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
  • When Mr. Rogers is NOT Your Neighbor and Oscar the Grouch Would be a Welcome Replacement
    Apr 17 2025

    Send us a text

    Welcome to Therapists IRL, Episode 46, where Steph takes us on a tour of her neighborhood, introducing us to the colorful cast of characters wreaking havoc on her life (and her poor pooches lives too). Where is Mr. Rogers when we need him?

    If you've ever been harassed, screamed at, threatened, attacked, or just found yourself on the receiving end of some generally appalling behavior by an unhinged neighbor, this episode is for you.

    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 3 mins
  • TBT - Episode 1- Intros and Mantras and Myths...Oh My!
    Apr 10 2025

    Send us a text

    Whew! We've managed to keep this going for over a year (limping right along). For TBT, we thought we'd welcome some new listeners with our very first, very awkward Episode 1. Whether you're new here, or have been with us from the start...

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Therapists IRL," the podcast where two seasoned therapists dive headfirst into the ties that bind us all...being human. In this very first episode, Jen and Steph share a little about themselves, their background as therapists, what motivated them to plunge into the podcast pool (spoiler alert: to destigmatize mental health issues, normalize struggle, and send a message of hope and healing), and then tackle a few therapy myths desperately in need of debunking.

    If you're ready for a podcast that feels like a heart-to-heart chat with a friend, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even find your own path to therapy enlightenment with Steph and Jen on "Therapists IRL." Because believe it or not, your therapist is human too…We may be a little bit nuts but a lot relatable.


    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 6 mins
  • Wounded Healers Series: The Importance of Hope, With Debbie Merkel
    Apr 3 2025

    Send us a text

    Have you ever heard anyone sing on our podcast before?? Today's guest did! Welcome to another episode of Therapists IRL, where you never know what will happen! Debbie Merkel knows despair. She also knows intimately how to grasp onto hope, with a tender heart tested in the fires of trauma. Trauma that led her into the clutches of an eating disorder. Sharing her story of darkness and her determined march towards the glimmers of hope... Debbie's message of healing AND her beautiful voice will leave you feeling like maybe it's possible for you, too.

    Ted Talk: "The Importance of Hope"

    https://youtu.be/z2o57MNH_Sw?si=v3eVLPDzCUp2oexi



    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
    57 mins
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