Therapy Is Life w/ Gerald Mcgee

Gerald McGee and guests discuss the origins of the name, how culture and views of time shape its meaning, and why naming the holiday helps create an annual moment of remembrance for ancestors. Each shares when they first learned about Juneteenth and how it impacts their identity, emotions, and how they view July 4th. The group reflects on pride and resilience alongside grief and anger, critiques t...

In this episode of Therapy Is Life, Jared talks with Brian P., author of Notes to Self and a peer support specialist from Charlotte, about “fighting for focus” and the realities of ADD/ADHD, especially how it can be misunderstood and underdiagnosed among Black men. Brian shares being diagnosed in his 50s after years of distractibility, losing things, forgetfulness, mood swings, sadness, job hoppin...

In this episode of Therapy Is Life, recorded at Studio 28 in Beachwood (Cleveland), the hosts sit down with CJ to discuss everyday routines, fatherhood, and his military journey. CJ shares what he does for fun, his approach to raising three sons with patience and emotional expression, and perspectives on supporting daughters’ emotions. He explains why he joined the Army as a 31B Military Police so...

In this episode of Therapy is Life, the hosts unpack the emotions war brings up, drawing from family military history and a veteran’s perspective. They discuss how politics, media narratives, and historical context shape how people understand conflict and who they see as the “enemy,” while questioning the costs and interests behind war. The conversation closes with ways to stay grounded amid const...

In this episode of Therapy Is Life, the crew discusses how the nervous system responds to violent war visuals in movies and media, questioning how we distinguish entertainment from reality. They explore desensitization from long-term exposure, the difference between fictional violence and real footage, and how war imagery can trigger flashbacks for people who grew up in war-torn environments. The...

On this episode of Therapy is Life, host Gerald McGee opens with Kate Daniels’ “War Photography” from the Vietnam War to frame a discussion about being the first generation with instant, nonstop access to war images and news and how that impacts wellbeing. The panel talks about how social-media algorithms shape what we see, how platforms have become “interest media,” and how even attempts to stay...

In this Therapy’s Life episode, the hosts unpack “stay woke” as an age-old survival practice for Black people, using Lead Belly’s Scottsboro Boys song and the wrongful rape accusations, imprisonment, and posthumous pardons as a starting point. They connect Black wokeness to historical communication and resistance—from the Middle Passage, drums, Negro spirituals, and Harriet Tubman’s coded songs to...

In this episode of Therapy Is Life, Gerald and The Fellas discuss how legendary Black athletes shaped society and mental wellbeing through their experiences with racism, segregation, and activism. They honor Jesse Jackson’s legacy of “keep hope alive,” then examine the social and psychological impact of sports as a battleground for equality through stories of Jack Johnson’s boxing victories and pe...

Gerald and Niesha reconnect on Therapy is Life to talk about essential self-care for providers and how burnout can build when you’re constantly caring for others. Niesha, a licensed professional clinical counselor and author, shares why provider self-care looks different from typical self-care and highlights the importance of daily check-ins, rest, and realistic routines that fit into a busy workd...

In this episode of Therapy Is Life, Gerald McGee talks Super Bowl memories and cultural impact with Maal G and Dr. Gary Carrington, including Maal’s launch of Studio 28 as a barbershop, art, and mental-health forum. They share personal Super Bowl moments, favorite eras and commercials, and discuss this year’s game as largely uninspiring. The conversation turns to commercials about obesity, food de...

Two Things Can Be True at Once: Grace & Accountability, Space, and Real-Life Adulting In this episode of Therapy Is Life, the crew talks through a core therapy idea: two things can be true at once, and life is usually more nuanced than “either/or.” They unpack paired truths like “I’m trying my best and I need to do better” (grace vs. accountability, perfectionism, and SMART goals), “I miss you and...

Welcome to another episode of Therapy Is Life with engaging conversations and personal stories on the fascinating lessons we can learn from water. Dive into a discussion about how water's nature and behavior can symbolize various aspects of life's journey. From growing up near bodies of water, childhood memories, and personal anecdotes, we explore how water's ability to adapt, flow, and even stand...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with the organizer of Everlasting Mentorship, to discuss the profound impact of neurodiversity and mental health. Ash shares his journey of being diagnosed with autism in 2025 and how this newfound understanding has shaped his approach to helping others in the mental health and business strategy spaces. Join us as we explore the importance of self-advocacy...

In this enlightening episode of Therapy Is Life, we unravel the complex feelings around gift-giving, touching on the stress and anxiety it often stirs up. Join us as we explore how different cultures celebrate the festive season, including Ethiopia's unique Christmas on January 7th.  The evolution of Santa Claus, from ancient Norse mythology to modern-day commercialization, and discuss how the ess...

In this special Thanksgiving edition of Therapy's Life, we dive into meaningful conversations about the essence of Thanksgiving, the history we learned, and how it shapes our collective consciousness. Join us as we exchange music recommendations, recount family traditions, and explore what we're truly thankful for. From heated UNO games to soul-stirring discussions about Native American heritage a...

Join us for another deep dive on Therapy Is Life, where we explore the intricate world of fandom. From the highs of team victories to the emotional lows of losses, we dissect what it means to be a fan and how it affects our mental wellbeing. The crew shares personal anecdotes, discusses the irrational side of fandom, and debates the expectations placed on athletes and celebrities. We also touch on...

In this candid episode of 'Therapy Is Life,' host Gerald McGee and guest Dr. Tyffani Monford delve into the impacts of cultural betrayal trauma, focusing on Black survivors of sexual assault. They explore the complexities of trust, social and emotional development, and the unique challenges within marginalized communities. Dr. Monford shares her personal self-care strategies and underscores the im...

In this episode of 'Therapy Is Life', host welcomes Dr. Tyffany Monford, a clinical psychologist, to discuss her work and latest curriculum, 'Bold Black and Becoming'. Dr. Monford shares her insights on black girlhood, the importance of culturally informed therapy, trauma recognition, and the power of peer support. She also delves into the prevalence of sexual abuse among black women and girls and...

Welcome to another episode of Therapy Is Life! In this installment, we kick things off by wrapping up our Sinners series with a deep dive into the fascinating world of vampires and their cultural significance. But that's just the beginning – join us as we delve into the impactful and spiritual traditions of Native Americans, discuss the allure and symbolism of vampires in popular media, and explor...

Unmasking Our Inner Monsters: A Deep Dive into Fear and Anxiety In this episode of 'Therapy Is Life,' we explore the concept of monsters both in media and within ourselves. From classic creatures like Godzilla and King Kong to inner demons like fear and anxiety, we discuss how monsters are often misunderstood and how their true nature can reflect our own internal struggles. The conversation touche...

Part 2 of our discussion on The Four Types of Love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 102 of 'Therapy Is Life,' where we delve into the multifaceted world of love. Starting off with a discussion on Willie Dixon's iconic lyrics, we journey through personal anecdotes and musical references, from classic rock to soul. We dig deep into the definitions and types of love, discussing everything from maternal love (storge) and friendship (philia) to romantic passion (ero...

Our discussion on Global Warming continued! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Therapy is Life,' host Gerald McGee delves into the pressing issue of global warming with a long distance special guest. The discussion explores the psychological and emotional effects of climate change, such as anxiety, grief, and PTSD, especially among those directly impacted by natural disasters. Brad shares his lifelong interest in the environment, fueled by childhood exper...

In this episode of Therapy Is Life we explore the complexities surrounding the sneaker culture and its impact on both parents and children. The conversation explores the pressures parents face in providing the 'right' shoes for their kids to avoid social isolation and bullying. From discussing the pricey world of designer sneakers to the psychological implications of prioritizing material items, t...