Needed to Hear That!

Pondoff's Anonymous
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

“Needed to Hear That” hosted by Chaz and Pondoff, brings real conversations about mental health into real life. Therapist Chaz Franke and Chris Pondoff talk anxiety, trauma, recovery, relationships, and the ongoing work of becoming healthier humans. No clinical jargon, no fake positivity… just honest dialogue, grounded insight, and conversations that meet people where they actually are. Part of the Pondoff Network.

Episodes

  1. "Why Loneliness Feels So Heavy, and How to Feel Less Alone"

    9H AGO

    "Why Loneliness Feels So Heavy, and How to Feel Less Alone"

    In this episode of Needed to Hear That, Chris Pondoff and Chaz Franke take a thoughtful, honest look at loneliness, not just as being alone, but as the painful feeling of being unseen, misunderstood, unrelatable, or cut off from real belonging. Chris and Chaz explore the courage it takes to stay open after being hurt, why belonging matters so deeply, and how safety in relationships can help people come out of isolation. They also unpack the difference between loneliness, isolation, and solitude, and why connection is not about how many people are around you, but whether you actually feel known. Later in the conversation, they get practical. They talk about how to show up for someone without trying to fix everything, why presence matters so much, and how curiosity can become a real antidote to loneliness. One of the most helpful takeaways in the episode is a simple question for supporting someone well: do you need me to hear, help, or just be here with you? If you’ve been feeling disconnected, emotionally worn down, or unsure how to support someone you care about, this episode is a grounded conversation about belonging, vulnerability, and what it means to help another person feel a little less alone. Chapters 00:00 Conference Insights on Child Advocacy 06:15 The Importance of Community and Connection 14:44 Exploring Loneliness and Belonging 23:00 Understanding the Depth of Loneliness 31:43 Courage in Vulnerability and Connection 42:06 The Power of Presence and Listening 44:13 Understanding Loneliness and Connection 49:15 Navigating Relationships and Vulnerability 55:25 The Challenges of Adolescence and Belonging 01:00:05 Curiosity as a Tool Against Loneliness 01:21:51 Closing Thoughts on Connection and Humanity Sponsors McKelvey Insurance Group https://mckelveyins.com LightSource Psychotherapy https://findyourlightsource.com

    1h 23m
  2. "Grief Isn’t Linear: Ambiguous Loss, Overdose Stigma, and the Power of Small Steps"

    FEB 20

    "Grief Isn’t Linear: Ambiguous Loss, Overdose Stigma, and the Power of Small Steps"

    Grief Isn’t Linear: Ambiguous Loss, Overdose Stigma, and the Power of Small Steps Grief has a way of showing up everywhere—after a death, a breakup, a diagnosis, a job change, even in the quiet after a life you thought would look different. In this episode, Chaz and Chris sit with the reality that loss is woven into the human experience, and that so much of healing is learning to stop rushing the process. They talk about why “moving on” language misses the point, how anniversaries can hit unexpectedly hard, and why grief doesn’t shrink just because you find yourself smiling again. They also explore the layers that make certain kinds of grief harder to name—disenfranchised grief, ambiguous loss, and the grief that comes with addiction and overdose, where stigma often adds another wound. The conversation closes with grounded, practical encouragement for anyone feeling stuck: you don’t have to go from zero to sixty. Sometimes the most life-changing thing you can do is take one small, safe step toward support. 00:00 — Sponsors 01:26 — Why Grief Keeps Showing Up 08:23 — Losing Grandma (Real Life Grief) 10:05 — Anniversaries Hit Hard 16:55 — Overdose, Language, Stigma 24:09 — Platitudes & Blame 30:19 — Mortality Wake-Up Call 33:52 — Guilt, Anger, The Inventory 44:51 — Chris: Losing Tom 49:00 — “Dog In A Trap” Compassion 56:22 — Breakups, Divorce, Grief 01:13:53 — Grieving The Living (Ambiguous Loss) 01:16:19 — Finding Grief Support 01:22:22 — Small Steps Forward 01:27:56 — Closing + Sponsors Thanks to our sponsors, McKelvey Insurance — https://www.mckelveyins.com and LightSource Psychotherapy — https://www.findyourlightsource.com

    1h 29m
  3. "Shame, Grace & the Healing Power of Being Truly Heard | Authenticity, 12 Steps & Therapy"

    FEB 13

    "Shame, Grace & the Healing Power of Being Truly Heard | Authenticity, 12 Steps & Therapy"

    Shame, Grace & the Healing Power of Being Truly Heard | Authenticity, 12 Steps & TherapyThere’s a quiet but powerful shift that happens when we move from shame to grace. In this episode, we unpack the difference between guilt and shame, why behavior change built on criticism rarely lasts, and how grace creates the safety necessary for real transformation. From body image and self-perception to the deeply human need to be seen without judgment, this conversation explores what it actually takes to live authentically—especially when parts of our story feel heavy or hard to share. We also dive into the 12 Steps as a change model, the liberating experience of forgiveness, and the role therapy plays as a container for healing. Through stories of humility, active listening, unconditional positive regard, and the tension between validation and enabling, we reflect on what it means to create safe spaces—for others and for ourselves. At its core, this episode is about learning to extend compassion inward, trusting that even our most flawed moments don’t disqualify us from belonging. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships 02:54 Body Image and Self-Perception 06:02 Shame vs. Guilt in Health Discussions 09:01 The Role of Grace in Authenticity 11:55 Sharing Personal Stories and Vulnerability 15:05 Experiencing Grace and Forgiveness 18:03 Non-Judgmental Living and Spiritual Insights 21:01 The 12 Steps as a Change Model 26:23 The Power of Grace and Forgiveness 32:00 Experiencing Humility and Self-Compassion 37:46 The Journey of Self-Forgiveness 48:09 Therapy: A Space for Healing and Growth 57:19 Authentic Validation vs. Enabling Behavior 58:09 The Authenticity of Listening in Therapy 01:01:46 The Pressure of Parental Expectations in Therapy 01:05:08 The Power of Active Listening 01:09:56 Unconditional Positive Regard in Therapy 01:14:54 The Importance of Authenticity in Therapeutic Relationships 01:19:46 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability 01:25:44 The Role of Ego in Helping Professions 01:28:38 Common Humanity and Self-Compassion Thanks to our sponsors,McKelvey InsuranceandLightSource Psychotherapy

    1h 32m
  4. "Reckless Generosity, Grief, and the People Who Hold Us When We Fall"

    FEB 6

    "Reckless Generosity, Grief, and the People Who Hold Us When We Fall"

    Reckless Generosity, Grief, and the People Who Hold Us When We Fall Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance https://www.mckelveyins.com LightSource Psychotherapy https://findyourlightsource.com Episode Description What does it really mean to be generous without losing yourself in the process? In this episode, Chaz and Pondoff talk about reckless generosity, grief, vulnerability, mentorship, and the people who hold us up when life gets heavy. The idea of “reckless generosity” becomes a starting point for exploring how giving can be deeply human and life-giving, while also requiring boundaries and support to be sustainable. The conversation moves through grief and loss, including why grief doesn’t follow neat stages, why meaning can’t be forced, and how community can be both healing and complicated. There’s an honest look at vulnerability, especially for people who are known for being “strong,” and how asking for help can feel harder than enduring pain alone. Mentorship and friendship take center stage as well, highlighting the importance of safe people, emotional support, and the quiet power of not having to go through life alone. From recovery spaces to everyday relationships, this episode is a reminder that healing happens best in connection. Chapters 00:00 – The Power of Generosity 11:25 – Understanding Grief and Loss 16:52 – Building Community and Relationships 20:07 – The Importance of Vulnerability 32:08 – The Role of Mentorship 54:07 – Friendship and Emotional Support

    1h 17m
  5. "Change Is Hard Because It’s Human"

    JAN 30

    "Change Is Hard Because It’s Human"

    Needed to Hear That — Episode 2: Change Is Hard Because It’s HumanHosted by Chaz Franke & Chris Pondoff In Episode 2 of Needed to Hear That, Chaz Franke and Chris Pondoff sit with one of the most universal—and uncomfortable—realities of being human: change. From addiction and recovery to mental health, relationships, careers, and grief, this conversation explores why change is so hard, why resistance is normal, and why compassion matters more than pressure. Chaz brings his clinical and spiritual perspective to unpack impermanence, the stages of change, and the quiet heroism of simply showing up—especially when life feels overwhelming. Chris grounds the conversation in lived experience, recovery, and community, reflecting on how growth requires patience, humility, and a willingness to try again. This episode isn’t about forcing transformation. It’s about honoring timing, recognizing courage in small steps, and reminding listeners that struggling doesn’t mean failing—it means being human. If you’re navigating change, resisting it, or exhausted by it, this may be something you needed to hear. Key Themes & TakeawaysWhy humans are biologically and emotionally wired to resist changeThe difference between maintenance and complacency in recoveryImpermanence as both a source of fear and hopeWhy “just stop” is never a helpful interventionThe stages of change and how we move through them non-linearlyCompassion for people stuck in difficult jobs, relationships, or mental health strugglesTherapy as a long-term container for healing and self-understandingSmall steps as legitimate, heroic acts of changeWriting, reflection, and gentleness as tools for growthChapters00:00 — Introduction & the heart behind Needed to Hear That14:56 — The challenge of change in recovery24:04 — Understanding the nature of change30:54 — Impermanence and what it means to be human38:00 — The resilience of the human spirit43:38 — Therapeutic relationships and long-term healing50:50 — Stages of change: preparation, action, maintenance01:02:44 — Compassion in the face of struggle01:07:42 — Writing as a tool for reflection and growthFinal Thought Change doesn’t require perfection. It requires patience, safety, and often—other people walking alongside us. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the smallest possible step and trust that it counts. Sponsored by McKelvey Insurance http://mckelveyins.com

    1h 13m
  6. “The Uncomplicated Things”

    JAN 23

    “The Uncomplicated Things”

    In this first episode of Needed to Hear That, Chaz Franke and Chris Pondoff introduce a new kind of conversation. Less about dramatic turning points, more about what it actually means to be human… grief, connection, therapy, and the quiet work of healing that happens in between the big moments. This show is a space to slow down, reflect, and talk honestly about the things most of us carry but don’t always have language for. If Pondoff’s Anonymous is about the story, Needed to Hear That is about what comes next. In this episode: Why this show exists and how it’s different The story of Diego, a three-legged dog who became an unexpected teacher Grief as something we carry, not something we “get over” Why pets often feel easier to love, and harder to lose How loss shows up in recovery and mental health The importance of connection, shared stories, and being heard Therapy as a lifelong learning process Creating safe spaces for honest conversation Loneliness, isolation, and what they do to us What a Death Cafe is, and why talking about death can help us live betterChapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Show 01:33 The Launch of Needed to Hear That 02:52 The Story of Diego: A Three-Legged Teacher 06:40 Navigating Grief and Loss 12:02 The Uncomplicated Love of Pets 18:04 The Impact of Grief on Recovery 23:54 Finding Connection Through Shared Stories 29:55 The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Therapy 43:57 The Importance of Therapy 44:30 Navigating Grief and Loss 46:15 Creating Safe Spaces in Therapy 49:27 The Role of Connection in Healing 52:01 Understanding Loneliness and Isolation 01:00:00 The Death Cafe: A Space for Conversations on Death 01:10:35 Closing Thoughts on Healing and HumanitySponsors: This show is sponsored by people who support the work without needing the spotlight. McKelvey Insurance Independent insurance guidance from people who actually pick up the phone. https://www.mckelveyins.com LightSource Psychotherapy Thoughtful, human-centered therapy with clinicians who take your story seriously. https://findyourlightsource.com If you’ve ever listened to a powerful story and thought, “Yeah… but now what?” — Needed to Hear That is for you.

    1h 22m
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

“Needed to Hear That” hosted by Chaz and Pondoff, brings real conversations about mental health into real life. Therapist Chaz Franke and Chris Pondoff talk anxiety, trauma, recovery, relationships, and the ongoing work of becoming healthier humans. No clinical jargon, no fake positivity… just honest dialogue, grounded insight, and conversations that meet people where they actually are. Part of the Pondoff Network.

Information

  • Channel
    Pondoff's Anonymous
  • Creator
    Pondoff's Anonymous Network, Chaz Franke, Chris Pondoff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pondoff's Anonymous Network, Chaz Franke, Chris Pondoff
  • Show Website
    Needed to Hear That!

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