Best Virginia Jones and Laura Ryan, LMFT Podcasts (2025)

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Morals 35:20

Play Pause

5d ago35:20

35:20

Sometimes, an episode is based on a fan letter. Sometimes, it's tiktok. This week, it's a conversation Virginia had with a dummy. Where do morals come from? Is it God?

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Are Boyfriends...Cringe? 46:45

8d ago46:45

46:45

Is it embarrassing to have a boyfriend, now? References: Eddie Dresden: Tik Tok "Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now? CHANTÉ JOSEPH Why Do We Prioritize Romantic Over Platonic Love?: embracesexualwellness.com The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake: David Brooks Decentering Dating: Why Love Isn’t the Only Plotline: Anh Le The Nuclear Family Was a Mista…

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Irresponsible Diagnoses: Art Edition 44:45

15d ago44:45

44:45

What do Vincent Van Gogh, Yayoi Kusama, and Louis Wain have in common? The answer won't surprise you!

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Attack of the Karens! 44:49

22d ago44:49

44:49

This week, listener Anna asks about white people bs, and we talk about it. Thanks, Anna! References: The Backlash Against “Karen” Memes is Peak White Feminism: By Stephanie Younger What exactly is a 'Karen' and where did the meme come from? Ashitha Nagar Is Barbie Peak White Feminism? Does It Even Matter?: JOURDAIN SEARLES When White Women Cry: How…

1
Healthy Competition? 39:41

1M ago39:41

39:41

What makes us competitive, and is it a healthy impulse? The girls discuss what makes for healthy, and unhealthy competition- and why American society praises the latter. Guess what, Virginia is talking about Alfred Adler again. A nice moment of vulnerability between sisters as Laura complains about shit Virginia did forty years ago.…

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NSFW 49:25

1M ago49:25

49:25

Will p0rn make you an incel? Well, it might not, but why would you risk it? The girls talk about why Cindy Gallop is their hero, and why we should try to stay connected to each other. References: Pornland: How Porn Has Hijacked Our Sexuality:Gail Dines Make Love, Not Porn: Cindy Gallop Porn Sex vs Real Sex: The Differences Explained With Food Adole…

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The Beauty Myth 42:19

2M ago42:19

42:19

Listener Rachel asks- Why aren't we ok as we are? We explore the origin of the Beauty Myth and why it just gets stronger with time. References: The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolf

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Death By Chatbot 46:01

2M ago46:01

46:01

We thought it was gonna be climate warming, but it looks like the human race is going to chatbot itself to death! How did movies like Her and Blade Runner 2049 try to tell us it was coming? Why does that weird kid have a crossbow? What does Laura's boyfriend Kirk think of all of this? Find out now!

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Kiss and Make Up 32:35

2M ago32:35

32:35

Can you tell the difference between fear and lust? Between excitement and anxiety? And is make up sex the best thing since Adam and Eve? Find out today! References: Misattribution of Arousal- Schacter and Singer, 1962 David Ludden Ph.D. The Psychology of Makeup Sex

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Pretty Privilege 39:48

2M ago39:48

39:48

What's Laura's beef with Charlize Theron? Why doesn't Virginia get traffic tickets? These and many more questions answered in this discussion on pretty privilege! References: Smartless Podcast: Episode 123: Charlize Theron Smartless Podcast: Episode 266: Jason Momoa A Psychologist Explains The ‘Pretty Privilege’ Paradox: Mark Travers Beauty is in t…

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Sunk Cost 37:09

3M ago37:09

37:09

How did Winston Churchill ruin Laura's life, and why do we hold onto cruel shoes? How the sunk cost fallacy affects jobs, relationships, and even what we wear. References: Why are we likely to continue with an investment even if it would be rational to give it up? The Decision Lab Sunk cost fallacy: behavioraleconomics.com Sunk Cost Fallacy: Why We…

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Cake Smash! 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

It's been a minute since the girls had a real man-hater episode, but we're back! The topic is: when a groom smashes cake into his bride's face, is it a) funny or b) cause for annulment? On the way, we discuss Jake and Logan Paul, John Gottman, and, of course, our Dad.

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Irresponsible Diagnoses: Grey Gardens 47:40

3M ago47:40

47:40

The girls diagnose Big and Little Edie, from the documentary classic Grey Gardens. On the way, they discuss Young Ones, both their grandmas, and quote Morrissey, like usual. References: DSM 5 Puzzling Facts About Edith “Big Edie” Bouvier Beale, The Reclusive Socialite: Factinate Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing The Daughters of Narcissistic Moth…

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Dress For Success 39:43

3M ago39:43

39:43

In which Virginia invents a new word for what chiropractors do, Laura talks about flip flops and they both talk about what Enclothed Cognition means.

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STRESS with Courtney Orlando! 44:55

3M ago44:55

44:55

Special guest Courtney Orlando comes on to talk STRESS! Where does it come from? What can we do about it? Find her at https://www.nodalpointenergyworks.com/ References: What Are the Impacts of Stress on the Body and Mind?: University of Florida College of Medicine More than a quarter of U.S. adults say they’re so stressed they can’t function: APA S…

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Heroes 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

Does being famous make you an a-hole, or does being an a-hole make you famous? Virginia bemoans the failures of Neil Gaiman, Bill Cosby, and Armie Hammer. References: A third of male university students say they would rape a woman if there no were no consequences: Jon Stone

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Just Say No 40:29

4M ago40:29

40:29

How to disappoint others and why it's important! The philosophy of The We Do Not Care Club, The Big Lebowski, and The Former Airport Chauffeur. Sponsored by Function Health! Function Health- Give us your blood! References: Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward: by Gemma Hartley Dr. Laurie Santos on The Happiness Lab podcast Merriam-We…

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Self Sabotage 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

Are you your own worst enemy? Learn all the different ways you can trip yourself up- and how to set yourself up for success!

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Hot Goss 38:14

4M ago38:14

38:14

Is gossip all bad? What gave it a bad reputation? Why wouldn't Virginia go back to the 19th century? What's the best gossip from your hometown? Why You Were Born to Gossip: David Ludden, PhD Explaining the evolution of gossip: Michele J. Gelfand THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE WORD GOSSIP Written By Sanne Cheney-Steijger How the Demonization of “Gossip” I…

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Lies Daddy Told 38:13

5M ago38:13

38:13

This week, the girls talk over Little Orphan Annie impersonators, the legality of dome lights, and why parents lie to their children every dang day of the year!

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Forced Joy 36:47

5M ago36:47

36:47

Virginia and Laura talk about a disturbing new corporate trend, Morrissey and KDGE, and why they don't want cutesey phrases written on their Starbucks cups. References: ‘Forced Joy’ Is a Miserable Corporate Trend: Beth Kowitt Japan supermarket chain uses AI to gauge staff smiles, speech tones in quality service push: Fran Lu Tiffany Workers Mock Fo…

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Cult 45 42:49

5M ago42:49

42:49

This smells like....a cult? This week, we discuss religious cults, and whether or not MAGA qualifies as a cult. On the way, we talk about bikini coffee places, Saturday's Warrior, and how to deprogram someone on the cheap. Steven Hassan's BITE Model Solution to Our Political Cults | Public Square Magazine Explaining the Trump loyalty cult phenomeno…

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Addicted To Helping 41:13

5M ago41:13

41:13

A listener asks: when should I stop trying to save everyone? Is it OK to look for friends that have also tried to improve themselves? And the sisters ask, where did that bottle of peppermint schnapps go, is it under the bathroom sink?

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Time On My Mind 35:06

6M ago35:06

35:06

Look out, Virginia's reading a book about Socrates. Let's talk about it. Why are we so stubborn about schedules? Why were Summers longer when you were little? What is Cher's life philosophy? What were Joseph Smith's last words? Find out now! References: Open Socrates- Agnes Callard Freeing Your Child From Anxiety-⁠Tamar Chansky, PhD⁠…

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Aphantasia, with Special Guest Brandie Posey 43:50

6M ago43:50

43:50

Incredible comedian, podcaster, and record producer Brandie Posey joins us to discuss her experiences with aphantasia, and how it has shaped her creativity and life. Virginia also explains where left handed people come from. Brandie Posey is part of the stunning Lady To Lady podcast, she is a touring national headliner, and she manages her own reco…

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Workaholics Wanonymous 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

Frequent and beloved contributor Wells suggests this week's topic, workaholism, which we take as a good reason to swap Dad stories and stuff we learned from bad bosses. Also, don't be a workaholic, it's probably the dumbest kind of aholic. References: FORBES: 7 signs you may be a workaholic- Amy Morin About Schmidt…

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Divorce 42:15

6M ago42:15

42:15

This week, Virginia and Laura respond to listener Zach's question about divorce, and on the way they discuss Debra DiGiovanni's new album, Honorable Intentions, wasp stings, and why divorce is dangerous for your health! REFERENCES: Facts About Divorce in America 2024: Terry & Roberts Law The Real Long-Term Physical and Mental Health Effects of Divo…

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Grief 37:32

6M ago37:32

37:32

Laura and Virginia take turns crying, comforting each other, and talking about their favorite dead people, and how to get through losing people you love.

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Dare to Dream? 43:04

7M ago43:04

43:04

This week, we discuss fame, that elusive and desirable mover of men- why you should, or shouldn't, follow your dreams. References: Why Some Dreams Should Not Be Pursued: Mark Manson The Problem with “Follow Your Dreams”Is this self-help classic really that helpful? : Melissa Kirk US Weekly: Celebs’ Career Backup Plans People: 15 Celebs Back Up Care…

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The Daddy's Girl Trap 31:17

7M ago31:17

31:17

Listener Lucy sends a question about emotional incest, Laura still sounds mad about something Virginia said forty years ago, and what do Arrested Development and Psycho have in common? Find out now! References: How to Recognize and Heal From Emotional Incest: By Crystal Raypole

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Is Everybody Autistic? 39:32

7M ago39:32

39:32

In this episode, we answer a question from Rebecca, who asks why all of Gen Z is neurodivergent. What do Robert Smith, Robyn Hitchcock, and Gary Numan have in common? And is Virginia causing Autism in men? Our sole reference: Is This Autism? A Companion Guide For Diagnosing DONNA HENDERSON, SARAH WAYLAND, AND JAMELL WHITE…

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Decoding Dude-Speech 38:41

7M ago38:41

38:41

Why do men say they hate makeup and revealing clothes? What do men think it means when you're nice to them? What is up with these guys? These questions and more answered this week!

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It's Not About You! 28:50

7M ago28:50

28:50

In a very special in-person ep, the girls talk about ego, trauma, Severance, and why it's a good thing that not everything is about you.

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Are Billionaires Bonkers? 36:04

8M ago36:04

36:04

Why do we worship the rich? Why doesn't Laura want a billion dollars? And what is a dark triad personality? Find out now! References: The 10 Cheapskate Billionaires Who Live Like Paupers Gus Lubin Bill Burr Delivers Fiery Rant, Says Billionaires Need to Be 'Put Down Like Rabid Dogs' Stacey Ritzen Psychology’s “Dark Triad” and the Billionaire Class …

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Turn On Your Floodlights 29:47

8M ago29:47

29:47

Brene Brown has brought the word FLOODLIGHTING into the dating lexicon- what does it mean, and why is it bad? On the way, we talk about bad dates, what makes you chug a Chai, What We Do In The Shadows, and what happens when your mother heckles you.

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Should I Stay? 34:53

8M ago34:53

34:53

Our listener, Carrie, is struggling with whether to stay in her relationship, and the girls try to give her good advice about narcissists in relationships. Along the way, we make Dr. Ramani an offer, talk about slippery puppies, and play the Dad drinking game some more.

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No New Friends 45:10

9M ago45:10

45:10

Another great audience question- how do you make friends as an adult? Also, Virginia explains how to meet alcoholics and Laura fleshes out the corporeal punishment part of her new religion. References: I hired a friendship coach to help me make friends. Here's what happened: Jen Glantz Opinion: Women choosing romantic relationships over friends is …

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PDF Files 35:36

9M ago35:36

35:36

A general response to the men in my comments section- why child marriage is a bad thing, celebrity pederasts, age gaps and people who love trees too much!

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So Long, Aunt Flo! 36:41

9M ago36:41

36:41

A listener suggestion has the girls comparing notes on their adventure through The Change, Virginia's failed diaper modeling career, and why we can't get on a trampoline ever again. Mary Claire Haver: The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts Menopause In Different Cultures Around The World Carme…

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Dated Dating Advice 36:36

9M ago36:36

36:36

Women have been getting bad dating advice for as long as there have been women. We talk about mac n cheese, answering the door naked, and football, and then Laura introduces me to the concept of bang-maid-mom!

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Does Your Therapist Hate You? 39:16

10M ago39:16

39:16

Your therapist likes you, right? Right? Laura shares therapy's big secret- therapists are just people!

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Toxic Sausage 31:51

10M ago31:51

31:51

This week, a listener email takes the ladies on a journey about sex, self-image, Arnold Schwarzenegger , and toxic masculinity! References: Study: Women's Preferences for Penis Size: A New Research Method Using Selection among 3D Models Medical News Today: What Is Small Penis Syndrome?

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The History of Romance 39:15

10M ago39:15

39:15

Happy Valentine's Day! We discuss marriage, romance, knives, Plato, and Jane Austin Improv, an improv group from Austin, Texas. References: The National Women’s History Museum: The History of Romance Romance Through the Ages: Customs and a History of Love, Marriage & Dating: Kimberly Powell A Brief History of Romance (And Why It Matters): Mark Mans…

1
Haterade 32:39

10M ago32:39

32:39

What makes a hater? What do you do when you have one? In this extended exploration of haterology, the girls have to examine the haters in themselves, too.

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Fail Hard 43:03

10M ago43:03

43:03

What's so bad about failing? Also, why we hate Thomas Edison's guts. REFERENCES: THE MAN IN THE ARENA: Theodore Roosevelt Strategies for Learning from Failure-Amy C. Edmondson Mr. Show: Grass Valley Greg What Have You Learned From Failure? Jeremy Engle Jim Fay, Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility How to Learn From Your F…

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STATUS 43:36

11M ago43:36

43:36

Why do we waste so much of our time chasing status? What are some weird status symbols throughout history? And what is it about a Gucci purse that comforts our caveman brain? We also talk about Chocodogger and Ron DeSantis.

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#GOALS 39:52

11M ago39:52

39:52

It's a new year and we're all going to be completely different people! Laura and Virginia let you know how to get a monkey, start swimming laps, and quit smoking, all in one short episode! References: Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness- by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good…

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Eat the Rich 32:29

11M ago32:29

32:29

Stop making rich people famous- they're not interesting! Class war time, everyone!

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Double Standards 37:51

11M ago37:51

37:51

Lumen Learning: Introduction to Sociology Module 9: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Socialization and Gender Roles in Modern Society:Joy Nash SaveTheChildren.org: GENDER ROLES CAN CREATE LIFELONG CYCLE OF INEQUALITY Tough Love for Mediocre White Guys: Getting White men to give up dominance is a challenge.: ROBERT JENSEN Thanks to listener Kendra for thi…

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No Contact? 35:01

12M ago35:01

35:01

What's causing kids to go no-contact with family members? Is it drugs? The boomers think it's drugs. Was this the last Christmas with your family? Why it's a good idea, why it's a bad idea, and how to do it with kindness.

Virginia Jones And Laura Ryan, LMFT Podcasts