PonyBear Studios

Secondhand Therapy

Health EN ↓ 144 episodes

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.

Author

PonyBear Studios

Episodes

Having Emotionally Immature Parents | #070 Replay 05.01.2026 58:15

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 abou...

Coping, Eating Disorders and a Helicopter Ride | #042 Replay 29.12.2025 58:30

We welcome Jenny Zigrino to discuss loss, coping, addictive behaviors, and disordered eating—and what real recovery looks like when you stop avoiding the pain underneath it all. An honest conversation about grief, relapse, shame, emotional regulation, and learning healthier ways to cope when life feels overwhelming. ______ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit...

Expressing Gratitude But Why Doesn't Dad Love Me? | #029 Replay 22.12.2025 59:20

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Michael starts off dissecting his newfound daddy issues and how validation and disappointment plays into his life before getting into his younger self. Lou and Michael get into their individual desires to express more gratitude. Lou explores the dichotomy of having a great life but not feeli...

Emotional Defensiveness: Why Softness Feels Unsafe | #111 15.12.2025 58:46

Support the boys:  PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist...

Emotional Numbness, Triggers & Childhood Patterns | #110 08.12.2025 58:45

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Michael talks about shutting down over Thanksgiving, emotional numbness, and the messy reality of grief. Louie breaks down triggers, embarrassment, childhood patterns, and why certain moments feel like personal attacks. ______ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our spon...

When Grief Finds You - Grief Part III | #109 24.11.2025 56:49

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compen...

Porn Addiction & Monastic Wisdom with Jeremy Lipkowitz | #108 17.11.2025 1:02:59

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compen...

Why We Struggle With Compliments, FOMO, and Accountability | #107 10.11.2025 1:09:25

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compen...

Why Men Struggle With Vulnerability | #106 03.11.2025 57:32

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compen...

Fawning: The Hidden Trauma Response Behind People-Pleasing | #105 27.10.2025 54:33

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compen...

Understanding Misogyny: Gina Martin on Compassion, Gender, and Healing | #104 20.10.2025 1:09:37

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compens...

Perfection is the Problem | #103 13.10.2025 1:10:45

When Childhood Fear Becomes Adult Anxiety | #102 06.10.2025 1:01:03

Do Not Have Needs. Ever. | #101 29.09.2025 56:10

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 therap...

Brad Garrett Tells His Story | #100 22.09.2025 1:02:41

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 therap...

Relational vs. Non-Relational Thinking | #099 15.09.2025 1:06:59

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 therap...

Fighting Stigma & Misinformation with Sophie Nir | #098 08.09.2025 1:07:41

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 therap...

Failing Is Not Okay | #097 01.09.2025 1:03:37

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 Michael admits failure embarrasses him. Louie confesses to a codependent moment. Together they explore imperfection, r...

Codependence, Avoidance & Heartbreak | #096 25.08.2025 54:14

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 therap...

When Being Right Costs You | #095 18.08.2025 1:02:38

Support the boys:  PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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...

Control, Boundaries, and My Mom | #094 11.08.2025 1:01:04

Support the boys:  PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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...

Vulnerability Not Allowed | #093 04.08.2025 59:34

Support the boys:  PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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...

Inner Critic Sounds Like... Mom | #092 28.07.2025 59:09

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com 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 therap...

Hobby Hunting and Identity Crises | #091 21.07.2025 1:02:50

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Louie can’t stop wondering if his therapist is a Trump supporter. Louie talks about the early sessions of starting therapy, including opening up about his depression, anxiety, and trauma through intake surveys. He also shares why he’s on a mission to find a hobby — and how it could transform...

New Therapists, Old Patterns | #090 14.07.2025 58:05

Support the boys: PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com Louie and Michael just had intake sessions with their new therapists—and the experiences couldn’t have been more different. Louie returns to working with a woman therapist and unpacks what it’s like doing virtual therapy from the intimacy of your own space. He opens up about childhood trauma...