About this episode

Jeremy Schumacher discusses parasocial relationships and their implications in various contexts.

This week famed podcaster and friendly neighborhood therapist Jeremy Schumacher talks about parasocial relationships. Jeremy explores why these relationships feel so real, when they can be helpful, and how they can slide into dependency, especially in religious, therapeutic, and influencer spaces. Along the way, we examine the continuum between connection and exploitation, and ask what ethical responsibility comes with influence. To support survivors of religious trauma you can donate at this...

People in this episode

Host: Jeremy Schumacher

Topics covered

• influencer culture
• parasocial relationships
• connection and exploitation
• ethical responsibility
• dependency

Keywords

• influencer culture
• parasocial relationships
• connection
• dependency
• ethical responsibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: influencer, religious, therapeutic, parasocial relationships

More episodes of Your Therapist Needs Therapy

• Your Therapist Needs Therapy 157 - You Are What You Eat, Algorithm Edition · July 15, 2026 · 54 min
• Your Therapist Needs Therapy 156 - The Pen is Mightier than the Freud: The Weaponization of Therapy Speak · July 8, 2026 · 40 min
• Your Therapist Needs Therapy 155 - When Should We Speak Ill of the Dead? · July 1, 2026 · 53 min
• Your Therapist Needs Therapy 153 - The High Priests of Therapy · June 17, 2026 · 45 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Your Therapist Needs Therapy podcast page.