Cate & Ty Break It Down

Cate & Ty are back with Kristina as she continues to recount her unbelievable reunion story with her birth mother. From awkward first meetings, to restrictive visitation rules, and her determined efforts to maintain contact with her birth mom in secret, Kristina takes us all on an emotional rollercoaster. In the end, a change in environment doesn't automatically bring happiness. Kristina reflects on the shock of moving from a privileged upbringing to living with five younger siblings, her decision to reconnect with her adoptive parents, and the complex feelings of not fully fitting in either family.

Check out Kristina on Tiktok @kristinarichie and her newest book Unraveling Adoption: Weaving Between Two Worlds wherever books are sold!

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On today's episode, Cate & Ty sit down with Kristina Richie, whose adoption story is so emotional and full of tense moments that we had to split it in two parts. For Part 1, Kristina begins by talking about her childhood being filled with secrets and a desperate search for identity, to a dramatic reunion with her birth mother at her high school pep rally. Kristina recounts the emotional toll of hiding truths, the rebellion that followed, and the eventual reckoning once the truth was out. Join us for Part 2 next week as Kristina shares more of her enduring quest for connection.

Check out Kristina on Tiktok @kristinarichie

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This week, Cate & Ty are joined by Rei Clarke (@rei_clarke) who talks about the dynamics of social media, especially TikTok, where controversial hot takes often gain the most engagement. She also brings the heat and asks Cate & Ty some questions that followers have been asking regarding the recent catfishing attempt. Rei also shares her personal story of growing up with an addict mother and an absent father, being raised by her grandparents, and how the search for love and affection affected her relationships in adulthood. She reflects on the importance of breaking cycles and the transformative power of therapy.

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Join Cate & Ty as they sit with Connor Howe, known as @Adopted_Connor on social, as he challenges conventional narratives surrounding open adoption and exposes the often overlooked complexities of the adoption industry. As an adoptee himself, Connor discusses how open adoption, while intended to be a solution, can still lead to pain, confusion, and a sense of not belonging for adoptees.

Connor also explains the profit-driven nature of adoption agencies, including their marketing tactics, and the role of unregulated adoption consultants. He also emphasizes the traumatic impact of adoption on adoptees, birth parents, and even adoptive parents, highlighting the need for adoption-competent therapy and support. Buckle up!

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• Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
• Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to: littlespoon.com/BREAKITDOWN and enter our code BREAKITDOWN at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order. 

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Cate & Ty are joined by Traci Weafer, known as TraciDoula on social media, to discuss everything about birth and pregnancy. Traci opens up about her own adoption story, the impact it had on her identity and how these experiences shaped her path to becoming a doula. She shares her insights on homeschooling, the evolving landscape of childbirth, and the crucial role of doulas and midwives in navigating the medical system. Traci's passion is for educating parents on their rights and choices, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy to ensure a respectful birth experience.

To learn about her services, visit her website at tracidoula.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's episode, Cate & Ty share some updates on Baxter, their rescue chihuahua, who they think has some PTSD from previous owners. They also talk about their early days living together and the struggles they had with a landlord. Also, the return of the card game We're Not Really Strangers! What assumptions did they make of each other? Cate has empath problems? Ty has distorted perception? W​hat else will the cards ask?

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month

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Join Cate & Ty as they tackle some fan questions regarding navigating sensory issues with kids, porn in relationships and their journey as young parents. They also dive into a serious discussion about the state of America, touching on the events of Charlie Kirk's assassination and the ongoing gun violence plaguing the nation.

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
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This week, Cate & Ty unpack the emotional milestone of their last child being in school full-time. This leads into a passionate discussion about public school versus homeschooling, their personal reasons for their decision, and the societal biases that often come with these decisions. Cate & Ty also address the shocking comments Ty received after sharing his autism diagnosis. They discuss the dangers of ableism, the judgment surrounding mental health, and the importance of empathy in the face of hate. Lastly, on a lighter note, the house welcomes a new furry member into the family!

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
• Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A meetup of reality TV! Lindsie Chrisley drops by the show to catch up with Cate & Ty. Lindsie talks about how the Chrisley family life was before the cameras started rolling, the struggles of blending families and the effect it had on her during her marriage. Also, Lindsie opens up about her depression and how she was able to accept and get help during a time where she knew she couldn't do it by herself. (Originally aired 3/5/2025)

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
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Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary to Cate & Ty! On today's episode they dive into their relationship's evolution, including past separations and therapy missteps. But the main event? Ty's recent autism diagnosis! From getting kicked out of daycares, being hyper-focused on social cues, and having a compulsion to do somersaults, Ty describes the frustration he felt throughout his childhood and not knowing why he did what he did. Inspired by their daughter Vaeda, Ty shares the relief and sadness, but also clarity and understanding of his past which now he says he will use to parent differently.

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