Why We’re Starting a Therapy Podcast

Every movement starts with a moment of honesty—and that’s exactly where Dr. Mo and Dr. Jo begin.In this premiere episode, your hosts open up about the real reason they created this show, the gaps they’ve witnessed in the wellness and therapy space, and why they felt compelled to build a platform that speaks directly to the people and stories often overlooked.Across the U.S., nearly 1 in 5 adults lives with a mental illness, yet most never receive treatment. That reality hits even harder for African American women, who experience nearly twice the rates of depression and anxiety yet often push through in silence. That silence—rooted in stigma, strength narratives, and community pressure—is exactly what Dr. Mo and Dr. Jo are here to challenge.The moment they realized a major gap existed in mental-health conversationsWhy therapy still feels taboo in many families, workplaces, and communitiesWhat voices and stories have been missing—and why representation mattersTheir shared mission to normalize healing, vulnerability, and emotional wellnessIf you’re seeking connection, clarity, and conversations that feel like finally exhaling, you’re home.This podcast is designed for listeners exploring therapy, navigating burnout, rebuilding identity, or simply wanting honest talk led by trusted professionals.Expect a tone that’s conversational, curious, culturally aware, and boldly hopeful—guided by the lived experiences and clinical insight of Dr. Mo and Dr. Jo.Weekly episodes featuring expert interviews, lived-experience storytelling, solo “mini-sessions,” and round-table discussionsConversations unpacking burnout, boundaries, emotional exhaustion, identity, self-advocacy, mothering, and reclaiming joyTeasers of upcoming guests including therapists, authors, advocates, and women redefining wellness in their own communitiesDr. Mo and Dr. Jo share their fears—being vulnerable, showing up imperfectly, stepping outside the comfort of their clinical roles—and the excitement of creating a space that feels like therapy for the soul.A year from now, “success” means a thriving community of listeners who feel seen, supported, and less alone on their healing journey.Season 1 officially drops this winter, right in time for a holiday season when many people quietly struggle.Make sure you subscribe, share, and bring someone with you—because healing grows when we don’t do it alone.Dr. Monica Riffey, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN, RN is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, private practice owner, and artist. Her passions are biblically integrative mental health services and wholistic wellness. She is an advocate for the intersection of mental health and faith-based communities. Dr. Mo holds degrees from Old Dominion University, Herzing University, and Longwood University.Dr. Josephs began her career as a generalist social worker serving as a Virginia Beach, VA Community Service Board Case Manager in 2002. She discovered her passion for adult learning and clinical mental health counseling during her graduate programs in 2014. She began teaching and supervising counselors in training in 2018. She currently devotes her time to counselor education and supervision. In addition, she serves the public as a national disruptive event consultant for Fortune 500 companies and municipalities, responding to major life interruptions, mass shootings, and national disasters.Dr. Josephs’ research interests include counselor wellness, multiculturalism and social justice, and trauma and resilience. She finds great joy in being an educator, mentor, and advisor to the next generation of counselors. Her greatest desire is to assist others to live, love, and work to their highest optimal potential.