Therapists IRL

By: Jen Starkey and Stephanie Hill
  • Summary

  • Welcome to "Therapists IRL," the podcast where we keep it real, bringing you candid conversations with real-life therapists about their real-life struggles. Join us as we cover everything from personal journeys with mental health issues to toxic relationships, family dysfunction, addiction, and the everyday challenges they face outside of the office.


    Hosted by Steph Hill and Jen Starkey, two practicing licensed therapists with a passion for breaking down walls and busting myths. With episodes dropping weekly, we invite you to sneak a peak into the authentic and unfiltered lives of these two therapists, and their therapist guests.


    Whether you’re a fellow mental health professional, a therapy enthusiast, or you’ve never even stepped foot inside a therapist’s office, "Therapists IRL" is your go-to source for genuine conversations about the mental health struggles we all face, and the healing that is possible. Through this podcast, we hope to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help by highlighting that therapists, like anyone else, grapple with their mental health and emotional well-being...and healing is possible.


    © 2025 Therapists IRL
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Episodes
  • Wounded Healer Series: An Inspiring Conversation with Amy Abel on the Long Road to Recovery After a Fall (Literally!)
    Mar 13 2025

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    Welcome to Episode 12 in Season 2 of Therapists IRL, where Jen and Steph are joined by friend and colleague Amy Abel. One year ago (almost to the day), Amy found herself on an unexpected medical journey after a freak accident that shattered her ankle. The road to her recovery was long, hard, and sometimes dark, but through it Amy found ways to cope and stay hopeful.

    Anyone who has faced a health crisis, be it an illness or injury, knows the toll it takes mentally, physically, and emotionally. Join us as Amy shares her story and her message of hope for others.

    No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode, but vulnerability hangovers are real.

    Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding, and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. [Read our full disclaimer here.]

    If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider.

    If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.

    Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.

    With care,

    Jen and Steph

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Wounded Healers Series: A Candid Conversation with Kirk M. Samuels (The Intimacy Incubator) on Widespread Threats to Men's Mental Health, and Ideas on What to Do About It
    Nov 6 2024

    Send us a text

    We want to introduce you to a man who not only invites other men into healing and wholeness, but also believes women will be safer as a result. Welcome to Season 2, Episode 8, where Jen & Steph talk with Kirk about his passion for seeing men recover from woundedness and emotional stuntedness to achieve the fullness of their potential as men of integrity who enrich and make safer the lives of those around them. Spanning topics from pornography addiction to childhood abuse and more, please join us as we talk with Kirk about his very unique niche within the mental health world. And please share with any men in your life who may benefit!

    Kirk M. Samuels Resources:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirkmsamuels?mibextid=LQQJ4d

    Men's Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1549dNCEkX/?mibextid=K35XfP

    http://www.freeindeed36.com/?

    Radio Show:

    Mad Men Radio https://www.1220kldc.com/show/madmen-of-masculinity-w-jason-b-kendrick-and-kirk-m-samuels/

    http://madmenradio.com/

    Books by Kirk M. Samuels

    For Your Eyes Only: The Inside Scoop About Men, Porn, and Marriage

    ( Amazon link : https://a.co/d/64uoR2g )

    Seven Secrets of Modern Dating: The He Said, She Said Guide for Getting from Single to Spouse

    ( Amazon link: https://a.co/d/1oY0V3T )

    No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode, but vulnerability hangovers are real.

    Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding, and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. [Read our full disclaimer here.]

    If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider.

    If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.

    Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.

    With care,

    Jen and Steph

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Wounded Healers Series: Kristi Thornton, on Being an Orphan, Hummingbirds & Coping with Medical Anxiety
    Feb 27 2025

    Send us a text

    Hi Listeners! Meet one of Steph's all-time favorite people, Kristi. Welcome to Season 2, Episode 11 of Therapists IRL. Kristi shares openly about what it is like to be orphaned, having lost her mom as a toddler and her father a few years ago. She also shares about the impact of Long COVID on her overall health, and the anxiety that comes from living with unexpected and frightening impacts, and her quest for wellness.

    (As you listen, you may notice we reference the upcoming holidays a lot... that's because this episode has been sitting in the archives since November. Oops. Chalk it up to real life, I guess.)

    Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok: TherapistsIRL

    Email: TherapistsIRL@gmail.com

    Please reach out with questions, if you're in a helping profession and would like to come on the podcast, and/or your own mental health stories we can share anonymously.

    No therapists were harmed in the making of this episode, but vulnerability hangovers are real.

    Please note: While our podcast aims to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues, increase awareness, foster understanding, and offer support with love and laughter, we are not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. [Read our full disclaimer here.]

    If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider.

    If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline. In the U.S., dial 9-8-8 for immediate services.

    Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength. We're here to share stories, insights, and a bit of humor, but your well-being is our top priority.

    With care,

    Jen and Steph

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins

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