We had the good fortune of connecting with James Kelleher and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi James, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
There have definitely been moments when I’ve thought about giving up.
After being on two national TV shows and becoming more visible on social media, I started to experience a lot of negativity. There were trolls, harsh comments, and the emotional ups and downs that come with trying to grow your platform. I found myself getting caught in the trap of watching numbers/likes, views, followers and letting that affect how I felt about the work I was doing.
It made me question whether it was all worth it. Whether I was reaching anyone. Whether I should just stop.
What helped me keep going was reconnecting with my purpose.
This isn’t about popularity. It’s about impact. I remind myself why I started: to help people feel seen, to talk about mental health in a way that’s accessible and real, and to let others especially within the LGBTQ+ community know they’re not alone. If even one person hears something I share and feels more supported or understood, that’s enough for me to keep showing up.
It’s easy to get lost in the noise. But when I come back to that mission, I find my footing again. It grounds me and gives me the fuel to move forward.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At its core, my work is about helping people feel more connected to themselves, to others, and to what really matters in their lives. I’m a licensed psychotherapist and a certified life coach, but beyond the credentials, I show up in a way that’s honest, real, and accessible.
What sets me apart is that I don’t sit behind a wall of theory or clinical distance. I bring my full self into the work…my humor, my lived experience, and my belief that therapy and coaching don’t have to feel heavy all the time. They can feel empowering, energizing, even fun at times. I’m not afraid to talk about the messy stuff, and I think people sense that. Whether it’s one-on-one, through a podcast, on social media, or through TV, I’m always aiming to normalize mental health, reduce shame, and offer tools that people can actually use in real life.
It hasn’t always been easy. There were years where I doubted whether this path made sense. Building a private practice, then expanding into media, took a lot of trial and error. I had to learn how to pivot, how to stay grounded when the spotlight came with criticism, and how to keep creating from a place of purpose even when I wasn’t sure anyone was watching.
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to merge different parts of who I am — the therapist, the coach, the creative, the TV personality — into one brand that actually feels like me. It’s taken time, and it’s still evolving, but I know I’m on the right path because the feedback I get most often is, “You made me feel less alone.”
That’s the story I want the world to know. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, staying human, and doing what you can to help someone else along the way.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I used to feel this pressure to create the perfect, action-packed itinerary when friends came to visit. I’d plan out every hour, every meal, every sight but lately, I’ve learned that sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones. Some of my favorite visits have involved nothing more than sitting on the couch, catching up, and letting things unfold naturally.
That said, when people visit Arizona, there are a few go-to experiences I love sharing.
We usually start with a casual walk through Old Town Scottsdale- the shops, restaurants, and desert charm always hit the right note. I’ll often take friends to some of my favorite local spots to eat, whether it’s tacos, good coffee, or something more upscale depending on the vibe.
If we have the time, I love heading up to Sedona. The red rocks, the hikes, the energy it’s such reset.
But honestly, I can also be basic in the best way. Movies, Scottsdale Fashion Square, a AJs Iced Tea run, or lounging around and having fun conversations…that’s my idea of a good time too.
What matters most is connection, not the checklist.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Vic Pizzitola.
Website: https://www.jamespkelleher.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_p_kelleher?igsh=bmo0bjM5Ynk1Y2xl&utm_source=qr
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jamespkelleher?si=NBA99dSrElbM6T9o
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
