Episode #157 - Sophia Burke

Catholic University field hockey player Mary Rojack joins us to talk about her journey with mental health, being part of the Morgan’s Message community, and the impact of building support both on and off campus. 💙From New Jersey to Catholic U, Mary’s passion for advocacy and connection shines through. Tune in to hear her story!Find out more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message here

In this episode, Kat chats with Clare Kehoe, the Director of Education and one of the co-founders of Morgan’s Message. Clare opens up about her friendship with Morgan Rodgers—the memories they shared, the support she tried to offer, and the heartbreak of losing someone you love to suicide. She shares what drove her to help launch Morgan’s Message and how that loss forever changed the direction of her life.Through grief, Clare has built something deeply meaningful: a movement that empowers student-athletes to speak up, support one another, and normalize conversations around mental health. We dive into how the Ambassador Program was created, how it’s grown to over 1,500 campuses, and the role it plays in changing culture—one conversation at a time.Learn more about Morgan’s Message here Follow @morgansmessage on IG hereApply to join or start an Ambassador Program at your school here

Marina Paul is the founder of SPRHRA, a women's sportswear brand built on real female athlete data. A former Division 1 soccer player and All-American at Georgetown University, Marina overcame significant challenges—depression, eating disorders, and ACL injuries—to become the program’s first-ever three-time captain, leading her team to the first-ever College Cup Final Four. Through SPRHRA and her advocacy, she is dedicated to empowering female athletes.You can shop the SPRHRA x MM Short hereFind SPRHRA on IG hereInterested in Team Uniforms? You can find out more hereConnect with Morgan's Message on IG hereLearn more about Morgan's Message here

In this episode of The Mental Matchup, we sit down with Emma Kilbride, co-founder of Here for You Clothing, to talk about her lifelong journey with anxiety, depression, and tic disorder, and how stepping away from college became the turning point in her healing. Emma shares her raw and honest story of hitting pause on life as she knew it, doing the inner work through therapy and reflection, and ultimately rediscovering her purpose in mental health advocacy. Now, through Here For You Clothing, Emma is building community and connection through powerful storytelling and wearable reminders that no one is ever alone.We discuss:The reality of living with anxiety, depression, and ticsWhy leaving college became a critical act of self-careThe healing power of therapy and communityHow Emma turned pain into purpose through Here For You ClothingShop Here For You Clothing at hereforyouclothing.comUse code MENTALMATCHUP for 20% off your order!You can find here for you at @hereforyouclothingFollow Morgan's Message at @morgansmessageLearn more about Morgan's Message here

This week on The Mental Matchup, we sit down with Ben Redlener, a sophomore lacrosse player at Emerson College, to talk about the pressures that come with being a student-athlete—and the quiet battles that often go unseen.Ben opens up about his mental health journey, reflecting on how constantly comparing himself to other athletes and peers impacted his confidence, academic life, and athletic performance. Through vulnerability and growth, Ben has found strength in accepting his own path and is now using his voice to support others doing the same.In this episode, we cover:The weight of comparison in athletics and lifeThe impact of self-doubt on performance and progressRedefining success and self-worth as a student-athleteFinding power in vulnerability and communityListen to Ben's podcast Attolo hereFind out more about Morgan's Message here Follow Morgan's Message on IG here

#159 - In this episode, I sit down with Ellie Haney, a 26-year-old mental health advocate and founder of Here For You Clothing. Born out of her own mental health journey during the height of the pandemic, Ellie's mission is to create meaningful conversations and community through intentional fashion.Ellie opens up about her struggles, the healing power of creativity, and how a simple phrase—“Here For You”—became the foundation of a movement. Alongside her best friend and managing partner, Emma Kilbride, Ellie has turned a powerful message into a brand that shows up on college campuses, in classrooms, and on streets across the country.Shop Here For You Clothing at hereforyouclothing.comUse code MENTALMATCHUP for 20% off your order!You can find Ellie at @e_hanesYou can find here for you at @hereforyouclothingFollow Morgan's Message at @morgansmessageLearn more about Morgan's Message here

In this episode of The Mental Matchup, we sit down with Emma Reen, to discuss her journey through sports, mental health challenges, and the lessons she's learned along the way. She opens up about resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health in athletics. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reminds us all that we are never alone in our struggles.9Follow Morgan’s Message on IG hereFind out more about Morgan’s Message here

In this week's episode, Kat sits down with Sophia Burke. Sophia's had a unique experience, navigating her mental health and her battle with addiction. Sophia talks about her experience with alcohol, playing collegiate lacrosse, relationships and the path to sobriety and healing. She's now in a place to reflect on the past couple of years and takes us on a truly inspiring journey.Trigger warning: suicide, depression, anxiety, sexual assault, alcohol usage and disordered eatingPresented by Morgan’s MessageIG: morgansmessage

In this episode, Kat chats with Kori Toms, a Le Moyne College soccer player who opens up about her journey as a student-athlete and the mental and emotional challenges she’s faced along the way.Topics Discussed:The emotional impact of her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis and how her family became her foundation of support.Navigating the recruiting process during COVID and transitioning to Division I soccer at Le Moyne College.Discovering the importance of mental health in high school, managing a lingering knee injury, and finding balance through outlets beyond her sport.This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of leaning on your support system, finding safe spaces, and prioritizing mental health as an athlete.Find out more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

Today Kat’s joined by Gianna Burgio, a cross country and track athlete from Rowan University with a passion for empowering the next generation of runners. Gianna opens up about her journey through high school, where she struggled with an eating disorder that went undiagnosed. She shares how running became a part of her life, the lessons she’s learned about food, sports, and self-love, and her mission to ensure young athletes—especially young women—know the importance of both nourishing their bodies and finding joy in their passions.Topics Discussed:Gianna’s introduction to running and how it shaped her identityHer experience navigating an undiagnosed eating disorder during high schoolThe connection between food, performance, and mental health in young athletesHer aspirations to give back to her community as a teacher and coachAdvice for young female athletes about self-love and the joy of sportConnect with Gianna here Get in touch with Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here