick Douglass, Carter G. Woodson, and Dr. Frances Cress Welsing—arguing that awareness is tied to freedom, education, and mental health. 00:00 Stay Woke Intro 02:53 Scottsboro Boys Story 05:12 Survival Through Song 10:36 Woke Music Lineage 11:21 Early Black Thinkers 14:47 Education And Awareness 16:35 Defining Racism 22:55 Power And Policy Examples 27:41 Stereotypes And Dehumanization 32:49 Civil Rights And The Church 36:40 Warrior Spirit Woke 37:43 Hidden Black Genius 40:24 Timbuktu NASA Credit 41:12 Slavery Sites Lessons 44:59 Woke Survival Skills 48:48 Self Love Origins 52:02 When Woke Hurts 59:25 Hip Hop Truth Seekers 01:02:36 Protect Black History 01:06:26 Social Media Algorithms 01:07:39 Read Stay Woke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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