Episode #177 - Kat on Why Grief Changes Everything

In this deeply personal solo episode, Kat opens up about losing a close friend to suicide — and how grief reshaped every part of her life. She reflects on what it means to live through unimaginable loss, the ways grief shows up in the body and mind, and how healing isn’t about “getting over it,” but learning to carry it differently.Kat also shares insights from her own journey and the science behind grief — how it impacts the brain, why it changes us, and what helps along the way. This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that grief is both deeply human and deeply personal. Whether you’ve experienced loss or are supporting someone who has, this episode offers space, compassion, and hope.Learn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG hereFollow The Mental Matchup on IG here

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Erin Devine, a current member of the Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse team, to talk about resilience, identity, and finding yourself beyond the setbacks. After enduring multiple knee injuries, Erin opens up about what it was like to shift into a new role on her team, the mental toll of recovery, and how she learned to listen when she stopped feeling like herself.Erin shares her journey through vulnerability and strength. From redefining success to learning that healing is not just physical, but emotional too. Her story is a powerful reminder that your worth as an athlete isn’t measured by stats or playing time, but by the courage it takes to keep showing up for yourself and others.Connect with Erin on IG here and here Follow The Mental Matchup on IG hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here Learn more about Morgan’s Message here

This week, Kat sits down with Gabby Pelfrey to talk about the pressures of college athletics, the challenges of graduating, and the journey of rediscovering joy after sport. Gabby shares how she found healing in new routines, self-discovery, and building a life beyond competition by offering encouragement to anyone navigating the transition out of athletics.Connect with Gabby on IG hereLearn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

This week on The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Lisa Isenman, a psychotherapist with the Wake Kendall Group in Washington, DC. Lisa’s career journey is anything but traditional—after decades in communications and education, she returned to school to become a psychotherapist, guided by her belief that “mental health care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.”In this episode, Lisa shares how curiosity and empathy shape her work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families as they navigate trauma, identity, and life’s toughest transitions. She also dives into her passion for collective action through serving on the board of Champions for Children, where she helps address the children’s mental health crisis in the DMV area, and her role as an executive officer with the International Association for Counselling, working toward global mental health equity.Together, we explore:Lisa’s personal journey into mental health and why she chose to change careersThe role of curiosity and empathy in guiding young athletes, students, and families through adversityHow Champions for Children and international collaboration are expanding access to care and breaking stigmaLisa’s story is a reminder that one person’s decision to lean into passion and purpose can ripple outward to change lives and communities.Learn more about Champions for Children hereFollow Champions for Children on LinkedInLearn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

This week on The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Paula Widerlite, Co-Founder and Chair of Champions for Children, a nonprofit led by women dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare leadership, including 25 years as Chief Strategy Officer for a major DC-area health system,  Paula brings deep expertise and a personal passion for advancing children’s mental health.In this episode, Paula shares:Leadership & Vision: What Champions for Children’s mission means to her personally, and how she fosters the collective energy of strong women leaders.Understanding the Crisis: Why children’s mental health is a growing crisis and how her organization turns awareness into action through grants, events, and collaborations.Programs & Community: The story behind “Be a Champion on World Mental Health Day,” plus how their panels and education series expand awareness and reduce stigma.Reflections & Looking Ahead: What Paula is most proud of, where she sees the greatest opportunity to expand access, and how listeners can support this critical mission.Through Champions for Children, Paula has convened partners, advocates, and leaders to shine a light on youth mental health and build solutions that matter. Her story is a powerful reminder that when passion meets purpose, and when women lead boldly, real change is possible.Learn more about Champions for Children hereFollow Champions for Children on LinkedInLearn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

This week on The Mental Matchup, Kat chats with Kaylin Ricci. Kaylin is a Division I soccer player and fierce advocate for resilience. Just one day after her final season opening game, Kaylin’s world shifted unimaginably with the sudden loss of her mother. Through unimaginable grief, she made the courageous decision to return to the field, playing out her senior season in her mother’s honor. In this episode, Kaylin shares her journey of loss, strength, and what it truly means to keep going when everything feels like it’s falling apart.Connect with Morgan’s Message or submit your story hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

In this week's episode, Kat chats with Alec Ingold about identity, creating locker room culture, and leadership. Alec plays professional football for the Miami Dolphins. Alec grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was adopted into a close-knit and supportive family. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers. In 2019, he signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent, and in 2021 signed with the Miami Dolphins. He is a gifted motivational speaker, and while his accomplishments are remarkable on their own, it’s Alec’s story of overcoming adversity that has inspired thousands. Through his Ingold Family Foundation, Alec works to empower underserved youth through accessible and impactful learning experiences. Learn more about the Ingold Family Foundation hereLearn more about Alec hereLearn more about Morgan's Message hereFollow Morgan's Message here

Hannah Conner is a licensed clinical professional counselor based in Chicago, IL, with a Master of Arts in Counseling and a specialization in Sport and Health Psychology from Adler University. She specializes in supporting athletes, particularly those navigating the transition out of collegiate or elite sports.In this episode, Hannah joins Kat to explore emotionally unsafe environments in athletics: how to identify them, their impact on mental health, and how athletes can begin to heal.Learn more about Hannah hereGet in touch with Hannah hereLearn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

This week on The Mental Matchup, we’re joined by Lysander Rehnstrom, a former walk-on at George Mason to Navy Men's Basketball Captain, and U.S. Marine Corps Ground Officer in training. Lysander shares his deeply personal journey with mental health: from growing up under pressure, navigating a life-threatening injury in high school, walking on at George Mason, and ultimately transferring to the Naval Academy.He opens up about the mental toll of early expectations, the value of vulnerability, and the moments that nearly made him quit the sport he loves. Now a trained Peer Advisor and advocate, Lysander uses his platform to share that athletes are more than their stats — and that asking for help is a sign of strength.We talk about:Mental health challenges in high-performance environmentsImpact of coaching and injury on athlete identityThe power of peer support in recoveryConnect with Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG here

#168: In this episode of The Mental Matchup, we’re joined by Alex Heishman, a former DIII women’s lacrosse player, campus liaison for Morgan’s Message, and now a licensed social worker. Alex opens up about her 4+ year journey with Morgan’s Message and her own experience navigating mental health challenges as a student-athlete.From battling self-criticism and panic attacks to a difficult coaching relationship that made her fall out of love with lacrosse, Alex shares her path to rediscovering joy, purpose, and identity — both on and off the field. Now working as a middle school counselor, she reflects on the importance of vulnerability, mental health advocacy, and the ongoing impact of Morgan’s Message.Topics covered:Mental health and sport performanceNavigating negative coaching relationshipsAthlete burnout & recoveryFinding identity post-graduationThe power of sharing your storyFollow Morgan’s Message on IG hereLearn more about Morgan’s Message here