Challenging the "Grateful" Adoptee Narrative with Dez, The Outspoken Adoptee
Cate & Ty sit down with DezaRay, The Outspoken Adoptee, to breakdown the long standing narrative that all adoptees should be grateful, lucky and blessed. In this powerful conversation, Dez shares her deeply personal story of adoption, revealing the harsh realities that often lie beneath the surface of 'lucky' and 'blessed' narratives. From navigating racial identity in a predominantly white community in Utah, to confronting family secrets of sexual and physical abuse. She explains the complexities of reunion, the varied experiences that each adoptee will and can have, and emphasizes the many ways the adoption system needs reform.Check out Dez @theoutspokenadoptee for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1:21:35
You're Welcome for 16 Years of Reality TV
Ask and you shall receive! Cate & Ty are back for a solo episode and they tackle everything from dealing with the haters, Ty's toxic TikTok algorithm, the truth about Cate's driving skills and their upcoming first family trip to Disney World. They also give updates on what's been going on with the kids like Vaeda's kindergarten journey, Nova's cheerleading chapter ending, and Ty's niece who's been living with them for the past year. Also, hater have a problem with Ty being an involved dad? Cate shares some unfiltered thoughts on partnership and parenting, while Ty has some beef with those who keep making inappropriate comments on his workout videos.Thank you to our sponsors!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.
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1:01:51
A Late Discovery Adoptee: From Hidden Identity to Advocacy with Melissa, the Adoption Educator
Cate & Ty sit down with Melissa Guida-Richards, an Adoption Educator and transracial late discovery international adoptee. Melissa shares her adoption journey, revealing the complexities and challenges of discovering her adoption at 19 after a lifetime of being raised as an Italian-Portuguese. Melissa opens up about the profound impact it had on her sense of self, how she dove into educating herself about the trauma of maternal separation, and the multi-billion dollar adoption industry. Melissa also delves into the nuances of transracial adoption, the importance of acknowledging a child's heritage, and the often-unseen struggles faced by adoptees. She shares her eventual reconnection with her birth mother in Colombia and other siblings who were also placed for adoption.Learn more about Melissa's work and her book "What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption" at adopteethoughts.com. Follow her on social media @adoptee_thoughtsThank 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 monthZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/CateAndTy to find and instantly book an appointment todaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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58:14
Adoption Unfiltered: A Birth Mom's Story & the Realities of Open Adoption
On today's episode, Cate & Ty sit down with Kelsey Ranyard, a co-author of "Adoption Unfiltered," as well as a birth mom, to get another perspective on adoption. Kelsey shares her story of relinquishing her child in 2016, opening up about the lack of support from those around her, societal pressures, and the emotional aftermath that followed. Kelsey emphasizes the critical importance of open and honest communication in adoption, navigating the challenges of the ongoing relationships in her life, and the wide range of emotions birth parents face. They continue to highlight the flaws within the current adoption system, advocating for crucial policy changes and separate legal representation for birth parents. Plus, Ty brings up the unique journey of parenting after relinquishment, the impact on subsequent children, and Cate speaks on the often-unspoken experience of postpartum depression. This episode is a call for understanding, reform, and a reminder that every adoption story is profoundly different.Find Kelsey on Instagram @fromanothamotha and her book Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents, and Allies wherever books are soldThank 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.Sitter City: Go to Sittercity.com and take the guesswork out of finding care. Breathe easier knowing your kids are in good hands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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1:06:25
Who Is Adoption Really For? Alé Cardinalle's International Adoption Experience
Join us for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Alé (@wildheartcollective), who shares her incredible journey as an international adoptee. Adopted from Brazil at just four months old, Alé's story is one of emotional complexities, and ultimately, profound self-discovery. Alé opens up about the unique challenges she faced growing up—navigating feelings of difference, grappling with mental health struggles, but also shares the remarkable tale of how, with the support of her adoptive family, she was able to find her biological family in Brazil. Alé passionately advocates for a fundamental shift in how society views adoption, emphasizing the critical importance of prioritizing the child's needs above all else - the raw, honest, and eye-opening exploration of adoption from the inside out.For more information visit Alé Cardinalle at wildheartcollective.careThank you to our sponsors!Sitter City: Go to Sittercity.com to find the care your family deserves. Breathe easier knowing your kids are in good hands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join Tyler and Catelynn Baltierra, one of the OG couples from MTV's 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, who showcased adoption first-hand, as they dive into life beyond reality TV. They share the ups, downs, and everything in between of marriage, parenthood, and personal growth. With candid stories, celebrity guests, and lots of laughs, Tyler and Catelynn explore how they navigate the spotlight, raise a family, and stay strong as a couple. Cate & Ty: Break It Down! is a weekly fix of heartwarming moments, behind-the-scenes tea, and a whole lot of love.