This Isn’t Therapy

This Isn't Therapy... it's the *encore* episode about AI therapists and if they can ever replace the real thing. In this episode, Jake and Simon discuss a recent BBC article about why teens are seeking out AI therapist bots and what that means for the future of mental health. Conversational AI or, in other words, "chatbots with a personality" are gaining more attention and users are finding new therapy-ish use-cases on platforms like Character.ai and Replika. The pros, the cons, the risks, and the benefits. All that and more!

BBC Article discussed: Young people turning to AI therapist bots

Don't forget, Mary: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy...this is a fun, flirty, fab, encore conversation about loneliness versus being alone. Through two #lovelylistener stories, Jake and Simon explore feelings around how we can feel lonely even though we're surrounded by people we love. Also, how being alone does not always mean you are lonely.

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy... it's the encore episode about the overuse of therapy language and the impact its having on our relationships. Gaslighting? Triggered? Trauma-bonding? What do these words actually mean!? And are we using them correctly? Listen to find out. Also, Jake and Simon welcome special guests: Dr. Miriam-Webster, Tammy Toxic, and Gary Gaslight. This is an episode you absolutely don't want to miss, mmmmmkay?

Articles:

• TIME: Gaslighting, Narcissist, and More Psychology Terms You're Misusing by Angela Haupt
• The New York Times: How the Language of Therapy Took Over Dating by Dani Blum

Creators & Guests

Episode Mixed by Jordan Paluck

This Isn't Therapy...this is our *final* episode until the summer break!! On this weeks eppy, Jake and Simon asked "how do you navigate change?" Through two #lovelylisteners stories, they explore the honest struggle that comes with sudden change and how defaulting to "old habits" isn't necessarily a bad thing. Juicy! Sidebar: if you're a first time caller or a long time listener, thank you for being here!  See you in the fall xo

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question for our end segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy... it's a doomy episode about the ever-evolving landscape of doomslang. Doomslang, coined by author and linguist Amanda Montell, is a term used to describe dystopian jargon like “dumpster fire” and “doomscroll” and “bed rot”. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about how the constant conjuring of End Times is having surprising, unintended, and maybe even dangerous, consequences. From bed rot to brainrot, this episode sure packs a doomsday punch! Oh... and be sure to tune in this week for a very imporant Summertime announcement!

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question for our end segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy...this is a fun, flirty, fab conversation about the control paradox! Arg! How do I get more control? Why must I try to fix everything?! Through two #lovelylistener stories, Simon and Jake explore the paradox of managing our fear of not having control by trying to get more of it. Also, what happens when we try to rush to resolve everything, all the time? AKA being a fix it, Ralph!! Listen to find out. 

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy... it's a long-overdue convo about inner worlds and inner children! What is an inner child? Does everyone have one? How do I know if I have one? In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about how to reconnect with our inner kids and how to know whether or not our inner child needs healing, attention, connection, or care. What follows is a discussion about inner worlds and why or why we shouldn't explore, or escape into, our inner landscape.

Quote from the episode: "Being left alone with our stressful emotions in childhood creates a wounded inner child in need of healing."

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy...this is an (accidental) deep dive into self-improvement influencers and the impact they're having on men: "how to be more alpha by yelling at the ocean!! How to get a six pack by eating a pound of raw liver a day!! Why being sad is a state of mind so go chew on a football!!!! Oh no!! Don't fret though, Simon and Jake keep it flirty and fun as they discuss the online obsession with fitness, mindset, and self-optimization. Are we undoing the progress we’ve made to reduce mental health stigma?!

Sources:
- Beware Lifestyle Fascismby Maya Vinokour
-Why the politics of young men and women are drifting further and further apartby Nimo Omer for The Guardian

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This isn't therapy... it's an episode about the six types of play everyone needs. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about the growing rates of play deprivation and how we've become starved of this essential ingredient for wellbeing. They cover the three types of play we need in infancy and childhood and discuss the three types of play we need in adolescence and adulthood. Let the true meaning behind "fun, flirty, and fabulous" commence!

P.S. Don't forget: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests

This Isn't Therapy... it's a conversation about becoming a confident, capable, and emotionally mature adult. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about the mirage of adulthood and the search for the "real adults". If you're feeling the pressure to perform a certain brand of adulthood, you don't want to miss this one. Jake and Simon dive into an article by Kathryn Jezer-Morton for The Cut called Does anyone feel like an actual adult?and tackle the myth of the ~fully realized~ adult. This one's for anyone who feels like they’re cosplaying as an adult or simply wearing a grown up costume.

Don't forget, Mary: Submit a quandary, query, or question with our newest segment Asking For A Friend...

Contact: [email protected]

Creators & Guests