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 ...
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And We Know That with Louie Paoletti is a bi-weekly comedy podcast where Louie gives unqualified advice, unsolicited opinions, and unfiltered takes on literally everything. From listener-submitted questions and life advice emails to hot takes on current events, pop culture chaos, and viral internet drama — nothing is off-limits. Each episode mixes laugh-out-loud commentary with deeply unserious wisdom as Louie overanalyzes the world (and your bad decisions) in real time. Think: one part advi ...
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Welcome to this disaster. Contact us: [email protected] Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here: http://instagram.com/andweknowthat http://tiktok.com/@andweknowthat http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/ponybearstudios Contact us: [email protected] Support the pod: PATREON …
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If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy.. 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…
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If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy.. 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…
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Hobby Hunting and Identity Crises | #091
1:02:16
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1:02:16Louie can’t stop wondering if his therapist is a Trump supporter. Louie talks about the early sessions of starting therapy, including opening up about his depression, anxiety, and trauma through intake surveys. He also shares why he’s on a mission to find a hobby — and how it could transform every relationship in his life. Michael has a theory abou…
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Louie and Michael just had intake sessions with their new therapists—and the experiences couldn’t have been more different. Louie returns to working with a woman therapist and unpacks what it’s like doing virtual therapy from the intimacy of your own space. He opens up about childhood trauma, the emotional impact of therapy on Zoom, and why his new…
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Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions involving sexual assault. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/ponybearstudios http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.…
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I Don’t Want Help! What Even is Growth? | #089
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1:00:59This episode ends up going very deep... Michael’s patience hits a breaking point after being on hold for 4 hours—then his girlfriend tries to help, and it only makes things worse. Lou and Michael unpack why support can sometimes feel like control, and how some conversations trigger defensiveness or feel like interrogation. They dive into the tensio…
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Replay - Little Boy on the Beach Gave Me a Panic Attack
58:46
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58:46Michael unpacks a vivid dream that stirred up old wounds, leading to a raw conversation about how he’s really processed his grief. He and Louie dive into what “showing emotion” actually means—especially for men—and why crying in front of people feels impossible. Louie opens up about a therapy exercise that triggered a full-blown panic attack, and t…
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Read Receipts & The Panic Spiral of “I Miss You” | #088
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57:54Louie’s off keto and melting down over Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but it quickly becomes clear this episode isn’t really about cereal. What starts as a goofy check-in turns into a full-blown emotional audit — from the weight of unsaid feelings to the desperate scramble to fix something you maybe just made worse. The guys unravel the difference between:…
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This is probably our most uncomfortable conversation so far... This week, we dive into the messy beauty of personal growth, family trauma, and the illusion of progress. Michael spirals into thoughts about mortality and uncovers patterns passed down through his family—aka the “family curse.” He opens up about feeling stuck, avoiding discomfort, and …
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I Don’t Feel Connected to my Mother | #086
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45:57
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45:57Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: [email protected] 818-850-2448Support the pod: http://patreon.com/second…
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Grief (Part II) / Music Triggers & Healing Over Time When the World Won’t Stop | #085
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44:24Louie opens up about how music can unexpectedly trigger waves of grief — and reflects on the strangely beautiful reality that the world keeps moving after someone dies. Michael shares how his own experience of loss has shifted over time, revealing how grief evolves and reshapes our sense of self. Together, they explore the many forms grief can take…
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Therapy Intake Questions, ADHD Struggles, and Starting with a New Therapist | #084
57:30
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57:30Social media boundaries in therapy, ADHD shutdowns, and how productivity shame messes with your self-worth. Starting therapy with someone new can feel… awkward. Louie shares about his first session with a new therapist, and the surprising comment he received on Instagram that sparked a deeper conversation. Should therapists follow you on social med…
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Sitting in Discomfort: How Therapy Is Changing Our Relationships | #083
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50:38Louie opens up about a vulnerable conversation with his girlfriend that challenged their relationship — all through the lens of parts work therapy. He shares how sitting with discomfort, rather than avoiding it, is transforming the way he shows up in partnership. Michael reflects on his own experience with parts work, revealing emotional memories c…
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Louie has bronchitis and found his therapists Instagram — and why that might be a red flag. Michael dives deep into his fear of commitment, the emotional tension around flirting in monogamous relationships, and why he struggles with being perceived as “in trouble” for noticing other women. Together, they explore the blurry line between attraction a…
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Replay - Family Dysfunction and EMDR with Lara Beitz
59:38
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59:38Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: [email protected] 818-850-2448Support the pod: http://patreon.com/second…
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This is the recording of our first live show. It was recorded December 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, Ca. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecome…
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You Probably Think This Story’s About You: It Started as a Love Story
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35:18*Some names and details have been changed to conceal the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous. When Brittani Ard matches with Kanon on Hingesparks fly. Their first date revealed an instantconnection and chemistry.Kanon is devastatingly handsome with a charm that disarmed even the mostguarded heart—plus he is surprisingly emotionally ava…
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Louie grapples with the question: When is the right time to return to therapy? After making progress, Louie wonders whether he should open up about his podcast with his new therapist. Alongside Michael, they explore the balance between what to share and what to keep private in therapy. When does context matter in conversations about mental health? …
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Louie and Michael unpack a shocking voice note from a listener who discovered her husband's infidelity while she was 9 months pregnant. The guys dive into the complexities of relationship trust, cheating, and how they might handle betrayal in their own lives. Tune in for a candid conversation on how to cope with infidelity, rebuild trust, and navig…
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Overcoming Anxiety and Understanding Triggers | #079
47:05
47:05
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47:05Michael returns from his tour and opens up about his struggles with staying grounded in one place. Together with Louie, they unpack the complexities of anxiety, how to recognize it in the moment, and share personal experiences of navigating anxiety triggers. Michael’s hilarious moment of contemplating asking a bus driver for help (LOL) leads to an …
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Which Dating App is Best for Relationships? Attachment Styles & Political Climate with Jenny Zigrino | #078
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58:16
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58:16Jenny explores the best dating apps for relationships, including Hinge, Bumble, and Feeld, and gives advice on which platform may be most effective for finding a serious connection. We dive into the psychology of attachment styles as Jenny opens up about her own disorganized attachment style and how it leads to anxious-avoidant behavior in relation…
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Emotional Responsibility, Codependency & Communication Breakdowns | #077
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50:51Louie opens up about a recent fight he had with his girlfriend – no therapy, just real talk. It's a classic relationship argument, and we're diving deep into it. We discuss emotional responsibility, codependency, communication breakdowns, and much more that came up during the fight. Michael pushes Louie to reflect on his actions and how he approach…
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Trauma, Personal Growth & Normalizing Pain | #076
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54:27
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54:27Michael shares his personal experience with starting Adderall for ADHD, offering a deep dive into how medication has shaped his mental health journey. He reflects on his hometown and the complexities of reconnecting with old memories, before diving into an uncomfortable conversation he recently had with an old friend. Lou offers a fresh perspective…
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Lou and Michael reflect on a powerful voicemail they received about the aftermath of breakups and the grief that follows. Lou opens up about a past relationship where an ultimatum changed everything for him. The conversation shifts to a meaningful DM asking how women can better support the men in their lives—something Lou and Michael feel strongly …
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There’s a 12-Step Program for That | #074
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1:07:33
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1:07:33Comedian and all-around good human, Ken Garr, joins the pod today. Ken discusses his history of being a black-out drunk alcoholic, with some stories that will make you think; before sharing his journey to being 8 years sober. He reflects on his addiction to toxic relationships and what he's learned through his 12-step program dealing with codepende…
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I Don’t Trust Myself and I Have Anxiety (No I Don’t) | #073
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49:30Michael dives deep into his denial about anxiety and the fear of missing something, only to realize he’s been missing more than he thought. He opens up about the emotional impact of losing his mother and how it’s left him without a safety net. Michael also reflects on his tendency to quit things out of frustration and his hesitation to ask for help…
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Asking Permission to go to a Strip Club and Cheating on Vacation | #072
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44:50
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44:50In an impromptu recording and conversation, Lou and Michael get into relationships. Asking for permission or checking in? Is cheating forgivable? What is cheating? Let's talk hypotheticals. Anxious attachments and building trust... or re-building trust? Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow …
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I’m Being Honest With Myself and Honestly I’m NOT Selfish | #071
1:00:22
1:00:22
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1:00:22Lou walked out of therapy because he just wasn't feeling it; Michael did EMDR. Lou and Michael recount an uncomfortable conversation they had off-air. Michael has been challenged to take a serious look at himself and his patterns and be honest with himself. Michael reflects on his need to explain his behaviors before getting into shame. Lou and Mic…
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I Had an Emotionally Immature Parent and Now I Can’t Be Vulnerable | #070
51:12
51:12
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51:12Lou still hates a mismatch as he struggles with his desire to be more vulnerable. Lou and Michael discuss what it means to ask for emotional support. Lou's therapist dropped a bombshell on where shame comes from, especially if you had emotionally immature parents or if your parents always fixed your mistakes for you. Lou takes care of everything an…
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One Of Those Long, Intimate Kitchen Conversations | #069
44:59
44:59
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44:59In a different type of episode, Lou and Michael break down an emotional conversation they had just before sitting down to record the podcast. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/…
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It’s a New Year (Again) and We’ve All Missed the Point (Still) | #068
47:58
47:58
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47:58It's a new year, and Lou made a shirt. Lou had some difficulty reflecting on 2024, and connects it to his big-picture thinking. Lou had a bit of an existential therapy session and got into how the luxuries of today's society have dulled existence. Lou and Michael discuss what life is supposed to be. Lou is trying to get connected with his body more…
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Let’s Talk About Our Dynamic and You Don’t Know Us Like That | #067
51:26
51:26
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51:26Lou and Michael discuss their dynamic, relationship, communication style and everything else. They discuss comments, engagement, and the idea that listeners know them intrinsically. All of this is sparked by a message received on Patreon... Shoutout to Nikki. We love you. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandthe…
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Lonely Fat Kid With a Neck Tattoo | #066
1:06:16
1:06:16
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1:06:16Lou and Michael hammer out a little misunderstanding. Lou is checking in with his parts in a new way with new intention. Michael is still addicted to validation. Lou is struggling to come to terms with the parts of his father that live within him. Michael opens up about his childhood and his disbelief that he deserves love. Michael looks back on hi…
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A Floating Task List and Struggling To Be | #065
1:03:38
1:03:38
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1:03:38Lou doesn't hate to be needed after all which ties into his main focus of being. Lou feels like he has to catch everything before it happens. Michael's ADHD has his to-do list floating around in the ether. Michael still prioritizes his external appearance over his internal growth. Lou and Michael compare their views on their phones affecting their …
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My Absent Father and Closing the Door (Or Not) | #064
53:56
53:56
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53:56Lou can't believe what Michael is doing in therapy. Lou saw his dad for the first time in four years... unplanned. Lou recaps his relationship with his father. Michael is coming to terms with loving his family but not necessarily liking them. Lou and Michael debate grief before discussing cutting people out of your life and closing the door on rela…
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Grandiosity and The Inability to Cry | #063
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53:38
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53:38Lou had a very existential therapy session this week. Why are humans the ones, ya know? Lou reflects on his phone and online shopping and the dopamine hit of a new match before getting into his swan song in therapy. Michael is starting a new exercise tracking points and he is already up ten thousand. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandth…
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The Election and Logging Your Feelings to Find Your Needs | #062
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46:48
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46:48We’re talking about the emotional side of the election and Donald Trump’s victory before we get into understanding your needs as a human. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsl…
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Lou and Michael pull cards from the game “We’re Not Really Strangers” which lead to conversations about when they’ve surprised themselves, curiosity vs judgement, cause and effect, what parts of themselves they see in each other and much much more. And then Lou shares something that rocks Michael’s world. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondh…
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Love, Vulnerability and Boundaries | #060
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49:16It's a deep dive into the complexities of modern relationships. Louie opens up about his struggles with balancing healthy boundaries and offering genuine love, while reflecting on his partner's perceived lack of effort in their shared home life. He explores the challenges of conflict resolution, emotional growth, and the fear of embracing vulnerabl…
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We couldn’t avoid it any longer. We’re talking about grief this week. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandthera…
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This is a deeper, heavier episode. Lou opens with a quick pickleball story. Feeling a bit down lately, Michael explores the reasons behind his funk, with Lou suggesting it might be for obvious reasons. The conversation delves into Michael's childhood experiences and his relationship with his parents, offering insights into how our past shapes our p…
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Cussing Out Grandma and a Bi-Weekly Shower | #058
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48:50Lou shares his dream with a surprising message for Michael, sparking a discussion about self-reflection and personal growth before cussing out his Grandma. Lou reveals his new habit of mouth-taping during sleep. Lou may have a hygiene problem. Meanwhile, Michael candidly reflects on his professional journey, expressing feelings of backstepping and …
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Neurodivergent Life and Daytime Therapy | #057
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49:00
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49:00Stay tuned after the episode for a little surprise! A sample of our weekly "After the Pod" only on Patreon! Lou shares his candid thoughts on why he struggles with therapy, particularly due to the scheduling during the day (not really). He reveals exciting news about finally getting scheduled for his autism and ADHD testing, highlighting the import…
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Getting Rejected by a Celebrity and Dissociating During Therapy | #056
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44:04In this insightful episode, Michael opens up about the side effects he's experienced from his ADHD medication. Join him and Lou as they explore their differing views on strangers discussing medication and the impact of mental health on daily life. Lou shares a humorous story about sliding into a celebrity's DMs—only to face rejection. The conversat…
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Michael has noticed that he used to be hot but now he's just cute. Lou doesnt care. Michael talks about the Ask Matrix and how his time with his new therapist is starting out. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondha…
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Missing My Girlfriend and Painting My Toenails | #054
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51:24
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51:24Michael clears up a few things (a lot of things) from Episode 051 with regards to public perception, Snapchat and other things. Lou made a joke in therapy that didn’t land. Lou painted his toenails. Lou feels weak and embarrassed for missing his partner and had an uncomfortable conversation with her about it. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/sec…
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The Break Up... She Left Out of Nowhere | #053
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43:29We talk about a break-up… Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: [email protected] 818-850-2448 Support the pod…
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Executive Dysfunction and Anxiety About My Ex | #052
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41:30Michael explores the impact of ADHD on his life, highlighting how it enforces a strict schedule due to executive dysfunction. He shares his struggles with all-or-nothing thinking and his pursuit of the ideal. Meanwhile, Lou, who is not usually fond of activities, reflects on his recent EMDR therapy sessions related to his past relationship and form…
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Lou got a vasectomy and afterward played a joke on his girlfriend. Michael’s words are not matching his actions in areas of his life… specifically with women. Michael’s continued struggle with boundaries might have made him a f*ck boy. How old is too old to have Snapchat? Okay but is Michael a f*ck boy or no? Michael is still addicted to validation…
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