💸 Rita didn’t realize she had a problem… until she hit rock bottom. Shopping was once a source of excitement, but it quickly spiraled into an uncontrollable habit. In this episode of Almost Normal Podcast, Rita opens up about her experience with shopping addiction, impulse buying, and the emotional highs and lows of retail therapy. From the thrill of spending to the regret that followed, this episode dives into the psychology behind shopping addiction and the steps she’s taking to regain control.

In this episode, Rita dives into the controversy surrounding body positivity, weight loss, and women’s right to choose what they do with their own bodies. Why are women shamed for losing weight? Is body positivity about self-love or rigid rules? And how does this connect to broader issues like pro-choice rights and the societal obsession with policing women’s decisions? From beauty standards to abortion bans, this conversation unpacks the double standards that dictate how women are "supposed" to exist.

Birthdays aren’t always happy, and in this episode, Rita dives into the birthday blues—why they happen, where they come from, and how to deal with them. She shares her own experience of feeling down on her birthday, reflecting on the pressure to have a "perfect" day and the emotions that come with getting older. Rita talks about ways to reframe birthdays, from practicing gratitude to recognizing even the smallest achievements—like taking a shower on a tough day. She explores the idea of self-compassion, letting go of expectations, and focusing on personal growth rather than external milestones. If you've ever felt sad, anxious, or reflective on your birthday, this episode is for you. Join Rita as she unpacks the mental health side of birthdays, how to shift your mindset, and why you should be proud of yourself—no matter where you are in life.

In this episode, Rita dives into the self-imposed pressure many young women feel to define themselves—and stick to it. From style to personality to career, there’s this overwhelming expectation to choose one version of yourself and commit to it. But why does it have to be that way? Rita shares her personal experiences with identity struggles, including her battles with "Phyliss"—her inner critic who constantly changes her mind and keeps her questioning every choice. Whether it’s wondering if she’s “punk enough,” “feminine enough,” or even “a real artist,” she unpacks the internal and external pressures that make embracing all the sides of who we are so difficult.

In this episode, Rita explores the idea that women are meant to experience life, not simply be experienced by others. Drawing from her personal experiences, she examines how societal pressures have shaped the way women are conditioned to look and act in order to gain external validation. Using insights from Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given, Rita discusses how women can break free from these expectations and embrace a more authentic, fulfilling way of living. This episode offers a thoughtful and relatable take on rejecting outdated norms and redefining joy and self-worth.

In this episode, Rita explores the pressure that comes with New Year’s resolutions and why she’s letting go of the tradition altogether. She reflects on how these resolutions can create unnecessary stress, especially when life decisions still feel unclear. Instead of rigid goals, Rita discusses embracing growth, self-discovery, and enjoying the new year without the weight of unrealistic expectations. 🌟✨ For anyone who feels overwhelmed by the “New Year, New Me” mindset, Rita offers her personal insights, reflections, and alternative ways to approach 2025 with clarity and kindness. This episode is all about progress over perfection and making space for self-acceptance and meaningful change. 💭💕

In this episode, Rita shares the small joys that bring her happiness, from getting her nails done to visiting her favorite donut shop and spreading kindness by giving out sweet treats. She also compares Christmas in America to Christmas in the UK, explaining why she believes the UK does it better—no Thanksgiving means all the focus goes into the holiday season! Finally, Rita opens up about the issue of over-prescribed medications in America, sharing her personal experiences and her decision to reduce the number of pills she’s on. Tune in for a festive, thoughtful, and honest conversation about self-care, holiday traditions, and taking control of personal health.

Feeling like you’re falling behind in your 20s? Same. In this episode, I get real about how I’m NOT the 'aesthetic girl' you see all over TikTok. I don’t wake up at 5 a.m., do elaborate skincare routines, or live some perfectly curated lifestyle. If I could, I’d wake up at 12 p.m., go to bed early, and skip the pressure to 'glow up' every single day. I realized I’ve spent too much time trying to be someone I’m not instead of letting people see and appreciate the real me. Let’s chat about embracing your authentic self, finding joy in your own habits, and why it’s okay to just be YOU. 💕✨

In this episode, Rita shares her personal journey with OCD, offering insight into how it manifests in her life. From Contamination OCD and Harm OCD to Checking OCD, Symmetry OCD, and more, she explores the many ways obsessions and compulsions impact her daily experiences. Rita discusses the challenges of intrusive thoughts, compulsive rituals, and the surprising ways OCD can affect everyday life. This candid conversation aims to provide understanding and connection for anyone curious about OCD or navigating similar struggles. Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest and relatable content!

In this episode, Rita shares a heartfelt discussion about breaking free from the pressure to seek approval and learning to live authentically. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on the struggles of people-pleasing, the constant comparisons that can come with social media, and the courage it takes to prioritize personal happiness over external validation. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in the cycle of trying to meet others' expectations or who needs a reminder that their happiness doesn’t depend on external validation.

In this episode, Rita dives into the challenges of learning to celebrate yourself, sharing her personal battle with imposter syndrome and the difficulty of embracing her own achievements. She reflects on moments where self-doubt overshadowed success, like a recent art show that left her questioning her worth despite the overwhelming support from others. Rita discusses practical ways to combat imposter syndrome, including reframing negative thoughts, keeping a “wins” journal, and learning to celebrate even the smallest victories. With honesty and relatability, she explores why celebrating yourself is so important and how it can shift your mindset, build confidence, and inspire others. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t deserve their accomplishments or struggles to take a moment to acknowledge how far they’ve come.

In this candid episode, Rita opens up about her current struggle with body image and the difficult journey toward self-acceptance. She’s facing her insecurities head-on, from past habits of idolizing thinness to the constant comparisons that make feeling comfortable in her own skin challenging. Rita discusses the reality of dealing with negative body image, where her insecurities stem from, and why accepting her body feels tougher than ever. Throughout this unfiltered conversation, Rita shares her personal approach to shifting her mindset, including gratitude lists, confronting unrealistic beauty standards, and exploring the deeper roots of her insecurities. This episode is for anyone who’s felt the weight of body image issues, self-worth struggles, or pressure from today’s beauty ideals. Rita hopes her honest experience resonates with those on a similar path to self-confidence.

In this episode, I’m opening up about the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past 4 years of sobriety. From navigating social pressures and overcoming cravings to rediscovering life’s simple joys without alcohol, I’m sharing the hard truths and unexpected insights that have come from this life-changing journey. Whether you're struggling with addiction, curious about sobriety, or simply looking for some inspiration, I hope my experiences can offer guidance and support. I’ll discuss the ups and downs, the realities of living an alcohol-free life, and how getting sober has impacted my mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. If you’re thinking about quitting drinking, already on your sobriety journey, or just want to hear a candid perspective on life after alcohol, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Rita dives into her journey of redefining fun after choosing sobriety. 🎉✨ When she first decided to get sober, there were fears of missing out on social life and enjoyment. But Rita found a new world of authentic fun without alcohol! 🍹🚫 She shares personal stories, practical tips for navigating social events sober, and how sobriety has helped her build deeper connections, embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), and truly enjoy life without substances. Whether you're curious about quitting drinking or want to know what living a sober lifestyle is really like, this episode has something for you. 🥳💫

In this episode, Rita opens up about her journey out of a mental health crisis, sharing how she's actively fighting back against OCD and anxiety. She dives into the importance of gratitude and the practical ways she uses it to regain a positive outlook. Tune in to hear personal tips, techniques, and insights on how to shift your mindset, embrace the small joys, and remind yourself to be grateful every day. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, struggling with obsessive thoughts, or just seeking inspiration for mental wellness, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on self-care and healing.

In this episode, Rita opens up about her personal experience with OCD, sharing how the compulsions manifest and the impact they've had on her daily life. From repeating actions over and over to finding medications that help, she reflects on the challenges of living with the disorder. Rita also talks about her diagnosis journey and the surprising response she received after posting a TikTok about her OCD, realizing she wasn't alone in feeling this way. Tune in to hear her honest thoughts and insights on managing OCD

In this episode, Rita explores the societal pressure on women to meet unrealistic expectations surrounding career, motherhood, and beauty standards. She discusses the constant competition among women over success and looks, as well as the overwhelming pressure to balance a career and raise kids. Rita delves into how these pressures affect mental health and self-esteem, especially with social media amplifying body image concerns. She also tackles the difficulties of achieving work-life balance for women and the impact of comparing success, while offering insights on breaking societal norms and promoting women’s empowerment.

In this episode of her podcast, Rita dives into the emotional struggle of letting go of old clothes that hold sentimental value. She opens up about accepting her changing body and navigating the challenges of "second puberty" — especially dealing with adult acne. Rita's honest reflection on body image, confidence, and embracing the changes that come with adulthood will resonate with anyone going through a similar journey.

In this episode, Rita takes listeners on a wild journey through her many attempts to move from the UK to Los Angeles. From chaotic experiences involving substance use to finally settling down and attending art college—now married and thriving in LA—this story has it all. If you've ever dreamed of starting over, battled with life’s ups and downs, or just want to hear a raw, honest account of personal transformation, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover what it’s really like to chase a new life across the pond and make it work against all odds.

In this episode, Rita opens up about her decision to quit vaping and shares how the journey has impacted her life. She also talks about the books she's currently reading, offering listeners a glimpse into her latest literary picks. Rita then dives into the differences between living in London and Los Angeles, exploring the contrasts in culture, lifestyle, and pace of life.