Shows
Comics Take on the NewsComics Take on 6.2 miles of Portland and beyond PART 2This is the second 1/2 of an episode that aired originally on Monday, October 25, 2025Virginia Jones (@badinia): Virginia Jones is a standup comedian who has been on Portlandia, CNN’s History of Comedy, and an Australian tap dance infomercial. She won second place in Helium’s Portland’s Funniest Person competition in 2025. She has opened for comics like Maria Bamford, Jackie Kashian, Laurie Kilmartin, Kevin McDonald, and Eddie Pepitone. She’s also a hotshot podcaster, hosting the popular show “My Sister’s A Therapist” with her sister, LMFT Laura Ryan.Arlo Weierhauser (@arlo.c.w): Arlo Weierhauser is...
2025-11-1148 min
Comics Take on the NewsComics Take on 6.2 miles of Portland and beyond PART 1This is the first half of a Comics Take episode that aired live on Monday, October 27, 2025.Virginia Jones (@badinia): Virginia Jones is a standup comedian who has been on Portlandia, CNN’s History of Comedy, and an Australian tap dance infomercial. She won second place in Helium’s Portland’s Funniest Person competition in 2025. She has opened for comics like Maria Bamford, Jackie Kashian, Laurie Kilmartin, Kevin McDonald, and Eddie Pepitone. She’s also a hotshot podcaster, hosting the popular show “My Sister’s A Therapist” with her sister, LMFT Laura Ryan.Arlo Weierhauser (@arlo.c.w): Arlo Wei...
2025-11-041h 03
Reality TherapyAdam Luke in Fitting in as a Conservative TherapistIn this episode of Reality Therapy, the academically weaponized redneck, Adam Luke LMFT, discusses his journey to become a therapist, including facing ostracism and getting fired for holding conservative views.
2025-10-281h 05
Between Two Clinicians27. Bids for Connections vs DemandsIn this episode, Talia and Adam explore the concept of bids for connection versus demands for connection in relationships. Bids for connection are subtle attempts to engage with a partner, while demands for connection are more forceful and coercive. The conversation highlights the importance of turning towards bids for connection and the negative impact of turning away or turning against them. It also discusses the challenges that men face in navigating the dynamics of relationships and the role of entitlement in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding, and compromise in order to foster a healthy...
2024-06-2734 minBetween Two Clinicians26. Self-Sabotage: You are the reason you can't have nice thingsIn this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the concept of self-sabotage and how it stems from our childhood experiences and manifests in adult romantic relationships. They explore the idea that our early relationships with our parents shape our beliefs about love and dependency. They also discuss the fear of vulnerability and the tendency to reject or sabotage relationships when they start to become what we've always wanted. The conversation touches on themes of settling, the sunk cost fallacy, and the importance of mutual acceptance and respect in relationships. Self-sabotage can manifest as using oneself as collateral damage...
2024-06-2046 minBetween Two Clinicians25. Bad Therapy by Abigail Schrier - A review from two licensed therapistsIn this conversation, Adam and Talia discuss the controversial book 'Bad Therapy' by Abigail Shrier and the criticisms it raises about the effectiveness of therapy. They highlight the importance of therapeutic rapport and the potential biases in research studies. They also explore the role of therapist specialization and the impact of parental support on the success of therapy for adolescents. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional validation, distress tolerance, and effective communication in therapy and parenting. Overall, they challenge the notion that therapy is ineffective and argue for a more nuanced understanding of its benefits.
2024-06-1741 minBetween Two Clinicians24. Does Neediness Go Away Over Time?We explore how projecting fantasies onto potential partners can lead to disappointment, and how neediness and entitlement can manifest in both men and women. The conversation also delves into the impact of these dynamics in committed relationships, the importance of mutual respect and agreement, and the role of boundaries.
2024-06-1339 minBetween Two Clinicians23. The Ones That Got AwayIn this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the curiosity and emotions that arise when reflecting on past relationships and the paths not taken. They explore the grieving process for lost relationships and the tendency to compare oneself to others. They emphasize the importance of recognizing that different life paths may not have led to genuine happiness. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on keeping tabs on former acquaintances. They share personal stories of encountering former bullies and the process of responding to messages from them. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection...
2024-06-1040 minBetween Two Clinicians22. Untangling Family Dynamics: The Role of TriangulationJoin therapists Adam Luke and Talia Bombola in a thought-provoking discussion on the intricate dynamics of triangulation in relationships. In this episode, they delve into the complexities of how triangulation manifests in various contexts, from family dynamics to workplace relationships and practical strategies for recognizing and navigating triangulation, empowering listeners to foster healthier and more authentic connections.
2024-06-0824 minBetween Two Clinicians21. Why do I push away what I want the most?Adam and Talia help listeners answer the question "Why do I push away what I want the most?"
2024-06-0634 minBetween Two Clinicians20. Am I the Problem?Adam and Talia try to help listeners answer the question that everyone should be asking themselves when you find that things aren't going your way, or the way you planned.
2024-06-0433 minBetween Two Clinicians19. Timelines - "I want to be married within two years and he wants to wait"In this follow-up from the discussion about Ultimatums, Adam and Talia discuss what happens when, and why, you and your partner may not have the same timelines.
Connect with Talia:
taliabombola.com
therapywithtalia.com
IG: @taliabombola
Connect with Adam:
wildethoscounseling.com
IG: @wildethoscounseling
2024-05-2340 minBetween Two Clinicians18. Ultimatums Unveiled: The Power Plays and Pitfalls of 'Take It or Leave It'In this episode Adam and Talia discuss the TV show The Ultimatum and how ultimatums don't actually work the way you think they do.
Connect with Talia:
taliabombola.com
therapywithtalia.com
IG: @taliabombola
Connect with Adam:
wildethoscounseling.com
IG: @wildethoscounseling
2024-05-2134 minBetween Two Clinicians17. Generational Role ReversalIn this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the dynamics of parent-child relationships and the challenges that arise when children become adults. They explore the concept of parents as superheroes in a child's eyes and the realization that parents are fallible human beings. They discuss the role reversal that occurs when children become adults and the struggle to establish boundaries and individuate from their parents. They also touch on the impact of generational patterns and the importance of conscious parenting. The conversation highlights the need for open communication, empathy, and self-reflection in navigating the complexities of parent-child relationships...
2024-05-1649 minBetween Two Clinicians16. Don't Resent How Your Partner Uses Their TimeTalia and Adam dig into relationships. Sometimes in romantic relationships, one party feels frustration over the modality or method their partner uses for self care. How do we navigate that?Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-09-1537 minBetween Two Clinicians15. What's it Like Being a Dad?Adam and Talia dive into Adam's experience with fatherhood. This episode is guided towards a topic we don't speak about enough: how do men feel as new parents?Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-09-0151 minBetween Two Clinicians14. Mutuality Trumps EqualityTalia and Adam discuss the differences between mutual and equal relationships. You may desire a partner who feels like your equal, but are you certain of what an equal is? Not everything has to be the same, but mutual respect and interest can go a long way.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-08-0444 minBetween Two Clinicians13. SpoonsAdam and Talia talk about the spoons concept, a metaphor that outlines the energy you have to give to different parts of your life. When you're out of spoons, you may be too emotionally exhausted to do things you want or need to do.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-07-2130 minBetween Two Clinicians12. Who Would I Be If I Liked Myself?Talia and Adam revisit their conversation from their last episode, Ghosts of the Past, and address a big existential question: who would I be if I liked myself? How would I show up if I weren't weighed down by what others think of me (or what I assume they think of me?)Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-07-0759 minBetween Two Clinicians11. Ghosts of the PastTalia and Adam recap where they've been and answer a question from Instagram. What do you do when your past is affecting your present relationships? How do the relationships you've had in the past affect you as you move through life in real time?Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-06-2334 minBetween Two Clinicians10. Listener Question: Can I let my therapist know I didn't like what they said in session?After a short break, Talia and Adam are back! This week they answer a listener question. If your therapist says something during session that you don't like, whether an off-handed comment, a poorly-timed joke, or something else, can you let them know? Some people may not know if they're allowed to to give their therapist that kind of feedback.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-06-1637 minBetween Two Clinicians9. Replanting the Family TreeTalia and Adam talk being in a family system where you want to see change and taking the steps to make it happen. We don't choose our family, and sometimes we need to change things to make them sustainable.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-04-0755 minBetween Two Clinicians8. Me vs The World MentalityIn this short 30-minute episode, Talia and Adam talk about why someone might have a me vs the world mentality, and how to grow out of it. This theme comes up in therapy sessions and coaching often. Some people get in a place where they see everything and everyone else as a potential hostile force. Sometimes it's easier to accept that you have to do it alone than to really believe there are people who want to help you. So, if that's you, what can you do about it?Connect with Talia:taliabombola.com
2023-03-3129 minBetween Two Clinicians7. The Anti-HeroIn this episode, Talia and Adam discuss how you can better tolerate being in the wrong or being in the position to take accountability in your life or your relationship. Sometimes when you come to your therapist with a problem, you can discover that you might be the one who needs to change their behavior, not the person you have a complaint about. You may need to make some changes in order to enjoy your relationship. You may need to remanage your expectations and scripts about "what a relationship should be like". A perspective change from within yourself may...
2023-03-1759 minBetween Two Clinicians6. Conflict Differences in RelationshipsThis week, Talia and Adam discuss how to handle conflict when you different communication styles and point of views.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-02-2451 minBetween Two Clinicians5. Failure to LaunchIn this episode, Talia and Adam talk about the concept of "Failure to Launch" and why this happens in certain families. We also discuss gendered expectations and the way we learn our roles as they're modeled for us.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-02-171h 04Between Two Clinicians4. Maintaining Your PowerTalia and Adam dive in on how to stop feeling powerless. How do you pull power out of bad situations, like criticism and weak boundaries with family during the holidays?Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-01-131h 02Between Two Clinicians3. The Mental LoadThis week Talia and Adam talk about the pressures of life. Some come from transitions and the change of the seasons, but others are self-inflicted assumptions about what's expected of us--especially when it comes to women.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2023-01-0655 minBetween Two Clinicians2. Creating Meaning in Dating & RelationshipsThis week, Talia and Adam discuss Creating Meaning in Dating & Relationships. Are you on the apps and frustrated? What are you doing, asking for, and getting in your life, and how does that differ from your outward persona or what you think your life is like?Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2022-12-3042 minBetween Two Clinicians1. Into the Minds of Two TherapistsIn the first episode of Between Two Clinicians, Adam and Talia give a little background on the show and dive in to what this is all about.Connect with Talia:taliabombola.comtherapywithtalia.comIG: @taliabombolaConnect with Adam:wildethoscounseling.comIG: @wildethoscounseling
2022-12-2330 min2022-12-0100 min
Southern ConnectionVolatility: When things are out of our controlWe don't know about you, but we feel the world has gotten out of control. What can we do when we feel overwhelmed by the unknown. We dive deep into working on the things we can control. We discuss how to thrive in relationships and refocus on the people who are most important to us. We believe relational currency with those we love is the most important currency the world has to offer.
2022-04-1252 minSouthern ConnectionFormative Male RelationshipsThere is an immense value in having other men to support, encourage and inspire you through life's challenges. We encourage you to get uncomfortable, to get vulnerable and begin to share your life, the good and the bad with other men. It is important to validate all you are going through so you are not caring those heavy burdens. Let's not miss out on the great opportunity of having Formative Male Relationships to help us thrive. Iron Sharpens Iron!
2022-03-1549 minSouthern ConnectionValentine's Day SpecialWhat is Love? Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more. What if we expressed love to our partner on the other 364 days of the year too? Maybe today is the day we can begin to focus on being more relational and less transactional, in our service to our partner.
2022-02-1443 minSouthern ConnectionUnited LeadershipAdam and Jeff talk about what it looks like to lead alongside our spouse or significant other. We believe leading from a place of vulnerability is what develops stronger relational bonds with our families. We hope this podcast encourages you to develop stronger relationships with greater connection.
2022-02-0246 minSouthern ConnectionThe Starbucks ConversationSometimes we can get caught up in the anxiety of providing for our families or making a name for ourselves. We may have fear of not being enough or can get caught up in comparing ourselves to others. This conversation not only served its purpose several years ago, but it also was a great reminder for the present day. May we continue to remember these conversations and not lose sight of our purpose as men, loving our families, growing in our professions and cultivating a life we can be proud of.
2021-12-0844 minSouthern ConnectionBeing Content in a Season of GrowthWhat happens when we fall short of hitting our goals? What do we think about ourselves? How do we project or internalize those "perceived failures"? Join us as we share about finding contentment in those seasons where growth may look non-existent. We have found, personally and in our work, those seasons produce some of the greatest growth in our lives.
2021-09-2847 minSouthern ConnectionBeing Comfortable in the UncomfortableIn life we may face transitions that propel us into uncomfortable situations, relationships or professional interactions. In this podcast we take a look at how we can address our discomfort and develop strategies to be more comfortable.
2021-09-1447 min
SessionWellSessionWell Episode #41: You are Enough - A Journey towards Self-WorthOn this episode of the SessionWell Podcast, Adam Luke LMFT and Judy Yen LMFT interview Talia Bombola LMFT. Talia Bombola is known as the Confidence and Assertiveness Specialist™. She is the CEO, Owner and Founder of Newport Counseling Center for Individual, Couples and Family, Therapy Inc. and works as an LMFT + Certified Psychodynamic Therapist. She is also the CEO, Owner and Founder of Coaching with Talia, Inc. where she is a Life Coach/Mindset Mentor. Talia spends time on today's episode outlining not only her clinical perspective when it comes to self-worth but some of those cathartic an...
2021-09-1358 min
SessionWellHolding Space for Others while Managing Our Own Emotions as Therapists.Lilia Carey PsyD, LMFT is a director of a Sexual Abuse Treatment program in Orange County, CA. Dr. Carey wears many hats in the clinical world, whether it is being a professor, Director, or clinical psychologist. Dr. Carey sits down with Adam Luke and Judy Yen of SessionWell to tackle the discussion of creating a safe space for our Clients to process their emotions, feelings and experiences while also having grace for ourselves to be able to identify, process and repurpose challenges in our own lives. Dr. Carey brings to this discussion a level of genuineness and authenticity that...
2021-06-291h 01
Southern ConnectionForgiveness: Freeing Ourselves of the Past in Pursuit of Something BiggerThe Relational Experts, Adam Luke LMFT and Jeff Ortiz LMFT, sit down to discuss the F WORD: Forgiveness. Jeff and Adam navigate the societal issues with the "magical" applications of forgiveness in the "Forgive and forget" mindset. Jeff and Adam seek through their discussion to bring back the honesty of why genuine and authentic forgiveness can lead to powerful transformations in the Board room, Bed Room and Family room. Jeff and Adam highlight what the true definition of forgiveness is while also identifying what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not about dismissing the experienced pain or trauma a person...
2021-04-2755 minSouthern ConnectionRescue Yourself: Moving from Distress to ActionYour favorite Relational Experts, Adam Luke and Jeff Ortiz break down the social narrative that our lives as men will fundamentally change when that job we want, person we like, money we do not have arrive in our life. “Rescue yourself” is a discussion that attempts to change our internal narratives from the belief that we lack the tools or opportunities at hand, right now to change our lives. The honesty in Jeff and Adam’s discussion may feel uncomfortable but often the truth pushes us into the realization that we were meant for something more than our current relati...
2021-04-2254 minSouthern ConnectionThe Pivot: Embracing Change, Rolling with Resistance and Maximizing Potential.Your Favorite Relational Experts are back on the topic of navigating change, reconciling expectations and finding a place to thrive in the unknown. Jeff Ortiz LMFT and Adam Luke LMFT comeback to wrap up the series on failure and finding a way forward in the discomfort, adversity and challenges that present themselves on every journey that leads to success. Adam and Jeff break down concrete ways of organizing our thoughts, finding our voice and keeping ourselves focused on our desired outcomes. Listen in as Adam and Jeff give you the blueprint to radically change your perspective and your outcomes...
2021-04-1352 minSouthern ConnectionThe Gift of Failure: Opportunities for GrowthThe Relational Experts are back in a podcast that is taking on the way men conceptualize failure in our lives. Jeff Ortiz LMFT and Adam Luke LMFT sit back and hold space in a discussion that runs straight at the uncomfortable social discussions about avoidance, failure, rejection and learning how to pick yourself back up and harness experienced adversity as a catalyst in creating successful relationships. Without failure we would be without the contexts in which drive our relationships for self improvement, emotional development and deeper meaning in our professional and personal lives. Listen in as Adam and Jeff b...
2021-03-2348 minSouthern ConnectionRelationship Discord: The Relationships We Have at Home Affect Our Ability to Lead as Professionals.The Relational Experts are back at it as Adam Luke LMFT and Jeff Ortiz LMFT tackle the obstacles facing modern males looking to become dynamic leaders. In this podcast Jeff and Adam reality test accepted societal norms when it comes to intimate relationships, whether that is with our wives, girlfriends or significant others. The reality exists that if a man's personal life is undisciplined relationally that same pattern of relational trauma will follow that person into the professional relationships they build, ruin or alienate. Listen in as Jeff and Adam take on a discussion that deserves to be fleshed o...
2021-03-1050 minSouthern ConnectionFamily Dynamics and Modern Male Professionals: Moving Past Our Family TreesThe Relational Experts, Jeff Ortiz LMFT and Adam Luke LMFT, come back to the table to discuss the relational dynamics found in our families of origin, families of choice and our professional spaces. The reality is that the relationships we hold in the board room can bleed into our family rooms, bedrooms and our personal spaces. Jeff and Adam break down the challenges of not putting on a mask for our home and professional life; but instead asking ourselves what kind of leader we want to be and the relationships we want to hold? Do we wish to be a...
2021-03-0254 minSouthern ConnectionThe Case for Masculinity: Why Positive Male Influence in Society is Not Optional.In this episode, Adam and Jeff open up a conversation on masculinity and reclaiming space for positive male influence in business, at home and in the relationships we hold with others. Adam and Jeff work throughout this episode not only as 2 men discussing an ever changing definition and acceptance of masculinity in the social atmosphere but also as Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists making the argument, supported by research, that societies as a whole are healthier and more inclusive with fair representation of male and female influence. The catchphrase "Toxic Masculinity" has transitioned from identifying negative and abusive male actions...
2021-02-2143 minSouthern ConnectionThe Emotional Male: More than an Urban LegendYour favorite Relational Experts come back to the table to discuss the rewards of coaching and counseling men to explore the depth of their emotions. The reality is, in a society that has become increasingly hostile towards male emotions and how men display emotion there exists a space where through deliberate action men can increase their emotional intelligence, develop better awarenesses as professionals and provide spaces of intimate opportunities with their own families. We look forward to having you for this discussion!
2021-02-0543 min
SessionWell036 - Soul Care through CrisisAdam Luke LMFT and Judy Yen LMFT sit down for a discussion about Self-care in the age of a pandemic. Adam and Judy navigate how even when the world is forced to close down, Self care is not cancelled! Listen in to the 3 take-aways Judy and Adam have been using personally and professionally to find sanctuary in an increasingly chaotic social experience.
2021-02-0138 minSouthern ConnectionUNFUNK YOUR CHRISTMASLet's talk about that good Ole' HOLIDAY FUNK. Are you ready for another honest discussion with The Relational Experts, Adam Luke LMFT and Jeff Ortiz LMFT? Because here is the truth, as men most of us do not look forward to the Holiday's at all. Holidays can be a time where we recognize who is no longer with us, it can be a time challenged by grief, an annual reminder of the family relationships we hate, and a short term crash course in Family Dysfunction. But this is not how holidays have to be. Holiday's do not have to b...
2020-12-0744 minSouthern ConnectionSTRESSED OUT PART 2The Relational Experts- Adam Luke LMFT and Jeff Ortiz LMFT continue to dissect the unhealthy ways men hold stress in their lives and how unhealthy practices in processing emotions affect the relational components of who we are at home, By ourselves and in our professions. Through PART 2 of this series there is a solid shift from being money focused as a professional to being IMPACT driven as an individual. If your goal in life is to make a difference, to impact your life, the lives of your children, wife or others that starting point is not money, it is the...
2020-11-271h 04Southern ConnectionStressed OUT PART 1The Relational Experts- Adam Luke LMFT and Jeff Ortiz LMFT continue to tackle the challenging discussions men need to have to unlock their true potential as Leaders of their Families, their social circles and as successful professionals! This week Adam and Jeff take on the 800 pound gorilla named STRESS. Every man experiences stress, every man must learn how to process stress, only boys are ruled by stress. Stress has become socially acceptable and therefore more men continue to work to the point of exhaustion, burn out and to the detriment of their personal, familial and professional relationships. Listen in t...
2020-11-171h 00Southern ConnectionThe Interview- Southern Connection- The Relational ExpertsWelcome to the Southern Connection Podcast!Sit back and listen to The Relational Experts, Adam Luke and Jeff Ortiz as these two male Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists pull a part the relational dynamic of society and current challenges that face everyone. In this week's episode Adam and Jeff launch the Southern Connection podcast by interviewing each other about therapy, relationships, emotions and the challenges that face modern men and their families in professional relationships, personal relationships and individual growth.
2020-11-0958 min2020-11-0800 min
The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyHaving Fun at The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference: Talking about Modern Therapist Problems in the Exhibitor HallEpisode 12: Having Fun at The Evolution of Psychotherapy ConferenceSurvival Guide Tips, Tools, and Name DroppingIt’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices.To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.In th...
2017-12-1431 min