Secondhand Therapy – Details, episodes & analysis

Michael faces breakup blues while Louie shares dating advice from therapy. They dive into grief, guilt, family dynamics, and how relational thinking shapes love and connection.

 

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 compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

 

Michael is in the middle of the breakup blues, and Louie brings fresh dating advice straight from his therapist.

This week on Secondhand Therapy, Michael opens up about how grief impacts the brain in ways similar to addiction, while Louie reflects on the guilt he feels enjoying his partner’s family more than his own. They explore why talking politics with family rarely works, and what therapy teaches about boundaries, guilt, and connection.

Michael also unpacks the difference between relational and non-relational thinking, and how those patterns affect the way we approach love, conflict, and family.

It’s a vulnerable, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about breakups, grief, dating, family dynamics, and learning how to navigate relationships without losing yourself.

 

Support the pod:

PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod

MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

 

Follow us here:

http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod

http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

 

Contact us:

secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com

818-850-2448

PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

 

Keywords: breakup podcast, dating advice, grief and the brain, therapy podcast, mental health podcast, family dynamics, guilt in relationships, politics and family, relational thinking, addiction and grief, unlicensed therapy, men’s mental health, emotional boundaries, personal growth podcast

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Abortion advocate Sophie Nir joins us to unpack stigma, misinformation, and advocacy — from “abortion positivity” to global rights, men’s roles, and why abortion must be seen as a social good.

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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 compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/

Abortion is one of the most stigmatized topics in society — and this conversation takes it head-on.

In this episode, we sit down with abortion advocate Sophie Nir to explore the realities of abortion rights, stigma, and advocacy. Together, we unpack:

• How stigma and misinformation shape the abortion debate
• Why shifting to “abortion positivity” changes the conversation
• The role of partners and men in supporting reproductive rights
• The global landscape of abortion vs. the unique challenges in the U.S.
• How language, culture, and politics influence the way abortion is understood
• Why abortion should be recognized as a social good, not a source of shame

We also share personal perspectives on identity, political beliefs, and the intersections of global conflicts — including Israel–Palestine — with conversations around justice, autonomy, and control of women’s bodies.

It’s a raw, informative, and deeply personal discussion about reproductive rights, stigma, advocacy, and the urgent need for a cultural shift in how we talk about abortion.

https://www.abortionpositivity.com/

http://instagram.com/abortionpositivity

http://tiktok.com/@abortionpositivity

Support the pod:

PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod

MERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.com

Follow us here:

http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod

http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:

secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com

818-850-2448

PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

topics: abortion rights podcast, reproductive rights, abortion stigma, abortion positivity, women’s autonomy, abortion advocacy, misinformation on abortion, men and abortion debate, global abortion access, U.S. abortion laws, reproductive justice, language and advocacy, abortion as a social good, secondhand therapy podcast

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BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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

Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Lou and Michael discuss their respective issues with body image before getting into the effects of self-talk. Lou still doesn’t care if you like him. 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 Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Lou expresses his desire to show more gratitude in life. Michael talks about his breakthrough in therapy and possibilities of why he doesn’t like himself. 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 818-850-2448Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Lou and Michael discuss their love languages and attachment styles before considering whether unconditional love is a real thing. Lou talks about his recent experience dating a 26 year-old. Support the pod:  http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448      Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

Get acquainted with your hosts, Lou Paoletti and Michael Malone, as they give a rundown of what to expect on Secondhand Therapy. Support the pod:  http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypod http://secondhandtherapypod.com Follow us here:  http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://instagram.com/itsloubear http://instagram.com/malonecomedy Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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. The episode takes a deeper turn as they confront generational trauma, emotional triggers, and what it takes to break toxic family cycles. 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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/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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 accountability

They dissect what it means to feel dismissed, how panic can hijack your intention, and why changing how you speak to someone isn’t always love — sometimes it’s self-erasure. It’s funny, it’s chaotic, and Also featuring: – “You hit me with a baseball!” – Weaponized ‘I miss you’s – A fake breakup that feels a little too real – Love on the spectrum – And Michael finally realizing he’s never actually thought before speaking 🙃 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Support the pod: PATREON - Join Patreon for Exclusives MERCH - Shop Merch 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 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.com Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks