Podcast
Reflect and Grow With Von Mychael
Catalog
Episodes
- Why You Self-Sabotage (With Brenda Joy) | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelOct 29, 2026 · 56 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re joined by therapist Brenda Joy to talk about self-sabotage. Why do we blow up good things right when they’re going well? We break down the fear of success, how childhood experiences and survival mode show up in our relationships, the difference between a mistake and a pattern, and how to start breaking the cycle. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game.
Want to work with Brenda? Email her at brendajoylauer@gmail.com to book a session.
#ReflectAndGrow #SelfSabotage #MentalHealthMatters #Therapy #SelfGrowth”
- Stop Trying To Control Everything | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelOct 22, 2026 · 52 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about how trying to control outcomes relationships, timelines, other people’s actions is actually one of the biggest sources of anxiety. From learning to let go of what you can’t control, to finding peace in accepting what you cannot change, we break down why control is often an illusion and how to find real peace instead. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #Control #MentalHealthMatters #Anxiety #RealTalk
- Action Cures Anxiety | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelOct 15, 2026 · 52 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about anxiety how it shows up in dating, career changes, and everyday decisions, and why taking action is the one thing that actually loosens its grip. From overthinking relationships to putting off goals because you feel unprepared, we break down how to stop letting fear call the shots. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #Anxiety #MentalHealthMatters #TakeAction #RealTalk
- Coworkers Are Not Your Friends | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelOct 8, 2026 · 57 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about why your coworkers probably aren’t your real friends no matter how much time you spend with them. From mistaking proximity for friendship, to the hospital test that tells you who’s really there for you, to what you should never tell a coworker, we break down the hard truth about workplace relationships. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #Coworkers #WorkplaceAdvice #MentalHealthMatters #RealTalk
- Stop Living By Society’s Clock | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelOct 1, 2026 · 1 hrThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about the pressure to hit society’s milestones marriage, kids, a house by a certain age, and why chasing someone else’s timeline can leave you anxious instead of fulfilled. From redefining what success actually looks like, to learning the difference between wanting something and wanting validation for having it, we break down how to build a life that’s actually yours. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #SocietalPressure #MentalHealthMatters #SelfGrowth #RealTalk
- It’s Not About You: The Truth About Ghosting | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelSep 24, 2026 · 58 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about ghosting, in dating, at work, and even with family. From internalizing silence, to knowing the difference between ghosting and healthy boundaries, to the wild “who is this?” texts we’ve all either sent or received, we break down why ghosting says more about the person doing it than the person on the receiving end. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #Ghosting #MentalHealthMatters #DatingAdvice #RealTalk
- Pruning Season: Letting Go To Grow | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelSep 17, 2026 · 55 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about pruning season, the uncomfortable but necessary process of letting go of people, relationships, and even mentors who no longer align with where you’re headed. From outgrowing toxic friendships to knowing the difference between pruning and running, we break down how to navigate one of life’s loneliest but most important seasons. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #PruningSeason #MentalHealthMatters #Growth #SelfHealing
- Why You Can’t Do This Alone | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelSep 10, 2026 · 57 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about the importance of community and why trying to do everything alone will only take you so far. From learning to let people in, to outgrowing old friendships, to knowing when community becomes too much, we break down what real, healthy community looks like. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, hip-hop accountability talk, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #Community #MentalHealthMatters #ChosenFamily #Growth
- Why You Can’t Let Past Hurt Control Your Future | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelSep 3, 2026 · 58 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking about why past hurt can’t be allowed to dictate how you treat new people. From opportunistic friends to trust issues after being cheated on, we break down how to protect yourself without punishing new people for what someone else did. Plus, an “I Am Not a Therapist, But I Have an Opinion” segment, celebrity headlines, and our “Or Nah” game. #ReflectAndGrow #PastHurt #TrustIssues #MentalHealthMatters #Boundaries”
- Facing Your Insecurities Instead Of Running | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelAug 27, 2026 · 58 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re going deep on insecurities — how we mask them, why avoiding them makes them worse, and what it actually looks like to face them head on.
We talk about arrogance, comparison, and avoidance as the three ways people mask insecurity, chasing validation vs. chasing peace, being okay with being “the villain” in someone else’s story, and how childhood teasing can follow you for decades. Plus real Reddit stories on insecurity in relationships and attachment styles, a celebrity segment covering Jenna Ortega, Kim Kardashian, Billie Eilish, and Beyoncé, and a stacked “facing it or avoiding it” segment with the chat.
If you’ve ever run from something uncomfortable instead of sitting with it — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #Insecurities #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #FacingFear #SelfGrowth
- Is It Processing Or Is It Gossip? ft. Deshala | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelAug 20, 2026 · 59 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, licensed therapist Shala is back to help us break down the real difference between processing and gossiping — because a lot of us confuse the two more than we realize.
We talk about picking the wrong person to vent to, telling personal business to work “friends” who turn out not to be friends, testing people to see if they can hold water, and why intention is the real dividing line between healthy processing and gossip. Plus real Reddit stories on venting to mutual friends, workplace gossip and boss favoritism, a celebrity segment covering Pastor Jamal Bryant and Remy Ma, and a stacked “processing or gossiping” segment with the chat.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you were venting or actually gossiping — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #ProcessingVsGossip #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #Shala #Boundaries
- Not Every Act Of Disrespect Deserves A Response | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelAug 13, 2026 · 56 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re talking disrespect — what actually deserves a reaction, what doesn’t, and why pride will have you making decisions you’ll regret.
We talk about learning to not take things personally, responding to unintentional disrespect vs. intentional disrespect, gossip and workplace betrayal, non-Black people using the n-word, and the difference between conquering your pride and actually protecting your peace. Plus a stacked celebrity segment covering hip-hop beef boundaries (38 Spesh, Tekashi 69, Mandy B and Joe Budden), and a chaotic “disrespectful or nah” segment that gets into chargers, haircuts, and backhanded compliments.
If you’ve ever felt disrespected and had to talk yourself out of reacting — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #Disrespect #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #PickYourBattles #SelfControl
- Boundaries Are An Act Of Self-Respect, Not Rejection | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelAug 6, 2026 · 59 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we’re breaking down boundaries — what they actually are, why so many people struggle to set them, and how “boundaries” has become a buzzword people use to avoid accountability while still demanding everything from everyone else.
We talk about the difference between setting a boundary and pushing people away, whether you owe people an explanation, boundaries with parents and in-laws, saying no to work calls after hours, and break down real Reddit stories on family boundaries, codependent friendships, and in-laws who won’t respect your space. Plus a celebrity segment covering Hannibal Buress, Kanye and Pete Davidson, and the Drake/DJ Khaled fallout, and a stacked “healthy boundary or nah” segment with the chat.
If you’ve ever set a boundary the right way and still gotten cut off for it — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #Boundaries #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #SelfRespect #ProtectYourPeace
- Forgiveness Isn’t About Them, It’s About You | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelJul 30, 2026 · 54 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, we dig into grudges, forgiveness, and reconciliation — and why so many of us get forgiveness wrong.
We talk about why people hold grudges (ego and misunderstanding what forgiveness actually is), whether anyone is truly unforgivable, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, what letting go actually looks like day to day, and break down real-world grudges — 50 Cent vs Ja Rule, Will Smith and Chris Rock, Jay-Z and Dame Dash. Plus a stacked “hold a grudge or nah” segment with the chat that got real personal real quick.
If you’ve ever confused forgiving someone with letting them back into your life — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #Forgiveness #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #LetItGo #Grudges
- STOP PROVING YOURSELF TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN YOU | REFLECT AND GROW WITH VON MYCHAELJul 23, 2026 · 56 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, it’s just me and the chat digging into something we all deal with — the need to prove ourselves to people who don’t give us validation, even when others already do.
We talk about where that need comes from (usually childhood), chasing approval from the one parent who doesn’t get it, using rejection as fuel (Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey), why social media makes comparison worse, real Reddit stories on validation-seeking and infidelity, and a stacked “confidence or nah” segment with the chat. Plus some real talk on burnout, taking a step back, and learning to be enough for yourself.
If you’ve ever overexplained yourself trying to get someone to finally see it — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #Validation #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #SelfWorth #Confidence
- Anxiety Is Trying To Tell You Something | Reflect and Grow With Von MychaelJul 16, 2026 · 50 minThis week on Reflect and Grow, no guest, no problem — it’s just me and the chat diving deep into anxiety.
We talk about how anxiety is really your body trying to protect you, learning to listen to it instead of fighting it, panic attacks, overthinking, journaling as a coping tool, and why successful people like Simone Biles and Ryan Reynolds still struggle with anxiety behind the scenes. Plus a Reddit segment, some real chat stories, and my own history with panic attacks (including the time I convinced myself I was dying and it was just my sinuses).
If you’ve ever felt “some type of way” and couldn’t explain why — this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
#ReflectAndGrow #AnxietyAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #TherapeuticComedy #PanicAttacks #SelfCare
- The Emotional Side of Weight Loss (Therapist Explains) | Reflect and GrowJul 9, 2026 · 1 hrThis week on Reflect and Grow, I sit down with licensed professional counselor Brenda Joy to talk about the part of weight loss nobody wants to discuss — the mental and emotional side of it.
We get into why diets fail, the difference between motivation and discipline, emotional eating, the gut-brain connection, how shame and guilt sabotage progress, and why “just put down the chips” was never the real answer. Brenda breaks down the psychology behind food addiction, self-talk, and how to mentally recover after falling off track or regaining weight — all while I confess to eating donuts through the entire episode.
If you’ve ever lost weight and gained it back (plus some), this one’s for you.
🎙️ New episodes of Reflect and Grow drop weekly — we reflect, we grow, and we laugh.
Follow Brenda Joy: Instagram/Facebook @BrendaJoyLauer
#ReflectAndGrow #WeightLossJourney #EmotionalEating #TherapeuticComedy #MentalHealth #StandUpComedy #PodcastClips
- Life After Sobriety: What Nobody Tells You About the “Now What” PhaseJul 2, 2026 · 1 hr 3 minGetting sober is just the beginning. This week on Reflect and Grow, Von sits down with substance abuse counselor Stephanie (SteFunny) to talk about what really happens after you put the substance down — the overwhelming emotions, rebuilding your identity, navigating friendships that no longer fit, and learning to enjoy life again without the chaos.
Stephanie brings real talk from her own sobriety journey and her work running a substance abuse group, breaking down codependency, healthy coping versus avoidance, and why faith and routine matter more than people realize. Plus a Reddit story on the loneliness of early sobriety and our weekly “or nah” segment on what counts as healthy coping.
If you’re sober, sober-curious, or supporting someone on that journey, this episode is for you.
- Friend or Nah: The Truth About Friendship BreakupsJun 25, 2026 · 1 hr 14 minThis week Von and Jana get into something a lot of us have felt but never fully processed — friendship breakups. Why do they hit different than romantic ones? How do you know when you’ve outgrown someone versus when it’s time to cut them off? And what’s the difference between a real friend and a convenient associate?
They break down the signs of a one-sided friendship, why therapy changes who you can and can’t roll with, and whether you owe someone a conversation before you walk away. Plus they react to real Reddit stories, run a “Friend or Nah” segment, and pull receipts on ghosting, group chat exits, and wedding invite drama.
Honest, funny, and way too real.
🎙️ New episodes every Monday at 10PM on TikTok Live
📍 Von is in Vermont this weekend — Woolen Mill Comedy Club
- Burnout, Busy Culture & Learning To Sit Down | ft. JanaeJun 18, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minThis week Von sits down with Jana — blogger, podcaster, single mom, and self-proclaimed self-care thug — to talk about burnout from every angle. They get into how to recognize when you’re burnt out before your body forces you to stop, why being busy and being productive are two completely different things, and how hustle culture has us mistaking exhaustion for ambition.
They also dig into what recovery actually looks like — journaling, controlled anger release, diet, spirituality, flexibility, and yes, punching pillows. Plus they react to real Reddit stories from people drowning in burnout and break down whether Snoop Dogg is proof that you can grind forever or just proof that money insulates you from consequences.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, addicted to being busy, or too burnt out to recover from being burnt out — this one’s for you.
- Relapse Doesn’t Cancel Your Progress ft. Therapist Brenda JoyJun 11, 2026 · 53 minHealing isn’t just therapy and journaling — for a lot of us, it includes taking an honest look at our relationship with substances too. In this episode, Von sits down with therapist Brenda Joy to pull back the curtain on addiction, sobriety, and what recovery actually looks like from the inside.
They get into why asking for help feels so hard, what people get wrong about addiction, and how to think about relapse without letting it define you. Because setbacks don’t cancel your progress — they’re part of it.
Plus — real Reddit stories from people in the middle of their sobriety journey, a Celebrity Sobriety segment, and the “Sobriety or Nah?” breakdown that might make you look at your own habits differently.
If you’re doing the inner work, this conversation belongs in that journey.
In this episode:
• What sobriety actually means beyond just “not drinking”
• The biggest misconceptions about addiction and recovery
• Signs your relationship with substances may need attention
• Why relapse doesn’t mean failure
• How to start the recovery process when you feel overwhelmed
• Why community and support systems change everything
- How Childhood Trauma Is Still Affecting You Today (ft. Therapist Brenda Joy)Jun 4, 2026 · 59 minIn this episode of Reflect and Grow with Von Mychael, I sit down with Licensed Therapist Brenda Joy and Podcaster Janae Strickland for an honest conversation about childhood trauma and how it affects us in adult life.
We break down what childhood trauma really is, how unhealed childhood wounds show up in your adult relationships and behavior, and what healing from childhood trauma actually looks like with professional guidance.
If you’ve ever wondered why you react the way you do, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
∙ How childhood trauma affects adults
∙ Professional strategies for healing and mental wellness
∙ Why therapy is an ongoing journey not a one time fix
∙ How to reclaim your life and move forward
What was your biggest takeaway? Drop it in the comments.
- Is Isolation Hurting or Helping You? ft. Therapist Deshala HuntMay 28, 2026 · 1 hr 1 minAre you struggling to distinguish between healthy, restorative solitude and harmful, isolating loneliness? In this episode of Reflect and Grow with Von Mychael, I sit down with Licensed Therapist Deshala Hunt to break down the reality of adult loneliness and how to navigate it.
We explore the mental health impact of isolation, the signs that suggest you might need support, and how to maintain healthy boundaries in your friendships and daily life. Plus, we play a round of "Healthy or Nah"—an honest evaluation of modern social habits and self-care boundaries.
Episode Highlights:
• Defining Isolation vs. Solitude: Understanding when your alone time is healing versus when it’s a symptom of anxiety or depression.
• Recognizing Danger Signs: How to identify when isolation is reinforcing negative thought patterns.
• Overcoming Isolation: Practical strategies like exposure therapy and engaging with communities to reclaim your social health.
• The Reality of Adult Loneliness: Why maintaining friendships becomes difficult in adulthood and how to handle it.
• Healthy Boundaries: Evaluating real-world behaviors—like using "do not disturb" or ignoring texts—through our "Healthy or No" game.
Connect with the show:
• Reflect and Grow with Von Mychael
• Subscribe for weekly insights on personal development, professional growth, and authentic conversations.
- Cutting People OffMay 21, 2026 · 54 minVon Mychael sits down with Therapist Brenda Joy, influencer Nonie, and Comedian Shay Clemons to discuss is it healthy to cut ppl off
- PerfectionistMay 14, 2026 · 48 minIn this episode, comedian Von Mychael sits down with therapist Brenda Joy and comedian Matt Farkis to talk about perfectionism — how it shows up, why it’s exhausting, and apparently how therapy billing works. Real talk, real laughs
- Mental Health StigmasMay 7, 2026 · 48 minComedian Von Mychael discussed mental health Stigmas with Jelani Wills and T Graye
- ShameApr 30, 2026 · 19 minVon Mychael dives into different types of shame such as Family, Job, and Religious
- Survival mode Episode 10Apr 24, 2026 · 18 minVon Mychael discusses how he handle survival mode and best practices
- AvoidanceApr 19, 2026 · 22 minAvoidance isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just never being the one to call first. This week , we sit with the uncomfortable truth about why we pull away from the people who matter — and what that pattern is really telling us about ourselves.
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