The Shrink Next Door (May 2019) was a Wondery investigative podcast hosted by Joe Nocera that told the bizarre true story of a psychiatrist who manipulated and financially exploited a patient for 30 years. The show became an Apple TV+ series.
The Story
The podcast detailed how Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf gradually took control of patient Marty Markowitz’s life — moving into his Hamptons home, taking over his business, alienating him from family, and extracting millions. The relationship lasted from 1981 to 2010.
Nocera’s investigation revealed how Ike manipulated Marty’s insecurities and family trauma to create financial and emotional dependence. The story raised questions about therapy ethics, psychological manipulation, and elder abuse.
Production & Adaptation
The podcast used interviews with Marty, his sister Phyllis, former patients, and investigators to piece together the bizarre relationship. Wondery’s cinematic production made the story compulsively listenable.
In 2021, Apple TV+ adapted the podcast into a limited series starring Will Ferrell (Marty) and Paul Rudd (Dr. Ike). The adaptation introduced the story to millions beyond podcast listeners.
Impact
The Shrink Next Door demonstrated podcast IP’s value for screen adaptation and explored the dark side of therapist-patient dynamics. The show influenced discussions about therapy boundaries and psychological abuse.
https://wondery.com/shows/the-shrink-next-door/
https://www.nytimes.com/