In this episode of MasterMined, hosts Jeff Skillen, and Lee Pepper sit down with John Thomas, President and Publisher of Psychology Today, to unpack how one of the most iconic brands in mental health has stayed relevant for nearly six decades. John shares how editorial integrity, science-based content, and an uncompromising stance on trust have fueled the platform's evolution across print, digital media, and the world's largest therapist directory. From AI and content authority to directory ethics and future pivots, this conversation offers timeless lessons for behavioral health leaders navigating rapid change.
Key Moments:
01:51 – Introducing John Thomas and the legacy of Psychology Today
03:50 – Why most legacy media failed—and why Psychology Today didn't
05:42 – The three-pronged business model: magazine, website, and directory
08:06 – Playing offense and defense in a volatile media landscape
12:07 – Why journalistic-quality content still matters
12:54 – The science-first philosophy behind Psychology Today
16:48 – How video transformed therapist-patient matching
19:35 – AI, search, and protecting content authority
26:39 – Why the therapy directory forbids paid placement
37:13 – What's next: custom media, events, and future pivots
Learn More & Connect
Show Notes + Resources: https://snapshotinteractive.com/mastermined
Connect with John Thomas: https://psychologytoday.com
Connect with Jeff Skillen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffskillen | https://www.skillsetenterprises.com
Connect with Lee Pepper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leepepper | https://www.neveroutmatched.com
Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com
