Ep.45 "I'm phone-less"(Couples Therapy recap)

Today I reflect on the emotional reactions sparked by the claim that feelings are not valid, I attempt to offer good-faith feedback to left-leaning political influencers about keeping audiences engaged in democratic participation. And last but not lease I close with a practical perspective on breakup recovery: rather than searching for a universal playbook, avoid behaviors that interfere with the mind's natural healing process.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

Journalist and documentary filmmaker Aki Lee Camargo joins Omar to discuss his first YouTube documentary on the testosterone boom, including the online cultures, commercial pressures, and body-image concerns driving use. They examine the experience of a teenage influencer, the difficulty of reporting on performance-enhancing drug use, and Camargo’s test of how quickly telehealth clinics could prescribe testosterone despite an independent doctor finding no clinical need. Journalist and documentary maker Aki Lee Camargo joins Omar to discuss reporting on testosterone use, body ideals, and the online culture that can turn appearance and validation into a high-stakes pursuit. They explore potential benefits and risks, commercial incentives, and why the pressures reach well beyond fringe online communities, including queer communities.Watch Testosterone Trap Documentary:https://youtu.be/otZaLhOwOtI?si=cDFdL981WZvZ-xE2Follow Aki on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arigatoakiFollow Omar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

Today we talk about Love Languages, their history, why the got so popular, and how to effectively use them as a tool.

In this conversation, Omar Torres reflects on his experience of being without a phone for a weekend, discussing the psychological impacts and the lessons learned about modern conveniences and personal patience. He also delves into a recap of a couples therapy episode, exploring themes of open relationships, emotional connections, and the importance of communication in relationships.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

Today's a good one folks! Please join me and TV writer/creator Andrew Law; a talented writer known for his work on shows like Hacks and The Good Place. Andrew shares his unexpected journey into writing, revealing that despite his parents' emphasis on math and science, he always had a passion for storytelling that he initially overlooked. Andrew reflects on his relationship with writing. From writing poetry as a child to acclaimed TV creator, discussing the creative process behind his Netflix animated series "Dang!", the importance of mental health, and the collaborative magic of great story telling.Follow Andrew Law on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatandrewlaw/Check out Dang! on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81666277Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

In this episode, Connie Thai shares her journey from fashion and food styling to creating relatable, effortless style content. We explore themes of thrifting, self-expression, cultural influences, and mental health insights about living in the moment.Follow Connie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cocowearsclothes/Follow Connie on Substack: https://cocowearsclothes.substack.com/Follow Omar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

In this episode, journalist and storyteller Aki Lee Camargo shares insights on democratization of news, the unique storytelling approach in social media, and the cultural nuances of Japanese queer media, especially the reality show The Boyfriend. In this episode, Aki shares insights on racial identity, cultural debates, and the importance of following your gut instincts. We explore the complexities of mixed race identity, societal stereotypes, and the power of reflection in personal growth.Follow Aki on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arigatoaki/?hl=enFollow Aki on substack: https://substack.com/@arigatoakiCheck on Aki's work on The News Movement: https://www.thenewsmovement.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

What does it mean to grieve a relationship—and why can heartbreak feel so isolating?Today we are joined by therapist and author-in-progress Benjamin Goldman for a thoughtful conversation about breakups as a form of attachment grief. They explore why we have shared rituals for weddings and death but often lack meaningful ways to mark the end of a relationship; the difference between coping mechanisms and intentional rituals; and how community, witnessing, and purpose can support healing.We also unpack the familiar messages we hear after a breakup—like “time heals all wounds” and “to get over someone, get under someone else”—and consider what it might look like to move through loss with more care, agency, and connection.If you’re navigating a breakup, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the psychology of love and loss, this episode offers a compassionate place to start.Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminjgoldman/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/benthebreakuptherapist/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

In this episode of Pop Therapy, I welcome back today's guest, Michael Russo, to unpack the latest episode of Couples Therapy. As we dive into the episode recap, we note the central theme of how childhood relationships, particularly with parents, influence adult dynamics. Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy

Hello and thank you for your patience but we are BACK!Today we are joined by the utterly delightful Andrew Joseph.Andrew shares insights into his work at the AEDP Institute, where he conducts research on trauma healing. He discusses Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), an emotionally focused, attachment-oriented model that emphasizes emotional responsiveness and real-time relational dynamics between therapist and client.He notes that attachment patterns can shift based on different interactions, making it vital to approach therapy with flexibility and openness.Learn more about Andrew and his work: www.andyjohnjoseph.comWork with Andrew: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/andrew-j-joseph-new-york-ny/745869Read: It's not always depression:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/537514/its-not-always-depression-by-hilary-jacobs-hendel-lcsw/References/Recommended Reading:Recommended Reading for Everyone (General Audience):Jacobs Hendel, H. (2018). It’s not always depression: Working the Change Triangle to listen to the body, discover core emotions, and connect to your authentic self. Spiegel & Grau.Frederick, R. J. (2019). Loving like you mean it: Use the power of emotional mindfulness to transform yourrelationships. Central Recovery Press.Frederick, R. J. (2009). Living like you mean it: Use the wisdom and power of your emotions to get the life you really want. Jossey-Bass.Recommended Reading for Mental Health Professionals:Fosha, D. (Ed.). (2020). AEDP 2.0: Undoing aloneness and the transformation of suffering into flourishing. American Psychological Association.Pando-Mars, K., & Fosha, D. (2025). Tailoring treatment to attachment patterns: Healing trauma in relationship. W. W. Norton & Company.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haveyoutriedtherapy/Follow the podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptherapythepod/Photo by Daniel Seung Lee: https://danielseunglee.com/Cover design by Bryan Barham: https://www.bryan-barham.com/Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/PopTherapy