“I Talk to God, Not a Therapist" Feat. Payton Hogan

Part two of Social Media and You dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: therapy. This week, Izzy Baker sits down with Omaha-based licensed professional counselor Payton Hogan, founder of Bear Company Counseling, for an unfiltered conversation about the intersection of faith, healing, and the internet. What starts as a discussion on how social media glorifies “self-care” quickly becomes a deeper exploration of why so many men avoid therapy altogether.Izzy and Payton break down the myths that keep men silent—like the idea that therapy is just “talking to a stranger” or that prayer alone is enough to fix what discipline and dialogue are meant to address. They discuss how the rise of “therapy culture” online has made mental health both a movement and a marketing trend, and how that confuses people who genuinely need help. Payton shares how he went from private struggle to running a full counseling practice, why community care matters more than image, and how faith can guide—but not replace—the therapeutic process.The episode also challenges the common phrase, “I talk to God, not a therapist,” and examines how spiritual pride can sometimes block emotional growth. Through their conversation, Izzy and Payton connect faith and practicality—showing that therapy isn’t the absence of God, it’s often how He meets you. Together, they discuss the emotional labor of entrepreneurship, the exhaustion that comes from constantly performing strength, and the freedom that comes with being honest about your limits.As the episode closes, Izzy reminds listeners that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s alignment. Healing doesn’t always look holy on social media, but it’s still sacred work. Listen. Reflect. And remember, real men heal out loud.Payton's Social MediaInstagram: @thecyrpodcastYouTube: ‪ ⁨ ⁨@therealpaytonhogan⁩ Website: bearcompanycounseling.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/p-s-a-the-mental-health-podcast--5520511/support.TrustBuilder Package🎯 Level up your professional development influence with the TrustBuilder Package — a social media strategy designed to position you as a thought leader in your space. From authority-building content to engagement that actually converts, we make sure your message doesn’t just get seen… it gets respected. Perfect for personal brands looking to grow their presence and impact. Legacy Launchpad🚀 Build your podcast — and your influence — from the ground up with the Legacy Launchpad. We handle everything: strategy, branding, production, and promotion, so you can focus on delivering value. Designed for personal and professional development influencers who want their voice amplified, their brand elevated, and their legacy secured in the digital space.