Cheaper than Therapy is back for season 4!! And we couldn’t be more excited to kick things off with a live recording (and celebration of the launch of Vanessa’s new book, The Motherhood Myth) we did with two of our favorite dads - and friends - Dr. Adi Jaffe and Nicholas Gonzalez. Adi is an addiction & mental health expert, and founder of IGNTD. Nick is an actor, father, and advocate for conscious masculinity. They are also two dads doing the work of taking so much personal responsibility fo...
Aug 11, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 241
Our 4th and final “best of” is an episode where we answered a listener question. Ep: 181 Q&A: Reciprocal vs Transactional Relationships This episode is one of the most honest, relatable, and clarifying conversations we’ve had about how codependency quietly shapes our relationships—and how resentment can be a powerful wake-up call. This one is an invitation to zoom out, take radical ownership, and shift from silently simmering to soulfully relating. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you...
Aug 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 249
Our next ‘best of’ episode was episode 192: Men’s “Clarity” After Sex. This conversation cracked open a raw, honest, and often unspoken exploration of modern relationships, intimacy, and how patriarchal conditioning impacts us all—especially around sex. If you've ever wondered why sex sometimes feels more disconnecting than connecting, or you're longing for a deeper conversation about emotional safety, sexual shame, and sacred union—this one will stay with you. Over the next 4 weeks, we’re re-ai...
Jul 28, 2025•42 min•Ep. 239
Ep 188: BEST-OF: What Does My Inner Child Need? Our 2nd “best of” is one of our live coaching episodes. We dive into: what codependency and anxious attachment often look in real life—and why they’re so hard to untangle a roadmap for staying with discomfort instead of outsourcing soothing—without shame. Over the next 4 weeks, we’re re-airing some of our favorite episodes to gear you all up for what’s to come. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also follow a...
Jul 21, 2025•33 min•Ep. 238
Over the next 4 weeks, we’re re-airing some of our favorite episodes to gear you all up for what’s to come. This conversation with Danny Morel was one of our absolute favorites. We sat down with Danny to talk about -reframing love, attachment, partnership and forgiveness. This episode was a profound exploration of what will be required to heal collective wounds between men and women. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also follow along with the show on Ins...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 237
In this heartfelt final episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we reflect on the last four years, all of our challenges and personal growth, and the significance of our friendship while preparing to close this chapter. While it’s farewell to the podcast for now, it’s not farewell to us. Join our online community to stay in touch with multiple live weekly process groups and workshops, and stay in touch with us for upcoming retreats. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨How both of our persp...
Oct 02, 2024•48 min•Ep. 236
In our second to last episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Reverend Michael Beckwith, founder of the Agape Spiritual Center, the Take Back Your Mind podcast, and bestselling author of “Life Visioning™,” “The Answer is You,” and “Spiritual Liberation.” Reverend Michael shares journey from being a psychobiology major to becoming a spiritual leader and the profound insights he’s gained along the way, particularly about the rise of the feminine energy and spiritual awakening...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 235
Ep 234: Friendships & Goodbyes In this emotional and reflective episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we discuss the cycles of relationships, touching on our personal friendship dynamics and the upcoming conclusion of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast after an incredible 4 years. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨ An emphasis on the importance of prioritizing friendships over romantic relationships, which often get placed on a societal pedestal, and how our friendship has thrived be...
Sep 18, 2024•47 min•Ep. 234
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Sabrina Zohar, a prominent voice in dating and relationship psychology and host of the Sabrina Zohar Show, a top resource for no-nonsense relationship advice backed by the expertise of board-certified and licensed psychologists. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨ How dating emotionally unavailable people will often lead to the realization that you are emotionally unavailable, showing the importance of accountability vs blam...
Sep 11, 2024•54 min•Ep. 233
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Michelle, who is struggling with her husband’s mental health issues and their recent impact on their family dynamics. The conversation explores step-parenting, mental health in relationships, and more. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨ The difficulties in finding common ground with her husband regarding parenting decisions, especially as her children have grown older ✨ What to do when when mental health struggles have crea...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 232
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Gabriella Ulloa and Meadowlark Monaghan, co-hosts of the “Thoughts May Vary” podcast; a podcast about changing our minds, with the common threads of mental health and nuance weaved throughout. We talk about mental health and the value of open, honest conversations & feeing understood in relationships. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨Normalizing exploring mental health conversations in an approachable and authentic way...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 231
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Sarah, who is grappling with the aftermath of overhearing a negative conversation about herself between her in-laws and parents. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨Exploring the motivation behind listening to a recorded conversation and why it’s important to consider the deeper truths that might be present in the feedback ✨The challenge of reconciling the desire for space and healing coupled with the pressure from others to ...
Aug 21, 2024•38 min•Ep. 230
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Africa Brooke, internationally acclaimed consultant, credentialed coach, speaker, and podcaster to discuss self-censorship, brave expression, navigating complex social dynamics, and how to trust your inner voice. Her book, The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance is available now! What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨Why non-binary thinking is necessary to breaking free of self-censorship and having op...
Aug 14, 2024•59 min•Ep. 229
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Erica to talk about her struggles with managing strong emotions and staying grounded in emotionally overwhelming situations, and what to do when you tend to outwardly focus on others when overwhelmed, and how to trust your inner voice and listen to Self. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨How somatic tools can help manage intense feelings during moments of emotional overwhelm ✨ The importance of self-compassion and acceptanc...
Aug 07, 2024•24 min•Ep. 228
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and founder and host of Therapy for Black Girls, a podcast and platform dedicated to making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women. We discuss Dr. Joy’s journey to creating a significant platform aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues among Black women, community, generational trauma, self-awareness and spiritual growth, and more....
Jul 31, 2024•49 min•Ep. 227
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Jill, a single mother and entrepreneur who is navigating the challenges of rebuilding her life after leaving a toxic and abusive marriage. The conversation touches on how to trust your inner voice, boundaries, impacts of relationships on children, and more. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨How societal and cultural pressures can cause us to feel like we need external validation and approval, and how that can make it diffic...
Jul 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 226
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Marchiano, LCSW, NCPsyA, a Jungian analyst, author, and podcaster. Her writings have appeared in numerous publications. She is the co-host and creator of the popular depth psychology podcast This Jungian Life. She is on the faculty of the C. G. Jung Institute of Philadelphia, and lectures and teaches widely. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨The significance of feminine archetypes, like Lilith and Eve, and how they rep...
Jul 17, 2024•53 min•Ep. 225
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we address listener questions around boundaries and dealing with significant changes in your relationships. We discuss themes around abandonment, setting boundaries, and accountability vs blame in relationships. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨How a fear of abandonment can make setting and maintaining boundaries challenging/unclear, often leading to negative responses from others ✨The importance of accountability vs blame in relationships...
Jul 10, 2024•26 min•Ep. 224
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Joy, who is navigating the complex and practical life challenges following the end of a long-term relationship. We explore the difficulties of fully moving on when there is significant overlap in social and professional circles, and how to handle lingering feelings especially during potential future interactions. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨The importance of self awareness in recognizing and validating your feelings o...
Jul 03, 2024•19 min•Ep. 223
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jody Carrington, psychologist, speaker, and three time author known for her expertise in trauma, connection, relationships, and mental health, to discuss emotional regulation, how to be emotionally available in what Dr. Jody calls a loneliness epidemic, and the transformative power of leading with kindness and compassion. What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨The importance of emotional regulation as the foundation for heal...
Jun 26, 2024•55 min•Ep. 222
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we delve into the complexities of the therapeutic process and how to trust your inner voice as you navigate the challenges of finding the right therapist for yourself. If you have a question for Dené and Vanessa, click here . Or, if you’d like to apply for a live coaching session, click here . What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨The importance, as a therapist, to understand individual client needs and examine your own reactions and countertra...
Jun 19, 2024•20 min•Ep. 221
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Veronica, joining us for a second live coaching session, to discuss her experiences with social anxiety and navigating calm environments after growing up in a chaotic household. If you have a question for Dené and Vanessa, click here . Or, if you’d like to apply for a live coaching session, click here . What You’ll Gain from this Episode: ✨Why growing up in chaos can lead to feeling uncomfortable and anxious in calm environmen...
Jun 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 220
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we sit down with Todd Baratz, LMHC, a certified sex therapist, licensed individual and couples psychotherapist, co-host of the Our Diagnonsense Podcast, and writer who specializes in relationships and sex. We talk about relationships, his philosophy that “you aren’t fucked up - our culture is,” and his first book, How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind which is available now! Todd is one of our favorite people and we had so much fun duri...
Jun 05, 2024•43 min•Ep. 219
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast, we talk about a conversation we’ve been hearing around celibacy as a form of activism and a way to shift the often challenging landscape of modern dating and traditional gender dynamics. Some Takeaways from this episode: ✨ How a recent controversy around the new Bumble ad-campaign has a seemingly tone-deaf message toward women in 2024 ✨ The 4B Feminist movement happening in South Korea advocating for non-hetero relationships, hetero-celibacy, ...
May 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 218
In this Q&A episode, someone wrote in to ask: as I’m starting to do recovery work around codependency, I find that I sometimes swing into hyper-independence. How do I find a middle ground? We talked about: ✨What it looks like to move out of the space of enmeshment into a differentiated sense of self. ✨Realizing that we staying present with ourselves is a practice that we all have to continuously come back to. ✨The evolution of relationships that are co-created by the people involved instead ...
May 22, 2024•22 min•Ep. 217
We’ll be back with all new episodes of Cheaper than Therapy starting next week! But we’re so excited about the launch of Dr. Shefali’s new podcast, PARENTING & YOU, that we wanted to do a throwback episode to when we had her on the podcast to talk about her most recent book, The Parenting Map. Dr. Shefali is not your typical parenting expert and PARENTING & YOU is not your typical parenting podcast. There are no guest experts or celebrities. Every episode has 2 parents being helped throu...
May 15, 2024•29 min•Ep. 216
In this episode of Cheaper than Therapy, we sit down to discuss transitions and the concept of liminal spaces, and how these transitional moments challenge existing paradigms, inviting personal and societal transformations. Some Takeaways from this Episode: ✨ Why these phases of major transition can feel deeply unsettling but are necessary for for growth and true authenticity to Self ✨ How traditional life scripts and societal norms are being questioned and dismantled, offering a unique opportun...
May 08, 2024•45 min•Ep. 215
In this episode, we go into our archives and bring back one of our first episodes EVER with our good friend, Ashley Torrent. Ashley is a psycho-spritual counselor and intuitive medium, Co-Host of “The Blue Butterfly Effect” and “The Practice of Love” podcasts, and recurring guest on the “Single on Purpose” podcast. Dené and Vanessa sit down to talk with Ashley about her journey and insights into holistic therapy, and her practice of blending clinical psychology with spiritual practices to help c...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 214
This episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast is from an Instagram live with Vaness and Mark Groves, Human Connection Specialist and founder of Create The Love. Mark works as a bridge between the academic and the human, inviting people to explore the good, bad, downright ugly, and beautiful sides of connection. Join us as we talk emotional armor, the necessity of integrating bodywork with talk therapy, relationships as the jump off point for our deeper internal work, co-regulation and of cour...
Apr 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 213
Ep 212: Complex Connections: Navigating Feedback with Authenticity This episode of Cheaper than Therapy the Podcast is part of a series where we answer questions submitted by listeners. We dive into the complexities of accountability in all relationships. Some Takeaways from this Episode: ✨Recurring Themes in Society: Many of the topics addressed in the show are themes that have come up repeatedly within therapeutic spaces, reflecting collective societal trends and healing journeys indicating a ...
Apr 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 212
