3 Viral Mental Health Myths Debunked | Joe Nucci
The Art of Charm
Responsible Trauma Conversations and Consequences
Joe and AJ discuss cultural incentives to label experiences as trauma and why that can impede growth and responsibility.
Are we drowning in psychobabble? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with psychotherapist and author Joe Nucci to debunk the viral mental health myths dominating social media. From the overuse of “trauma” and “gaslighting” to the idea that everyone needs therapy, Joe exposes how pop-psychology has blurred the lines between real treatment and trendy jargon.
They dig into why therapy has become a status symbol, how diagnoses are being misused as identity labels, and the dangers of weaponizing terms like narcissism in dating and relationships. Joe also explains what gaslighting actually is (and why it can’t happen in a single argument), and how social media is encouraging unhealthy identity-seeking through mental health labels.
Whether you’ve rolled your eyes at overused buzzwords online—or wondered if you’re guilty of using them yourself—this conversation will help you cut through the noise, spot real red flags, and separate genuine mental health wisdom from misleading myths.
What to Listen For
[00:00:22] Defining psychobabble—why using therapy language as weapons is so common
[00:03:23] Why we crave explanations—and how psychobabble gives false certainty
[00:04:52] Myth #1: “Everybody needs therapy”—why it’s not true
[00:07:36] How therapy turned into a status symbol and dating requirement
[00:12:59] Is more intimacy always better? Why therapy shouldn’t replace real connection
[00:17:18] Myth #2: “Everyone has trauma”—the real definition of trauma vs. pop culture
[00:25:39] Myth #3: “Your diagnosis is your identity”—why labels aren’t the end point
[00:32:30] How “awkward” became “neurodivergent”—the dangers of expanding definitions
[00:36:25] Why “everyone’s ex is a narcissist” has become toxic for relationships
[00:46:25] The real definition of gaslighting—and why it takes time, not one fight
[00:52:01] How true gaslighting destroys self-trust and why casual misuse is harmful
[00:53:36] Where to find Joe’s book Psychobabble: Viral Mental Health Myths and the Truths That Will Set You Free
A Word From Our Sponsors
Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com
The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back.
Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns.
Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm
Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Episode resources:
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
AJ on LinkedIn
Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
The Art of Charm on YouTube
The Art of Charm on TikTok
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The AI-powered Podcast Player
