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This Complex Life

Marie Vakakis
Mental Health
Empathy
Men's Mental Health
Adolescence
Communication
State Of the Union Meetings
Understanding Adolescents
Parenting Challenges
Depression
Positive Relationships
Teen Mental Health
Young Men's Mental Health
Relationships
Men's Health Month
Anxiety
Communication Skills
Couples Therapy
Sex Education
Developmental Stages
Parenting

Got questions about parenting, teenagers, or relationships? Ever wonder why your teen won’t talk to you, or why your relationship feels like hard work lately? Hi, I’m Marie Vakakis—a therapist, mental health educator, and someone who’s been behind the scenes with countless families and couples navigating the ups and downs of real life. This Complex Life is your go-to for relatable insights, practi... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes119Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessMental HealthSelf-ImprovementEducation

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Artwork for This Complex Life

Latest Episodes

Friendships are some of the most important relationships we have, but they’re also one of the easiest to neglect. In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m joined by Steph Clarke, futurist, facilitator, and author of How to Friend, to explore whether... more

YouTube

Affairs can devastate a relationship, leaving couples questioning everything they thought they knew about each other. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with couples therapist Andrea Dindinger to talk about healing after betrayal, the s... more

YouTube

Therapy is often described as a safe and healing space, but that’s not always the reality. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to explore what bad t... more

YouTube

When suicide is mentioned, the room often goes quiet. The heaviness of the topic shows how much fear and stigma surround it, but also how important it is to talk about.

In this solo episode of This Complex Life, I explore the silence around suicide,... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Andrea Dindinger
Marriage and Family Therapist
Therapy with Andrea
Episode: Affairs, Trust, and the Work of Healing After Betrayal
Carrie Wiita
A graduate of a master's in marriage and family therapy program in California, she has transitioned from the entertainment industry into therapy.
Very Bad Therapy Podcast
Episode: What Therapists Get Wrong (and How We Can Do Better)
Ben Feinman
Co-host of Very Bad Therapy and clinic director at Sentio Counseling Center, where he trains counselors in a deliberate practice approach.
Very Bad Therapy Podcast, Sentio Counseling Center
Episode: What Therapists Get Wrong (and How We Can Do Better)
Tham Fuyana
Educator and therapist focusing on mental health and BIPOC experiences
Therapy Hub
Episode: Navigating Therapy as a BIPOC Client: Stigma, Support & Healing with Tham Fuyana
Belinda Gibson
Psychologist and regular podcast guest
Episode: Why You Don’t Feel Good Enough (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)
Dr. Lillian Nejad
Clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping people manage anxiety and stress.
Skills for Life
Episode: Do you worry? with Dr Lillian Nejad.
Jamie Maserow
Psychologist sharing insights on mental health and parenting after COVID lockdowns
Episode: Are We Failing Young People?
Anne Carter
Compassionate and experienced therapist specializing in discernment counseling.
Episode: Discernment Counselling
Trish Purnell-Webb
Clinical psychologist, certified Gottman therapist, and advanced clinical trainer and consultant for the Gottman Institute
Gottman Institute
Episode: How Couples Therapy Can Improve Mental Health with Trish Purnell-Webb

Host

Marie Vakakis
Host and therapist with a focus on mental health and relationships, providing practical insights and advice on parenting and family dynamics.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 69 ratings
  • Insightful and practical

    I really enjoy this podcast. The host is smart and helpful and easy to listen to. The topics don’t necessarily all apply to me but usually something is mentioned or the way she frames things helps translate to my own situations.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kevin5220abc
    United States6 months ago
  • Love it

    A friend got me onto this podcast. So much interesting info and I love that the episodes are different lengths so I can pick what I have time for in that moment.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aniaistired
    Australia9 months ago
  • Highly rate

    Marie is well researched and thorough in her exploration of topics. Her podcast is my go to whenever i’m in the car or during my morning walk. I highly rate this podcast to anyone wanting to increase their knowledge.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BellGee81
    Australia10 months ago
  • Incredible listen for teachers and parents!

    As a teacher, This Complex Life has been such an eye-opener—not just for understanding my students but also for my own relationship. Marie’s insights into teenagers and relationships are practical, relatable, and often feel like she’s speaking directly to my experiences.

    Her episodes have helped me better understand the emotional challenges my students face, while also giving me thoughtful tips to strengthen communication and connection in my personal life. Whether it’s for the classroom or my ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Msord
    Australia10 months ago
  • Highly recommend!

    Listening to This Complex Life feels like having a personal therapist in your pocket. Marie’s episodes on relationships are insightful and practical, breaking down why things feel hard and how to make them better.

    Her advice is honest, warm, and easy to apply, leaving me with real tools to improve my relationship. If you’re looking for straightforward, relatable guidance, this podcast is a must-listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Reece rocks
    Australia10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the practical and relatable advice offered, often feeling a personal connection to the host.
The approachability and expertise of the host make the podcast feel like a personal therapy session, fostering a supportive community.
The wide range of topics covered resonates well, providing insights applicable to various aspects of life.
Many reviews express gratitude for the combination of professionalism and humor, making complex subjects more accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

When Your Teen Struggles to Make Friends. What Parents Can Do That Actually Helps
Q: What should I do to help my daughter who is struggling to make friends?
Instead of pushing activities, try to create a supportive environment where she feels comfortable expressing her feelings and explore her interests with curiosity.
Navigating Therapy as a BIPOC Client: Stigma, Support & Healing with Tham Fuyana
Q: What advice would you give those looking for BIPOC therapists or considering therapy amidst mistrust?
It's important to seek someone relatable, but also be open to different perspectives on intersectionality. Start by reaching out to therapists who understand your concerns.
Navigating Therapy as a BIPOC Client: Stigma, Support & Healing with Tham Fuyana
Q: What are some of the unique challenges you see BIPOC clients face when accessing mental health services?
BIPOC clients often face systemic challenges, including mistrust of services due to historical experiences of discrimination, which can make it difficult for them to seek therapy.
Do you worry? with Dr Lillian Nejad.
Q: When do people know they need more support for worry?
If worry is impacting your physical health, work, or relationships, and it lasts for a prolonged period, it may be time to seek support.
Do you worry? with Dr Lillian Nejad.
Q: What are some of the common misconceptions about worry?
Worry is often confused with anxiety but it is fundamentally a thought expression of anxiety, with a focus on 'what if' scenarios.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Complex Life

What is This Complex Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on parenting, relationships, and mental health, this podcast offers a wealth of insights and practical advice derived from professional therapy experience. The host shares relatable stories and strategies to tackle challenges that families and couples face, particularly around the complexities of raising teenagers and maintaining healthy relationships. Episodes include discussions on emotional intimacy, effective communication, and navigating societal pressures, making the content very accessible for listeners looking for support and guidance in their personal lives. Unique aspects include the integration of humor and personal anecdotes to enhance the learning experience, making complex topics feel manageable and encouraging self-re... more

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How many listeners does This Complex Life get?

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What are the audience demographics for This Complex Life?

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How many subscribers and views does This Complex Life have?

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Which podcasts are similar to This Complex Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with This Complex Life:

1. Australian Finance Podcast
2. Get Rich Slow Club
3. Australian Retirement Podcast
4. The Social Work Podcast
5. Australian Investors Podcast

How many episodes of This Complex Life are there?

This Complex Life launched 6 years ago and published 119 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact This Complex Life?

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What guests have appeared on This Complex Life?

Recent guests on This Complex Life include:

1. Andrea Dindinger
2. Carrie Wiita
3. Ben Feinman
4. Tham Fuyana
5. Belinda Gibson
6. Dr. Lillian Nejad
7. Jamie Maserow
8. Anne Carter

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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