Podcast Summary: Cate & Ty Break It Down - "They're Growing Up!"

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts: Catelynn (Cate) and Tyler (Ty) Baltierra

Introduction

In the episode titled "They're Growing Up!", Cate and Ty delve into the bittersweet transition as their children advance to new educational stages. The discussion centers around the end of the school year, the onset of summer break, and the accompanying changes in their family dynamics. The conversation is filled with candid reflections, humorous exchanges, and insightful observations about parenting and growing up.

Kids Transitioning to New School Levels

Catelynn and Tyler begin by sharing the emotional experience of their youngest, Nova, ending elementary school and moving to middle school. The shift marks the beginning of summer break, bringing both excitement and apprehension.

• Cate reflects on the emotional impact:
  "I looked at Nova, I'm like, are you okay?" [03:00]

• Tyler adds his perspective on Nova's feelings:
  "She just starts sobbing... this was my school for four years and all the teachers... I'm never gonna see any of them again." [03:29]

They discuss the challenges Nova faces in adjusting to a new school environment and the uncertainties that come with transitioning to middle school.

Summer Break and Family Activities

With the kids out of school, Cate and Ty explore their plans for the summer. Camping emerges as a popular activity, though it comes with its set of challenges.

• Tyler shares the preparation process:
  "I power washed the camper today. Ready to roll." [06:40]

• Cate expresses both excitement and nervousness about camping:
  "I was looking up campground spots... I'm nervous because we never normally camp." [08:19]

They discuss their love for camping, past experiences, and the logistics of managing their children's schedules during summer activities.

Parenting Dynamics and Grandparent Involvement

The hosts delve into the evolving roles within their family, emphasizing the importance of grandparent involvement and support systems.

• Cate emphasizes her commitment as a future grandparent:
  "I'm gonna be a super involved grandparent. I will remember how hard it is when you're in the ruts of parenting." [14:21]

• Tyler concurs, highlighting small gestures that can make a big difference:
  "Just come in here and pick them up, go get them a French fry and a milkshake or something. Just real fast." [16:28]

They discuss the generational differences in grandparent involvement and the positive impact grandparents can have on supporting new parents.

Reflections on School Routines and Growth

Cate and Tyler reflect on their children's growth and the routines that come with school-age kids. They share anecdotes about morning routines, bedtime challenges, and the transition from constant supervision to fostering independence.

• Cate recounts the nightly bedtime struggles:
  "Beta always stalls it. She always stalls it." [29:46]

• Tyler humorously describes attempting to sneak in a morning nap:
  "I've actually tried sneaking in the morning to see how if I... No, dude." [32:43]

The conversation highlights the daily challenges and humorous moments that come with raising school-age children.

Sleep Challenges and Parental Exhaustion

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing sleep patterns, both for the children and the parents. Cate and Ty share their personal struggles with sleep deprivation and strategies they've employed to cope.

• Cate expresses her frustration with sleeplessness:
  "Honestly, I would love it if sleep was a competitive sport." [21:29]

• Tyler offers advice on meditation to improve sleep:
  "I can't stop, though. You can't go, oh, this is stupid. It's not working." [23:09]

Their candid discussion sheds light on the universal challenges of parenting, particularly the exhaustion that comes with managing young children.

Secrets Anonymous Segment

In the "Secrets Anonymous" segment, Cate and Ty read and react to anonymous listener submissions. The stories range from humorous mishaps to more serious personal confessions.

1. Accidentally Sending a Kitty Pic to Dad
   Cate: "Could you. I would be mortified. I would never want to see my dad ever again." [33:32]
   Tyler: "That's horrible." [34:00]

2. Finding Mother's Thong Under the Sink
   Cate: "I found my mom's thong under the sink in her husband's house." [35:38]
   Tyler: "That's barbaric." [35:44]

3. Infidelity and Relationship Issues
   Cate: "I have been sleeping with one of my best friends for over a year. My husband does not know." [38:11]
   Tyler: "That's messed up and that's wrong." [39:08]

4. Fetish Confession
   Cate: "I Dutch oven my boyfriend under the covers when we sleep. It's a fetish." [46:05]
   Tyler: "That's messed up and that's wrong." [46:25]

Through these segments, the hosts engage with their audience, offering reactions that range from empathetic to humorous, while maintaining a supportive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Cate and Ty wrap up the episode by reflecting on the upcoming summer months and the changes ahead as their children grow older. They express a mix of excitement and nervousness about balancing family time, personal life, and podcast commitments.

• Cate: "It's definitely gonna be interesting recording now that the kids are on summer break for the podcast." [48:07]
• Tyler: "It would be way too circus here." [49:28]

The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you to listeners and a teaser for the next week's discussion, maintaining their signature blend of humor, honesty, and heartfelt conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Cate: "I hate pants." [00:20]
• Tyler: "She just starts sobbing... this was my school for four years and all the teachers... I'm never gonna see any of them again." [03:29]
• Cate: "I'm gonna make juice." [14:44]
• Tyler: "How do you manage to even just leave your phone?" [40:17]
• Cate: "I felt comfortable because it's my mom, you creep." [37:46]
• Tyler: "That's messed up and that's wrong." [39:08]

Insights and Takeaways

• Balancing Parenting and Personal Life: Cate and Ty emphasize the importance of maintaining their relationship amidst the demands of parenting, highlighting the need for personal time and mutual support.

• Emotional Challenges of Growing Up: The episode underscores the emotional toll that transitions in schooling can have on both children and parents, advocating for open communication and empathy.

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Throughout their discussions, the hosts use humor to navigate and alleviate the stresses of parenting, demonstrating its effectiveness in maintaining a positive outlook.

• Community and Support Systems: The importance of grandparents and community support is highlighted as essential for fostering a healthy family environment and providing relief for parents.

Conclusion

"They're Growing Up!" offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the challenges and joys that come with raising children through their formative years. Cate and Ty's authentic conversation provides listeners with relatable insights and practical reflections on parenting, personal growth, and maintaining strong family bonds amidst life's inevitable changes.