Mother-Daughter Podcast Tackles Mental Health with Honesty

In a powerful initiative to raise awareness about mental health, **Ileini Hirt**, a senior at Denfeld High School, and her mother, **Ashley Hirt**, launched their podcast titled “Mom & Me: Climbing Mountains Together.” The first episode aired on **November 3, 2023**, and aims to provide a candid discussion on mental health challenges, including personal experiences and insights.

Each episode of this unscripted series begins with a heartfelt disclaimer from Ashley, who addresses the potential sensitivity of the topics discussed. “This episode talks honestly about mental health and includes mentions of suicide. If you need to pause, breathe, or come back later, please do,” she states, ensuring listeners are prepared for the content. The podcast has received funding from the **Ann Bancroft Foundation**, a nonprofit organization based in **St. Paul**, Minnesota, showcasing the importance of community support in mental health advocacy.

Ileini, now 17, reflects on her journey with mental health that began in her early high school years. After facing significant challenges, including a cross-country move and the impact of the **COVID-19 pandemic**, she experienced a turning point that led to her hospitalization in May 2022. “I wanted to get the whole experience sort of out and on paper, per se, for people to hear and know — like bad things will happen, but you can find other people along the darkness, to help you get out of the hole,” she explained.

Addressing Personal Struggles

The podcast’s initial episodes delve into Ileini’s first hospitalization, where she was admitted after expressing suicidal thoughts. Ashley vividly recalls the fear of potentially losing her daughter during that tumultuous period. “There was a time where I really feared that she was unsafe, and that I was going to come home and see her lying on the floor,” Ashley said. Her candid reflections highlight the emotional turmoil faced by both mother and daughter during this challenging time.

As they navigate their conversations, Ileini addresses various themes, including her identity as a young woman of color, the pressures of being a multisport athlete, and the necessity of advocating for mental health even when it may not be well-received among peers. The unscripted nature of their discussions allows for raw honesty, with moments of vulnerability and emotional connection. “We sort out the miscommunication and show parents and teens how to do that together, even when it is hard,” Ashley noted, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue.

With ten episodes planned, the podcast aims not only to share their story but also to provide resources and support for others facing similar challenges. As part of their mission, they intend to invite guests who can further discuss mental health resources and the intersection of sports, mental well-being, and personal growth.

Acknowledging Support and Achievements

In recognition of her efforts, Ileini received a **$1,000 grant** from the Ann Bancroft Foundation in 2023, which she utilized to attend hockey camp. This year, she applied for the foundation’s Trailblazer Fellowship, a competitive program aimed at empowering young women. Ethelind Kaba, director of the foundation, praised Ileini’s resilience, stating, “I have always been struck by her vulnerability and her honesty. She is taking something that is a struggle for her and learning how to leverage that into a powerful tool for herself, and then also for the broader community of young people.”

Ileini was selected as one of ten girls for the fellowship across Minnesota and was invited to speak at the inaugural **Ann Bancroft Girlhood Summit** in 2024, where she shared her story with over 200 attendees. “To have the opportunity to talk about mental health — and to feel like I am doing something bigger with my story — has been so impactful,” she said, acknowledging the support that has helped her along the way.

As the mother-daughter duo finalize the remaining episodes, they hope that their podcast will resonate with those grappling with mental health issues, providing both understanding and encouragement. The journey of Ileini and Ashley Hirt serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of open conversations about mental health and the strength found in shared experiences.