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...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 90
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. ...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 89
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/secondhandtherapyp...
Jun 23, 2025•59 min
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 accountabil...
Jun 16, 2025•58 min•Ep. 88
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 t...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 87
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...
Jun 02, 2025•46 min•Ep. 86
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, ...
May 26, 2025•44 min•Ep. 85
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...
May 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 84
Louie opens up about a vulnerable conversation with his girlfriend that challenged their relationship — all through the lens of parts work therapy. He shares how sitting with discomfort, rather than avoiding it, is transforming the way he shows up in partnership. Michael reflects on his own experience with parts work, revealing emotional memories connected to his mother — and how facing discomfort in therapy is reshaping his sense of self. This episode explores: Why discomfort in therapy can be ...
May 12, 2025•51 min•Ep. 83
Louie has bronchitis and found his therapists Instagram — and why that might be a red flag. Michael dives deep into his fear of commitment, the emotional tension around flirting in monogamous relationships, and why he struggles with being perceived as “in trouble” for noticing other women. Together, they explore the blurry line between attraction and objectification, and how abandonment issues can sabotage intimacy. A raw, honest look at modern masculinity, emotional growth, and the complexity o...
May 05, 2025•46 min•Ep. 82
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...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr
This is the recording of our first live show. It was recorded December 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, Ca. 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...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 19 min
*Some names and details have been changed to conceal the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous. When Brittani Ard matches with Kanon on Hingesparks fly. Their first date revealed an instantconnection and chemistry.Kanon is devastatingly handsome with a charm that disarmed even the mostguarded heart—plus he is surprisingly emotionally available for a man in his forties. It’s as if the universe has conspired to bring them together, two soulmates destined to find each other. The couple s...
Apr 14, 2025•35 min
Louie grapples with the question: When is the right time to return to therapy? After making progress, Louie wonders whether he should open up about his podcast with his new therapist. Alongside Michael, they explore the balance between what to share and what to keep private in therapy. When does context matter in conversations about mental health? Michael faces the challenge of shedding his "sad guy" identity and navigating how this shift impacts his relationships. Support the pod: http://patreo...
Apr 07, 2025•48 min•Ep. 81
Louie and Michael unpack a shocking voice note from a listener who discovered her husband's infidelity while she was 9 months pregnant. The guys dive into the complexities of relationship trust, cheating, and how they might handle betrayal in their own lives. Tune in for a candid conversation on how to cope with infidelity, rebuild trust, and navigate difficult situations in relationships. If you've ever questioned what you'd do when trust is broken, this episode is a must-listen. Support the po...
Mar 31, 2025•53 min•Ep. 80
Michael returns from his tour and opens up about his struggles with staying grounded in one place. Together with Louie, they unpack the complexities of anxiety, how to recognize it in the moment, and share personal experiences of navigating anxiety triggers. Michael’s hilarious moment of contemplating asking a bus driver for help (LOL) leads to an insightful conversation on how different people cope with similar situations. Louie also dives deep into his decision to seek a male therapist and his...
Mar 24, 2025•47 min•Ep. 79
Jenny explores the best dating apps for relationships, including Hinge, Bumble, and Feeld, and gives advice on which platform may be most effective for finding a serious connection. We dive into the psychology of attachment styles as Jenny opens up about her own disorganized attachment style and how it leads to anxious-avoidant behavior in relationships. Jenny also shares her insights on the dating pool dynamics between men and women, especially as they age. Later in the episode, we explore a co...
Mar 17, 2025•58 min•Ep. 78
Louie opens up about a recent fight he had with his girlfriend – no therapy, just real talk. It's a classic relationship argument, and we're diving deep into it. We discuss emotional responsibility, codependency, communication breakdowns, and much more that came up during the fight. Michael pushes Louie to reflect on his actions and how he approaches tough conversations. Plus, Michael shares his struggles with overwhelm from everyday tasks and his frustration with self-prioritization. Don't miss...
Mar 10, 2025•51 min•Ep. 77
Michael shares his personal experience with starting Adderall for ADHD, offering a deep dive into how medication has shaped his mental health journey. He reflects on his hometown and the complexities of reconnecting with old memories, before diving into an uncomfortable conversation he recently had with an old friend. Lou offers a fresh perspective, challenging Michael to see things differently. The two explore the classic tale of the monkey and the fish, using it as a lens to discuss how we oft...
Mar 03, 2025•54 min•Ep. 76
Lou and Michael reflect on a powerful voicemail they received about the aftermath of breakups and the grief that follows. Lou opens up about a past relationship where an ultimatum changed everything for him. The conversation shifts to a meaningful DM asking how women can better support the men in their lives—something Lou and Michael feel strongly about, as they've always connected more with women than men. They also dive into their thoughts on marriage—should it be viewed as a legal contract or...
Feb 24, 2025•55 min•Ep. 75
Comedian and all-around good human, Ken Garr, joins the pod today. Ken discusses his history of being a black-out drunk alcoholic, with some stories that will make you think; before sharing his journey to being 8 years sober. He reflects on his addiction to toxic relationships and what he's learned through his 12-step program dealing with codependency. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypo...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 74
Michael dives deep into his denial about anxiety and the fear of missing something, only to realize he’s been missing more than he thought. He opens up about the emotional impact of losing his mother and how it’s left him without a safety net. Michael also reflects on his tendency to quit things out of frustration and his hesitation to ask for help. As he lets go of his dreams of fame, he’s left searching for a new dream. Meanwhile, Lou explores his own fantasies and questions their true meaning...
Feb 10, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 73
In an impromptu recording and conversation, Lou and Michael get into relationships. Asking for permission or checking in? Is cheating forgivable? What is cheating? Let's talk hypotheticals. Anxious attachments and building trust... or re-building trust? 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/malone...
Feb 03, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Lou walked out of therapy because he just wasn't feeling it; Michael did EMDR. Lou and Michael recount an uncomfortable conversation they had off-air. Michael has been challenged to take a serious look at himself and his patterns and be honest with himself. Michael reflects on his need to explain his behaviors before getting into shame. Lou and Michael debate intent versus impact before getting into what outward behaviors are actually rooted in self preservation. Support the pod: http://patreon....
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 71
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...
Jan 20, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 70
In a different type of episode, Lou and Michael break down an emotional conversation they had just before sitting down to record the 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...
Jan 13, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 69
It's a new year, and Lou made a shirt. Lou had some difficulty reflecting on 2024, and connects it to his big-picture thinking. Lou had a bit of an existential therapy session and got into how the luxuries of today's society have dulled existence. Lou and Michael discuss what life is supposed to be. Lou is trying to get connected with his body more and be more intentional with presence. Michael opens up about his desire to be more social. OUR PHONES ARE RUINING US EVERY MINUTE. Support the pod: ...
Jan 06, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Lou and Michael discuss their dynamic, relationship, communication style and everything else. They discuss comments, engagement, and the idea that listeners know them intrinsically. All of this is sparked by a message received on Patreon... Shoutout to Nikki. We love 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://i...
Dec 23, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Lou and Michael hammer out a little misunderstanding. Lou is checking in with his parts in a new way with new intention. Michael is still addicted to validation. Lou is struggling to come to terms with the parts of his father that live within him. Michael opens up about his childhood and his disbelief that he deserves love. Michael looks back on his last relationship. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/sec...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Lou doesn't hate to be needed after all which ties into his main focus of being. Lou feels like he has to catch everything before it happens. Michael's ADHD has his to-do list floating around in the ether. Michael still prioritizes his external appearance over his internal growth. Lou and Michael compare their views on their phones affecting their presence. Michael talks about his past situationship that hurt him real bad. Support the pod: http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhan...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 65
