Barely Famous Episode Summary: "Breaking It Down With Cate & Ty"

Release Date: March 14, 2025

In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode of Barely Famous, host Kale sits down with Kate and Ty, former cast members of Team Mom, to delve into the complexities of growing up amidst addiction, trauma, and the enduring impact these experiences have on their lives and relationships. The conversation is raw, honest, and offers listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the struggles and resilience of navigating familial addiction.

1. Introduction to Kate and Ty's New Podcast

Kale (00:28): "Welcome to the show. Things are going to get weird. It's your fave villain, Kale, and you're listening to Barely Famous."

Kate (01:05) and Ty (01:06) share their excitement about launching their own podcast, expressing confidence despite initial jitters. They highlight the desire to create authentic and unfiltered conversations, distinct from their reality TV experiences.

2. Personal Histories with Addiction

Kate (04:52): "That didn't shape everything, who you were? I don't think people understand my entire life to this day."

Kate and Ty reveal the profound influence of their parents' addiction on their upbringing. Kate discusses her father's ongoing struggles with sobriety and the importance of setting boundaries for her mental health.

Ty (08:40): "My mom's just at our house right now watching my kids. I love her."

Ty opens up about his mother's alcoholism, the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship, and the measures he has taken to protect himself and his children.

3. Setting Boundaries and Healing

Kale (06:10): "What is your relationship like with your parents now?"

Ty (07:03) explains the delicate balance of maintaining minimal contact with his father to ensure his own well-being while expressing a desire to reconnect and introduce him to his children.

Kate (11:07) confronts the toxic behavior of her partner’s family, emphasizing the importance of not allowing external negativity to undermine their relationship.

4. Sibling Relationships and Trauma

Kale (07:55) observes the shared experiences of addiction within their families, noting the unique bond it creates.

Ty (29:13) discusses his relationship with his siblings, highlighting the struggles faced by his brothers and stepsister due to their mother's addiction and their father's absence.

Kate (32:07) adds depth to the conversation by sharing the emotional turmoil caused by their stepmother’s abuse and its long-term effects on sibling relationships.

5. Coping Mechanisms: Therapy and Ketamine Treatment

Kale (51:30) steers the conversation towards alternative therapies, prompting Kate and Ty to discuss their experiences with ketamine therapy.

Kate (49:43): "I did a letter to my younger self. It was like, let it go. Burned the letter and felt freeing."

Kate describes the transformative impact of a single ketamine session, comparing it to years of traditional therapy. Ty echoes the benefits while expressing reservations about the potential loss of control during the experience.

6. Breaking the Cycle: Intergenerational Trauma

Kale (39:48) and Kate (45:12) explore the concept of intergenerational trauma, emphasizing the importance of understanding and healing past wounds to prevent the perpetuation of addiction and emotional abuse.

Ty (68:31): "I've always had that thought process. I wanted to be a mom and do things differently."

Ty and Kate discuss their commitment to providing a healthier environment for their children, breaking away from the destructive patterns of their upbringing.

7. Reflections on Addiction and Empathy

Kate (66:11): "It's not trauma's what happened, it's how you reacted to what happened."

The trio reflects on the varied impacts of trauma and addiction, recognizing that each individual's response is unique. They emphasize the importance of empathy and non-judgment in supporting those struggling with addiction.

Ty (67:34): "All addicts are trying to numb themselves from something."

8. Closing Thoughts and Future Steps

Kale (69:05): "Where can people find your podcast and your social media?"

Kate and Ty share details about their new podcast, "Kate and Ty, Break It Down," encouraging listeners to join them on their journey of healing and self-discovery.

Kate (70:31): "Thanks for coming on Barely Famous."

Notable Quotes

• Kale (00:28): "Things are going to get weird."
• Kate (07:03): "I always reach out to him at least once a month and say, hey, because I think it's important for me to say, hey, I love you."
• Ty (53:08): "It's literally curing people's PTSD."
• Kate (66:11): "Trauma's not what happened, it's how you reacted to what happened."
• Ty (68:31): "I always wanted to be a mom and I wanted to do things differently."

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Storytelling: Kate and Ty prioritize genuine conversations over scripted narratives, aiming to provide a real perspective on their experiences.

• Boundaries for Mental Health: Establishing and maintaining boundaries is crucial for healing and protecting one's mental well-being amidst familial addiction.

• Therapeutic Approaches: Alternative therapies like ketamine treatment have had a significant positive impact on Kate and Ty's healing journeys.

• Breaking the Cycle: Acknowledging and addressing intergenerational trauma is essential to prevent the continuation of destructive patterns.

• Empathy and Understanding: Recognizing the unique ways individuals cope with trauma fosters a more supportive environment for those struggling with addiction.

This episode offers a poignant exploration of how addiction and trauma shape personal identities and relationships. Barely Famous provides listeners with valuable insights into resilience, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the ongoing journey toward healing and self-discovery.