But For Real

Valerie Martin & Emerson Ryder

Welcome to But For Real: the podcast where all your swirling thoughts about mental health, pop culture, and how to human are blended into one delicious variety show, co-hosted by therapists Valerie Martin (resident elder millennial ✌️) and Emerson Ryder (resident Gen Z 🫶).

  1. 3d ago

    LGBTQ+ & BIPOC Mental Health with Ashley Hampton

    Ashley Hampton is a licensed therapist, certified clinical supervisor, adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University, and the co-founder of two organizations doing quietly revolutionary work in Tennessee. As co-founder and clinical director of Hampton House Counseling, she's built one of Nashville's first BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ centered group therapy practices from the ground up — with diversity not as an afterthought, but as its foundation. As co-founder and executive director of Healing in the Margins, she's created a nonprofit that addresses the therapy access gap for Black, brown, and queer communities through clinician training, a therapy fund, community partnerships, and more. In three years, Healing in the Margins has funded over $80,000 in therapy across the state of Tennessee. Ashley is a bold, grounded, and genuinely funny human being doing work that this state desperately needs. This episode covers: (00:00) Tea & Crumpets — Em on Wayward (spooky, queer-coded, Stranger Things-ish vibes), Ashley on Married at First Sight season that apparently went feral, and Val doing show and tell with her new Gaian Tarot deck by Joanna Powell Colbert(10:00) Step Into My Office — a listener is out to their parents and friends but not their aging grandmother, and the Pride Month pressure to finally do it is real. Ashley drops an immediate mic: What is it you actually want? To be known, or to check a box?(20:00) The DSM — Ashley on how she built Hampton House and Healing in the Margins, why every space she's created is one she didn't have herself, and what it took to learn to serve her own communities without a roadmap(28:00) What "safe and affirming" actually means in practice versus what it looks like on an Instagram grid — and why humility has to precede safety(35:00) How Healing in the Margins works: the therapy fund, clinician trainings, community partnerships, and why it's working in Tennessee specifically because Ashley has been here her whole life(43:00) The joy, comradery, and community that exists in Black and queer spaces — and what gets lost when we only talk about the struggle(48:00) On being a first and an only: the vulnerability of leading openly, constantly having to prove yourself, and why not caring what people think has been her greatest professional asset(54:00) "...but for REAL" — from Ashley and Em: if you're Black, brown, or queer and living in the South, there are options for you now. Go look at Healing in the Margins.(56:00) Now That's What I Call— OKAYY! — Ashley's pick: "Notice" by Lola Young, and why she's in a season of being seen(60:00) Fire Dumpster Phoenix — Em on swimming as survival, Ashley on a Mother's Day letter from a Healing in the Margins recipient, and Val on two apps that help people help animals in emergencies(66:00) Rapid Fire Q&A — Oprah for dinner, a very Pride Month-appropriate tradition, and Ashley's four-year-old daughter who, when asked if she'd consider therapy, said "f**k no" and honestly same ...but for REAL: If you're Black, brown, or queer and you've spent your whole life thinking there's no space in mental health for someone like you — there is one now. And you deserve more care and support than you've probably even let yourself imagine. Go find it. And to everyone else: ask how you can help, then actually wait for the answer. Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode Hampton House Counseling — Ashley's BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ centered therapy practice in NashvilleHealing in the Margins — Ashley's nonprofit funding therapy access and clinician training for Black, brown, and queer communities across TennesseeWayward — Em's Pride Month watch rec (troubled teen industry meets mind control, queer rep, eight episodes)Married at First Sight — Ashley's reality TV guilty pleasureGaian Tarot: Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves by Joanna Powell Colbert — Val's show and tell"Notice" by Lola Young — Ashley's song pick for Now That's What I Call— OKAYY!"All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled — Ashley's walk-on-stage songAnimal Help Now app — Val's Fire Dumpster Phoenix: free nationwide wildlife emergency app connecting people to local rehabilitators, vets, and resourcesPet Help and Rescue app — companion app to help neighbors evacuate pets during disasters or emergenciesEven the Rat Was White by Robert Guthrie — the psychology research history book Val references on who has and hasn't been centered in the field Connect with Us: Ashley & Healing in the Margins on IGHealing in the Margins nonprofitHampton House CounselingMore about the pod / past episodesWatch us on YouTubeNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistSend us a story for The Lore segmentSend in a request for advice for our Step Into My Office segmentConnect with us on IG: @butforrealpodThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @existentiallyvalThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    46 min
  2. Jun 24

    Turning Grief into Action With Allie Phillips

    Allie Phillips is a working mom of two, a Tennessee native, and a first-time political candidate turned relentless advocate. After being denied lifesaving reproductive care under Tennessee's abortion ban following a devastating diagnosis at her 20-week anatomy scan, Allie was forced to leave the state to terminate a pregnancy her doctors confirmed was not compatible with life. She documented her experience publicly in real time — and the response changed everything. Allie went on to co-file a landmark lawsuit against the state of Tennessee with the Center for Reproductive Rights, challenging the narrow scope of the state's medical exceptions. She's now running for Tennessee House District 75 to fight for working families, public schools, healthcare access, and the kind of leadership that actually gives a damn. This episode covers: 00:00 - Introductions + Tea & Crumpets06:04 - Allie's story and the insane battle for reproductive rights21:54 - Finding Purpose in Loss29:42 - Challenges in Education and Advocacy35:01 - Affordable Housing and Childcare Crisis43:25 - Introduction to Political Identity51:14 - The Impact of Patriarchy and Social Interactions ...but for REAL: Why aren't y'all voting?! Montgomery County had a 6% turnout in the last primary. 6%. Your vote matters more at the local level than almost anywhere else — these are the people deciding your schools, your roads, your healthcare, and your judges. August 6th and November 3rd. Get there. Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode Allie Phillips for Tennessee House District 75Center for Reproductive Rights — the organization behind Allie's lawsuit against the state of TennesseeZurawski v. Texas — the similar Texas case Allie referencesParadise on Hulu (Val's rec)Euphoria on Max (Allie's rec)Pura Smart Home Diffuser (Em's birthday gift obsession)"The Man" by Taylor Swift — Allie's campaign anthemTennessee's Abortion Ban — SB 1257 — the trigger ban referenced throughoutNashville Star commuter rail — the model Allie references for a Clarksville-Nashville railKHS America Musical Petting Zoo at CMA Fest (Em's Fire Dumpster Phoenix pick)Nashville Zoo Night Owl Program — where Allie's daughter's Girl Scout troop spent the weekend Connect with Allie Phillips: Allie's campaign website@allie4tn on IG Connect with Us: More about the pod / past episodesWatch us on YouTubeNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistSend us a story for The Lore segmentSend in a request for advice for our Step Into My Office segmentConnect with us on IG: @butforrealpodThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @existentiallyvalThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    58 min
  3. Jun 10

    It Takes a Village: The Power & Challenge of Building Community

    Val and Em are flying solo (duo?) this week — no guest, just the two of them getting into one of their favorite obsessions: community. Why is it so hard to find your people as an adult? Why do we feel lonely even when our calendars are full? And what does the actual research say about what makes community work? They get into the loneliness epidemic (yes, it's as bad as you've heard), the concept of third spaces and why we're losing them, the underrated power of weak ties (heeey Diane from Pilates), and what Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering taught them about the difference between filling a room and actually hosting people. Plus—Val shares about resurrecting her guitar, her Buffy rewatch, and her tarot practice all at the same time, Em reflects on a trip back to the UK after 16 years and what it stirred up about cultural identity and belonging, and they answer a listener question from someone who keeps showing up and trying — but can't seem to break in anywhere. Stuff we mentioned: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Priya Parker on We Can Do Hard Things podcastUS Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory on Loneliness and IsolationHackney Mosaic Project (East London) Community micro-hydro power in the Northern PhilippinesCamp Gaia (our online membership!) Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to But For Real Podcast05:12 - Exploring Community and Connection09:52 - The Importance of Community and Connection27:23 - The Importance of Structure in Community Building30:13 - The Birth of Camp Gaia: Building Community Online Connect with Us: More about the pod / past episodesWatch us on YouTubeNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistSend us a story for The Lore segmentSend in a request for advice for our Step Into My Office segmentConnect with us on IG: @butforrealpodThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @existentiallyvalThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    42 min
  4. May 27

    They Can't Kill Us if Our Art Survives - with Wednesdae, @queer.art_therapist

    In this episode of But For Real, we delve into the transformative realm of expressive arts therapy with our distinguished guest, Wednesdae Reim Ifrach. Their expertise lies at the confluence of queer embodiment, complex trauma, and creative healing, offering a profound perspective on how art can serve as a conduit for emotional expression and personal growth. We explore the misconception that art therapy is merely "arts and crafts for sad people," illuminating its true potential to facilitate deep, somatic healing beyond verbal communication. The conversation traverses the intersections of identity, creativity, and resistance, emphasizing the vital role of authenticity in both personal and professional spheres. Join us as we unpack these intricate themes, and discover how embracing one's multifaceted identity can foster resilience and empowerment in the face of societal challenges. Takeaways: This episode explores the intersection of expressive arts therapy, trauma, and queer identity, highlighting their profound connections.We discuss how art therapy transcends mere creative expression, serving as a legitimate therapeutic modality for adults.The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity and personal expression in combating systemic oppression and fostering resilience.Listeners are encouraged to pursue their own creative endeavors as acts of resistance against societal norms and expectations.Wednesday's experiences illustrate the transformative power of art in healing trauma and affirming one's identity in a complex world.The episode concludes with a call to action for increased accessibility and understanding of mental health resources and creative therapies. LINKS + Referenced in the Episode: Wednesdae's websiteFollow Wednesdae @queer.art_therapist on IGThe Gaia Center: Therapy in Nashville + coaching worldwideFollow us @butforealpod and @thegaiacenter on IGMOMAFire Road Foods

    50 min
  5. May 13

    Unmasking Autism with Devon Price, PhD

    What if the version of you most of the world knows… isn’t actually *you*? In this episode of But For Real, we’re sitting down with Devon Price, PhD—social psychologist, author of Unmasking Autism (+ several other books!), and badass autistic human—to get really REAL about something that is kinda the opposite of that: Masking. That pattern of adaptation that’s helped you survive… but can slowly erode at your sense of self. 🫠 In this conversation, we get into what it actually means to “mask” as an autistic or otherwise neurodivergent person (hell, even just as a people-pleaser living in a capitalist society): how it shows up, why so many of us do it without even realizing, and what happens when you finally start to take that mask off. If you’re one of MANY people who was diagnosed with autism later in life, you know it can feel like a huge relief… but it can *also* feel like grief, anger, and even a full-on “who TF am I actually?” era. We’re talking about what it’s like to spend decades performing “normal,” only to realize you’ve been white-knuckling your way through life—and what it takes to rebuild something that actually fits. And we keep coming back to this: You don’t just “stop masking.” You slowly, painfully, honestly… learn how to exist as yourself. So if you’ve ever thought… “Why am I so exhausted ALL THE TIME?” “Why do I feel like I’m performing in every interaction?” “Who am I without all of this?” …this one’s for you. 🫂 In this episode of But For Real, we unpack… What “masking” actually is—and why it’s so common in autistic adultsWhy late autism diagnoses often bring both relief AND griefThe hidden cost of people-pleasing and social “autopilot”Why you can’t just flip a switch and stop masking overnightHow identity confusion shows up after unmasking beginsThe role of burnout, exhaustion, and chronic overwhelmWhy safe relationships are essential for unmaskingThe emotional phases: relief → grief → anger → rebuildingHow to reconnect with your authentic self (without blowing up your whole life) And here’s the timestamps— 00:00 – Welcome back to But For Real01:00 – Meet Devon Price, PhD (and why this convo matters)03:30 – The “hive mind” metaphor + masking as social survival05:30 – Listener question: late autism diagnosis in adulthood07:00 – Relief vs grief after diagnosis08:30 – “I’ve been performing my whole life…”10:30 – Why masking isn’t something you can just turn off13:00 – Identity confusion: who am I without the mask?16:00 – The emotional aftermath: anger, grief, and loss19:00 – Autistic burnout + chronic exhaustion22:00 – Safe people, safe spaces, and practicing authenticity26:00 – Reconnecting with your younger self30:00 – What unmasking actually looks like in real life35:00 – Why this process takes YEARS (not weeks)40:00 – Final thoughts: you’re not behind—you’re becoming Connect with Dr. Devon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdevonprice/Substack: https://drdevonprice.substack.com/ Books: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2294535/devon-price-phd/ Connect with Us: Submit a story for The Lore segmentSubmit a request for advice for our Step Into My office segmentReach out: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpodNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @valkaymartinThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    48 min
  6. Apr 29

    The One About Polyamory with Em Mortenson

    So… your partner brings up opening the relationship. 👀 And you’re trying to be thoughtful, open-minded, maybe even a little curious… but there’s also this voice in the background like: “Wait… do I actually want this?” 🫠 In this episode of But For Real, we’re sitting down with therapist Em Mortenson to get into the real conversation around polyamory and ethical non-monogamy—beyond the labels, beyond the hot takes, and into what this actually looks and feels like in real life. Because yeah, on paper? It can sound freeing. Honest. Even aligned. ✨ But in practice? It can bring up jealousy, fear, uncertainty—and a whole lot of questions about where your “yes” is actually coming from. We’re talking about what happens when a partner introduces this idea, how to navigate the in-between space of not knowing yet, and why this isn’t something you have to rush to figure out overnight. And we keep coming back to this: It’s one thing to understand something intellectually… and another to feel ready for it in your body. So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering: “Am I actually into this… or am I trying to be okay with it?” “Is jealousy a red flag—or just part of the process?” “How do I explore this without losing myself?” …yeah. This one’s for you. 💬 From there, we unpack: How to tell if you’re genuinely interested in polyamory—or just trying to be “chill”Why jealousy is a normal part of ethical non-monogamy (and what to do with it)The difference between curiosity, pressure, and people-pleasing in relationshipsWhat polyamory and open relationships actually look like in real lifeWhy boundaries are essential—and constantly evolving—in non-monogamyCommon mistakes couples make when opening a relationshipHow fear of losing your partner can shape your decisionsWhy this isn’t a one-time “yes or no” decision—but an ongoing conversation We talk about: 00:00 – Welcome back to But For Real00:50 – Meet Em Mortenson (and the chaotic cat story 🐱)03:20 – Tiny pockets of joy when everything feels heavy05:50 – “My partner wants to open our relationship…” 👀07:10 – Am I open-minded… or just scared to lose them?09:00 – Polyamory vs monogamy: what are we actually talking about?12:30 – Why people jump into this too fast ⚠️15:30 – The biggest misconception about polyamory19:00 – Let’s talk about jealousy (because yeah… it’s coming)22:30 – Is jealousy a dealbreaker—or part of it?26:00 – What healthy polyamory can actually look like30:30 – Boundaries, communication, and real-life dynamics35:30 – When this goes wrong (and why it does)41:30 – Polyamory discourse, TikTok, and moral superiority 🙃47:30 – So… how do you know if this is right for you? Connect with Us: Submit a story for The Lore segmentSubmit a request for advice for our Step Into My office segmentReach out: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpodNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @valkaymartinThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    54 min
  7. Apr 15

    Boundaries Aren’t B*tchy!

    What if the thing you’ve been calling “being rude”… is actually just having a boundary? Yeah. Let’s talk about it. Because somewhere along the way—especially for women, people-pleasers, and anyone raised to prioritize politeness over honesty—boundaries got branded as selfish, cold, or straight-up b*tchy. And honestly? That narrative is doing damage. In this episode of But For Real, we’re doing a full, unfiltered deep dive into boundaries—what they actually are, why they feel so uncomfortable, and how your relationship with them changes as you grow up (or burn out). We’re talking about the subtle ways we’ve been conditioned to shrink, overextend, and contort ourselves to keep the peace… and the moment you realize: “Wait… I actually can’t keep living like this.” We get into the real-life evolution of boundaries—from being overly accommodating and “nice” to realizing that clarity is not cruelty. And yes, we’re saying the quiet part out loud: Not everyone who sets a boundary is a b*tch… …but also? You might have to tolerate being perceived that way anyway. Cool cool cool. 🫠 Because boundaries aren’t just personal. They’re relational. Cultural. Political. Survival. So if you’ve ever wondered: “Am I being too much?”“Why does setting boundaries make me feel like I’m doing something wrong?”“How do I stop people-pleasing without becoming an a*****e?” …yeah. This one’s for you. Let’s roll the tape. From there, we unpack: Why boundaries are often mistaken for being rude or “difficult”How people-pleasing and politeness culture shape your ability to set limitsThe difference between being a b*tch vs. having a boundaryWhy your relationship with boundaries changes over timeHow burnout and survival instincts force boundary growthThe hidden cost of over-accommodating yourself in relationshipsWhy clarity is actually kinder than silent resentmentHow cultural expectations (especially for women) distort boundary-settingWhat healthy boundaries actually sound like in real lifeWhy being misunderstood is sometimes part of doing it right We talk about: 00:00 – Welcome to But For Real01:00 – Why we needed a boundaries deep dive02:00 – People-pleasing, politeness & cultural conditioning03:00 – “Am I rude… or do I just have boundaries?”04:00 – Why boundaries feel uncomfortable (especially for women)05:00 – Boundaries as survival, not just self-growth06:00 – Tea & Crumpets: Olympics, joy, and elite performance08:30 – What high performers teach us about boundaries10:00+ – The real conversation begins: boundaries, identity & growth Resources Mentioned: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988Find international support: https://www.findahelpline.comreasonstostay.co Connect with Us: Submit a story for The Lore segmentSubmit a request for advice for our Step Into My office segmentReach out: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpodNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @valkaymartinThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    38 min
  8. Apr 1

    The One About Suicide 💔🫂

    We need to talk about suicide… like actually talk about it. Not in the polished, clinical, tip-list way. Not in the fear-based, “don’t say the wrong thing” way. But in the real, messy, human way that most of us have experienced—whether personally or through someone we love. Because here’s the truth: suicide is way more common, complex, and misunderstood than we’re comfortable admitting. And the way we talk about it? Often makes it harder—not easier—for people to feel seen, supported, or safe enough to open up. In this episode of But For Real, we’re going there. We’re talking about suicidal ideation (including the kind that doesn’t mean you actually want to die), the difference between passive and active thoughts, and why so many people feel ashamed of experiences that are actually more common than we think. We’re also unpacking the tension between holding the weight of this topic and still making space for humanity, humor, and connection—because healing doesn’t only happen in sterile silence. And yes… we’re bringing both the heavy and the real. We’re asking: Why is suicide still so stigmatized—even in mental health spaces?What actually counts as suicidal ideation?Is it “normal” to have passive thoughts about not wanting to exist?Why does shame keep people stuck in silence?And how do we talk about this in a way that actually helps? Because here’s the thing: Not every suicidal thought means someone wants to die. But every experience of suffering deserves to be taken seriously. So whether this topic touches your life directly or indirectly… we’re really glad you’re here. From there, we unpack: What suicidal ideation actually is (and what it’s not)The difference between passive vs. active suicidal thoughtsWhy passive SI can be more common—and human—than you thinkHow shame and stigma keep people from talking about their experienceWhy humor can be a legitimate coping skill, not avoidanceHow therapists actually think about and approach suicideWhy overly clinical conversations can feel disconnected—and what works betterHow to support yourself or someone else without defaulting to panic or silenceThe role of lived experience in shaping mental health work We talk about: 00:00 – Why this topic matters01:00 – Can we talk about suicide and still be human?02:30 – Humor as a coping skill (yes, really)03:00 – Content warning + how to take care of yourself while listening04:00 – Personal connections to suicide and why this work matters05:30 – Passive suicidal ideation: what it actually means06:00 – Tea & Crumpets: existential YouTube rabbit holes08:30 – The psychology of death, meaning, and “last meal” thinking09:00 – A movie that explores the afterlife—and what happens next10:00+ – The deeper conversation begins (suicide, stigma, and nuance) Resources Mentioned: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988Find international support: https://www.findahelpline.comreasonstostay.co Connect with Us: Submit a story for The Lore segmentSubmit a request for advice for our Step Into My office segmentReach out: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpodNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @valkaymartinThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.

    1h 13m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to But For Real: the podcast where all your swirling thoughts about mental health, pop culture, and how to human are blended into one delicious variety show, co-hosted by therapists Valerie Martin (resident elder millennial ✌️) and Emerson Ryder (resident Gen Z 🫶).