Secondhand Therapy

PonyBear Studios

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.

  1. 1 day ago

    Please Don't Listen to This | #148

    Trigger Warning: This episodes contains discussions containing substance abuse and self harm. Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Play Q-Less: https://grandislegamesllc.sjv.io/k4AGz0 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/ http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.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 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Please Don't Listen to This | #148
  2. 21 Sept

    Sorry You Feel That Way | #147

    Support the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Play Q-Less: https://grandislegamesllc.sjv.io/k4AGz0 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/ http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What happens when care turns into caretaking, expectations turn into resentment, and control starts to feel like safety? In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, Lou and Michael explore codependency, relationships, healthy boundaries, anxiety, emotional regulation, control, trust, self-trust, communication, accountability, and personal growth. They unpack the complicated ways codependent relationships can create unspoken expectations, blurred boundaries, anxiety, guilt, and attempts to control how other people respond. The conversation also explores healthy relationships, emotional needs, empathy, relationship communication, intention versus impact, accountability, apologies, and learning how to communicate more effectively. The episode also gets into emotional overwhelm, avoidance, coping mechanisms, self-sabotage, progress, motivation, and trusting yourself when everyday responsibilities feel bigger than they actually are. Along the way, Lou and Michael examine how fear, anxiety, uncomfortable emotions, and old patterns can affect the way we navigate relationships and personal growth. This is an honest, funny, and relatable conversation about mental health, relationships, codependency, anxiety, boundaries, communication, self-awareness, emotional growth, and the process of becoming more aware of your own patterns. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Sorry You Feel That Way | #147
  3. 14 Sept

    Unspoken Expectations Ruin Everything | #146

    Support the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Play Q-Less: https://grandislegamesllc.sjv.io/k4AGz0 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/ http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What happens when love, friendship, communication, and expectations all collide? In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, a tense conversation turns into a deeper look at relationships, emotional triggers, anxiety, resentment, control, communication, and the expectations we place on the people we care about. Sometimes the conflict in front of us isn't the whole story—and sometimes our reactions are shaped by experiences that started long before the current situation. Lou and Michael explore what it means to feel considered, misunderstood, supported, or judged in a relationship, while unpacking the difference between intentions and impact, spoken and unspoken expectations, and taking responsibility for your own emotions without taking responsibility for someone else's. It's an honest, uncomfortable, and occasionally very funny conversation about relationship dynamics, boundaries, emotional regulation, family patterns, codependency, personal growth, and trying to communicate better with the people you love. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Unspoken Expectations Ruin Everything | #146
  4. 7 Sept

    Michael Finally Said It | #145

    Support the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Play Q-Less: https://grandislegamesllc.sjv.io/k4AGz0 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/ http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What happens when anxiety turns literally everything into a potential problem? On this episode of Secondhand Therapy, Michael goes down the rabbit hole of anxiety, control, uncertainty, and the exhausting need to always have a plan. From needing an exit strategy to questioning every possible worst-case scenario, he starts looking at why his brain has such a hard time believing that things will be okay. A therapy session introduces a surprisingly strange cast of characters from inside his own head—including an extremely anxious robot and a very unexpected voice of reason. Lou and Michael unpack what anxiety is actually trying to accomplish, why uncertainty can feel so threatening, and what it takes to start trusting yourself when your brain keeps insisting that something could go wrong. It's funny, uncomfortable, unexpectedly emotional, and filled with the kind of therapy revelations that make you stop and go, “...oh.” BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Michael Finally Said It | #145
  5. 31 Aug

    Problems and Patterns with Laura Day | #144

    Support the boys: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 http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What if your intuition isn't random—and what if changing your life has less to do with willpower and more to do with paying attention to your patterns? In this episode of Secondhand Therapy, we sit down with Laura Day to unpack intuition, manifestation, executive dysfunction, personal growth, healing your past self, and the psychology of real change. We explore whether some people are naturally more intuitive, how executive dysfunction may affect the way we process information, and where intuition overlaps with manifestation and intentional living. The conversation gets especially interesting when we dig into why change can feel impossible even when you desperately want it. Instead of relying on belief, trust, or massive life overhauls, we talk about noticing small changes, gathering evidence, and creating a feedback loop that builds confidence over time. We also explore the difference between trying to force yourself to change and understanding the patterns that are already shaping your behavior. Plus: discipline vs. motivation, core values, minimalism, authenticity, kindness vs. niceness, and why being “nicer” might actually be harder than it sounds. If you've ever wondered why you keep repeating the same patterns, struggled to trust yourself, felt stuck trying to change, or questioned whether your intuition is actually telling you something, this episode is for you. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Topics include: intuition, manifestation, executive dysfunction, self-awareness, personal growth, healing your past self, behavioral patterns, discipline, intentional living, core values, authenticity, confidence, emotional healing, self-improvement, and therapy. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Problems and Patterns with Laura Day | #144
  6. 24 Aug

    Low Stuff and Steam | #143

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains a discussion including suicide Support the boys: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 http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What if your “need for context” is actually just defensiveness in disguise? This week on Secondhand Therapy, Lou and Michael unpack low self-esteem, codependency, validation, people-pleasing, emotional safety, and the surprisingly complicated art of admitting when you’re wrong. A conversation about why some of us struggle to trust our own opinions, constantly look to other people for reassurance, and feel personally attacked when someone points out a mistake. Lou digs into what codependency and low self-esteem look like in everyday life—from difficulty making decisions and valuing other people’s opinions over your own to seeking praise, struggling with healthy boundaries, and needing external validation. They also explore how childhood experiences can shape confidence, emotional regulation, and the ability to process your own feelings. Meanwhile, Michael confronts his own relationship with defensiveness, accountability, perfectionism, and the instinct to explain himself whenever he feels criticized. Is providing context actually helpful—or is it just a very articulate way of avoiding “I f****d up”? The conversation gets into emotional intelligence, conflict in relationships, resentment, holding space, vulnerability, self-worth, childhood emotional neglect, processing emotions, and the difference between taking accountability and beating yourself up. And, naturally, there is an extended discussion about cereal for dinner. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Topics: low self-esteem, codependency, defensiveness, emotional intelligence, validation, people-pleasing, self-worth, accountability, emotional regulation, childhood emotional neglect, relationships, boundaries Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Low Stuff and Steam | #143
  7. 17 Aug

    Being Misunderstood is my Toxic Trait | #142

    Support the boys: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 http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What happens when the internet sees 90 seconds of your life and decides they know your entire personality? This week on Secondhand Therapy, Lou and Michael unpack the fallout from a viral clip that sparked a comment-section debate about flirting, relationships, jealousy, safety, and whether Michael crossed a line by giving a woman a drawing. What starts as a conversation about social media judgment turns into something much deeper: the difference between being misunderstood and being wrong, how much weight we should give strangers’ opinions, and why taking accountability for your own emotions matters. They also get into control, projection, relationship boundaries, communication, emotional responsibility, gaslighting, the importance of language, and the uncomfortable reality that sometimes the people criticizing us online might actually have a point. Because growth isn't about being right all the time. It's about being willing to look at yourself when you might be wrong—and figuring out what feedback is actually worth listening to. Secondhand Therapy is a mental health and comedy podcast about relationships, vulnerability, men's mental health, emotional growth, therapy, anxiety, communication, and the messy process of figuring yourself out. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Topics include: social media criticism, being misunderstood, internet judgment, relationships, jealousy, flirting, relationship boundaries, emotional accountability, personal responsibility, control, projection, communication, gaslighting, therapy, self-reflection, men's mental health, vulnerability, emotional growth, and learning when to take criticism seriously. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Being Misunderstood is my Toxic Trait | #142
  8. 10 Aug

    Can You Flirt by Accident? | #141

    Support the boys: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 http://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources _____ What happens when your intentions don't match how other people experience you? This week on Secondhand Therapy, Michael shares why he switched to a dumb phone, started drawing at his local coffee shop, and accidentally found himself in a debate about whether kindness can be mistaken for flirting. From there, the conversation turns into something much bigger: emotional intention, dating, relationship communication, trust, boundaries, and how differently men and women move through the world. The guys also explore one of the hardest relationship questions: How do you know when it's time to leave? They discuss emotional exhaustion, falling in and out of love, long-term relationships, fear of commitment, avoiding vulnerability after heartbreak, and whether love is something you choose over and over again. Later, they unpack a book about curiosity, emotional healing, and breaking old thought patterns, leading to a conversation about anxiety, self-awareness, emotional growth, therapy, and rewriting the stories we inherited about ourselves. If you've ever struggled with dating, relationships, overthinking, emotional avoidance, attachment, vulnerability, or figuring out whether to stay or walk away, this episode is for you. BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod Contact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie Franks Topics include: relationships, dating, emotional intelligence, therapy, attachment styles, vulnerability, emotional healing, communication, commitment, anxiety, self-growth, boundaries, curiosity, overthinking, personal development, mental health, breakup advice, emotional resilience, men's mental health, psychology, self-awareness. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Can You Flirt by Accident? | #141

About

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.

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