Best directedbysimon Podcasts (2024)

1
ENCORE: Mattering 43:58

1d ago43:58

43:58

This Isn't Therapy... it’s an *encore* discussion about the importance of mattering. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about mattering, a feeling of meaningful significance to others, and what that looks like, sounds like, and feels like in relationships. Jake walks us through the questions he asks his clients when they report that, or he gets t…

1
ENCORE: AI Therapist vs. Human Therapist 41:20

8d ago41:20

41:20

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 g…

1
ENCORE: Loneliness vs. Being Alone 43:53

15d ago43:53

43:53

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, …

1
ENCORE: The Rise In Therapy Language 43:43

23d ago43:43

43:43

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 Ga…

1
Navigating Change 48:38

1M ago48:38

48:38

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…

1
Is doomslang making us all numb? 46:26

1M ago46:26

46:26

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, …

1
The Control Paradox 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

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 e…

1
Exploring our inner world 38:59

2M ago38:59

38:59

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…

1
The eerie hype of self-improvement influencers 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

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 fl…

1
6 Types of Play Everyone Needs 57:08

2M ago57:08

57:08

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…

1
Does anyone feel like an actual adult? 44:33

2M ago44:33

44:33

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 art…

1
Loneliness vs Being Alone 43:53

3M ago43:53

43:53

This Isn't Therapy...this is a flirty fab 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 ques…

1
Mimetic Rivalries 46:05

3M ago46:05

46:05

This Isn't Therapy...this is the second-half of a convo about needs (we love a Part 2!!) In this episode, Jake and Simon are piggy backing off last week's episode about uncovering our needs and are now exploring what happens when our needs lead to comparison or conflict. You know her, you love her, she's a little messy: please welcome to the stage.…

1
Vocalizing your needs 36:15

3M ago36:15

36:15

This Isn't Therapy...this is a two-part conversation about meeting your needs. What are my needs? What are your needs? How do we meet each others needs?! Oh boy!! In this fun, flirty, fab *throwback* episode, Jake and Simon chat through Primal, Survival, and Growth needs: their evolutionary purpose, self-care, and the difficulty of figuring out wha…

1
Is therapy harming kids? 48:16

3M ago48:16

48:16

This Isn't Therapy...this is a critical look at the argument that children need less therapy, not more, and how this "mental heath culture" is stripping parents of autonomy, ultimately causing more harm than good. In this episode, Jake and Simon dive into a review (written by Anna Nordberg for Slate) for a book by a right-leaning conspiracy theoris…

1
Why we want what other people want 36:35

4M ago36:35

36:35

This Isn't Therapy... it's the episode about mimetic desire: why we want what other people want. Human beings learn everything, including our desires, from imitation. In this episode, Jake and Simon go deep and peek behind the comparison curtain to reveal the reasons why we come to want what other people have. If you've ever thought "Ooh, I want th…

1
Giving feedback to your therapist 👀 43:15

4M ago43:15

43:15

This Isn't Therapy...this is an episode about some hard truths learned in therapy. Ever wonder how to give your therapist some feedback?! Or even how would my therapist react if I gave them some feedback?! Through a story posted by an anonymous reddit user, Jake and Simon examine a therapists' struggle after they received some challenging feedback …

1
How social media re-wired us all 32:41

4M ago32:41

32:41

This Isn't Therapy... it's the surprise solo session with Jake! In this episode, Jake shares two snippets from his weekly newsletter Just Trying To Help. Jake walks us through his theories for how social media is re-wiring our brains, reshaping our moods, and changing how we connect. P.S. Happy Leap Year! Ribbit Ribbit! Read the full articles here:…

1
Stop Opening Up About Your Mental Health Online 36:39

4M ago36:39

36:39

This Isn't Therapy... it’s a very frank conversation about oversharing and opening up about your mental health online. In this day and age, we've normalized sharing everything online, but is it really helpful? That's the question being asked by Freya India in her recent article "Stop Opening Up About Your Mental Health Online." In this episode, Jak…

1
Scrutiny, shame, and Taylor Swift criticism 38:08

5M ago38:08

38:08

This Isn't Therapy... it’s a bold, beautiful, and brave conversation about ~scrutiny~. Lol no really, it's an important convo about how criticism, judgment, shame, and scrutiny have their way in the public and personal discourse. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about the pros and cons of critical observation and how our judgments help us navig…

1
Brené Brown answers Jake's question 9:33

5M ago9:33

9:33

This isn't therapy... it's the episode where Brené Brown answers a question from Jake about emotions: "I was thinking about the phrase Mixed Feelings and how feeling more than one feeling at a time can make it hard to label feelings accurately. How do we label emotions precisely when we are feeling a mix of feelings and experiencing separate layers…

1
Being chronically online 46:05

5M ago46:05

46:05

This Isn't Therapy... it’s a timely conversation about being chronically online. In segment one, Jake and Simon talk about Brené Brown’s recent splash back into social media (welcome back BB!) and read an excerpt from her tear-jerking blog post where she talks about taking time away from the internet. In segment two, Jake and Simon chat about the p…

1
Can we really fake it ‘til we make it? 42:11

5M ago42:11

42:11

This Isn't Therapy... it's an episode about the age-old adage "fake it 'til you make it!" In this week's episode, Jake and Simon talk about whether or not it's really possible to fake it or pretend our way into a new reality. Through two Lovely Listener stories, they chat through the pros and cons of keeping our cool and trying to be more confident…

1
The pursuit of endless bliss 🙃✌️ 44:29

5M ago44:29

44:29

This Isn't Therapy... it's an episode about the pursuit of endless bliss. Many people arrive to therapy with a "fantasy goal" thinking they want to be calm, happy, and relaxed all the time. Through two #lovelylistener stories, Jake and Simon talk about how to find a realistic sense of joy, happiness, purpose, and pleasure and what we can (or should…

1
We talk to an AI therapist 41:20

5M ago41:20

41:20

This Isn't Therapy... it's the 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 mo…

1
Failed Expectations 43:58

6M ago43:58

43:58

This Isn't Therapy...this is a conversation about failed expectations. Through two lovely listeners story submissions (and an article, see below), Jake and Simon explore the impact of not meeting the expectations others put on us, as well as the expectations we put on ourselves. Woof! Big stuff - especially around this "new year, new me" time of ye…

1
Asking For A Friend 46:42

6M ago46:42

46:42

This isn't therapy, Mary... it's a celebration of our newest segment! This is the first-ever Asking For A Friend roundup! In the past few weeks, we've received soooo many good questions that we just couldn't leave them all in 2023. We wanted to ring in the New Year by answering your frequently asked questions. In this episode, Jake and Simon answer…

1
Emotional immaturity 🥺 49:51

6M ago49:51

49:51

This Isn't Therapy... it's the episode about dealing with emotionally immature people. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about spotting the signs of an emotionally immature adult and how emotional immaturity in parents can impact the children they're raising. We're returning to a beloved format in this epi-- lovely listener submissions + expert-…

1
How The Grinch Stole Therapy 10:44

6M ago10:44

10:44

This Isn't Therapy...this is our original spin on the famed holiday classic!! This Isn't Therapy presents: How the Grinch Stole Therapy. Every Who down in Whoville liked wellness a lot...but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did NOT. The Grinch hated wellness! The whole "therapy speak." Now, please don't ask why, the reason is bleak... …

1
Adulting is hard 44:33

7M ago44:33

44:33

This Isn't Therapy... it's a conversation about becoming an emotional adult. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about the mirage of adulthood and the search for the "real adults". They dive into an article by Kathryn Jezer-Morton for The Cut called Does anyone feel like an actual adult?This one's for all the adults who feel like they’re wearing a…

1
Bonus: We made a Best Indie Podcast list!! 12:22

7M ago12:22

12:22

This Isn't Therapy...this is a BONUS snippet from our feature on CBC's Podcast Playlist!! That's right, our lil pod hit the national broadcast airwaves, baby! On this bonus ep of the pod, you'll hear Podcast Playlist host Leah-Simone Bowen highlight six of the Best Indie Podcasts - spoiler alert: we made the list!! Thank you to CBC and the Podcast …

1
Am I too emotional? 48:49

7M ago48:49

48:49

This Isn't Therapy...it’s the long-overdue episode about emotions and emotionality. Am I overacting? Under-reacting? In this conversation, Jake and Simon chat about the normal, human, everyday emotions that show up in our lives. How do we know if our reactions are within a healthy range? They use the Window of Tolerance model to discuss big and sma…

1
Lying to your therapist 46:45

7M ago46:45

46:45

This Isn't Therapy... it's the pinocchio-inspired epi about lying to your therapist. In this episode, Jake and Simon use a case scenario as a study about lies, fibs, and fairytales in the therapy room. They talk about what may lie beneath our lies (hehe) and can what happen when a therapist may suspect a lie is being told. P.S. The notes we were si…

1
Can therapy fix everything? 45:52

7M ago45:52

45:52

This Isn't Therapy... it's a meta convo about these very important questions: Can therapy fix everything? Why has therapy become the solution for everything? What types of problems can therapy realistically solve? In addition, Jake and Simon talk about why our mental health is getting worse if more and more people are going to therapy. They also ta…

1
Surprise Solo Sesh with Simon 🥵 32:48

8M ago32:48

32:48

This Isn't Therapy...this is Simon's first surprise solo session (HOT🥵!!) Our dear gal pal Jake has fallen ill (sad 😢 )so on this week's episode, Simon takes the reigns and guides the #lovelylisteners through a fun, flirty, fab review of some of his fav TIT moments. Where did Brandon the Therapy Frog come from? Who is Tina the Troll? Does he have a…

1
Debunking the BFF Myth 44:02

8M ago44:02

44:02

This Isn't Therapy...this is a conversation about the best friends forever myth. There is so much pressure to find your other half, your #squad, someone to share that BFF bracelet with. But what happens when you don't have a BFF? Do "best friends" even exist? On this episode of the pod, Jake and Simon chat through an article in the Standard (source…

1
Mattering 43:58

8M ago43:58

43:58

This Isn't Therapy... it’s a discussion about the importance of mattering. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about mattering, a feeling of meaningful significance to others, and what that looks like, sounds like, and feels like in relationships. Jake walks us through the questions he asks his clients when they report that, or he gets the sense t…

1
Making new friends 41:01

8M ago41:01

41:01

This Isn't Therapy... it's a convo about makin' new friends, Mary! In this week's episode, Jake and Simon talk about our social health and what's getting in the way of making new friends and forging new social connections. They also discuss if it's good or bad to connect with people really fast and tackle a listener question about building a new ci…

1
EPISODE 100 🌟😭 46:58

8M ago46:58

46:58

This Isn't Therapy...this is EPISODE ONE FOOOKEN HUNDRED, BABY!!! ✨ On this centennial episode of the pod, Jake and Simon take a look back at the very first episode of the pod and work through allllllll the cringe. What follows is a fun, flirty, fab chat about vulnerability, growth, and new eras (sry swifties!! These two girlies are ready to take o…

1
Toxic achievement culture 47:18

9M ago47:18

47:18

This Isn't Therapy... it's an epi about toxic achievement culture (what!!?!?!)... In this episode, Jake and Simon discuss an emerging therapy therapy theme about the ways that achievement can be toxic, unhealthy, and unproductive. They dive deep into an article about achievement, feeling enough, and "mattering." They talk about the importance of ha…

1
Is it my personality or is it mental health? 38:45

9M ago38:45

38:45

This Isn't Therapy... it's the long-time-coming conversation about personality differences and mental health! In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about The Big Five personality types - Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (recently re-termed Emotional Stability). They talk about the difference between personali…

1
Leaving your comfort zone 33:00

9M ago33:00

33:00

This Isn't Therapy...this is a fun, flirty, fab convo about how being comfortable will not make you happy 🤯. In this episode, Jake and Simon chat through two #lovelylistener story submissions - one features a tale about moving on from a beloved job and the other explores the fear of leaving the comfort zone. They discuss how the (necessary) feeling…

1
Taking social risks 40:49

9M ago40:49

40:49

This Isn't Therapy... it’s the episode about taking social risks! This week, Jake and Simon talk about how to put yourself out there and embrace the improv side of life. Jumping off from last week’s conversation about play, they discuss another #LovelyListener submission about trusting people’s true intentions and dissect a quote about improvised g…

1
Have we lost our sense of play? 36:46

10M ago36:46

36:46

This Isn't Therapy... but we are tackling life's important questions: have we lost our sense of play? In this episode, Jake and Simon dig deep into a #LovelyListener submission and article (Remix!! Twist!!) about adult play, which suggests that playing and wasting time together like kids do are how we can become happier and healthier adults. Also -…

1
Bullying with boundaries 38:55

10M ago38:55

38:55

This Isn't Therapy... this is the long-awaited follow-up to our episodes about boundaries. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about being a boundary bully and using “boundaries” to control other people. They talk about an advice column question submitted to The Atlantic about family boundaries and and discuss relationship boundaries via ~the Jona…

1
Parenting your partner 48:35

10M ago48:35

48:35

This Isn't Therapy... this is a conversation about becoming the stand-in parent for the people around you. Are you the one always making the plans? Do find yourself saying "don't forget to..." a lot? When did you sign up to coach the people around you into "becoming the better version of themselves"? Oh, mama. Let's talk. Take out your finest quill…

1
Phubbing 🤳🏼 46:19

11M ago46:19

46:19

This Isn’t Therapy… it’s a discussion about “phubbing”— the act of snubbing someone with your phone. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about phone use and how it impacts our relationships with friends, family members, and partners. They also talk about a recent study, which found that higher phone use was associated with more relationship proble…

1
FOMO 39:45

11M ago39:45

39:45

This Isn't Therapy... it’s the episode about the common fear of missing out, otherwise known as FOMO. In this episode, Jake and Simon talk about FOMO through the lens of the group chat: Getting kicked out of them, being left out of the formation of a new one, or not being invited into them at all. They talk about how a certain app popular with teen…

1
Help! My therapist broke up with me... 47:19

11M ago47:19

47:19

This Isn't Therapy... it’s the episode about being broken up with by a therapist. In this episode, Jake and Simon read two stories, one submitted to the Reddit r/AskATherapist community and one submitted by a Lovely Listener! Jake and Simon break down some of the reasons why therapists may also break up with a client. It's a juicy one! P.S. The deb…

1
A couple living in denial 52:11

11M ago52:11

52:11

This Isn't Therapy... it’s the episode about being in denial. I’m not in denial, you are! In this episode, Jake and Simon unpack this common psychological defence mechanism - why someone might be in denial, where it might stem from, and how this shows up in couples. They also dip their toe in the waters of couple therapy and provide some insight in…

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Directedbysimon Podcasts

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