Secondhand Therapy

Why knowing the right choice doesn’t mean we’ll make it—self-sabotage, permission, and productivity guilt.

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

BetterHelp:

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 channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

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Why do we avoid the things we know are good for us?

In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we unpack the frustrating loop of knowing the right choice—and still doing the opposite. From routines, gym habits, food decisions, and productivity, to deeper conversations about permission, self-worth, and why “doing the task” isn’t the same as experiencing it.

We talk about:

All-or-nothing thinking and overwhelm

Why productivity becomes identity

Permission, avoidance, and self-sabotage

Therapy insights on routine, ADHD, and motivation

The difference between function and joy

Why caring for yourself feels harder than it should

This is a raw, funny, and uncomfortable conversation about self-discipline, self-compassion, and why taking care of yourself isn’t as simple as “just doing it.”

We’re not therapists. This is not professional advice.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Anxiety with no trigger, body image shame, food guilt, and the pressure of becoming your “higher self.”

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

BetterHelp:

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 channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

What does it mean when anxiety shows up with no trigger? In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we talk about living with anxiety in the body, learning to stop fighting it, and the frustration of being told to “just calm down.”

We unpack vulnerability, validation, and why some people need their feelings acknowledged out loud—while others don’t. The conversation turns to body image, weight gain, food guilt, perfectionism, and why moderation feels impossible for some people.

We also explore parts work, routines vs survival mode, and the pressure of the “higher self” mindset—when motivation turns into self-shame.

This episode is an honest, funny, and uncomfortable look at anxiety, mental health, food, and learning how (and when) to show up for yourself.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

People-pleasing, fear of failure, and how your mom’s voice became your inner critic.

Support the pod:
PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod
MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

BetterHelp:

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 channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

Why is it so hard to say “I don’t know”?
Why does being liked feel like survival?

In this episode of Second Hand Therapy, we unpack people-pleasing, fear of failure, and the invisible ways our parents shape our inner critic. One host shares what therapy is revealing about his need to be “nice,” his terror of messing up, and how his relationship with his mother quietly programmed his fear of rejection.

We talk about:

People-pleasing as a trauma response

Fear of failure and perfectionism

Why being “nice” blocks real connection

Feelings vs facts (and the stories we tell ourselves)

Productivity as a substitute for self-worth

Learning to say no without guilt

Wanting your parent to be more — and turning that disappointment inward

This episode explores how abandonment fear, emotional control, and self-worth get tangled together — and what it looks like to start unlearning those patterns in real time.

We’re not therapists. We’re just two people in therapy, talking honestly about what we’re learning.

If you struggle with people-pleasing, approval-seeking, fear of being disliked, or feeling like you’re never enough, this episode will hit close to home.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

When someone yells at your mom: anger, boundaries, emotional control, and doing the right thing.

______

-BetterHelp:

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 channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

What do you do when you hear someone raise their voice at your mom — and everything in your body wants to explode?

Today, we unpack a tense holiday moment that forces a deeper conversation about anger, boundaries, family dynamics, and emotional regulation. Louie shares a confrontation with his mother’s partner, before reflecting on how rage, fear, and protection instincts show up — even after years of therapy.

We also talk about:

Navigating a complicated relationship with your mother

Why “doing the right thing” can still feel awful

Anger vs. self-control and what emotional maturity actually looks like

Loneliness during the holidays and the push-pull of wanting connection

Learning to validate yourself instead of tearing yourself apart

What it means to be proud of yourself for the first time

This episode is about breaking old patterns, choosing accountability over aggression, and learning how to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of acting them out.

We’re not therapists. We’re just two people in therapy, talking through what we’re learning in real time.

If you’re struggling with family conflict, holiday depression, anger issues, or feeling behind in life, this one’s for you. Thanks for being here... Secondhand Therapy.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Lou 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 and hates it and loves it. Lou and Michael talk about whether we are alone in life. Sidenote: you can hear the extreme winds that spread fire across Los Angeles, throughout the episode. We did our best with the audio.

______

-BetterHelp:

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 channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105