The Problem with People Pleasing (with psychotherapist Meg Josephson)

The Problem with People Pleasing (with psychotherapist Meg Josephson)

From Boysober by iHeartPodcasts

March 11, 2026 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 41

About this episode

Psychotherapist Meg Josephson discusses the roots of people pleasing as a trauma response and how to reclaim one's identity.

“ Are You Mad at Me? ” It’s the question that lives rent-free in every people pleaser’s head — and it’s also the title of psychotherapist Meg Josephson ’s book. In this episode, Meg joins Hope to unpack why people-pleasing is actually a trauma response, how it can turn into subtle dishonesty, and what it takes to stop losing yourself while trying to keep everyone else happy.   Do you have a boysober story to share? We'd love to hear from you! Email us a voice note at  boysoberpodcast@gmail.com , or leave a voicemail at (518) 83-SOBER. Please say your name before leaving your message, and don’t forget to include your phone number in case we want to follow up. By leaving a voicemail, you are giving Boysober permission and license to use some or all of your message in our show. But if you want to be anonymous, please state that in your call.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Hope

Guest: Meg Josephson

Topics covered

  • people pleasing
  • trauma response
  • self-identity
  • honesty
  • mental health

Keywords

  • people pleasing
  • trauma
  • self-identity
  • mental health
  • psychotherapy

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Are You Mad at Me?

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