This Complex Life

Is Your Wounded Child Ruining Your Relationship?

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a reaction to your partner that felt huge?Like a ten out of ten response to something small?You are crying over coffee.They are conf...

Attachment Styles in Conflict: Breaking the Cycle

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you keep having the same argument with your partner, it might not be about the topic at all. Often, it is not about the dishes, the plans for the w...

5 Conversations Couples Should Have Before It’s Too Late

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

So many couples say the same thing when they come to therapy. We probably should have talked about this earlier. Not because of one big issue, but bec...

I Got a Promotion and My Partner Isn’t Happy for M

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Show notes Sharing good news with your partner should feel connecting. Yet for many people, moments of success can quickly turn into hurt or tension w...

Why Won’t My Partner Communicate With Me

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why won’t my partner communicate with meIt’s one of the most common questions I hear in the therapy room and it’s usually coming from someone wh...

Soulmates Or More Like Roommates?

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to feel closer to your partner, but feel unsure how to bring it up?Many couples care deeply about each other and still drift apart. Life g...

They Should Just Know and Other Ways Relationships Get Hard

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself thinking my partner is not the same person I fell in love withMaybe you still care deeply but something feels offConversa...

Is This Anxiety or Is My Brain Just Freaking Out

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when your brain reacts faster than you can make sense of it. In this episode, I talk with Dr J...

Breakups, Masculinity and Men’s Mental Health

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Breakups can be hard on all of us, they can shake our sense of self in ways we don't expect. For men, the emotional impact is not something that's oft...

Rethinking Who You Are After Having Kids with Bronte Taylor

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People often imagine that parenthood clicks into place the moment a baby arrives. For many, the emotional changes, the exhaustion and the adjustment t...

Making Sense of ADHD in Therapy

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ADHD is often misunderstood, especially in therapy. In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with ADHD coach Ron Souers about what happens when th...

Turning ADHD Struggles into Strengths

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ADHD can bring creativity, energy, and passion, but it can also make everyday life feel chaotic or overwhelming.In this episode of This Complex Life, ...

Growing Yourself Up with Dr Jenny Brown - Encore

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all like to think of ourselves as grown-ups, but what does it really mean to grow yourself up? And how does that shape every relationship you have ...

Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does it ever feel like your teenager just doesn’t hear you?You remind them about chores, offer advice, try to connect  and all you get back is ...

Parenting, Rejection and Connection

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As kids grow into teens, they start to need more independence, and for many parents, that shift can feel like rejection. When your child pulls away, s...

The psychology of rejection and what to do about it

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rejection stings,  whether it’s a friend pulling away, not getting the job, being ghosted, or a partner feeling distant. Our brains don’t lik...

Help. My teens aren't interested in me. What do I do?

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It can feel heartbreaking when your teenager pulls away, shows little interest in your life, or seems dismissive of family connections. This is a comm...

Healing the Unmet Needs of Our Younger Selves

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a reaction that felt bigger than the situation? Maybe your partner forgot something small, and suddenly you felt worthless. These mo...

The Future of Friendships: Are We Getting Lonelier?

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Li...

Affairs, Trust, and the Work of Healing After Betrayal

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Affairs can devastate a relationship, leaving couples questioning everything they thought they knew about each other. In this episode of This Complex ...

Suicide, Grief and Connection: An R U OK? Day Conversation

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What Bad Therapy Taught Me About Good Therapy

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Car...

What Therapists Get Wrong (and How We Can Do Better)

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lessons learned from Very Bad Therapy. The Very Bad Therapy podcast has changed the way I think about therapy and the stories we do and do not tell. T...

The 4 Habits that Predict Relationship Trouble

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a fight with your partner that started over something small but somehow turned into a huge blow up? It’s rarely about the dishes, ...

Why Do We Keep Drifting Apart in Our Relationship

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It doesn’t usually happen with one big fight. Most couples who find themselves feeling distant say it crept up slowly. Busy schedules, kids, work, d...

Cassandra Syndrome

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever tried to explain what’s wrong in your relationship, only to be told you’re overreacting, imagining it, or making it up?In this episo...

When Dream Jobs Fade, Men Redefine Masculinity, and Lived Experience Leads Suicide Prevention

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your dream job stopped feeling like a dream? What if suicide prevention strategies missed the voices of those who know it best? And what if mo...

Is Falling in Love with an AI Companion Considered Cheating?

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What emotional relationships with chatbots reveal about loneliness, safety, and the fear of real intimacySomeone recently said their AI companion unde...

AI Affairs, Clinic Closures, and the Mental Health Cost of Early Smartphones

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

AI affairs, vanishing therapy clinics, and phones before age 13Cheating with a chatbot. Therapy clinics shutting almost overnight. And new research on...

Why Are We So Fascinated by Other People’s Affairs?

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Affairs grab our attention. Whether it’s someone in the news or a friend of a friend, we tune in, pass judgement, or quietly reflect on our own rela...

The Weekly Wrap Men, Tech, and Trust

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When a breakup becomes life-threatening, why the Coldplay affair is stirring up fears about trust and betrayal, and what teens are really saying about...

Is this a red flag or just discomfort?

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not every uncomfortable feeling in a relationship is a warning sign. Sometimes it’s about growth, not danger.In this episode of This Complex Life, I...

10 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not all red flags are loud or obvious. Some show up in small, repeated moments that leave you feeling uneasy.In this episode of This Complex Life, I u...

Why Love Isn’t Enough When Trust Is Missing

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Love matters, but without trust, relationships can’t feel safe.In this episode of This Complex Life, I will share what happens when couples love eac...

When Your Teen Struggles to Make Friends. What Parents Can Do That Actually Helps

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard to watch your child struggle to make friends. You might feel stuck between wanting to help and not wanting to push too hard.In this episod...

Why We Avoid Talking About Sex (And How to Start)

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why We Avoid Talking About S3x (And How to Start)Conversations about sex often feel awkward, avoidant or emotionally loaded. I talk about what’s hap...

Navigating Therapy as a BIPOC Client: Stigma, Support & Healing with Tham Fuyana

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if your therapist just gets it and you don’t have to explain everything from scratch?That’s what this episode is all about. I sat down with T...

Why You Don’t Feel Good Enough (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you're just not good enough, even when you're doing all the right things? In this conversation with psychologist Belinda Gibson,...

Do you worry? with Dr Lillian Nejad.

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you overthink everything? Lie awake, running through worst-case scenarios?Worry can be exhausting. It often shows up as planning, perfectionism, or...

Are We Failing Young People?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when society changes faster than young people can adapt?I’m joined by psychologist Jamie Maserow to explore the hidden impacts of lockd...

Discernment Counselling

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if one partner wants to work on the relationship and the other isn’t sure they want to stay?In this episode, I talk with therapist Anne Carter ...

Not Having Enough Sex in Your Relationship?

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wondering if your relationship should involve more sex or comparing yourself to what you think is normal? You're not alone. Many couples quietly strug...

What Makes Inclusive Relationship Therapy Work

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when love meets change? In this episode we explore the unique challenges and strengths of queer and gender diverse relationships, especia...

6 Things Emotionally Healthy Couples Don’t Do

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a lot of advice about what to do to build a strong relationship. But what about the things emotionally healthy couples don’t do?Join me, M...

Unspoken Expectations in Relationships Are Hurting You Here’s Why

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever caught yourself thinking, "They should just know what I need"? Unspoken expectations are one of the biggest sources of frustration in relationshi...

Can Laughter Really Be Medicine?

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In tough times, joy can feel out of reach. But sometimes, a single shared laugh has the power to lift the weight of the world—even in a hospital roo...

Feeling More Like Housemates Than Partners? How to Rebuild Friendship in Your Relationship

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like you and your partner are just co-existing rather than truly connecting? Maybe your conversations revolve around schedules, bills, and l...

How Couples Therapy Can Improve Mental Health with Trish Purnell-Webb

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Couples therapy isn’t just about fixing relationship problems—it can also play a huge role in improving mental health. Many people think of therap...

Big Fights Over Small Things?

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had a small disagreement spiral into a huge argument? Maybe it started with an eye-roll, a forgotten text, or a messy kitchen bench. Suddenly, it...

Why Waiting Too Long for Couples Therapy Can Make Things Worse

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many couples only seek therapy when their relationship is already in serious trouble. But by the time they reach out, years of unresolved issues, buil...

It’s Not About the Fight—It’s How You Fight

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we keep having the same fight?It can feel frustrating when the same arguments keep coming up. But conflict is not the problem. It is how we han...

How Couples Therapy Works (And When to Start)

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered when the right time is to try couples therapy? Or if you even need a major issue to start? Many people hesitate to seek support...

Why does grief feel so lonely?

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why grief feels so isolating?Many people expect grief to follow a straight path, something to "move on" from after a set amount...

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact with Kathryn Eberly

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Past Experiences Shape Our LivesWhy do certain situations trigger such strong emotions? Katheryn Eberly, a mental health social worker and family ...

How to Align Your Life with Your Values

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered if your goals truly reflect what’s most important to you? In this episode, clinical psychologist Patch Callahan joins me to b...

Is It Time to Rethink Your Relationship with Booze?

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself questioning your drinking habits or wondering why alcohol feels so deeply woven into our social lives? This episode will ...

Are We Really Fighting About the Christmas Ham?

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Holidays are meant to be magical, but let’s be honest – they can also be a whirlwind of stress, unmet expectations, and arguments over things lik...

Are Your Holiday Boundaries Strong Enough?

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does the holiday season leave you feeling stressed and overcommitted? With endless parties, gift exchanges, and family gatherings, it’s easy to say ...

Why Does My Teen Seem So Anxious, and How Can I Help?

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever wondered why your teen seems on edge or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Anxiety in teens can feel daunting to understand and even ha...

Why Does My Teen Seem so Moody?

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered why your teen sometimes seems to be on an emotional rollercoaster? In this episode, I tackle a question that’s close to home for many ...

Why Doesn’t My Teen Want to Spend Time with the Family?

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered why your teenager suddenly seems to prefer hanging out with friends over family dinners or weekend outings? In this episode, I’ll be t...

Why Does My Teen Feel Overwhelmed and What Can I Do to Support Them?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like your teen is constantly overwhelmed and stressed, but you're unsure how to help without making things worse? In this episode, I’m sha...

Why Won’t My Teen Talk to Me?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever asked your teen a question, only to be met with silence or a shrug? It’s frustrating, right? This is a common concern for parents. I h...

Is It Ok to Read My Child's Diary?

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever thought about sneaking a look at your teen’s diary? It’s something a lot of parents consider, especially when they're worried a...

Bids for Connection. REPLAY

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I share a powerful concept that can transform your relationships – bids for connection. These small moments when someone reaches out, whether it’s...

Is Couples Therapy Right for Your Relationship

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered when the right time is to start couples therapy? Maybe you’re worried about what might come up, or whether it’s only for wh...

What Women Aren't Told About Sex

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever feel like your desire doesn’t match what you see in the movies, or that your sex life doesn’t quite stack up to what others seem to be experi...

Why do some people avoid couples therapy? REPLAY

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about fears and hesitation surrounding couples therapy. We discuss stigmas and misconceptions that prevent people from seeking the help t...

Discussing Sex and Consent with Teens

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I chat with Avril Cook, a clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience in mental health, family dynamics, and working with te...

Talking to Kids and Teens About Sex and Consent

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a parent or guardian, talking to kids and teens about sex, consent, and relationships can feel overwhelming, especially if these topics were never ...

Debunking Sex Myths

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I chat with Dr. Sarah Ashton, a psychologist with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psycho...

Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore?

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like your teen tunes you out the moment you start talking? Or maybe every conversation seems to end in a heated argument? It’s frus...

Supporting young mens emotional and mental health.

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I chat with Amal, a dedicated counsellor and passionate advocate for young men's mental health. I'm excited by this guest because ...

Is Your Teen Changing Overnight? Here's What’s Happening

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hey everyone, it’s Marie Vakakis here, your host of This Complex Life. In today’s episode, I’m flying solo to chat about a topic that’s often ...

Tackling Shame in Men with Michael Derby

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

IntroductionIn today's episode, I chat with Michael, a family therapist and accredited mental health social worker, about the crucial topic of men's m...

Transform Your Relationship in One Hour a Week with State of the Union Meetings

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's solo episode, I'm excited to share a powerful tool that can help transform your relationship in just one hour a week—the State of the Uni...

Unlocking Happiness and Men’s Mental Health with Tim Sharp

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I chatted with a leading expert in positive psychology who has dedicated his life to promoting mental health and well-being. I'm e...

You Made Me This Way Confronting Childhood Trauma and Surviving Sexual Abuse

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, I chat with Shannon Molloy, a journalist and author whose latest book, You Made Me This Way, delves into the impact of childhood...

Navigating Conflict and Embracing Vulnerability with John Flanagan

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating Conflict and Embracing VulnerabilityIn this special Mens Health Month episode, I’m joined by John Flanagan, an Accredited Mental Health S...

Understanding Depression: Men's Mental Health with Therapist Simon Rinne

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of This Complex Life, I chat with Simon Rinne, a lived experience therapist who specialises in men's mental health. Simon shares his ...

Intro- Mens Health Month

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6 Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ ...

Understanding Addiction. Coping Strategies and Sober Dating Tips

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered about the real reasons behind addiction or how to navigate social pressures around alcohol, this episode is for you. In this e...

Help. My teens aren't interested in me. What do I do?

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I address a heartfelt question from a listener, a 62-year-old father who feels disconnected from his teenage daughters. He is eager t...

How our mindset impacts how we eat

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "This Complex Life," I speak with Dr Lucy, We delve into the profound relationship between our mindset, eating habits, and overall ...

How do I support my daughter through sexual assault without adding to the trauma?

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I address a listener's question on how to support a daughter through the trauma of sexual assault with sensitivity and without adding...

Growing Yourself Up with Dr Jenny Brown

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, I dive deep into the heart of self-growth and relationships with the return of esteemed guest, Dr. Jenny Brown. Join us as ...

Navigating ADHD Coaching vs Therapy

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, the tables have turned as Jodi Green interviews me, discussing some of the differences between coaching and therapy.Key Insights:C...

What's an ADHD coach with Jodi Green _ ADHD part 1

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with Jodi Green, an ADHD coach about ADHD, the impact it can have on relationships and strategies for man...

Mini episode: Why Won't My Teen Talk To Me?

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you felt like your teen just wasn't listening to you? It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're trying to help o...

Mini series: Why won’t my teen talk to me after school?

21 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As a parent, it can be frustrating when your teen walks through the door after school, and your questions about their day are met with silence, eye ro...

Parents feeling rejected by their teens.

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I speak about some of the unique challenges parents often face as their children transition into their teenage years. This phase can be a time of perc...

Dealing with rejection. Part 1

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we delve into a complex and deeply human emotion: rejection. It's a feeling that touches all of us at some point or another, and i...

Building Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: A Conversation with Jenny Brown

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenny Brown, who has developed a project aimed at supporting parents in navigating the challenges...

What to expect when you start therapy

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the importance of preparing for therapy and what to expect. This podcast episode emphasises the importance of preparing for...

R U OK? Day Special: Talking About Suicide and Mental Health

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, I'm addressing the significance of "R U OK? Day," which falls on September 14th. This day serves as a reminder to discuss men...

Finding your values with Patch Callahan

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "This Complex Life," I interview Patch Callahan, a clinical psychologist, to explore the concept of values and their importance in ...

Complaining is bad for your brain

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I talk about complaining and how we address problems.Complaining is not great for our mental health and wellbeing. It can create a...

Why do some people avoid couples therapy?

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people avoid couples therapy?In this episode, Belinda and I talk about fears and hesitation surrounding couples therapy. We discuss s...

Understanding EMDR Therapy with Caroline Burrows

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is EMDR TherapyIn this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Therapy Trainer Caroline Bur...

Bids for connection

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll be talking about Bids for Connection, those small gestures that can make or break a relationship. From couples to parents and t...