The Experts

The Experts

Author: Virginia Jones and Laura Ryan, LMFT - Mental Wellness & Humor January 22, 2026 Duration: 47:37

Is the age of AI the end of the expert? What does it take to achieve mastery of something, and why do we want it so much?


References:

Outliers: The Story of Success: Malcolm Gladwell

It's All In Your Head: How To Achieve Mastery And Improve Performance: Chris Cancialosi

How to Level Up At Anything: Using Science to Approach Mastery: Jacqueline M. Kory-Westlund

How To Achieve Mastery: Three Steps To Becoming Great At Anything: Aly Juma

The 4 Essential Ingredients of Expertise Development: Joseph South



Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist * Expertise * Malcolm Gladwell* Growth* Tips for Learning* Emotional Well-Being* Competition* Mental Health*Skills*Mastery*Feedback


/Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT


Ever wondered what happens when a licensed family therapist and a standup comedian are also sisters? That’s the unique dynamic at the heart of My Sister's A Therapist-Mental Health, Wellness, and Healing with Humor. Hosted by Virginia Jones and Laura Ryan, LMFT, this conversation feels like you’re sitting in on a deeply personal, often hilarious chat between siblings who’ve seen it all. Laura brings professional insight from her therapy practice, while Virginia offers the comedic relief and pop culture savvy, making topics like anxiety, trauma, and personal growth surprisingly approachable. You’ll hear real, actionable advice woven seamlessly with their own family stories and anecdotes, proving that healing doesn’t always have to be a solemn process. Episodes dive into everything from feminism and trending TikTok dramas to interviews with special guests and direct responses to listener questions. The result is a genuinely comforting yet entertaining space that demystifies mental wellness. This podcast stands out because it’s built on a lifetime of shared history, offering a blend of expertise and relatability that’s hard to find elsewhere. Tune in for a dose of clarity, connection, and the kind of laughter that feels just as important as the advice.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

My Sister's A Therapist- Mental Health, Wellness, and Healing with Humor
Podcast Episodes
Depressed Mode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:35
What makes us depressed and anxious, and why are women more depressed than men? We talk about how to feel happier, when we've been depressed, and there's also a heartfelt recommendation for the Thunder Down Under.Referen…
Pick Me! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
What is a pick-me, where do they come from, and how can we help them? Laura and Virginia compare shameful notes from their respective pick-me pasts.References: Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick: Between Men: English Literature and M…
Black Sheep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
On being the black sheep of the family, how it makes you stronger, and how to recover. Also: Morrissey, family troubles, and making a name for Julie Sprankles!References:Black Sheep Origin: Patricia O’Connor and Stewart…
Perception [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
It's the black and gold/blue and white dress all over again! Why we can't trust our perception, how our brain does weird stuff to protect us, and what Aldous Huxley wrote about on mescaline. Also: Dueling William S. Burr…
Screw You, Scott Galloway! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
Laura annoys me with an internet guy I've never heard of. We take turns telling him to go screw.NYU.COM: About Scott Galloway What I’ve Learned: Andrea CuttlerNotes On Being A Man: Scott GallowayThe Jordan Harbinger Show…
Charlatans! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:27
Scammers. Liars. Flimflam men. Crooks. What makes us susceptible to scams, and what mental issues do scammers have?References: Think and Grow Rich: Napoleon HillYes Man: Danny WallaceThe Art Of Extreme Self Care: Cheryl…
Pranks! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:14
Are pranks a harmless pastime, or traumatic abuse? We find out Laura's history with pranks, many of which were played by Virginia.References: Tik Tok: Cali: Paint PrankBeck, The Feminist Lawyer: Turkey Trot PrankReddit:…
Hush Up, Lady! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:29
When Mary Beard appeared on TV, she got death threats and demands that she shut up- she traced idea all the way back to the Odyssey.References:Women and Power, Mary BeardCalypso, Suzanne VegaMental Health Advice/Pop Cult…
The Fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
Well...what are you afraid of, anyway?References:The Shadow Work Journal: A Guide To Integrate and Transcend Your ShadowsHow Evolution Designed Your Fear: Mathias ClasenWhy do people worry?: Mark Freeston Wikipedia: Urba…
Evil Middlemen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
We can figure out why a fascist is surrounded by rich friends, and we've discussed how they get regular people to do their dirty work-in OBEY- but we don't talk about the need for loyal losers in any autocrat's mid-level…