Cheaper Than Therapy with Vanessa and Dené

In this episode of the podcast, Vanessa and Dené talk about the ways in which we are all being challenged to stay with ourselves through the discomfort of releasing the things we have been holding as certain.  we talk about: why it becomes necessary to be in acceptance of loss for us to show up authentically in relationships  how our culture conditions us to be in a constant space of preoccupation...

In this week’s episode, Vanessa and Dené talk about the energy that is being felt by so many of us as we move through what many astrologers are calling a ‘turning point’ eclipse season.   we talk about: the immense amount of shadow work we’ve been asked to dive into in the midst of the current eclipse season the dehumanization that starts to come up when we place people on pedestals  how we are be...

..the growth that comes from them is optional. In this week’s episode, Vanessa and Dené  talk about the extent to which 2025 has felt like - to many - one enormous ego death, what that means, and why this is a crucial aspect of our collective healing process.  we talk about: how life is changing pushing us to separate our essence from our adapted survival strategies or what we’ve been calling our...

In the first installment of one of our new solo series, Vanessa kicks off with a core theme from her new book  The Motherhood Myth :  The Lie We Were Sold —the cultural script that says partnership and motherhood should be inherently easy and endlessly fulfilling…and if they aren’t,  you  must be doing it wrong. Vanessa traces how that story keeps us isolated, ashamed, and over-functioning, and wh...

In this week’s episode, Vanessa gives Dené a recap of her time spent at a bachelorette party over the weekend. We explore some of the trends - and possible factors impacting - why millennials may have a different relationship with alcohol than older generations. We discuss: -Whether studies suggesting that gen Z is consuming less alcohol than millennials are pointing to an awakening of consciousne...

We sat down to explore some of the challenges that come up living in a culture where we are exposed and reacting to so many people lives, perspectives and ultimately ways of negotiating conflict.  We discuss:  -the challenges that we’re facing as a culture that struggles to allow for diversity of thought  -holding ourselves with compassion even as others may be holding us with judgement  -how we h...

We’re back and so excited to share with you all some of the conversations we’ve been having offline. This week, we explore some of the current conversations we’ve heard coming up around AI, the tie it will play in how we meet one another relationally, and what the larger invitation may be for all of us in this rapidly changing world.   we discuss: the uptick of people replacing a therapeutic relat...

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 consc...

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,...

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 sa...

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 wha...

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...

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 sta...

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...

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 romant...

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...

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,...

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 t...

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 ✨...

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...

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 in...

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 issu...

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 pressur...

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 Ga...

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...