The Mental Matchup

The Mental Matchup
  • 5.0 (24)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Presented by Morgan’s Message, The Mental Matchup is a podcast focused on opening up dialogue about athlete mental health. Co-hosts Kat Zempolich and Schuyler DeBree are both former division one athletes who attended Duke University, and are passionate about making sure no one feels alone in their mental health challenges.

  1. 11/19/2025

    Episode #179 - Mallory Holloway

    This week on The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with a true force of nature, Mallory Holloway. Mallory is a Division I runner at Marist University who’s redefining what’s possible while living with cystic fibrosis. From childhood days spent doing three breathing treatments a day to becoming a collegiate athlete, her story is all about resilience, perspective, and the power of hope. In this conversation, she opens up about growing up with a rare lung disease, the mental health challenges that came with it, and how one life-changing medication gave her the chance to chase her dreams. It’s a story of grit, gratitude, and what it means to keep showing up — breath by breath, mile by mile. Connect with Mallory on IG hereLearn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG hereFollow The Mental Matchup on IG here

  2. 10/30/2025

    Episode #178 - The Keep Going Podcast x Morgan's Message

    In this episode, Kat is joined by the team behind The Keep Going Podcast — a show born from the same mission that started Morgan’s Message: to destigmatize mental health in athletics and remind student-athletes that they are never alone. They share the story of how Morgan’s Message began, how The Keep Going Podcast continues that mission, and the impact of bringing real, raw mental health conversations into the athletic world. From navigating grief and identity to building community through storytelling, this episode is a reminder that sharing your story can inspire others to keep going. Listen to The Keep Going Podcast to hear more powerful stories from athletes and advocates who are changing the conversation around mental health. Connect with The Keep Going Podcast on IG hereListen to The Keep Going Podcast here Learn more about Morgan’s Message hereFollow Morgan’s Message on IG hereFollow The Mental Matchup on IG here

  3. 10/15/2025

    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

  4. 10/08/2025

    Episode #176 - Erin Devine

    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

  5. 10/01/2025

    Episode#175 - Gabby Pelfrey

    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

  6. 09/24/2025

    Episode #174 - Lisa Isenman

    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 careers The role of curiosity and empathy in guiding young athletes, students, and families through adversity How Champions for Children and international collaboration are expanding access to care and breaking stigma Lisa’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

  7. 09/17/2025

    Episode #173 - Paula Widerlite

    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

  8. 07/30/2025

    Episode #172 - Kaylin Ricci Opens up About Grief

    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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Presented by Morgan’s Message, The Mental Matchup is a podcast focused on opening up dialogue about athlete mental health. Co-hosts Kat Zempolich and Schuyler DeBree are both former division one athletes who attended Duke University, and are passionate about making sure no one feels alone in their mental health challenges.

Information

  • Creator
    The Mental Matchup
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Morgan's Message
  • Show Website
    The Mental Matchup