Secondhand Therapy

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.

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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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

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In this episode, we have an honest, unfiltered conversation about grief, coping mechanisms, addiction, recovery, and eating disorders—and how deeply connected they often are. We explore how unresolved grief can fuel addictive behaviors, disordered eating, emotional avoidance, and unhealthy coping strategies, and what recovery actually looks like beyond surface-level fixes.

We talk about substance addiction, behavioral addiction, food addiction, binge eating, restriction, relapse, emotional regulation, trauma responses, and shame, and how these patterns show up in everyday life and relationships. The conversation also touches on mental health recovery, therapy, self-awareness, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and building healthier coping tools when life feels overwhelming.

This episode is for anyone navigating loss, grief, addiction recovery, eating disorder recovery, mental health struggles, or the long, nonlinear process of healing. It’s raw, compassionate, and focused on understanding—not judgment.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected] Follow us here: http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us: [email protected] 818-850-2448 PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105 Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 feeling great all the time before discussing EMDR.

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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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

Louie’s therapist tells him his “direct communication” is actually defensiveness — and it sends him into an identity spiral. We talk about fear, softness, control, relationship triggers, autism traits, wanting to be chosen, and why saying “I’m scared and sad” feels like death.

We dig into the messy reality of defensiveness, vulnerability, emotional expression, fear, control, and communication patterns inside relationships. Louie shares how his therapist told him that his “direct communication” is actually a defense mechanism, and the conversation spirals into emotional avoidance, softness, and why saying “I’m scared and sad” feels impossible.

We break down:

• Why “direct communication” can actually be emotional defensiveness
• How vulnerability gets blocked by masculinity, shame & fear
• Autism traits, miscommunication, and not hearing what isn’t said
• Wanting to be chosen, fear of losing connection, and relationship insecurity
• Control vs. fear: trying to protect connection vs. micromanaging outcomes
• How delivery affects emotional safety (soft vs. blunt communication)
• Why asking for comfort feels like weakness
• Emotional funks, depression cycles, ADHD patterns & medication fears
• Relationship honesty, lying, guilt, and the messy ethics of confession

It’s raw, chaotic, vulnerable, funny, and painfully relatable — the perfect mix for a mental health, relationships, therapy talk podcast.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

In this week’s episode of Secondhand Therapy, we unpack the complicated mix of grief, emotional numbness, triggers, anger, and childhood conditioning that still shapes adult reactions. Michael opens up about spending Thanksgiving in bed, feeling emotionally shut down, and exploring why certain moments hit harder than others. Louie challenges him on avoidance, grief processing, and the stories we tell ourselves when intense emotions show up.

We also dive into:

• Why holiday grief hits unexpectedly
• Emotional numbness vs. dissociation
• Organizing grief so it stops overwhelming everything
• How embarrassment and shame block emotional release
• Anger, frustration, and “pretending” to be healed
• Nervous system triggers and why they feel like aggression
• Childhood patterns around attention and how they show up in adulthood
• Customer service, disappointment, and why small moments can activate big wounds

This is a raw, honest conversation about grief, emotional regulation, inner child responses, triggers, vulnerability, self-awareness, and healing,.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______

Louie shares a dream about his late partner that cracks open a huge conversation about grief, avoidance, triggers, and what it means to actually move forward. Michael challenges him, things get tense, and it turns into one of our most honest episodes yet.

In this deeply personal episode of Second Hand Therapy, we unpack dreams, grief, unresolved emotions, and the complicated ways they show up in everyday life. Louie opens up about a dream involving his late partner and how it challenged his beliefs around meaning, symbolism, and emotional closure. Michael pushes back with questions about avoidance, grief processing, and what it means to “move forward” after loss.

Together, we explore:

• How dreams connect to subconscious processing
• The difference between honoring grief vs. being defined by it
• Avoidance, emotional triggers, and why they resurface years later
• How unresolved childhood and adult grief compounds
• Moving forward without “leaving someone behind”
• What it looks like when grief unexpectedly “finds you”

This episode is a vulnerable, honest look at grief, trauma, emotional regulation, subconscious processing, healing, and the messiness of being human—delivered with the same humor, tension, and real friendship you expect from this show.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

_____

Jeremy Lipkowitz breaks down porn addiction, how it affects your relationships, and why it’s more common than people think. He also talks about his time as a Buddhist monk and what that life taught him about discipline, desire, and mindfulness.

Jeremy Lipkowitz joins us for a deep, honest conversation about porn addiction, how it develops, and the real ways it impacts mental health, relationships, intimacy, and self-worth. We explore what porn addiction actually is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why so many people struggle with shame and secrecy around it.

Jeremy also shares his powerful story of becoming a Buddhist monk, how mindfulness reshaped his relationship with desire, and what monastic life taught him about emotional regulation, discipline, and self-compassion.

If you're curious about addiction, mindfulness, or the psychology behind our habits, this episode hits all the big questions.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

_____

Louie gets a wild text from his dad and things spiral into talk about cynicism, giving (and taking) compliments, and why we chase what we’re “missing out on.”

Louie gets a surprising text from his dad—and it sparks a conversation about how we process emotion, self-worth, and connection. In this episode, we unpack why giving and receiving compliments can feel so uncomfortable, how cynicism masks vulnerability, and what “missing out” really means when it comes to FOMO. Michael opens up about his ongoing struggle with accountability—and Louie calls him out on it.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

_____

Louie and Michael answer a listener email about why men struggle with vulnerability—diving into shame, repression, and the fear of emotional connection.

Louie and Michael respond to a listener email about why men struggle with vulnerability, emotional awareness, and connection. They dig into childhood conditioning, gender norms, and how shame and emotional repression keep men stuck in outdated ideas of strength. The conversation explores therapy, communication, emotional literacy, masculinity, and healing, asking what it would take for men to feel safe being seen. Equal parts funny and introspective, this episode is a breakdown of why men feel regressed in vulnerability—and how to change that.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

-The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

-Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

_____

Louie and Michael unpack fawning—the hidden trauma response behind people-pleasing, codependency, and emotional safety—in their most vulnerable talk yet.

Louie and Michael dive into fawning, trauma responses, people-pleasing, and emotional safety. Michael opens up about childhood conditioning, codependency, and realizing how much of his life has been guided by the need to feel safe. The two unpack how emotional immaturity in parents leads to adult people-pleasing, and how learning new therapeutic language can lead to awareness, growth, and healing. A vulnerable, unfiltered conversation about therapy, emotional regulation, recovery, and trauma.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks

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 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/

The Maca Team:

Louie really does take Maca every day. (He takes Black and Tri-Blend). He loves it.

http://themacateam.com/secondhandtherapy

promo code: bearcub for 10% off

Light Phone:

Louie really does have and use a Light Phone III. He loves it.

https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=mmexymn

promo code: secondhandtherapy for $50 off pre-order of Light Phone III

______________

Gina Martin joins to talk misogyny, feminism, and emotional healing—how patriarchy, trauma, and compassion shape identity, relationships, and recovery.

Louie and Michael talk with author and activist Gina Martin about misogyny, feminism, gender roles, and emotional safety. Gina breaks down how patriarchy, trauma, and apathy shape men’s and women’s behavior, and what true compassion, forgiveness, and accountability look like in relationships. They explore how to raise boys, gendered social conditioning, and why understanding systems—not just individuals—matters for change. This episode dives deep into feminism, empathy, recovery, therapy, and identity, offering an unfiltered look at how culture shapes our emotional lives.

Gina Martin she/her is a British gender equality activist, writer and facilitator known for her work fighting gender stereotypes, misogyny, sexual violence and the manosphere. Gina was responsible for making upskirting illegal in England and Wales (with 3 countries following suit), and changing discriminatory Instagram policy. She is also a writer, has published three books and has a best-selling Substack. Gina now works in schools across Australia running workshops for high schoolers on gender stereotypes.

Gina's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginamartin/?hl=en

Gina's Substack: https://ginamartin.substack.com/

Gina's Latest Book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/452339/no-offence-but-by-martin-gina/9781529177572

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Follow us here:
http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypod
http://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypod

Contact us:
[email protected]
818-850-2448
PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105
 
Cover Art Design: Louie Paoletti
Theme Music: Jamie Franks