This Isn’t Therapy

By: Jake Ernst & Simon Paluck
  • Summary

  • This Isn’t Therapy... it's a podcast about it! Therapy themes are everywhere you look— they’re in your relationships, in the culture, and yes, inside of you, Mary! Each week, Jake Ernst and Simon Paluck peel back the therapy curtain to discuss the very things people are talking to their therapists about. Anxiety. Boundaries. People Pleasing. Their narcissistic mother. No topic is off limits! New episodes drop every Thursday. ⁣ The hosts: Jake: https://www.instagram.com/mswjake Simon: https://www.instagram.com/directedbysimon The pod: https://www.instagram.com/notatherapypodcast
    © Jake Ernst & Simon Paluck, 2024
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Episodes
  • Where did all these narcissists come from?
    Feb 20 2025

    This Isn't Therapy... it's the long-overdue episode about narcissism. In this episode, we break down what narcissism really is, how it differs from strong self-esteem and healthy narcissism, and why the term is being overused in today’s culture. While true narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a serious condition, many of us display narcissistic traits from time to time—so where do we draw the line? We also explore the consequences of labeling people as narcissists too quickly, how this impacts relationships, and what we might actually be struggling with when we feel hurt by someone’s behaviour.

    Got a quandary, query, or question? Submit your Q (anonymously) to Asking For A Friend...

    Creators & Guests

    • Simon Paluck - Host
    • Jake Ernst - Host

    Hello, hi! Follow us on Instagram: @notatherapypodcast⁣
    Jake Ernst: @mswjake
    Simon Paluck: @directedbysimon

    Original music composed by Kat Burns and performed by KASHKA.

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    49 mins
  • Inside the mind of a Chameleon Kid
    Feb 13 2025

    This Isn't Therapy... it's a deep dive into the world of “chameleon kids” — children who adapt their personalities, emotions, and behaviours to fit their surroundings and meet the unspoken needs of others. These kids are often labeled as “the good child,” “the helper,” or “the rule-follower,” but beneath the surface lies a complex mix of empathy, self-monitoring, and an innate drive to keep the peace. We’ll explore why chameleon kids shape-shift to gain approval, maintain harmony, and avoid adding stress to their families. We’ll also uncover how these early habits often carry into adulthood, leading to challenges with boundaries, self-expression, and people-pleasing.

    Article: Pay Attention To The Chameleon Kids by Jake Ernst

    Got a quandary, query, or question? Submit your Q (anonymously) to Asking For A Friend...

    Creators & Guests

    • Simon Paluck - Host
    • Jake Ernst - Host

    Hello, hi! Follow us on Instagram: @notatherapypodcast⁣
    Jake Ernst: @mswjake
    Simon Paluck: @directedbysimon

    Original music composed by Kat Burns and performed by KASHKA.

    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • Nanoships, microconnections, and bite-sized bonds
    Feb 6 2025

    This Isn't Therapy... it's a frank convo about the ever-changing language we use to describe our relationships. From loud looking to kiss-mets, the way we're seeking and obtaining connections continues to change alongside changes in technology and culture. This week, we discuss how nanoships, or in other words bite-sized relational moments, may be impacting our ability to connect with each other more deeply. We look to a report from Tinder (lol) to dissect how companies incentivize the use of their dating apps, potentially keeping us locked in cycles of social and emotional disconnection. Some are calling it microconnection and we have some thoughts about that.

    Article 1: Is Microconnecting The Next Big Dating Trend? By Dr. Bruce Lee
    Article 2: Tinder's Year In Swipe 2024

    Got a quandary, query, or question? Submit your Q (anonymously) to Asking For A Friend...

    Creators & Guests

    • Simon Paluck - Host
    • Jake Ernst - Host

    Hello, hi! Follow us on Instagram: @notatherapypodcast⁣
    Jake Ernst: @mswjake
    Simon Paluck: @directedbysimon

    Original music composed by Kat Burns and performed by KASHKA.

    Show more Show less
    45 mins

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