Secondhand Therapy
Secondhand Therapy

Secondhand Therapy

PonyBear Studios

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

I'm Afraid To Be Myself | #123
MAR 30, 2026
I'm Afraid To Be Myself | #123
Support the pod:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - 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 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/ 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 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 growth If you’ve ever struggled to say no, feared disappointing others, or wondered who you really are — this episode is for you. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected] us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:[email protected] BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks
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62 MIN
Unplugged and Hating It | #122
MAR 23, 2026
Unplugged and Hating It | #122
Support the pod:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - 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 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/ Southern New Hampshire University: Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored _____ In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, we dive into dopamine detox, phone addiction, and what happens when you remove distractions from your life. One host quits his smartphone, switches to a Light Phone, ditches Bluetooth, and starts living with extreme intention—only to realize it’s way harder (and more uncomfortable) than expected. We talk about doomscrolling, online shopping addiction, constant comparison, and the feeling of always searching for something you can’t define. Is modern technology making us anxious, disconnected, and unhappy? We also get into family dynamics, political tension, overthinking, and the struggle with self-worth—especially when you assume people are judging you. Why do we spiral about what others think? And how do you stop? This episode is about slowing down, being present, and learning how to sit with discomfort instead of escaping it. Topics include: Dopamine detox & digital minimalism Phone addiction & social media habits Intentional living & mindfulness Anxiety, overthinking, and shame Family conflict & emotional triggers Self-worth and comparison If you’ve ever felt addicted to your phone, stuck in your thoughts, or unsure if you’re growing or just spiraling—this one’s for you. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected] us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:[email protected] BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks
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54 MIN
ADHD Burnout, Executive Dysfunction & EMDR Therapy Breakthroughs | Replay
MAR 16, 2026
ADHD Burnout, Executive Dysfunction & EMDR Therapy Breakthroughs | Replay
ADHD burnout, perfectionism, EMDR therapy, anxiety, and deciding when you're ready to share your story. _____ Support the pod:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - 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 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/ Southern New Hampshire University: Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored _____ ADHD, executive dysfunction, EMDR therapy, anxiety, and healing after relationships — this episode dives deep into the messy reality of mental health recovery. Michael opens up about living with ADHD, the pressure of rigid routines, executive dysfunction burnout, and the exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, and chasing the ideal self. He shares how ADHD impacts productivity, identity, motivation, and emotional regulation. Lou reflects on recent EMDR therapy sessions while processing a past relationship and the emotional residue left behind. He discusses anxiety, avoidance, emotional numbness, and the fear that comes with telling deeply personal stories. The conversation explores vulnerability, trauma processing, therapy breakthroughs, and deciding when you're ready to share your truth. This episode is for anyone navigating ADHD overwhelm, therapy healing, relationship grief, anxiety recovery, perfectionism, and personal growth. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected] us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:[email protected] BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks
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45 MIN
I Spoke to My Dead Mom Through a Psychic | #121
MAR 9, 2026
I Spoke to My Dead Mom Through a Psychic | #121
We called a psychic medium to talk to our dead loved ones… and it got real. _____ Support the pod:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - 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 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/ Southern New Hampshire University: Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsored ____ In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, we share what happened when we called a psychic medium to see if we could speak to our deceased loved ones. What started as skepticism turned into an emotional experience neither of us expected. One of us connected with his mother who passed away 10 years ago. The other spoke about a deceased ex-partner and unresolved guilt. We talk about grief, survivor’s guilt, regret, emotional numbness, and what it means to feel like nobody needs you. Is talking to a psychic real? Are medium readings legit? Or is it just cold reading and coincidence? We break down what felt accurate, what didn’t, and how it stirred up deeper conversations about therapy, closure, depression, burnout, suicidal ideation, and self-abandonment. We also explore: Guilt about your last conversation with a parent Feeling disconnected after loss Numbing with work or substances The pressure to be needed The realization that maybe the person who needs you most… is you If you’ve ever lost a parent, struggled with grief, wondered about psychics or mediums, or felt like no one would notice if you disappeared, this episode is for you. Disclaimer: We are not therapists. This is not professional advice. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected] us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:[email protected] BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks
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47 MIN
Codependency Is Controlling Your Relationships (And You Don’t See It) | #120
MAR 2, 2026
Codependency Is Controlling Your Relationships (And You Don’t See It) | #120
Codependency, people-pleasing, and losing yourself in love — how to break the cycle and build real intimacy. _____ Support the pod:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - 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 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/ 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 lose ourselves in relationships, chase validation, and confuse caretaking with love? This week we sit down with Ken to unpack the reality of codependency — from people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, and attachment anxiety to the addiction of needing validation from partners. We talk CoDA meetings, self-worth, intimacy avoidance, honesty in relationships, and the uncomfortable process of learning boundaries without losing compassion. If you’ve ever felt responsible for fixing your partner, struggled to express needs, or stayed in unhealthy dynamics out of fear of abandonment, this episode will hit hard. We also get into:• why codependent people struggle with identity• the difference between love and emotional dependency• learning to stop controlling outcomes and tolerate discomfort• how honesty builds real intimacy (even when it’s terrifying)• breaking the cycle of choosing “projects” instead of partners This is a vulnerable, funny, and deeply honest conversation about recovery, relationships, and learning to finally choose yourself. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected] us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:[email protected] BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks
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58 MIN