Secondhand Therapy

In a candid exchange, Louie reveals his concerns about his therapist's politics while navigating the awkwardness of early therapy sessions. He embarks on a quest for hobbies that enrich his life and relationships, discussing the fine line between fun and obligation. Michael shares his identity struggles, prompting reflections on self-worth and the nature of good character. They confront the fears tied to creative pursuits and reassure each other that personal growth can mean letting go of toxic relationships.

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 therapist has never used social media—and what that says about mental health today. Meanwhile, Michael is adjusting to a new relationship dynamic and facing fear in unexpected places—including a moment when his partner fell asleep and he felt too anxious to go for a walk. The two discuss how fear of abandonment, relational anxiety, and early trauma still show up—then dive into a classic role play that spirals in the most chaotic (and healing?) way. If you're into therapy, emotional processing, relationship dynamics, or navigating modern mental health—this episode is for you. Who doesn't love muffins, ya know. Topics: Virtual therapy vs in-person sessions Fear of abandonment & relationship anxiety Social media and mental health First therapy sessions and trauma discovery Role play therapy (with laughs and breakthroughs)   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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

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.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

This 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 tension between processing emotions vs. taking action, explore their very different approaches to therapy, and debate what real growth actually looks like. The episode takes a deeper turn as they confront generational trauma, emotional triggers, and what it takes to break toxic family cycles. 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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Michael 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 the episode takes a deeper turn as they both reflect on their childhoods and how it shaped them. 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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Louie’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:"How can I talk to you better?" vs. "What can we do differently?" Selfless care vs. reputation management Guilt-driven repair vs. genuine accountability They dissect what it means to feel dismissed, how panic can hijack your intention, and why changing how you speak to someone isn’t always love — sometimes it’s self-erasure. It’s funny, it’s chaotic, and Also featuring: – “You hit me with a baseball!” – Weaponized ‘I miss you’s – A fake breakup that feels a little too real – Love on the spectrum – And Michael finally realizing he’s never actually thought before speaking 🙃 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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

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 calling it self-improvement. Louie isn’t having it. He calls out the loopholes, the fake growth, and the safety blanket of the comfort zone. There’s tension. There’s truth. There’s laughter in between the heavy stuff. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lied to yourself in the name of growth, or wondered if your trauma is inherited—this one’s for you. mental health, therapy, self-awareness, generational trauma, comfort zone, vulnerability, personal development, funny therapy 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/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 mental health, therapy, self-awareness, generational trauma, comfort zone, vulnerability, personal development, funny therapy podcastSupport the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Louie 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 — from deep sorrow to unexpected moments of connection and hope — and how it intersects with our mental health. Whether you're grieving a loved one, a relationship, or a version of yourself, this conversation offers comfort, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone. 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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Social 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 media? Meanwhile, Michael opens up about his ongoing struggles with ADHD, productivity shame, and what it’s like to emotionally shut down when tasks pile up. In this episode, we unpack: Awkward first sessions with new therapists Should your therapist follow your Instagram? Therapy intake forms: too much too soon? ADHD, executive dysfunction, and self-worth The emotional weight of productivity culture If you've ever questioned your therapist, your brain, or your to-do list — this one's for you. 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: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@secondhandtherapypod.com Support the pod: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105