The Angry Therapist Podcast

In this episode, John dives into some of the most honest, relatable, and raw relationship questions we all face — from managing triggers and attachment styles to knowing when it’s time to let go. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Am I loving the wrong way?” or “How do I know if this relationship is worth it?” — this one’s for you. It’s not about perfect love — it’s about real, healthy connection. Join John in Costa Rica, Dec 1–5. A retreat for connection, creativity, and fresh starts with an optional two-day medicine journey. Sign up HERE

In this special episode, John Kim brings together five brilliant voices - Amy Chan, Terri Cole, Dene Logan, Vanessa Bennett, and Daniel Stewart - for a raw and honest conversation about love, grief, codependency, and what it really means to grow. They unpack: Turning loss into a wake-up call

In this week’s episode, John Kim shares a real story about risk, fear, and transformation. What started as a property deal in Costa Rica turned into a profound reminder about the power of mindset. When we shift from fear to growth, everything changes - from how we love to how we live. ✨ Episode Highlights: How a 25-year-old inspired a new way to think about challenges Why growth mindset leads to freedom Turning your environment into a therapeutic tool Living in flow, not fear Connect with Luis Perez — Costa Rica Real Estate Agent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luisperezrealestate/ Website: https://perezrealestategroupcr.com/ Whatsapp: wa.me/50683199154

There’s a freedom that comes in your 40s that no one warns you about - because it doesn’t come from achievement or success. It comes from shedding. In this episode, John and Vanessa talk about what it really means to stop giving a f*ck - not in the cynical sense, but in the self-loving one.It’s about choosing your energy wisely, letting go of people and stories that no longer fit, and returning to who you were before the world told you to shrink. This is the power of midlife clarity. It’s not burnout - it’s rebirth. In this episode: What “not giving a f*ck” really means (hint: it’s not apathy) How turning 40 rewires your priorities Knowing what’s yours to own - and what’s not The end of proving yourself and chasing validation Returning to your core self The quiet strength of keeping promises to yourself Mentioned in this episode: Vanessa’s Inter Compass Academy - coaching through the lens of depth psychology. Join the next cohort HERE⁠ or learn more about Vanessa HERE Follow Vaness

What happens when love feels like pressure - when “I’m proud of you” never came? In this honest conversation, John Kim and John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, talk about growing up with parents who equated love with achievement, and what it takes to finally feel enough on your own terms. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The invisible weight of trying to make your parents proud Why love often sounds like pressure in achievement-driven families The difference between being accepted and truly belonging Healing generational patterns of sacrifice and self-doubt Redefining success to include joy, rest, and self-worth

In this Q&A, John Kim answers your raw, unfiltered questions about love, attachment, and what it actually takes to build a healthy relationship. From anxious-avoidant dynamics to retroactive jealousy and emotional unavailability — this one gets real. Whether you’re questioning if love should be easy, wondering why your partner won’t commit, or struggling to let go of the past, this episode dives straight into the messy middle — and ends with clarity, honesty, and hope. Join John in Costa Rica, Dec 1–5. A retreat for connection, creativity, and fresh starts with an optional two-day medicine journey. Sign up HERE John’s SubStack HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when your dream wedding hides a truth your body already knows? In this powerful conversation, writer and author Amber Rae opens up to John Kim about walking down the aisle knowing she was marrying the wrong man - and the courage it took to leave, fall in love again, and finally meet herself. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Knowing when you’re in the wrong relationship The fear of leaving when everyone’s watching How unmet childhood wounds shape our choices The difference between safety and true connection Why telling the truth can set everyone free Whether you’re stuck in a “safe” love, afraid to start over, or trying to trust your gut again, this story will remind you that it’s never too late to choose yourself. Amber Rae’s new book Lovable is out now and available HERE Follow Amber at @heyamberrae Visit amberrae.com for more of her work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when the blueprint you’ve been chasing - cars, houses, status - no longer fits who you’ve become? In this powerful episode, John Kim shares how he traded Hollywood dreams for a meaningful life in Costa Rica, and how redefining his blueprint transformed everything. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: Why chasing cars, houses, and status leaves you empty The shift from living “outside-in” to “inside-out” How unconscious definitions shape love, work, and happiness The moment John redefined his blueprint as a parent Steps to rewrite your blueprint and live with meaning This isn’t about rejecting success - it’s about creating new definitions that actually serve who you are today. Join John in Costa Rica, Dec 1–5. A retreat for connection, creativity, and fresh starts with an optional two-day medicine journey. Sign up HERE John’s SubStack HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about Joh

What do you do when life forces you to start over? John Kim shares how he rebuilt his life in Costa Rica - through community, facing fears, daily rituals, and love check-ins. A raw, honest guide to rebuilding with intention. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How community can ground and heal you Facing fears to unlock flow states Shifting fitness and diet in new ways Why relationships get exposed during big transitions Anchors, daily rituals, and what it means to “spin plates” Whether you’re recovering from loss, moving somewhere new, or just craving change, this episode is a roadmap for rebuilding with intention.

What if there were no “wrong” choices - only honest ones? In this episode, John Kim unpacks how to stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting the decisions that truly align with who you are. Instead of chasing the “right” path or playing it safe, John shares how honest choices open doors you never expected, build real self-trust, and help you live without regrets. In this conversation, you’ll discover: Why “safe” decisions often keep you stuck The surprising difference between right vs. honest choices How to use your body and intuition as a compass Two simple questions that cut through fear and doubtWhy the real risk isn’t failure - it’s never really living If you’ve been paralyzed by indecision, this is the episode that will help you choose courage over fear and step fully into your own life. John’s SubStack HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about y

In this Q&A episode, we dive into your unfiltered questions about heartbreak, dating, relationships, and therapy. From moving on after betrayal to navigating compatibility and attachment, we explore the messy, honest realities of love - and the ways we can grow through them. Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can trauma become your superpower? In this powerful conversation, John Kim sits down with author and ghostwriter Sheree Medeiros to explore how the deepest wounds can lead to resilience, healing, and even purpose. Sheree shares her journey - growing up with an absent father, surviving sexual assault, battling illness, and ultimately discovering that her pain could be transformed into service, connection, and strength. In this episode, you’ll hear: How father wounds shape identity and relationships Sheree’s story of survival, forgiveness, and resilience The hidden connection between trauma and physical illness Why hyper-independence can be a false strength The power of vulnerability, community, and rewriting your story

Do you ever feel like an invisible script is controlling your life, dictating what you can and can't achieve? What if I told you that script was written by *you*, and you have the power to rewrite every single line? In this episode, licensed therapist - John Kim will reveal how to identify those hidden limiting beliefs and transform your narrative for good. John’s SubStack HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, John and Vanessa dive into one of their most personal conversations yet: Can you make a marriage bulletproof? What starts with a casual coffee shop chat about Costa Rica being a place where marriages “come to die” spirals into a raw, honest discussion about trust, romance, fear, and what truly keeps a relationship alive. They debate: Why moving to “paradise” can magnify relationship cracks. The difference between trusting the container of marriage vs. trusting the love itself. Realist vs. romantic mindsets in marriage and how they collide. Vulnerability, attachment styles, and what it means to truly choose someone. If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship could survive the hardest tests or if bulletproof love even exists - this episode is for you. John’s SubStack HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas

Ever felt ganged up on in therapy? We explore how bias “leaks,” how to ask for fairness, and three tools you can also use when giving relationship advice to a friend - so you support without picking sides. Learn to hold space (not control outcomes) and keep growth honest - even when it’s messy. What you’ll learn: How “leaking bias” erodes trust - and how to name it constructively. The difference between helping and imposing (holding space vs. fixing). 3 neutrality tools you can use with friends. Why therapy is messy (and human), not math and how to keep growth on track. John’s SubStack HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jump into John’s new Single. On Purpose app⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, John Kim answers your most vulnerable questions about relationships - from surviving infidelity and messy breakups, to knowing when it’s time to try again (or walk away), to managing jealousy, triggers, and control. Raw, honest, and unfiltered — this is the conversation we all need about love, loss, and everything in between. Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jump into John’s new Single. On Purpose app ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, John Kim sits down with Dr. Chris Rhodes, a nutritional biochemist and biohacking pioneer, to uncover the truth about fasting—and a revolutionary shortcut that could change everything. From the myths of intermittent fasting to the hidden benefits of extended fasts, Dr. Rhodes shares his research, self-experiments, and the breakthrough supplement MIMIO that mimics the body’s fasting state without the struggle. Whether you’re fasting-curious, already skipping meals, or simply want better energy, less bloating, and a path to longevity, this conversation is packed with science, storytelling, and real solutions. What You’ll Learn: Why most people are “fasting wrong” The real benefits that kick in after 24–36 hours without food How fasting impacts inflammation, bloating, and cellular health The science behind MIMIO: fasting without fasting Practical tips for making fasting sustainable in real life Learn more about MIMIO, HERE Follow Dr. Rhodes on TikTok, HERE Order John's new

In today’s deeply moving episode, John shares a story most therapists would never dare reveal - the client who still haunts him years later. This isn’t about clinical textbooks or success stories. It’s about the raw, unfiltered truth of what happens when therapy collides with real life, addiction, and the weight of responsibility no one prepares you for. What you’ll learn: Why peace matters more than ever in today’s noisy world The hidden trauma therapists experience alongside their clients What it feels like when a client disappears under your care Why not every therapist is “the one” who changes a client’s life How to protect your peace and boundaries, even in chaos Where do you find peace - and how do you protect it? Drop your answer in the comments. Read more chapters from John’s upcoming book HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jump into John’s new Single. On Purpose app⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more

From sex myths to second chances, safe choices to stuck seasons - John and Vanessa answer real listener questions from bed. You’ll hear why gendered scripts about sex don’t serve us, what really matters before getting back with an ex, how to choose the “risky” path without regret, and why feeling unmotivated can be a necessary pause - not a personal failure. What you’ll learn Can men say no to casual sex? (and why the answer matters) Exes & ego: new tracks vs. old dynamics Ditch “right vs. wrong” decisions; choose what’s honest now Motivation is overrated; integration time builds strength Links & mentions Vanessa’s book: The Motherhood Myth HERE Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jump into John’s new Single. On Purpose app ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find out more about John⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes life forces you to hit reset. For me, it was losing my house. For you, it might be a breakup, a career shift, or just that nagging feeling that life is smaller than it should be. In this walk-and-talk episode from Costa Rica, I share how I’ve been redefining everything: happiness, relationships, play, even what “success” means. The truth is - growth doesn’t come from routines. It comes from curiosity, from being willing to reimagine your definitions. You’ll hear stories of: My second rebirth at 52 How living abroad reshaped my creativity and sense of play Why redefining doesn’t require moving countries—it can start with friendships, hobbies, or daily joy The hidden power of changing your environment My challenge for you: What’s one thing you can redefine this week? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices