Choose The Bear

Comedian, writer, and facilitator Amma Marfo joins Kat to talk about her hour-long special Fidget Spinster—a hilarious, thoughtful look at being single by choice, living with anxiety, and building a joyful life that doesn’t orbit dating or marriage. We dig into why women flock to trustworthy celeb crushes (hi, Pedro Pascal), how comedy still sidelines single women’s stories, and practical ways to start scary new things without perfectionism. We also get into Amma’s book Cultivating Creativity, resilience vs. “grit,” first-gen students, and building community as a single adult.

Watch Amma’s special (Fidget Spinster) and follow her work.

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

And don't forget, everything you are is more than enough.

Questions? Want to tell your story? [email protected]

Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist, PhD student, and aspiring astronaut, joins Kat Calvin to talk about the real path to space and why Mars is more than a dream.

Alyssa breaks down astrobiology “like you’re five,” shares what astronaut selection actually looks like (hint: astronaut is a destination, not a job), and explains how Moon and Mars missions fuel everyday innovations on Earth. They also dig into Artemis timelines, the boom in private space, and dozens of non-astronaut careers in space, from psychology and human factors to food science and habitat design.

You’ll hear:

• How a kid’s fascination with Mars became a serious scientific career

• Pilot licenses, scuba, and other training- what helps and what’s just hype

• Astrobiology 101: icy moons, methane seas, and the search for microbial life

• Why funding the Moon/Mars push pays off on Earth (food, radiation shielding, tech)

• Artemis updates and realistic odds for a crewed Mars mission

• Space jobs beyond “astronaut” (and why teams beat heroes)

• Women who paved Alyssa’s way, and the power of a great dad & support system

• Practical advice for big, “impossible” goals at any age

Alyssa's Book: Ready for Liftoff

Watch next: Franchesca Ramsey

If this episode inspired you, please like, share, and subscribe.

And remember, everything you are is more than enough.

Questions? Want to tell your story? ⁠[email protected]

Franchesca Ramsey, comedian, actress, writer, and accidental activist, joins Kat Calvin for the Season 2 premiere of Choose the Bear. From her viral hit Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls to her recent Leopards Ate My Face song, Franchesca has spent 20 years turning comedy into a tool for social change.

In this episode, she and Kat talk about:

• Why women are so drawn to true crime

• The highs and lows of going viral—then vs. now

• How comedy and satire help us survive political upheaval

• The rise of family vloggers and the dangers of child exploitation online

• Why friendships deserve the same priority as romantic relationships

• Her joyful podcast Let Me Fix It and the work of sustaining community

Whether you know her from The Nightly Show, her bestselling book Well, That Escalated Quickly, or her unforgettable viral videos, you’ll love hearing Franchesca’s wisdom, wit, and warmth.

Leopards Ate My Face

Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls

Well, That Escalated Quickly

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

And don't forget, everything you are is more than enough.

Questions? Want to tell your story? ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, Kat sits down with Ivelyse Andino, Afro-Latina founder of Radical Health, the first Latina-owned public benefit corp in New York focused on health equity. They talk about what it means to build a healthcare system centered in justice, the power of community conversations, and how Ivelyse’s personal story led her to create a company that’s transforming how people—especially marginalized communities—access care.

From tackling medical mistrust to creating tech that empowers rather than extracts, this conversation is all about reclaiming health, joy, and voice. Tune in for an inspiring look at what it means to build something radical—and deeply human.

Thanks for listening to Season 1 of Choose the Bear. We'll be on a break until Season 2 returns in October!

What happens when outdated laws and stigma collide with your most personal truths? In this powerful episode, activist Robert Suttle shares his story of being prosecuted under Louisiana’s HIV criminalization laws—and how that conviction shaped his experience of dating, intimacy, and identity as a gay Black man in the South. We talk about what it means to build a full life after incarceration, how HIV laws perpetuate injustice, and why living single can be a radical act of freedom.
Follow Robert on Instagram at @suttlevision and learn more about the fight to end HIV criminalization.

Questions? Want to share your story? [email protected]

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Allie Redhorse Young, writer, organizer, and founder of Protect the Sacred, to talk about navigating single life, identity, and activism as a Navajo woman. We explore the cultural perceptions of being unmarried and childfree in Indigenous communities, the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and how Allie is empowering Native youth through civic engagement and storytelling.

This is an unflinching, deeply personal conversation about honoring your roots while forging your own path.

Allie's Elle article about missing Native women.

Questions or want to share your story? [email protected]

In part two of our homebuying series, we’re heading to Knoxville with realtor Aimee Lee Lucas, who shares her inspiring journey from single mom to successful homeowner to helping other women do the same.

We talk about what single women should know before buying a home, how to build a supportive real estate team, and why homeownership is still possible—even in today’s market.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first home or just starting to think about it, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal insight, and the kind of encouragement we all need.

If you've ever wondered whether you can do this on your own, Aimee’s story says: yes, you absolutely can.

Questions or what to share your story? [email protected]

In this powerful episode, author and advocate Adrienne Spires shares her journey of surviving domestic violence and how she found the strength to leave and rebuild. We discuss why leaving abusive relationships is so difficult, the emotional and systemic barriers survivors face, and how Adrienne transformed her trauma into a life of service to others. Her memoir, Roaring Resilience: Finding Grit in the Lion’s Den, is a testament to courage, healing, and the power of voice. Whether you're a survivor, an advocate, or someone seeking to understand, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and deeply important.

Want to share your story? [email protected]

What does it look like to travel the world as a confident, solo, childfree woman—and build a thriving social media presence while doing it? This week on Choose the Bear, I’m joined by Lauren Urasek, solo travel expert, childfree lifestyle advocate, and social media powerhouse. We dive into the joys (and challenges) of traveling alone, the magic of traveling with other women, and how Lauren built a bold, unapologetic brand that inspires thousands.

Whether you're plotting your first solo adventure or dreaming of turning your lifestyle into a platform, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and actionable tips for embracing your freedom and living life on your own terms.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to feel empowered traveling alone as a woman

• The best part of traveling with fellow solo women

• Navigating friendships and dating as a childfree woman

• Growing a social media brand around authenticity

• Why choosing the solo path is anything but lonely

Ready to ditch the rulebook and live boldly? Hit play.

Want to share your story? [email protected]

When I was buying my house I watched all of Jordan Nutter's tiktoks at least three times. Her hilarious skits about nightmare homebuyers and great information about how mortgages work and how to get one were a lifesaver. So I was absolutely thrilled when Jordan agreed to be on the pod! We had a great chat about how mortgages work, why buying a house isn't as unrealistic as you think, and those hilarious tiktok skits.

Want to share your story? [email protected]