Join Cate & Ty as they sit 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 monthMe Undies: Visit MeUndies.com/Breakitdown and use code BREAKITDOWN to get up to 50% off summer deals!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.

Prepare to have your mind blown as Cate & Ty sit down with Diana(@blackmarketbaby), an adoptee whose story only gets wilder and wilder. From uncovering the truth about her birth mother's "tiger king" lifestyle and essentially selling her children in the 80s, to navigating complex family dynamics and searching for her biological father, Diana shares her journey of identity and finding her truth in a world that often paints a pretty picture of 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 monthEveryPlate: Go to everyplate.com/podcast and use code BREAKITDOWN199 to get started. Applied as discount on first box, limited time only.Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your next order at MagicSpoon.com/BREAKITDOWN or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Camping, kids, and the Trad Wife! Cate & Ty share candid stories from their recent spontaneous camping trip – their first alone in years! From "mom guilt" moments and terrifying tales of lost children, Cate & Ty also discuss adulting woes, Mountain Dew-fueled childhood memories, and Ty discovers the Trad Wife debate and a video that had him going down a rabbit hole. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The internet can be a dark place and, as veteran social media users, Cate & Ty share their thoughts on the rampant spread of bullying, the issue with "snark pages", and the tragic stories of lives lost. We offer a heartfelt call to action for spreading kindness, fostering empathy, and supporting those who are struggling.  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's solo episode, Cate & Ty share their recent travel chaos, including a bank card hacking disaster in New York City. They also get real about the challenges of parenting and play "Couples" card game, revealing their communication styles, insecurities, and the surprising similarities that make their relationship work. And what's Tyler's hilarious, unwavering stance on feet fetishes? Let's find out! Thank you to our sponsors!Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your next order at MagicSpoon.com/BREAKITDOWN or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store.Me Undies: Visit MeUndies.com/Breakitdown and use code BREAKITDOWN to get up to 50% off summer deals! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cate & 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!Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first monthEveryPlate: Go to everyplate.com/podcast and use code BREAKITDOWN199 to get started. Applied as discount on first box, limited time only.ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/CateAndTy to find and instantly book an appointment todayQuince: 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.

This week, Cate & Ty tackle your most intimate questions! They discuss keeping the spark alive in long-term relationships, navigating intimacy with kids, and decoding the red flags of infidelity and manipulation. Plus, they share candid thoughts on modern reality TV and the importance of open conversations with your children about sex. 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 monthZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/CateAndTy to find and instantly book an appointment today See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Cate & Ty are back for another solo ep! This week, they're sharing life updates, including the kids being out of school for the summer and thoughts on Raya starting full-time preschool next school year. They delve into the challenges and joys of parenting, from dealing with early risers and emotional goodbyes to school to looking forward to being involved grandparents. Plus, we dip into the jar of "Secrets Anonymous," where we get the craziest of listener confessions that include accidental nude pics, an affair, a closeted parent, and sexual kinks. 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 answer some questions and open up about their 19-year relationship, sharing the unfiltered truth about how they've made it work throughout the years. They discuss the importance of communication, the role of therapy early in their relationship, and how they navigate disagreements and build a lasting connection. They address some of the haters, and conspiracy theories about themselves, and talk about how they have come to deal with it. Plus, they answer listener questions about balancing household duties and navigating a possible separation, offering their perspectives on building healthy and fulfilling relationships Thank you to our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode Cate & Ty sit down with Sydney Curtin, a birth mom who shares her complex journey of open adoption. Sydney opens up about the coercion and pressure she faced from the adoption agency, the promises made by the adoptive family, and the heartbreaking reality when those promises began to unravel. She also describes her initial hopes for an ongoing relationship with her daughter even after deciding for adoption. Cate and Ty share their thoughts on the stark differences between the idealized version of "open adoption" and its often-painful reality. Sydney also discusses the often-unseen effects of adoption on her other children and her ongoing fight to maintain a connection with her daughter even as the adoptive parents have tried to cut ties. For more information on Sydney's work check her out at www.coachcurtin.com and @coach_sydneycurtin . Also visit https://www.unplannedgood.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

​​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_thoughts Thank you to our sponsors! 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 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 sold 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. 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.

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

Join us for a powerful conversation with Erin, known as Adoptee Advocate Erin (@woodorwater) on Tiktok​, who shares her deeply personal adoption story, revealing the complexities and hidden truths behind the "beautiful" narrative​ that adoption has sold. Erin ​explains "the fog," a common experience where adoptees suppress their true feelings, and details the shocking discovery of her adoptive mother's lies about sealed records. She passionately advocates for adoption reform, highlighting the need for education, birth mother support, and an end to the commodification of children. Erin emphasizes the crucial importance of listening to adoptees and creating space for their diverse experiences. ​A must-listen for anyone touched by adoption​ or wanting to learn more than what we've been told. 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, Gretchen Sisson, author of ​Relinquished, ​sits down with ​Cate & Ty​ to discuss​ about her research​ on the gap between the cultural perception of adoption and the lived experiences of birth parents.​ Gretchen talks about the coercion and ​lack of ​resources​ playing a significant ​part that often le​d women to choose adoption​, emphasizes that many would have chosen differently had ​t​hey had more financial stability​ and support. The conversation also delves into the adoption industry​ using marketing tactics, ​their financial aspects,​ and the ethical concerns ​surrounding the system's inherent inequalities​. ​Is every adoption a failure of society to provide adequate support for families​? Cate & Ty break it down with Gretchen as she provides a nuanced look at adoption, challenging common assumptions and highlighting the need for change to better support birth parents, adoptees, and families in need. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cate & Ty are joined by Teen Mom castmate Maci and her Expired podcast co-host Natalie Gard to talk all about how they decided to start their podcast, how Natalie has dealt with the Teen Mom audience, and how they've seen teen pregnancy numbers go down in this generation. Maci also shares how she's been dealing with Bentley getting older and filming, how her journey has been with therapy and accepting that she is not responsible for the other parent's issues. (Previously recorded in 2024) 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.

Jordy Cray (@jordycray) comes in hot on Break It Down! In today's episode, Cate & Ty explain why they continue to talk about their adoption story despite the backlash with the public and the growing issues with the adoptive parents. While acknowledging a better understanding of the adoption community​ and learning of the adoptive parent's hypocrisy, Jordy still questions Cate and Ty's choice to vent publicly on social media​ but agrees that there is always more to the story than what everyone sees online. (Previously recorded in 2024) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.