Ditch the Ick with Katie Carson: Redefining Relationships, Self-Worth, and Building Your Dream Life as Millennial and Gen X Women

Four weeks into my big Italian move and I'm hitting that inevitable expat reality check - you know, the part where you realize moving across the world changes everything and also absolutely nothing. I'm sharing the messy, sweaty, hilarious truth about what it's really like when the honeymoon phase wears off and you're left figuring out how to build a life from scratch in a place where your dog speaks better Italian than you do. From the things I wish I'd packed (spoiler: not what you think) to navigating loneliness in paradise, this is your unfiltered update on what happens when you stop romanticizing the move and start actually living it. Connect with Katie: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/⁠ Join the Patreon Party! ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/DitchtheIck⁠⁠ Join the Facebook Group: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchtheick/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y’all… I’m in the thick of it. I basically Marie Kondo’d my entire life, packed it into a car, and (at the time of recording this) I’m days away from hopping on a plane to Italy with my dog and an even bigger sense of “WTF is happening.” This episode is a real-talk voice note about that weird-ass limbo where everything’s changing but nothing’s quite real yet. If you’ve ever told yourself “I could never do something like that,” I promise—this one might just flip that script. Inside the chaos, we chat about: Selling all my sh*t and living out of a car like a hot mess minimalist. Flying an anxious, oversized dog across the world (pray for Archie and his crate the size of a Smart car). Letting a maybe-kinda crush help me drive stick (literal, not metaphorical… this time). Choosing the “scary but exciting” option instead of the “safe but soul-sucking” one—and why it’s worth it. Connect with Katie: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/ Join the Patreon Party! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/DitchtheIck⁠ Join the Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchtheick/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie is back this week with zero spoons, a suitcase full of mental health revelations, and a one-way ticket to Italy (because of course). In this episode, she’s catching you up on burnout, boundaries, and why sometimes moving across the world is the only logical next step when your nervous system is shot. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s deeply relatable—and somehow still funny even when it shouldn't be. Come for the chaos, stay for the catharsis. Move Abroad Crash Course: https://freedomlife.thinkific.com/courses/the-move-abroad-crash-course?ref=1dec9d Finch App: https://finchcare.com/ Connect with Katie: https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/ Join the Patreon Party! https://www.patreon.com/DitchtheIck Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchtheick/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ghost not, lest ye be ghosted. That's in the dating Bible right? Well, regardless, I'm joined by my dear friend Aubrey de los Reyes who shares her dating journey and strategy to avoid bad ghosting karma. Trust me you don't want to miss this. Connect with Katie: https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/ Join the Patreon Party! https://www.patreon.com/DitchtheIck Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchtheick/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the world feels heavy, loud, and chaotic, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is light a candle, put on a song that makes you feel alive, and pour a little more love into your everyday routines. In this episode of Ditch the Ick, Katie is joined by Angela Armstrong — intuitive life strategist, spiritual realist, and hype woman for high-achieving women who are ready to press pause and trust themselves again. They’re talking real-deal self-care, what to do when everything feels like a lot, and how to stop isolating yourself when connection is what your nervous system actually needs. We talk about grief, community, and the reminder that fun is not frivolous — it’s fuel. Whether you’re navigating burnout, big decisions, or just trying to stay grounded in a world that seems off its axis, this conversation is a permission slip to soften, feel, and start romanticizing the hell out of your life. In this episode: Why isolation feels like self-protection but actually keeps you stuck The difference between “resting” and “numbing” (and how to tell which you’re doing) Tools like human design, astrology, and numerology for understanding how you process stress The importance of fun as a form of self-care Why intuition isn’t “woo” — it’s wisdom How to make decisions without burning out from decision fatigue Resources + Mentions: Angela’s Spiritual Toolkit → Email audaciouslyangela@gmail.com to get it Beach Bum Beauty (massage candles) → https://bbbeautynj.com/ Connect with Angela Armstrong Angela is an Intuitive Life Strategist helping high-achieving women press pause, trust their intuition, and reclaim their magic. Through workshops, retreats, and coaching, she blends real talk, deep wisdom, and spiritual insight to empower women with confidence. Passionate about transformation and self-love, Angela creates spaces where women thrive. Instagram: @iamangelaarmstrong Website: https://angeladarmstrong.com Email for the Spiritual Toolkit: audaciouslyangela@gmail.com If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, send a voice note instead of a text, or go light that fancy candle you’ve been saving. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ditch the Ick — it helps more people find these honest conversations when they need them most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jealousy. It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. And yeah—it definitely gives us the ick. But what if jealousy is actually trying to help us? In this episode of Ditch the Ick, Katie sits down with the incredible Dr. Joli Hamilton to unravel everything we don’t talk about when it comes to jealousy in relationships—monogamous, non-monogamous, and everything in between. Together, they dig into: Why jealousy isn’t inherently toxic (but suppressing it can be) How polyamorous and monogamous folks experience jealousy differently What it really means when your body screams “NO” but your mouth says “I’m fine” The shadow side of desire (yes, we talk smut 📚) How emotional self-awareness changes everything—from dating apps to lifelong partnerships Whether you’re navigating open relationships, reflecting on your past dynamics, or just ready to stop feeling like the “crazy jealous girl,” this episode gives you tools, validation, and a whole new way to look at your emotional landscape. Meet the Guest: Dr. Joli Hamilton Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines & founder of The Year of Opening. She’s a depth psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT-certified sex educator. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and NPR. Joli helps people build non-monogamous partnerships that are deeply authentic—no more shrinking, pretending, or hiding required. She's also the co-host of the Playing with Fire podcast alongside her anchor partner, Ken. Follow & Connect with Joli: Instagram: @drjoli_hamilton YouTube: Dr. Joli Hamilton TikTok: @drjoli_hamilton Resources Mentioned: Jealousy Roadmap – Joli’s free guide to navigating jealousy with curiosity instead of shame Feelings & Sensations Wheel by Lindsay Braman Dr. Joli’s “Befriending Jealousy” Workshop Books Mentioned: The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton & Janet Hardy Ready to ditch the ick? If this episode hit you in the gut (in a good way), don’t forget to: Leave a 5⭐ review on your favorite podcast app Screenshot and tag @ditchtheickpod + @ladykatiecarson Share it with a friend who needs to hear they’re not “too much” for feeling jealous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s my birthday week, y’all! 🥳 This week, we’re going IN on what it means to be a whole a$$ woman—not a work in progress, not someone waiting for her “better half,” not someone needing fixing. Just whole, as you are, right now. I’m sharing personal stories (hi, childhood trauma 🙃), the realities of perfectionism and people pleasing, and the steps I’ve taken—and am still taking—to unlearn the BS and show up unapologetically. We’re also breaking down some practical AF tools to help you stop shrinking, start celebrating your damn wins, and say NO without guilt. ✨ Inside this episode: Why perfectionism is not your personality trait (it’s survival) The burnout cycle high-achieving women are stuck in Why being “the good girl” is a trap How to reframe your “flaws” into your f*cking superpowers Tips to stop playing small We’re ending Women’s History Month by owning our whole-ass selves and ditching the “not enough” narrative once and for all. 🔥 References People pleasing: https://www.madisonwomensclinic.com/for-the-people-pleasers/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20immediate,of%20anxiety%20about%20disappointing%20others. Psychology today article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-the-whole-beautiful/202501/overcoming-perfectionism-in-high-achieving-women Move Abroad Crash Course: https://freedomlife.thinkific.com/courses/the-move-abroad-crash-course?ref=1dec9d Wanna help make the Italy move happen? DreamList.com/for/kjcitaly 🛑 Don’t forget to: Join the Ditch the Ick Facebook group Slide into my DMs and tell me how you’re embracing your whole-ass self this week Turn on notifications so you don’t miss next week’s 🔥 episode on jealousy & polyamory with Dr. Joli Hamilton! 💌 Got thoughts? Want to share your “hell yes” moment? Email me: ditchtheickpod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay y’all, this one is a wild ride — because we’re getting real about chasing dreams that terrify us (hi, moving to Italy, starting businesses, and figuring out WTF is happening in the world). In this episode, I’m joined by my girl, Sue Almonte, and we’re talking about why going after what you want — especially when the world is on fire — is a revolutionary act. Like seriously, if you’re out here trying to survive, thrive, and maybe pack a suitcase and run away to Europe (same), this is for you. Sue and I go deep into what’s motivating us to plan our moves abroad (with all the messy parts — dogs, visas, leases, anxiety spirals), how entrepreneurship saved us when the job market crumbled, and why so many women (maybe you, too?) are secretly afraid of what happens if it actually works out. In this episode, we chat about: Why chasing your dreams is literally a radical act (especially for women) How I’m planning my move to Florence and Sue is planning her move to Rome (yes, it's happening!) All the behind-the-scenes chaos of moving abroad — like how the hell do you even get a visa? Starting a business (or side hustle) when jobs are disappearing and things feel heavy AF What to do when the world feels overwhelming (small steps, I promise) The fear of success and why “what if it DOES work out?” is scarier than failure sometimes Why you don’t need to apologize for wanting a good life, even when the world’s a mess Join the Conversation What’s the big scary dream you’ve been putting off? Have you ever thought about moving abroad, starting over, or finally doing the thing that’s been on your heart for way too long? I wanna hear from you — How are you ditching the ick and choosing to chase your dreams (even if it feels terrifying)? DM me on Instagram or tag me in your stories using @ditchtheickpod Follow Sue on Instagram @suealmonte Learn more about your ad choices at megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the way we think about mental health and neurodivergence is all wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Howard (aka L2)—a fierce mental health advocate and founder of LBee Health, a neuro-affirming clinic dedicated to making mental health care more accessible. We dive into: ✅ What it really means to be neurodivergent (spoiler: it’s not a defect!) ✅ The truth about adult autism & ADHD assessments—what to expect, common misconceptions, and who they’re for ✅ The stigma around self-diagnosis and why so many people are misdiagnosed or overlooked ✅ How barriers in the mental health system are failing neurodivergent individuals—and what needs to change ✅ Personal stories, lots of laughter, and why sometimes, falling down (literally) is just part of the journey This is an unfiltered, affirming, and empowering conversation about owning your neurodivergence, advocating for yourself, and accessing the support you deserve. 🔗 Connect with Lauren & LBee Health: 👉 Threads: @elle_two 👉 LinkedIn: Lauren Howard 👉 Instagram: @elle_two 👉 Low-Cost Adult Autism Assessment: Sign up here 👉 Low-Cost Adult ADHD Assessment: Learn more 👉 Virtual Support Groups: Join here 👉 #AffirmingAF Merch: Shop now 📩 Want to learn more about adult autism assessments? Join Lauren's mailing list for expert insights and resources! Sign up now 🎧 Tune in and let’s keep normalizing these conversations—because neurodivergence isn’t broken, it’s just different. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special episode of Ditch the Ick is all about celebrating the fearless, trailblazing women who refused to settle, rewrote the rules, and paved the way for future generations. From industry disruptors to everyday heroes, we're highlighting stories of resilience, ambition, and empowerment. In This Episode, We Cover: · The importance of International Women’s Day and why it matters more than ever in 2025 · Stories of women who have "ditched the ick" in relationships, careers, and society · Lessons from historic and modern female trailblazers, including Sojourner Truth, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Malala Yousafzai, Ada Lovelace, and Wilma Mankiller · How you can embrace your own power and make bold moves in your life Resources: · https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sojourner-truth · https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ruth-bader-ginsburg · https://www.cochranfirm.com/ruth-bader-ginsburg/ · https://www.fridakahlo.org/ · https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2014/yousafzai/biographical/ · https://www.biography.com/scholars-educators/ada-lovelace · https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/wilma-mankiller · Move Abroad Crash Course: https://freedomlife.thinkific.com/courses/the-move-abroad-crash-course?ref=1dec9d Join the Conversation Which women inspire you the most? How are you ditching the ick and stepping into your power? DM me on Instagram or tag me in your stories using @ditchtheickpod. Get More from the Show: · Subscribe and leave a review if this episode inspired you · Follow me on Instagram: @ditchtheickpod Let’s keep breaking barriers and building our dream lives, one bold move at a time. Happy International Women’s Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever found yourself asking, "Is this normal, or am I actually dying?"—welcome to the club. This week, we’re diving deep into the wild ride that is perimenopause with Vicky Chehade (@your.period.coach), a certified nutrition coach and fertility awareness educator. From unexpected hot flashes to hormonal chaos, we’re breaking down what’s actually happening in your body, how to tell if you’re in perimenopause, and what you can do to support yourself through the transition. And because we love a little drama, we’re playing a game of "Am I Dying or Is It Perimenopause?"—aka all the weird symptoms my friends and I have Googled at 2 AM. What We Cover: The difference between perimenopause & menopause (because we’ve all been lied to). Shorter cycles, mood swings, and random hot flashes—what’s normal? Should you get your hormones tested? (Vicky’s hot take might surprise you.) Simple ways to support your body—nutrition, strength training, and morning light exposure.  Resources & Links: Follow Vicky: @your.period.coach Learn more: yourperiodcoach.com Book Rec: The Hormone Repair Manual by Dr. Lara Briden Join me in Vicky's Cycle Support Society for more resources and support as we navigate this insanity. https://www.yourperiodcoach.com/ditchtheick Join the Conversation: Did you have an "Oh sht, that’s me!"* moment during this episode? DM me on Instagram @Ladykatieabroad and let’s talk about it!  Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Next week, we’re kicking off Women’s History Month with a deep dive into some badass women throughout history. See you then! -------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you spotting red flags too late? Or missing green lights that could lead to something great? In this episode of Ditch the Ick, Katie Carson breaks down the difference between an ick and an actual red flag, why we sometimes ignore obvious warning signs, and how to recognize the green lights that signal a healthy, thriving connection. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about dating—these red flags and green lights show up in friendships, work relationships, and even family dynamics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The biggest red flags that are non-negotiable  How to tell the difference between an ick and a real warning sign Why your gut instinct is your best relationship tool (and how to actually listen to it) The green lights to look for in any relationship  How to set and stick to your non-negotiables without guilt or fear Episode Takeaways: Action Steps for You! Write your list of non-negotiables—what behaviors are deal-breakers for you? I dentify your green lights—what qualities make you feel seen, heard, and valued? Reflect on past relationships (friendships, dating, work) and pinpoint the red flags you ignored. What patterns do you see? Resources & Ways to Engage: What are YOUR biggest red flags and green lights? Share them anonymously on our website or drop them in our Facebook group! Submit your story/questions here → https://www.ditchtheick.com/ask-us-anything Follow along on Instagram → @ladykatieabroad Next week, we’re joined by your period coach, Vicky, to talk about perimenopause—because let’s be real, no one prepared us for this! Don’t miss it. Love the show? If this episode resonated, please leave a rating & review! It helps more people ditch the ick and build relationships that actually feel good.  ---------------------------- If you need anything else, let me know!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's up, Party People! In this episode, I’m sitting down with the powerhouse that is Irina Kanaeva—a speaker, coach, and jewelry designer who’s all about helping ambitious women dream big and act bold. We’re talking about breaking free from societal expectations, learning to trust your intuition, and making bold moves—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth. Irina shares her journey from wanting to be a president (yes, really!) to moving to the U.S., dealing with setbacks, and learning how to own her power. We also dig into the "Miss Boss" formula, and how you can start making fearless, intuitive decisions today. If you’ve ever felt stuck, hesitant, or like you’re playing life a little too safe, this is your sign to go for it! What You’ll Get From This Episode: The power of bold moves – how small risks lead to big changes How to strengthen your intuition and actually trust it Why rigid 5-year plans are overrated (and what to do instead) How to stop limiting yourself and open yourself up to new opportunities Why failure isn’t the end, it’s just part of the process My Favorite Takeaways: "If you have a dream or a goal in your head, that means you have the potential and resources to achieve it."  – Irina Kanaeva Want to Connect with Irina? Instagram: @irina.kanaeva.studio Let’s Keep the Party Going! Follow me on Instagram: @ladykatieabroad Never miss an episode! Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Ready to make a bold move? Tag me on IG with your biggest takeaway from this episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love isn’t just about romance, and Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples! This episode is all about celebrating every form of love—friendships, chosen family, and most importantly, the love you have for yourself.  What’s inside this episode? Why society glorifies romance over other types of love The importance of self-love (and why it’s NOT selfish) How to celebrate yourself this Valentine’s Day—no partner required| Real talk on friendships, family, and why your relationships outside of romance deserve just as much love Resources Mentioned: Relationship Anarchy Episode with Jackie Hayes Oh Hell Yes! Guide to Loving Yourself – Free Download Stress Plus Self-Compassion Equals Resilience Benefits of Self-Compassion Valentine's Day Shopping Statistics Join the Conversation: Want a community that gets it? Come hang out in the Ditch the Ick Facebook Group! We’re talking friendships, self-love, and yes—even the icks. Loved this episode? Don’t forget to:  Subscribe & leave a review  Share with a friend who needs the reminder  Tag us on social @Ladykatieabroad with how you are celebrating all the love in your life! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Katie chats with the inspiring Heather Reese, a plus-size model, content creator, and attorney, about finding confidence, building community, and embracing life’s curveballs. Heather opens up about her journey from being adopted from Peru and raised in a Jewish household to rediscovering her Latina roots and redefining herself after a life-changing divorce. This episode dives into: How trauma and therapy helped Heather reshape her identity. Her journey to becoming a plus-size model and using her platform to advocate for marginalized communities. The power of showing up authentically in a world that often tries to dim your light. Practical advice for being a true ally and fostering change in today’s turbulent environment. Why boundaries are an act of self-love and how Heather uses them in every area of her life. Heather’s humor, vulnerability, and no-nonsense approach will have you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take on the world unapologetically. **All opinions expressed are Heather's and do not reflect any firm or associations she’s affiliated with** Connect with Heather: Instagram: @heather_rxoxo Quote of the Episode: “Loving yourself is rebellious, but it’s the most powerful thing you can do for yourself and the next generation.” – Heather Reese - Submit your anonymous questions or storie https://www.ditchtheick.com/ask-us-anything  - Email: mailto:ditchtheickpod@gmail.com  - Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m back with a solo episode where we’re getting real about speaking up and navigating life when things feel a bit, well, wild. I might not be the loudest voice in the room, but I’m here to get vocal about the things that matter – setting boundaries, getting involved, and staying true to yourself when the world wants you to shrink.  Key Takeaways:  • Finding & Using Your Voice: Speaking up isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. I’m sharing how to use your voice effectively, whether it’s at work, with friends, or out in the community. Change doesn’t happen if we stay silent.  • Boundaries, But Make It Real: Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no” – it’s about knowing what you stand for and holding firm even in tough conversations. I’m breaking down how I keep things real with people who see the world differently.  •Local Change, Big Impact: Want to make a difference? Start small. I talk about the power of getting involved locally, supporting causes that align with your values, and why small actions matter more than we think.  •The Magic of Storytelling & Listening: It’s not all about shouting from the rooftops – sometimes it’s about sharing your story and truly listening to others. I explore how personal experiences can inspire change and build connection.  • Self-Care While Speaking Out: No one said making a difference was easy. I get into why taking care of yourself while you’re out there speaking up is crucial. Because burnout? We’re not doing that. •Community is Key: Remember, you’re not doing this alone.   Connect with Me Follow me on Instagram @ladykatieabroad for more relatable takes, and a community that’s all about real talk and real change. Let’s keep it going! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is one I’ve been dying to bring you! I finally got to chat with the incredible Béa Victoria Albina, NP, MPH. She’s a somatic experiencing practitioner, feminist wellness coach, and all-around magical human being. We dove into her signature concept of emotional outsourcing—aka relying on other people for our sense of worth, safety, and belonging (yeah, ouch). We talked about EVERYTHING, from breaking free of codependency to staying grounded in your values—even in the messiest of situations. Béa also shared her genius tips for regulating your nervous system and letting yourself actually feel your feelings (not just shove them down or ignore them). Here’s What We Got Into: Codependency vs. Interdependence: What’s the difference? (Hint: interdependence is the vibe we’re going for). Emotional outsourcing: Béa breaks down how it sneaks into our lives and keeps us stuck. Nervous system regulation: What it really means, and why it’s not as simple as tapping your forehead and calling it a day. Sacred rage: Why anger is actually a good thing when it’s intentional and aligned with your values. The beauty of reciprocal relationships: How to stop keeping score and start building connections that energize you. Want More from Béa? She’s got some amazing gifts for you! Head to http://beatrizalbina.com//ditchtheick to grab her free meditations and nervous system exercises. Whether you’re dealing with a stressy day or diving into your healing journey, these are a must-have.Béa also has a book dropping in September 2025 called Emotional Outsourcing. Big Life Moves  I’ve been hinting at a major life change, and here’s the deal: I’m working on my escape plan to move abroad! While I’m not on a plane just yet, I’m getting serious about making it happen, and I want to invite you along for the ride. That’s why I’m joining the Move Abroad Escape Plan Bootcamp with the Move Abroad Coach. It’s a 4-day LIVE virtual bootcamp from January 25th-28th at 11 AM Eastern (with replays available). This bootcamp is all about creating a step-by-step action plan to move abroad in a year or less. If moving abroad has been on your dream list, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for! You can join me by checking out all the details here: https://bit.ly/4gR6VXF Follow me on Instagram @ladykatieabroad for all the behind-the-scenes action. I’ll be sharing what I’m learning, the highs, the lows, and maybe a few tips to help YOU make bold moves, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first episode of Ditch the Ick in 2025!  After taking a much-needed break, we’re kicking off the year by tackling an important and often misunderstood topic: toxic positivity.  We’re unpacking what toxic positivity really is and why the “good vibes only” mindset can do more harm than good. I also share my personal journey with embracing emotions—both good and bad—and how adopting a mindset of realistic optimism has helped me feel more grounded and confident. Plus, we touch on actionable tips for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and showing up for others in a healthy way.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  - What toxic positivity is and why it’s so damaging. - The subtle ways it can show up in daily life (e.g., “Just stay positive!”). - Signs you might be experiencing or perpetuating toxic positivity. - The benefits of realistic optimism and why it’s a better approach. - Actionable phrases and habits to replace toxic positivity with authentic support.  Resources Mentioned: - Why Toxic Positivity Can Be Harmful by Kendra Cherry, MSeD: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity  - Realistic Optimism by Chris Loper: https://becomingbetter.org/realistic-optimism/  - Submit your anonymous questions or storie https://www.ditchtheick.com/ask-us-anything  - Email: mailto:ditchtheickpod@gmail.com  - Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode of Ditch the Ick is one for the books—literally! 🎉 I’m sitting down with Amazon bestselling romance author Caitlin Moss to talk about her journey from purity culture to writing the spicy stories we all know and love. Caitlin dives deep into the unlearning of shame, the reclaiming of pleasure, and how books (yep, including the steamy ones) can empower us to understand our bodies, our desires, and ourselves. We’re unpacking: ✨ Growing up in purity culture and how it shaped our mindset (and icks) ✨ Why romance novels are more than just smut—they’re freeing, fun, and female-centered ✨ The shame, the rebellion, and the “now or never” moment that got Caitlin writing ✨ Toys, taboos, and the beauty of learning to embrace pleasure (yes, girl, we go there) If you’re ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe add a few books to your Kindle library, hit play and let’s ditch the ick together. ✨ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ladykatieabroad/ for more relatable content from the pod! Where to Find Caitlin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinmossauthor TikTok: @caitlinmosswrites Books: Available on https://www.amazon.com/ (Kindle Unlimited included!) and through local indie bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are here, party people, and it’s time to lean ALL the way into your feral side. This week’s episode is your ultimate holiday survival guide, specifically for single, child-free women who are constantly fielding those unhinged questions from boomer family members. Whether it’s “Why are you still single?” or “When are you having kids?”, I’ve got you covered with both hilarious and practical comebacks to keep everyone on their toes. But at its core? This episode is about reclaiming the holiday. I also share some wild voice notes from a dear friend who lived through these exact scenarios—and let me tell you, the stories are bananas. In This Episode: Hilarious, wrong-answer-only responses to intrusive family questions. How to handle “Why are you still single?” without breaking a sweat. Wild intergenerational stories that will have you screaming, “Same, girl, same!” Practical tips for setting boundaries and surviving family gatherings. The importance of self-care and building new traditions for yourself. Love this episode? Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow on Instagram @ladykatieabroad and slide into the DMs to share your unhinged holiday survival stories. Have a story to share? Email me at ditchtheickpod@gmail.com or visit ditchtheick.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices