Irene's Podcast

Irene

Irene is a communication and emotional safety platform designed to help individuals heal, regain clarity, and respond with strength especially in high-conflict or abusive relationships. Built by survivors, Irene uses AI to analyze harmful or triggering messages, identify abusive language, and provide calm, healthy response options so users don’t have to engage in emotional back-and-forth. Through features like message analysis, journaling with time-stamped documentation, and court-use evidence logging, Irene empowers users to protect their peace while creating a record of their experience. Whether navigating co-parenting with an abuser, processing emotional trauma, or learning healthier communication patterns, Irene provides a safe, supportive space to break cycles, rebuild confidence, and move forward with clarity and control. Irene exists to remind users: what happened to you is not who you are and healing, freedom, and joy are possible again.

Episodes

  1. Breaking the Chains: Beth McDonough's Battle with Alcoholism

    JAN 1

    Breaking the Chains: Beth McDonough's Battle with Alcoholism

    Triumph After Trauma: Beth McDonough's Journey from Addiction to Advocacy In this episode of the Irene Podcast, host Hope interviews Beth McDonough, an accomplished author and former reporter who shares her poignant story of overcoming profound loss, addiction, and rebuilding her life. Beth recounts her 30-year career across major news networks, her struggles with alcoholism exacerbated by personal tragedies, and the turning points that led her to seek help. She opens up about her experiences in treatment, the support system she built, and how she found new purpose through dog walking and AA meetings. Beth's journey toward sobriety and her advocacy for others dealing with addiction highlight the power of resilience and the possibility of recovery. The episode ends with a challenge for listeners to write a truthful and kind sentence about themselves, emphasizing self-reflection and growth. 00:00 Introduction to Beth McDonough 00:24 Beth's Career and Personal Struggles 02:20 The Downward Spiral 03:56 The Turning Point: Second DUI 05:48 Facing Consequences and Seeking Help 17:36 Rebuilding Life After Treatment 23:59 A Lifeline in a Warehouse 24:28 Building a Dog Business from Scratch 24:44 Facing Criticism and Building Success 25:24 Selling the Business and a New Opportunity 26:01 A Second Chance in Journalism 26:51 The Power of Sobriety 27:51 Support and Inspiration from AA 29:11 Accountability and Public Apology 35:46 A Judge's Compassionate Sentence 38:16 The Importance of Sharing and Healing 41:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Irenegpt.ai Website: https://irenegpt.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenegpt.ai?igsh=MWdwNTh0eTZ0aHNpaA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenegpt.ai?_r=1&_t=ZP-91vwytSGovf Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IreneGPT?si=8An_BfZ7YKOu3BOT

    44 min
  2. Healing Through Somatic Therapy: Expert Insights from Jennie!

    12/25/2025

    Healing Through Somatic Therapy: Expert Insights from Jennie!

    Healing Complex Trauma through Somatic Therapy with Jenny from Med Counseling In this episode of the Irene Podcast, host Irene welcomes Jenny, a clinical mental health therapist from Med Counseling with over 20 years of experience specializing in complex trauma and nervous system healing. Jenny discusses the importance of somatic therapy and its role in treating trauma by addressing both the mind and body. She shares insights on how trauma can affect physical and emotional well-being, the significance of safe and paced therapy, and the role of emotional intelligence and regulation skills in fostering healthier relationships. Irene and Jenny also highlight how tools like the Irene app can provide immediate support and help individuals in distress. Jenny emphasizes the necessity of grounding techniques and taking intentional actions to heal and reclaim safety in one's life. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 00:14 Understanding Complex Trauma 01:00 The Impact of Somatic Therapy 01:49 The Body's Response to Trauma 03:26 Healing Through Somatic Therapy 07:54 Attachment and Trauma in Relationships 09:58 Emotional Regulation and Anger Management 11:04 Empowering Through Technology 14:33 Statistics on Intimate Partner Violence 19:07 Analyzing Communication in Relationships 20:05 The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence 20:35 Challenges of Leaving Abusive Relationships 20:57 Reclaiming Self-Worth and Healing 21:36 The Importance of Community Support 22:13 Misconceptions and Realities of Abuse 27:02 The Role of Childhood and Learned Behaviors 28:57 The Power of Intuition and Emotional Intelligence 31:02 The Role of AI in Mental Health 34:26 Practical Grounding Techniques 35:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Irenegpt.ai Website: https://irenegpt.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenegpt.ai?igsh=MWdwNTh0eTZ0aHNpaA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenegpt.ai?_r=1&_t=ZP-91vwytSGovf Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IreneGPT?si=8An_BfZ7YKOu3BOT

    36 min
  3. Unraveling & Healing with Caramie Ann on Communication and Forgiveness

    12/18/2025

    Unraveling & Healing with Caramie Ann on Communication and Forgiveness

    Unraveling Stories and Healing Relationships: A Deep Dive with Caramie Ann In this episode of the Irene podcast, hosted by Hope, guest Caramie Ann shares her profound journey of healing through relationships and financial planning. Caramie is an author and financial professional, discusses how her personal experiences and coaching background have shaped her approach to helping others develop healthy relationships with themselves and their finances. The discussion delves into the importance of emotional safety, unarguable communication, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Caramie also introduces her book 'Unravel and Reveal,' offering insights into finding one's true self and maintaining healthy relationships. The episode underscores the critical role of support, community, and effective communication in overcoming personal challenges and achieving emotional well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:47 Caramie Anns Journey into Financial and Relationship Coaching 03:22 The Importance of Emotional Safety 04:33 The Power of Community and Honest Feedback 06:01 Recognizing and Addressing Unhealthy Relationships 10:09 Caramie's Personal Story and Overcoming Challenges 16:07 The Power of Forgiveness and Gratitude 16:48 Overcoming Personal Struggles 18:46 The Importance of Support 20:53 Effective Communication Techniques 23:53 Healing and Personal Growth 29:27 Final Thoughts and Resources Irenegpt.ai Website: https://irenegpt.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenegpt.ai?igsh=MWdwNTh0eTZ0aHNpaA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenegpt.ai?_r=1&_t=ZP-91vwytSGovf Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IreneGPT?si=8An_BfZ7YKOu3BOT

    31 min
  4. Navigating Relationships: How Irene GPT Can Help EP1: HOPE & SAM

    12/04/2025

    Navigating Relationships: How Irene GPT Can Help EP1: HOPE & SAM

    Healing and Communication Through Technology: Introducing Irenegpt.ai In the first episode of the Irene Podcast, co-founder Hope Stoddard and guest Samantha Parker delve into the inspiration and purpose behind Irenegpt.ai, an app designed to help individuals navigate and heal from abusive relationships. They discuss personal experiences with emotional and physical abuse, the challenges of communication with abusers, and the importance of forgiveness for personal peace. The episode highlights the app’s features, including filtering abusive messages, providing non-triggering responses, and logging conversations as evidence. The conversation underscores the broader mission of Irene gpt.ai to promote emotional safety, clarity, and healing in relationships. 00:00 Introduction to the Irene Podcast 00:55 The Purpose of Irene gpt.ai 01:37 Personal Stories of Abuse and Healing 04:44 How Irene gpt.ai Assists in Communication 09:21 Logging Conversations for Evidence 15:00 Using Irene for Personal Growth 17:07 Upcoming Features and App Development 17:21 Upcoming Launch Date 17:34 Caffeine Preferences and Energy Drinks 20:40 Experiences with Emotional and Physical Abuse 25:55 Healing and Moving Forward 30:08 Promoting Irene GPT Irenegpt.ai Website: https://irenegpt.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenegpt.ai?igsh=MWdwNTh0eTZ0aHNpaA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenegpt.ai?_r=1&_t=ZP-91vwytSGovf Youtube: https://youtube.com/@irenegpt?si=8An_BfZ7YKOu3BOT Samantha Parker: https://www.instagram.com/thesamanthaparker?igsh=MW0yMDVua3hwNWx6Yg== Irenegpt.ai Website: https://irenegpt.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenegpt.ai?igsh=MWdwNTh0eTZ0aHNpaA== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenegpt.ai?_r=1&_t=ZP-91vwytSGovf Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IreneGPT?si=8An_BfZ7YKOu3BOT

    31 min

About

Irene is a communication and emotional safety platform designed to help individuals heal, regain clarity, and respond with strength especially in high-conflict or abusive relationships. Built by survivors, Irene uses AI to analyze harmful or triggering messages, identify abusive language, and provide calm, healthy response options so users don’t have to engage in emotional back-and-forth. Through features like message analysis, journaling with time-stamped documentation, and court-use evidence logging, Irene empowers users to protect their peace while creating a record of their experience. Whether navigating co-parenting with an abuser, processing emotional trauma, or learning healthier communication patterns, Irene provides a safe, supportive space to break cycles, rebuild confidence, and move forward with clarity and control. Irene exists to remind users: what happened to you is not who you are and healing, freedom, and joy are possible again.