Cate & Ty Break It Down

Epizode

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  Elle & Bri Unite to Deconstruct the Adoption Industry 19.08.2026 1h 3min

  Cate and Tyler sit down with marriage and family therapist, and fellow adoptee, Bri to pull back the curtain on the American adoption industry. Moving past standard narratives, they openly discuss the grief and systemic flaws of the birth-parent journey, and how "open adoption" can be leveraged as a coercive tool. From deconstructing hospital postpartum pressure to exploring child-centric alternatives like kinship care and legal guardianship, this conversation is an urgent look at institutional accountability and the true impact of adoption.This is PART 1 of a three-part discussion!Thank you to our sponsors!Arya: Get $10 off your first month at GetArya.com/CATEANDTYProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! 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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  Kicked Out of the Congregation: Rebuilding Spirituality with Desirée 12.08.2026 1h 11min

  In this episode of Cate and Ty, Tyler sits down with Desiree (@mojaveandwolf) to explore the messy, beautiful landscape of religious deconstruction. After being abruptly cast out of her church community, Desiree shares how she rebuilt a solid, unshakeable spiritual foundation from the ground up. From uncovering the lost gospels to understanding the power of collective consciousness, this conversation serves as a gateway to anyone wanting to follow their curiosity outside of the traditional box.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 monthCashapp: Download Cash App Today https://click.cash.app/ui6m/hn9nkrvk #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants. ● Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. ● Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! 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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  Dr. Kristin Kirkland: When Adoption and Human Trafficking Intersect 05.08.2026 1h 14min

  In this episode, Tyler sits down with Dr. Kristen Kirkland for a multi-layered conversation about the complexities of the adoption industry. Drawing from her professional background in public health and her personal experience as a private infant adoptee, Dr. Kirkland shares her journey of coming out of the adoption "FOG" (Fear, Obligation, and Guilt) and recognizing the parallels between private infant adoption in America and the legal definitions of human trafficking.Dr. Kirkland also discusses briefly the goal of her book Orphan Sunday is the Worst (slated for Spring 2028), which examines how evangelical Christian theology has historically cherry-picked scriptures to glamorize adoption.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 monthProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!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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  Breaking Cycles: Addiction & Kinship Adoption with Amber Boone (PART 2) 29.07.2026 1h

  In this part 2, Amber Boone returns to unpack the beautiful and complex reality of motherhood across generations. Amber shares her journey of becoming a grandmother at 32, navigating the shock of her daughter’s teenage pregnancy, and the battle against a broken foster care system to bring her granddaughter home. She explains the devastating toll of addiction, the long road to three years of recovery, and the unique, often confusing dynamics of co-parenting a grandchild you’ve legally adopted. Amber opens up about the generational trauma she’s working to undo, the importance of choosing compassion over judgment, and why she believes the true alchemy of life is found in the moments of stillness between the chaos.Thank you to our sponsors!Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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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  Young Grandma Amber Boone: Escaping Domestic Abuse & Blended Family Dynamics (PART 1) 22.07.2026 1h 1min

  In part one of this conversation, Cate and Tyler sit down with fellow Detroiter Amber Boone (@getrealwithab). She opens up about the reality behind her viral 25-million-view TikTok, surviving severe childhood trauma and system failures, escaping a life-threatening teenage marriage, and talks about the complexities of navigating generational trauma as a helicopter mom—only to watch her own daughter follow closely in her footsteps.This is PART 1 of a two-part discussion!Thank you to our sponsors!Arya: Get $10 off your first month at GetArya.com/CATEANDTYMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.comZenni: Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order 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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  The Day I Grew Up: Finding Out My Cousin Was My Mother (PART 2) 15.07.2026 1h 8min

  Cate is back with D.A. (@difficult.adoptee) to continue the exploration of trauma, systemic failure, and survival. DA shares her journey of growing up in a controlling, highly restrictive kinship adoption and the moment she realized her family was built on performance and lies. From navigating a volatile reunion with her biological mother and a dangerous encounter with her biological father, DA reflects on the systemic lack of regulation in kinship placements. She also shares the layering grief of losing her infant son in the second trimester, drawing powerful parallels to her own mother’s unacknowledged postpartum grief.Thank you to our sponsors!Alloy: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for $20 off your first order!Cashapp: Download Cash App Today https://click.cash.app/ui6m/hn9nkrvk #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants. Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.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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  The Cousin Who Was Actually My Mother: Kinship Adoption with D.A. (PART 1) 08.07.2026 58min

  In this deeply personal episode of Break It Down, guest D.A. (@difficult.adoptee) joins the show to deconstruct her experience growing up within a kinship adoption. She shares her journey of discovering at age seven that the woman she thought was her cousin was actually her biological mother. She discusses navigating preverbal trauma, surviving a toxic and narcissistic home environment, and the challenges of advocating for her own mental health as a teenager in a system that often preferred silence over real healing.This is PART 1 of a two-part discussion! 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 monthK12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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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  Camping Trip Recap & Summer Routine 01.07.2026 40min

  Mercury is in retrograde and out to get us. Cate & Ty are back from their camping trip and share how they plan to keep up with the kids this summer. They share their thoughts on the double standards between young girls and boys when it comes to dressing "appropriate"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 monthQuince: 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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  ENCORE Genetic Mirroring and Brain Wiring: Understanding Adoptee Development w/ Psychotherapist Amy Silvia 24.06.2026 1h 11min

  Let's revisit an episode from 2025Cate & Ty sit down with psychotherapist and adoptee Amy Silvia (@psychotherapist.amy_) , who shares her personal journey through the Baby Scoop Era and the complex process of reconnecting with her birth family. Drawing on decades of clinical experience working with thousands of adoptees and birth parents, Amy unpacks the profound impact of genetic mirroring, attachment trauma, and the crucial need for "adoptee-focused" therapy. Amy sheds light on the crucial difference between "adoption competence" and truly "adoptee-focused" care, highlighting the mental health struggles faced by adoptees and birth parents, including the shockingly high rates of suicidal ideation. Discover how normalizing difficult adoption conversations can lead to profound healing for the entire adoption triad.Thank you to our sponsors!Alloy: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefullyBetter Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first monthK-12: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMarathon: Start earning rewards on every gallon of gas. Available at participating Marathon locations. Terms and Conditions apply. See MarathonRewards.com for detailsProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!Zenni: Go to Zenni.com/PODCAST and use code PODCAST15 for fifteen percent off your first order. 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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  ENCORE Dr. Abby Hasberry: Navigating Adoption as an Adoptee and Birth Mother 17.06.2026 1h 4min

  Let us go back into the vault and listen to an episode from 2025 when Cate & Ty sat down with Dr. Abby, a transracial adoptee, birth mother, and adoption-informed therapist. Dr. Abby breaks down the true meaning of informed consent in adoption, revealing the systemic issues and personal traumas often hidden beneath the surface. She also shares her personal journey, from her coerced relinquishment as a teenage birth mother to her own experience as an adoptee navigating identity and reunion.For more information visit https://adoptingprivilege.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 monthK-12: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMarathon: Start earning rewards on every gallon of gas. Available at participating Marathon locations. Terms and Conditions apply. See MarathonRewards.com for detailsProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!Rocket Money: Join at RocketMoney.com/CATEANDTY 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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  Deep Thoughts with Nova: Space, Dress Codes, and School Bullies 10.06.2026 43min

  Summer is officially here, and Nova is back on the mic to break it all down! Fresh out of the fifth grade, Nova sits down with Mom to tackle a lightning round of fun and thought-provoking questions from the "Children Are Human" card deck. From her current obsession with The Sims and the mind-bending physics of colliding black holes, to a blunt critique of the middle school dress code and what it really means to stand up to school bullies, Nova pulls no punches.Thank you to our sponsors!Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code CATETY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/CATETYK12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownBetter Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first monthProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! 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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  Pregnant at 13: Bri's Story 03.06.2026 1h 4min

  Bri shares her incredible journey from childhood abuse and foster care to becoming a mother at 14. She opens up about being groomed by an adult predator, navigating the foster system, resisting adoption pressure, and fighting to keep her child against overwhelming odds. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the experiences and turning points that shaped her life and led her to where she is today.https://www.tiktok.com/@briinthemakingThank you to our sponsors!K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownBetter Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first monthQuince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returnsProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! 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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  Unexpected Updates & The Amanda Arrest Fallout feat. Elle Bee 27.05.2026 1h

  Cate, Ty, and Elle dive into the latest shocking updates surrounding Unexpected, including Hunter and Bella’s breakup, custody developments, and the ongoing court drama involving their families. The conversation then shifts into a deeper discussion about reality TV ethics, child exploitation, addiction, and the pressures that come with growing up in the public eye. They also react to the recent Amanda arrest news, relapse concerns, and the emotional impact addiction has on families, recovery, and children caught in the middle. Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok!Thank you to our sponsors!K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownAlloy: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefullyMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.comQuince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returnsProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! 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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  The Matriarch, 16&Pregnant Reflections and Anonymous Secrets 20.05.2026 50min

  Cate and Ty are finally back in today's episode! The episode begins with Tyler sharing stories of his late grandmother, a resilient matriarch who raised eight children. Ty also shares his dream he had of her the night before her passing. They shift to discussing the upcoming Hollywood Demons series and the positive impact 16&Pregnant had on their lives. Lastly, the episode ends with some anonymous secrets, featuring some wild family mingling and sabotaging someone's birth control.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 monthK12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownKiwico: Get $10 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/summer, promo code BREAKITDOWNProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code CATETY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/CATETY 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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  TLC's Unexpected: Reality TV and Leaked Truths feat. Elle Bee 13.05.2026 1h 7min

  Cate is joined again by Elle Bee (@ellebee_official) to break down TLC's Unexpected. They share their concerns regarding the custody case of Bella and Hunter, and their newborn child. Cate and Elle both share their experiences and opinions on fame, healthy family dynamics, and the exploitation in reality television.Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok!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 monthK12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownKiwico: Get $10 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/summer, promo code BREAKITDOWNMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.comProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! 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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  ENCORE Unconditional Love, Empathy & Human Connection with David Shane 06.05.2026 1h 8min

  Cate & Ty sit down with David Shane (@davidbshane), an adoptee who shares stories of love, mindfulness, and human connections on social media, but one day decided to share his journey of being contacted by his biological mother. David opens up about his upbringing, filled with open communication from his adoptive parents, which instilled in him a strong sense of self from a young age. He shares how the reunion with his biological younger sister, and eventually biological parents, came with emotional challenges and expectations, and the aftermath. Cate and Ty discuss with David about the fragility of life, the importance of overcoming fear in pursuing connections before it's too late, and the idea that not all reunions are positive but deserve to be explored with a strong support system. Drawing from his experiences, David offers advice for both adoptive and biological parents, emphasizing the critical role of unconditional support, open communication, and respecting the adoptee's pace during the reunion process.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 monthMarathon: Start earning rewards on every gallon of gas. Available at participating Marathon locations. Terms and Conditions apply. See MarathonRewards.com for detailsMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.comProgressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!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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  Ask Me Anything: Solo Session 29.04.2026 45min

  For this week, Cate does a rare solo Q&A session, also recapping the current sickness sweeping through the Baltierra household. She delves deep into her 17-year journey with Teen Mom, providing some behind-the-scenes insight of reality TV production and reflecting on the impact of documenting their open adoption journey. Cate also hints at an upcoming project for MTV/Paramount that has them heading out to record in the coming weeks!Thank you to our sponsors!K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.comQuince: 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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  ENCORE Q&A: Abortion, Leaked Photos and Being Soul Mates 22.04.2026 58min

  Cate & Ty dive into listener questions, tackling some personal topics such as whether Cate considered abortion when she found out she was pregnant. Her and Ty talk about the fear and panic surrounding an unplanned pregnancy at sixteen, emphasizing the importance of an educated decision when facing a crisis pregnancy. They also provide an update on their relationship with adoption facilitator Dawn, and discuss the complex state of their open adoption with their daughter Carly. Cate & Ty address the leaked photos of Carly, discussing the irony of being vilified for sharing their story while others now break privacy boundaries.Lastly, they share updates on their current relationships with their own parents, including maintaining a healthy and safe environment for their family. They discuss their own relationship and how they've worked to have a strong partnership but have never considered the work "hard"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 monthK12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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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  ENCORE Being in our 30s & Growing Up with an Absent Father 15.04.2026 56min

  ​C​ate & Ty are in downtown Detroit​ for today, ​feeling ​"old and lame" after staying up until 5am.​ They talk about the struggles of getting older, ​t​heir mutual love for the "Irish Goodbye" and ​how Tyler​ doesn't like it when plans are altered. ​Things get serious ​w​hen Cate asks about the impact of Tyler’s absent father, whose life was defined by addiction and time in prison. Tyler shares his earliest childhood memory—being a toddler and waking up to the flashlights of bounty hunters outside their trailer. He also reflects on the challenge of having to "burn down the fantasy" of an idealized dad and how the lack of a male role model ultimately shaped him into the dad and husband he is today.​ Lastly, Cate reads some Anonymous Secrets, and one in particular hits close to home.Thank you to our sponsors!K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdownMagnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.comQuince: 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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  Hope with Holly: Reclaiming Female Autonomy 08.04.2026 1h 33min

  This week, Tyler sits down with Holly from Hope with Holly. They discuss her journey with Christian fundamentalism and how she was able to break away. From attending Liberty University and marrying into a religious family to the devastating loss of her first daughter, which became the catalyst for her deconstruction, Holly details how and why she's so passionate in helping other women find their autonomy.For more information visit stan.store/HopeWithHollyThank 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.