In today’s episode, we are lucky to have Hilary Lemonick join The Mental Matchup. Hilary is a former Division I lacrosse player at Cornell University. She talks with Kat about everything from having type 1 diabetes, to disordered eating after a collegiate lacrosse career, to her experience and transition out of sport into the working world. Thank you Hilary for coming on and sharing your story!

In today’s episode, we are lucky to have Hilary Lemonick join The Mental Matchup. Hilary is a former Division I lacrosse player at Cornell University. She talks with Kat about everything from having type 1 diabetes, to disordered eating after a collegiate lacrosse career, to her experience and transition out of sport into the working world. Thank you Hilary for coming on and sharing your story!

Episode 56 - Hilary Lemonick

In today’s episode, we are lucky to have Sophie Speidel join The Mental Matchup. Sophie is a former Division I lacrosse player at the University of Virginia and also represented Team USA. Sophie is currently the mother of three, a lacrosse coach, and a counselor at St. Anne’s-Belfield School (STAB) in Charlottesville, VA. As a school counselor, she focuses on a specific curriculum called “Life Skills” that aids social and emotional learning for Upper School students. The course is structured around the Youth Mental Health First Aid platform that focuses strongly on mental health and is utilized by students, teachers, coaches, and even parents. Sophie is an insightful and knowledgeable guest when it comes to the importance of mental health awareness and if you’d like to learn more about the program, check out mentalhealthfirstaid.org!

In today’s episode, we are lucky to have Sophie Speidel join The Mental Matchup. Sophie is a former Division I lacrosse player at the University of Virginia and also represented Team USA. Sophie is currently the mother of three, a lacrosse coach, and a counselor at St. Anne’s-Belfield School (STAB) in Charlottesville, VA. As a school counselor, she focuses on a specific curriculum called “Life Skills” that aids social and emotional learning for Upper School students. The course is structured around the Youth Mental Health First Aid platform that focuses strongly on mental health and is utilized by students, teachers, coaches, and even parents. Sophie is an insightful and knowledgeable guest when it comes to the importance of mental health awareness and if you’d like to learn more about the program, check out <a href="http://mentalhealthfirstaid.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mentalhealthfirstaid.org</a>!

Episode 55 - Sophie Speidel

Scott Kelsey

In today’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down and talks with Scott Kelsey. Scott founded Shareapy, an organization thatwhich centers on the concept that human connection is a key component to success and happiness through sharing our life experiences. Throughout the episode, we open up about the importance of helping others live happier and more meaningful lives. Scott talks about his hockey career, shifting his mindset to a growth mindset, and how he works to manage his mental health every day.  You don’t want to miss this episode!If you’d like to learn more, check out @shareapy’s Instagram or head to Shareapy.com

In today’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down and talks with Scott Kelsey. Scott founded Shareapy, an organization thatwhich centers on the concept that human connection is a key component to success and happiness through sharing our life experiences. Throughout the episode, we open up about the importance of helping others live happier and more meaningful lives. Scott talks about his hockey career, shifting his mindset to a growth mindset, and how he works to manage his mental health every day. You don’t want to miss this episode!If you’d like to learn more, check out @shareapy’s Instagram or head to <a href="http://Shareapy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shareapy.com</a>

Episode 54 - Scott Kelsey

This week, Kat speaks with Kelly Oberle, a leadership development expert who founded Access Human Potential. The organization focuses on working with corporate and athletic organizations to enhance the overall performance of individuals, teams, and coaches. Throughout the episode, Kelly highlights the importance of connectivity, mindfulness, and gratitude to help people achieve their highest potential and how important creating a positive routine can be within one’s day-to-day life. Kelly was a Division I softball player at Northwestern University and also has experience coaching with multiple youth leagues to promote fun and activity in younger children. During the conversation, she shares integral tools and techniques that can help individuals become both mentally and physically healthier. If you’d like to learn more, check out Access Human Potential’s Instagram (@access_human_potential) and Twitter (@ahpnow)!

This week, Kat speaks with Kelly Oberle, a leadership development expert who founded Access Human Potential. The organization focuses on working with corporate and athletic organizations to enhance the overall performance of individuals, teams, and coaches. Throughout the episode, Kelly highlights the importance of connectivity, mindfulness, and gratitude to help people achieve their highest potential and how important creating a positive routine can be within one’s day-to-day life. Kelly was a Division I softball player at Northwestern University and also has experience coaching with multiple youth leagues to promote fun and activity in younger children. During the conversation, she shares integral tools and techniques that can help individuals become both mentally and physically healthier. If you’d like to learn more, check out Access Human Potential’s Instagram (@access_human_potential) and Twitter (@ahpnow)!

Episode 53 - Kelly Oberle

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat connects with Brandon Teixeira. Brandon is the founder and CEO of Mental Health Declassified. Mental Health Declassified is a platform that focuses on creating a safe space for anyone struggling with mental health and highlights the importance of supporting those around you who may be struggling alone. In the episode, Brandon opens up about his experience as a black athlete, how to approach a loved one who is struggling, and the power of your own brain. If you’d like to learn more about Brandon and his incredible work, check out Mental Health Declassified at mentalhealthdeclassified.com!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat connects with Brandon Teixeira. Brandon is the founder and CEO of Mental Health Declassified. Mental Health Declassified is a platform that focuses on creating a safe space for anyone struggling with mental health and highlights the importance of supporting those around you who may be struggling alone. In the episode, Brandon opens up about his experience as a black athlete, how to approach a loved one who is struggling, and the power of your own brain. If you’d like to learn more about Brandon and his incredible work, check out Mental Health Declassified at <a href="http://mentalhealthdeclassified.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mentalhealthdeclassified.com</a>!

Episode 52 - Brandon Teixeira

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Ben Greiner. Ben is a former collegiate ice hockey player and current founder and CEO of TadHealth. Ben is also the founder of an organization called The TAD Project. Both of these incredible platforms focus on creating a safe community and navigating the often difficult topic of mental health. Throughout the episode, Ben opens up about the culture of the sport of hockey and also the relationship that many males have with mental health. Ben has given valuable resources and tools to so many individuals, friends, and families through these platforms and we’re so grateful to have him on the podcast! If you want to learn more about his organization, check out https://thetadproject.org and follow @thetadproject on Instagram!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Ben Greiner. Ben is a former collegiate ice hockey player and current founder and CEO of TadHealth. Ben is also the founder of an organization called The TAD Project. Both of these incredible platforms focus on creating a safe community and navigating the often difficult topic of mental health. Throughout the episode, Ben opens up about the culture of the sport of hockey and also the relationship that many males have with mental health. Ben has given valuable resources and tools to so many individuals, friends, and families through these platforms and we’re so grateful to have him on the podcast! If you want to learn more about his organization, check out <a href="https://thetadproject.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://thetadproject.org</a> and follow @thetadproject on Instagram!

Episode 51 - Ben Greiner

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Shelby Milne. Shelby played lacrosse at Hofstra University, is currently an Assistant Athletic Trainer UPenn, and is getting her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Throughout the conversation, Shelby opens up about mental health being on a spectrum, whether or not having a competitive mindset can be healthy or unhealthy, and the importance of finding your identity outside of sport. Shelby also wrote a great article titled “On the Brink of Change” so don’t forget to check that out on The Mental Matchup website!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Shelby Milne. Shelby played lacrosse at Hofstra University, is currently an Assistant Athletic Trainer UPenn, and is getting her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Throughout the conversation, Shelby opens up about mental health being on a spectrum, whether or not having a competitive mindset can be healthy or unhealthy, and the importance of finding your identity outside of sport. Shelby also wrote a great article titled “On the Brink of Change” so don’t forget to check that out on The Mental Matchup website!

Episode 50 - Shelby Milne

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat speaks with Angelica Galluzzo. Angelica is the host of the podcast The Revolutionized Mind, which provides space for people to share their mental health stories in order to promote positivity and happiness even in difficult situations. She talks about finding one’s identity outside of sport, the differences in sports culture between the US and Canada, and dealing with 5 major knee surgeries within 5 years.Angelica stresses the fact that injuries or tough times are only momentary and things will get better. As advertised in her podcast’s bio, “Life is short, why not make every day count?”

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat speaks with Angelica Galluzzo. Angelica is the host of the podcast The Revolutionized Mind, which provides space for people to share their mental health stories in order to promote positivity and happiness even in difficult situations. She talks about finding one’s identity outside of sport, the differences in sports culture between the US and Canada, and dealing with 5 major knee surgeries within 5 years.Angelica stresses the fact that injuries or tough times are only momentary and things will get better. As advertised in her podcast’s bio, “Life is short, why not make every day count?”

Episode 49 - Angelica Galluzzo

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Smita Nalluri. Smita ran track and field at Cornell University, while also handling a move from sunny California to upstate New York and balancing Ivy League academics. She opens up about her experience with depression and how important the power of connectivity can be. As a student-athlete, she dealt with injury and the difficult decisions surrounding switching a major. Smita teaches us the importance of not only listening to your body, but also your mind and highlighting the fact that you are never truly alone in your experiences or mental struggles.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Smita Nalluri. Smita ran track and field at Cornell University, while also handling a move from sunny California to upstate New York and balancing Ivy League academics. She opens up about her experience with depression and how important the power of connectivity can be. As a student-athlete, she dealt with injury and the difficult decisions surrounding switching a major. Smita teaches us the importance of not only listening to your body, but also your mind and highlighting the fact that you are never truly alone in your experiences or mental struggles.

Episode 48 - Smita Nalluri

In today’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat speaks with Ida Farinholt. Ida played lacrosse for four years at Cornell before transferring to UNC to complete her graduate studies. Ida opens up about tearing her ACL not once, but twice while in college and how she dealt with the recovery process along with the mental struggles that come with being an impact player to having to sit out for multiple seasons. Ida was also in a unique position as a transfer graduate student at UNC. She discusses having to navigate her role on a new team and also the impact of COVID canceling her last year of eligibility. Ida’s experiences are not unlike many athletes who go through injuries or having to deal with transferring so tune in tomorrow to hear more!

In today’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat speaks with Ida Farinholt. Ida played lacrosse for four years at Cornell before transferring to UNC to complete her graduate studies. Ida opens up about tearing her ACL not once, but twice while in college and how she dealt with the recovery process along with the mental struggles that come with being an impact player to having to sit out for multiple seasons. Ida was also in a unique position as a transfer graduate student at UNC. She discusses having to navigate her role on a new team and also the impact of COVID canceling her last year of eligibility. Ida’s experiences are not unlike many athletes who go through injuries or having to deal with transferring so tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Episode 47 - Ida Farinholt

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. 

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Jess Goergen, a current graduate student at Auburn University in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She currently holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University and was a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team at Presbyterian College. During the episode we talk about the hormonal and psychological impact of birth control, her gap year and and her career aspirations (*spoiler alert, it may have something to do with Sports Psychology). Tune in tomorrow for another great episode!

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Jess Goergen, a current graduate student at Auburn University in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She currently holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University and was a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team at Presbyterian College. During the episode we talk about the hormonal and psychological impact of birth control, her gap year and and her career aspirations (*spoiler alert, it may have something to do with Sports Psychology). Tune in tomorrow for another great episode!

Episode 46 - Jess Goergen

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Emily Barnhart, who is a registered dietician working with athletes, and runs her own private practice that is called Injury RD (working from the point of surgery to their return to play) but has also worked with general athletes throughout her career. During the episode, we talk about the impact food can have on your performance as an athlete and human, nutrition and how each person's needs are unique, and how she helps set her player’s bodies up for success in the healing process.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Emily Barnhart, who is a registered dietician working with athletes, and runs her own private practice that is called Injury RD (working from the point of surgery to their return to play) but has also worked with general athletes throughout her career. During the episode, we talk about the impact food can have on your performance as an athlete and human, nutrition and how each person's needs are unique, and how she helps set her player’s bodies up for success in the healing process.

Episode 45 - Emily Barnhart

In today’s  episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Ashleigh Shanley, who swam at Duke and is currently working as a Content Associate/Production Assistant for ESPN in Charlotte, NC. Ashleigh received her Masters of Science of Journalism at Boston University in December of 2018 focusing on both sports journalism and broadcasting. During the episode, we talk about injury and the impact it had on Ashleigh’s mental health, the individual aspect of swimming, going to therapy and her experience with losing a friend who died by suicide. 

In today’s  episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Ashleigh Shanley, who swam at Duke and is currently working as a Content Associate/Production Assistant for ESPN in Charlotte, NC. Ashleigh received her Masters of Science of Journalism at Boston University in December of 2018 focusing on both sports journalism and broadcasting.  During the episode, we talk about injury and the impact it had on Ashleigh’s mental health, the individual aspect of swimming, going to therapy and her experience with losing a friend who died by suicide.

Episode 44 - Ashleigh Shanley

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Lindsey Ronbeck, current Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at the University of Richmond, and one of the most prolific women’s lacrosse players at the University of Florida. During the episode, we talk about the role lacrosse has played in her life, navigating athletics and education through learning disorders, grappling with disordered eating and SO much more.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Lindsey Ronbeck, current Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at the University of Richmond, and one of the most prolific women’s lacrosse players at the University of Florida. During the episode, we talk about the role lacrosse has played in her life, navigating athletics and education through learning disorders, grappling with disordered eating and SO much more.

Episode 43 - Lindsey Ronbeck

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Connor Coyne (@concoyne). Connor is a former collegiate baseball player, current social marketing associate and TikTok creator. During this episode, we talk about the importance of therapy, the impact of social media, and how one of the greatest powers you can have is being unapologetically yourself.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Connor Coyne (@concoyne). Connor is a former collegiate baseball player, current social marketing associate and TikTok creator. During this episode, we talk about the importance of therapy, the impact of social media, and how one of the greatest powers you can have is being unapologetically yourself.

Episode 42 - Connor Coyne

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Renee Norden. Renee has been the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County since November 2020. The Mental Health Association promotes mental wellness in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties. She facilitates the Mental Health Collaborative and the Mental Health School Coalition, while also serving on the Rappahannock Roundtable. Renee received a degree in Psychology from William and Mary and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Virginia.During Renee’s episode, we talk about how to support not only yourself, but also your friends and strangers and how your network of support can make a significant impact. We also touch on the importance of connectivity between humans and how mental health does not define anyone as a person.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Renee Norden. Renee has been the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County since November 2020. The Mental Health Association promotes mental wellness in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties. She facilitates the Mental Health Collaborative and the Mental Health School Coalition, while also serving on the Rappahannock Roundtable. Renee received a degree in Psychology from William and Mary and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Virginia. During Renee’s episode, we talk about how to support not only yourself, but also your friends and strangers and how your network of support can make a significant impact. We also touch on the importance of connectivity between humans and how mental health does not define anyone as a person.

Episode 41 - Renee Norden

Madeline Barlow

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Madeline Barlow. Madeline is a mentor to athletes, a 3x author, and a Reiki II and Human Design practitioner. She is also a former competitive swimmer and has her PhD in Psychology of Human Movement with a specialization in Exercise and Sport psychology. During the episode, we talk about transitioning out of athletics and into the next chapter of life, supporting highly sensitive athletes, and discovering how you can embody your true Self.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Kat talks with Madeline Barlow. Madeline is a mentor to athletes, a 3x author, and a Reiki II and Human Design practitioner. She is also a former competitive swimmer and has her PhD in Psychology of Human Movement with a specialization in Exercise and Sport psychology. During the episode, we talk about transitioning out of athletics and into the next chapter of life, supporting highly sensitive athletes, and discovering how you can embody your true Self.

Episode 40 - Madeline Barlow

Zoe Scurletis

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, we take some time to reflect on Season 2 of The Mental Matchup. Zoe Scurletis, host of Solace in the City, which is another podcast focused on making people feel less alone, reflects with us on the things she has learned in her own podcasting journey over the past year. We discuss the common threads between our podcasts, the topics that kept popping up, our thoughts on the mental health stigma and how everyone copes differently, some of our favorite episodes and guests, and our intentions for the new year. It is not just a reflection on our podcasts, but also a reflection on how we have changed as individuals over the past year, and how we plan to move forward in podcasting and in life.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, we take some time to reflect on Season 2 of The Mental Matchup. Zoe Scurletis, host of Solace in the City, which is another podcast focused on making people feel less alone, reflects with us on the things she has learned in her own podcasting journey over the past year. We discuss the common threads between our podcasts, the topics that kept popping up, our thoughts on the mental health stigma and how everyone copes differently, some of our favorite episodes and guests, and our intentions for the new year. It is not just a reflection on our podcasts, but also a reflection on how we have changed as individuals over the past year, and how we plan to move forward in podcasting and in life.

Episode 39 - SPECIAL EPISODE with Zoe Scurletis of Solace and the City

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Schuyler and Kat talk with Nakeie (Nak) Montgomery, a two sport athlete at Duke University. Nak grew up in Texas with his mom and sister, playing lacrosse and football. He went on to play lacrosse at Duke, and also joined the football team for his final fall season in college. Despite not playing as much as he wanted to his freshman year, and having his first experience with a mental health struggle, Nak went on to have a very successful collegiate career. By his senior year, he had accumulated 100 points, and was named to the All-ACC team, the USILA All-America first team, and the Inside Lacrosse Media All-America first team. He was also selected as Duke’s Male Senior Student-Athlete of the Year for his success on and off the field. During the episode, we talk about the sacrifices his mom and sister made to support his lacrosse career, his coaches and adopted families that made him into the player and person he is today, how attending a majority-black high school impacted his sense of identity, how he experienced the power of vulnerability during his freshman year, and a lot more about his experiences throughout his life and athletic career.

In this week’s episode of The Mental Matchup, Schuyler and Kat talk with Nakeie (Nak) Montgomery, a two sport athlete at Duke University. Nak grew up in Texas with his mom and sister, playing lacrosse and football. He went on to play lacrosse at Duke, and also joined the football team for his final fall season in college. Despite not playing as much as he wanted to his freshman year, and having his first experience with a mental health struggle, Nak went on to have a very successful collegiate career. By his senior year, he had accumulated 100 points, and was named to the All-ACC team, the USILA All-America first team, and the Inside Lacrosse Media All-America first team. He was also selected as Duke’s Male Senior Student-Athlete of the Year for his success on and off the field. During the episode, we talk about the sacrifices his mom and sister made to support his lacrosse career, his coaches and adopted families that made him into the player and person he is today, how attending a majority-black high school impacted his sense of identity, how he experienced the power of vulnerability during his freshman year, and a lot more about his experiences throughout his life and athletic career.

Episode 38 - Nak Montgomery

Brian White

This week’s episode of The Mental Matchup features Brian White. Brian currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS. During the episode, we talk about his successful youth, college, and professional career, and the ups and downs he experienced along the way. After growing up in New Jersey (and playing at the same youth club as Schuyler - fun fact), he attended Duke, making 73 appearances and scoring 23 goals. He balanced soccer with being a part of a fraternity, and after graduating, was drafted 16th in the MLS superdraft to the New York Red Bulls. This past season, he was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps, and despite being thrust into a new environment mid-season, he scored 12 goals in 27 games. During the episode, Kat and Brian talk about the moments of success, but also the harder, uncertain moments of his career, and how he was able to move through them.

This week’s episode of The Mental Matchup features Brian White. Brian currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS. During the episode, we talk about his successful youth, college, and professional career, and the ups and downs he experienced along the way. After growing up in New Jersey (and playing at the same youth club as Schuyler - fun fact), he attended Duke, making 73 appearances and scoring 23 goals. He balanced soccer with being a part of a fraternity, and after graduating, was drafted 16th in the MLS superdraft to the New York Red Bulls. This past season, he was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps, and despite being thrust into a new environment mid-season, he scored 12 goals in 27 games. During the episode, Kat and Brian talk about the moments of success, but also the harder, uncertain moments of his career, and how he was able to move through them.

Episode 37 - Brian White

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.

The Mental Matchup

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!