Anna Cathcart: The Habit Of Anxiety

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Squeeze – Episode Featuring Anna Cathcart: "The Habit Of Anxiety"

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of The Squeeze, host Taylor Lautner engages in an in-depth conversation with actress Anna Cathcart, best known for her role in Exo Kitty. The discussion centers around Anna's lifelong battle with anxiety, her journey through therapy, and how she balances her mental health while navigating the challenges of a burgeoning acting career. Throughout the episode, Anna shares personal anecdotes, coping strategies, and insights aimed at fostering a broader conversation about mental wellness.

Early Experiences with Anxiety

Anna Cathcart opens up about her early encounters with anxiety, tracing her struggles back to childhood.

• On the Onset of Anxiety: "When I was nine, really weirdly gained this like really intense debilitating fear. Incredibly irrational and incredibly debilitating at its peak." (02:10)

  Anna describes an intense fear that manifested at a young age, leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood by peers.

• Separation Anxiety: Anna recounts her severe separation anxiety, which became particularly overwhelming during her transition into first grade.

  "In grade one happened, I, like, cried every single day going to school." (12:43)

  This period marked the beginning of her long-term struggle with anxiety, influencing her daily life and interactions.

Therapy and Overcoming Childhood Fears

Anna delves into her therapeutic journey, highlighting the pivotal role therapy played in her healing process.

• Initial Resistance to Therapy: "At 9, I was like, don't you dare tell my friends. Moms. Don't tell my friends." (17:00)

  Despite her young age, Anna faced internalized stigma about seeking help, viewing therapy as something shameful.

• Impact of Therapy: "Seeing therapy as a doctor's appointment helped me reframe it." (26:56)

  Therapy provided Anna with frameworks to understand and manage her anxiety, likening it to physical health care.

• Ongoing Relationship with Anxiety: Anna reflects on how anxiety has evolved over the years, becoming a habitual presence in her life.

  "It's just how I'm used to existing. But, there's hopeful that you can get through those stages and you'll get better." (13:56)

Managing Anxiety in College

Transitioning to college presented new challenges for Anna, as she balanced her studies with the pressures of an acting career.

• Desire for Normalcy: "I really wanted to have a normal life, to be in spaces where people around me are my age." (07:56)

  College offered Anna a semblance of the traditional student experience she yearned for, allowing her to grow alongside her peers.

• Navigating Recognition: "Sometimes I get recognized at school pretty often, and it can be tough." (08:41)

  Balancing fame with academic life introduced unique stressors, necessitating new coping mechanisms.

Coping Strategies and Tools

Anna shares various strategies that have helped her manage anxiety, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and support systems.

• Journaling and Self-Reflection: "Journaling has been huge... it can be whatever you want it to look like." (36:20)

  Writing provides Anna with a safe space to process her thoughts without external judgment.

• Supportive Relationships: "I'm very lucky to have people in my life to talk to." (36:20)

  Close relationships, particularly with her sister, offer Anna the emotional support necessary to navigate her anxiety.

• Reframing Anxiety: "It's just something that I go through. Other people feel it too, just less." (40:23)

  Anna emphasizes distinguishing anxiety as a transient feeling rather than an intrinsic part of her identity.

Season 2 of Exo Kitty

Shifting focus to her acting career, Anna discusses the impact of Exo Kitty on her mental health and personal growth.

• Transition from Hobby to Career: "This show really brought that crazy transition of like child to adult career." (52:36)

  Taking on a lead role at 18 introduced her to the rigors of professional acting, reshaping her perception of her passion.

• Balancing Gratitude and Stress: "You're allowed to be stressed out. This is really tough and this is hard." (52:36)

  Anna grapples with societal expectations to constantly feel fulfilled by her career, learning to acknowledge her stress without guilt.

• Character and Personal Growth: "Season one was so impactful... It helped me just be fine to not know what's going on." (54:57)

  Portraying her character has mirrored her own journey, fostering deeper self-awareness and acceptance.

Lemon 7: Rapid-Fire Q&A

In the "Lemon 7" segment, Anna answers seven fun and introspective questions, offering listeners a glimpse into her personal preferences and mindset.

1. Movie or Song Title Describing Current Mental Health: "You need to calm down by Taylor Swift." (56:26)

2. Openness About Struggles: "I would say pretty open... especially my sister. I will tell her everything all the time." (56:59)

3. Top Three Social Media Accounts to Follow:

   • Dog-related accounts for a mood boost.
   • We the Urban for positive and validating quotes.
   • Zendaya’s account, whom she admires deeply for her resilience and style.

4. Favorite Form of Self-Care: "Journaling is like majorly up there. Reliable." (59:37)

5. Most Misunderstood Thing: "I'm seen as a very cheery, perky, happy, sunshiny person... but I can be quite cynical at times." (59:49)

6. Most Positive Impact on Mental Health: "Definitely my big sister... I don't know who I would be without her." (62:19)

7. Moment to Revisit and Advice to Younger Self: "To give little me a hug and say that you are gonna not feel this way one day." (62:54)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Anna expressing gratitude for the platform The Squeeze provides, allowing her to share her experiences and potentially aid others facing similar struggles. The conversation not only sheds light on the pervasive nature of anxiety but also underscores the importance of understanding, support, and effective coping mechanisms in the journey toward mental wellness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anna Cathcart: "When I was nine, really weirdly gained this like really intense debilitating fear." (02:10)
• Anna Cathcart: "Seeing therapy as a doctor's appointment helped me reframe it." (26:56)
• Anna Cathcart: "Journaling has been huge... it can be whatever you want it to look like." (36:20)
• Anna Cathcart: "It's just something that I go through. Other people feel it too, just less." (40:23)
• Anna Cathcart: "You're allowed to be stressed out. This is really tough and this is hard." (52:36)
• Anna Cathcart: "I would say pretty open... especially my sister. I will tell her everything all the time." (56:59)
• Anna Cathcart: "To give little me a hug and say that you are gonna not feel this way one day." (62:54)

Timestamps

• 02:10: Anna discusses the onset of her intense fear at age nine.
• 12:43: Anna recounts experiencing severe separation anxiety in first grade.
• 17:00: Anna opens up about initial resistance to therapy and societal stigma.
• 26:56: Anna compares therapy to treating a broken bone, emphasizing its necessity.
• 36:20: Anna highlights journaling and supportive relationships as key coping mechanisms.
• 40:23: Anna talks about distinguishing anxiety as a feeling, not her identity.
• 52:36: Anna reflects on balancing gratitude for her career with the stress it brings.
• 54:57: Anna shares how portraying her character in Exo Kitty has influenced her personal growth.
• 56:26: Anna chooses "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift to describe her current mental state.
• 56:59: Anna speaks about her openness in discussing her struggles, especially with her sister.
• 59:37: Anna lists journaling as her favorite form of self-care.
• 59:49: Anna explains how people often misunderstand her as solely cheerful.
• 62:19: Anna credits her big sister as having the most positive impact on her mental health.
• 62:54: Anna wishes she could comfort her younger self during her peak anxiety moments.

Transcript

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[Sleep Number Advertiser]

Podcast is a Dear Media Production this.

[Anna Cathcart]

Something like I actually so excited to talk about it because I've never talked about it publicly.

[Podcast Host 1]

Has it kind of just been this underlying feeling that you've always had?

[Anna Cathcart]

So when I was nine, really weirdly gained this like really intense debilitating fear. Incredibly irrational and incredibly debilitating at its peak. You can't really place it in your mind of like why am I going through this like weird thing that I can't explain to my friends? Cause I just look crazy. My sister always jokes she's like you need a level two therapist. Like you've leveled up if you've been.

[Podcast Host 2]

Able to find a balance between anxiety and happiness.

[Anna Cathcart]

Just because yeah, I'm not 100% where I want to be. That doesn't make the good feelings any less good. Yeah, like oh, I'm in Disneyland with my family and this is fun. But like you're not actually having a good time. Like I'm still having anxiety. Like I'm still a mess inside.

[Podcast Host 2]

What Would you say is the most misunderstood thing about you?

[Anna Cathcart]

Whoa, whoa.

[Podcast Host 1]

When life gives you lemons, what do you do with them?

[Podcast Host 2]

Over here at the Squeeze, we talk about it.

[Podcast Host 1]

Anna, welcome to the Squeeze.

[Audible Advertiser]

Thank you.

[Anna Cathcart]

Thank you for having me.

[Podcast Host 2]

Of course, we're honored to have you.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yes, we're very excited. But we start each episode off this jar. It's a game called Citrus Got Real. If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there.

[Anna Cathcart]

So cute.

[Podcast Host 1]

And see what she has to say.

[Podcast Host 2]

Drum roll. Cuz we're not wearing the headphones. I can't hear my drum roll anymore.

[Anna Cathcart]

Sorry. If you had to pick one person to live with the rest of your life, who would it be? Ooh, easy. My big sister. Like for sure. I mean we already like already lived. Well, we don't live together right now, but I mean we obviously grew up together and then we, our first time moving out, we lived together and we always are sad. Like what if we don't live in the same city one day? Like what if we're not together? So definitely, definitely her. She's like best friend in the world. V. Easy, easy answer.

[Podcast Host 2]

What's your age difference?

[Anna Cathcart]

We're five years apart. She's five years older.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay.

[Anna Cathcart]

But weirdly, we get asked all the time who's older. Even though I think it is so clear and so obvious that she's older. But yeah, I'm very, very lucky. We've like never, we've like never fought, never had any issues. Even when I was born, I think because of the five years, like when I first came into the world, she was already like, I'm going to take care of you and you're like my like little like I love you already. There was like no competition, it just worked. But yeah, the best.

[Podcast Host 2]

I have a six year gap with my younger sister and it's just the two of us in for the most part like same thing. We everybody asked like if we fought and I'm like, not really. I think like that amount of age gap gets rid of like most of the whatever.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Happens during fun teenage years.

[Anna Cathcart]

Cuz like her friends thought I was like the cute little sister. My friend thought she was like the cool older sister. Like there was no like we were clearly different stages and now it's like balanced out more the older we get that like we all have the same friends and stuff, which is great.

[Podcast Host 2]

And this is who you throw the cookie party with?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yes. This is who I do like most everything in life. She was literally just in LA with me as well. I was like, I need you here for press week. I need you here, like, for everything. Like, such. She. All the time. She's like, I'm basically like the emotional support dog. Like, people will be like, oh, like, what do you do on Anna's team? Because she'll often be around and she's like, I'm just, I'm the support. And like, she does so much, though, but. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

So sweet.

[Podcast Host 1]

I love that I don't have a sibling, so I don't know what that feels like. I would probably choose you.

[Podcast Host 2]

No, that's awkward because I would choose Remy.

[Podcast Host 1]

Thank you. I mean, I mean, okay, if you.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, of course I would choose you if you.

[Podcast Host 1]

If not me, then who?

[Podcast Host 2]

Remy?

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay. A human.

[Podcast Host 2]

Oh, frick. Oh, man, that's a really tough one.

[Podcast Host 1]

I guess I said human and I don't even have a human answer. So maybe, maybe we'll go back with the dog.

[Podcast Host 2]

You don't have a human answer. It's not me.

[Anna Cathcart]

Other than other than you.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, that's tough. I know. If we couldn't choose each other, just like I couldn't choose our dogs.

[Podcast Host 1]

I always say if I didn't marry you, I would marry Nell.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay. This is a girlfriend of ours, one.

[Podcast Host 1]

Of my best, one of my close friends.

[Podcast Host 2]

This is just so, so that's who you would want.

[Podcast Host 1]

I'd probably live with Nell. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay.

[Podcast Host 1]

Love you, Nell.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay. I don't know, I feel like you.

[Podcast Host 1]

Would also choose Nell. She's just easy.

[Podcast Host 2]

I mean, yeah, she is very easy.

[Anna Cathcart]

But that's so good to have a friend like that.

[Podcast Host 2]

I, I, I can't choose. I don't want to offend any of our friends. We have such a wonderful group. I would choose all of you.

[Podcast Host 1]

You picked Jordan.

[Podcast Host 2]

Potentially.

[Podcast Host 1]

Our friend is a really good cook.

[Podcast Host 2]

He could just cook for me.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah, that's.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

Huge.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, it is huge.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. Okay. Yours is Jordan.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay, Moving on from that. I'm curious because something you're doing is something I did not. And that is you're in college, right?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yes.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yes.

[Podcast Host 2]

How, how is that going? And is that like something you, you always, like, were set to do? Like to, to did, like, it didn't matter what in the. Career wise, you're gonna go to college?

[Anna Cathcart]

Kind of. I, like, dreamed of going always. Growing up. Like, my parents both went to the same school. They both went to ubc, and then my sister went to ubc. And like, we were just like a very UBC family. And I was like, I'm gonna go. It's gonna Be my turn one day and I'm gonna go to ubc. And like, that has always been the dream since I was like five. So I think being after was never expected. And then once it happened, I was like, no, I, like, will never get over it if I don't get to have that, like, chapter as well in that path. But I to like, I'm not necessarily in a super big rush to get a degree. Like, I'm like, I hope to act forever or like, at least work in film and TV in some capacity that, like. And that's not even what I'm going to school for. Like, I study sociology and creative writing. So, like, it's not even. Of course there's. There's things that help it, but like, it's not to do with this job. So it's more just for the experience as well as, like, being an actor. I feel like you're not really in like, normal, typical environments. Growing up all the time, I, like, really wanted to have, like, normal life. Like, I like, really wanted to be in, like, spaces where people around me are my age. We're all learning to be adults. We're all growing up. We're all figuring out the same things. And like, it's been so, so beneficial for so many reasons. Right now I'm actually like, taking a little break. I'm not going to classes next semester. And I've been doing like, on and off because of work since I started. And I took like a gap year, I guess after high school to shoot season one of Exo Kitty.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

But I don't know when I'm gonna be back next. But like, the reason to go is mainly, like, to learn how to be an adult and like, to grow and have that space.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And I like, love going to classic. I love learning in that type of environment too. Is like, not as I know high school. So, so, so different that I just like, wanted the college, like, era. And I'm very grateful that I got the chance to like, explore it because it's been the best.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's cool. Has it not been challenging? Like, you know, because I. I was still in high school when the first Twilight came out. And that's when I realized that I couldn't do school anymore because I would be in science class and like, kids would be like, literally recording me with their phone.

[Anna Cathcart]

That's crazy.

[Podcast Host 2]

Like, do you experience that? And is it okay?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah, it's definitely weird. Like, I think high school, I've worked throughout, like, since grade seven, like very consistently. And I went to regular public school that whole time. So, like, that was, like, I kind of learned those challenges, and that was one thing. But going to, like, a huge college is so different because, like, you're going to see new people every single day. It's not like they, like, get used to it. It's like you're going to keep running into new. And it is weird at times. Like, I. I do get recognized at school pretty often. And, like, it sometimes is tough because it's like, oh, like, great, we just took a picture. But, like, we're in a group project.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And now I'm like, need to give you my contact information and you're gonna peer review my essay. But, like, you're. You just, like, wanted me to be on your story. Like, I'm like, that's also, like, a weird thing. But I've been pretty lucky that it's worked out. And I found a really good community at school in my first year. And that was like, a more chill time for me because, like, the movies, like, the Toilet Boys movie had come out a while ago. Exo Kitty hadn't come out yet. I think people kind of like, I wasn't in the public eye too much, so I met a lot of really great people. And I'm part of, like, a club that plans events on campus. And, like, they're my, like, whole world. Like, that group of people's the best. So to have a safe space is huge. And then coming back after the show came out, I kind of had to relearn that a little bit for sure of, like, how to handle that and how to navigate it. But, yeah, I don't know. It's. I've been very lucky. It's, like, still worth it. But I'm not gonna lie. There's times for sure, I'll go home and, like, lose my mind a little bit. Cause I'm like. I don't. It's a weird, weird situation.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

I never thought about the college thing, like, being more people. And, like, you. Like, in high school, you know, I'd done, like, stuff before, so, like, in high school, I was just known as Shark Boy. And. But the people got used to it because you see the same people every day. It's like. Yeah, it was, like, annoying at first, but then eventually it's just Shark Boy.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

But, yeah, college. It's like, yeah, there's so many 60,000.

[Anna Cathcart]

People on our campus. Yeah, it's definitely different.

[Podcast Host 2]

That is interesting.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. It's a cool outlook, too, that you, like, want to experience. Like, Quote, unquote, normal things. Because, like, there's things that Taylor didn't do that I did, because I'm, like, very normal. My first, like, intro into the industry was when we first started dating. But, like, I'll talk about things I did in high school, and he's like, you did that? And I'm like, yeah, that's normal. Or, like, talk about, like, things in college. And it's funny that, you know, there is, like, a decent amount of stuff that Taylor just, like, didn't do that I did.

[Anna Cathcart]

Totally.

[Podcast Host 1]

So it's interesting. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

There's definitely been some things you've, like, told me about, and I've been like, people do that.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah, I know. I always wonder, like, once we have kids and they're like, want to go out, like, with friends in high school or whatever, Taylor's gonna be like, no, you're not doing that. I'll be like, yeah, that's fine. Like, I did that.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

You're literally gonna have a panic attack. Lock our children in the house. Oh, boy. That'll be the day. Okay, I'm excited to dive into this mental health talk because you shared with us that anxiety, for you has kind of been, like, this lifelong journey that you've dealt with. And I'm curious, because people kind of experience it both ways. Was there a moment for you where you were like, oh, this is the first time I'm feeling anxiety? Or has it kind of just been this underlying feeling that you've always had and then later on in life figured out that that was what it was?

[Anna Cathcart]

I definitely think it. Like, now I feel like it's always been there. Like, I always make the joke of, like, oh, like, when was the last time I felt calm? Like, in 2008. Like, I don't. Yeah, I was probably four. Like, it just feels so ingrained of, like, I just live in this state of, like, high stress, and it just. Just feels like a habit now. Like, I'm like. It's just, like, how. How I'm used to existing. But I would say, like, looking back when I was six is, like, when it really started getting, like, impeding your daily life. Like, a lot. I, like, had really bad separation anxiety at that age, and that, like, I don't know, somehow kindergarten. I was chilling, and I loved it. And then, like, once grade one happened, I, like, cried every single day going to school, and I'm like, I don't know. I don't know when. Why that's what happened.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And then anxiety just, like, keeps showing up. In my life in. In different ways. Like, it manifests itself in, like, very specific kind of, like, stages throughout that. If I look back now, I'm like, oh, in those three years, like, this is how it felt. And in those three years, like, it. It, like, turned into this weird thing or, like, then I had a new challenge. And, like, it's just always kind of been there, but looked very different at different times, which in some ways is comforting. So, like, in the moment when you feel like this is, like, so impossible to get over, I realize that I have, like, for example, with separation anxiety. That was, like, huge, like, for me and my mom. I, like, had. I mean, it's normal for like, a little kid, like, oh, like, crying when their mom leaves them. When you're like, four, when you're five, but not when you're 11. It's like, that's like, oh, this is something that's going on. That's, like, not typical to be, like, not able to go to soccer practice in grade seven. Like, that's, like, different. So I was dealing with that and then, like, it felt like I was never gonna get out of it. And then I went to therapy and, like, a really long journey with that, but, like, got out of that eventually and I was like, cool. I went past it. But now I'm dealing with this brand new thing with anxiety that, like, is proven. It's just gonna keep showing up, which I think in some ways feels like never ending, but in all other ways, it's, like, hopeful that you can get through those stages and, like, you'll get better at dealing with the things that feel impossible.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

So I don't know. It's a strange, like, relationship that I have with anxiety. But, yeah, I think now I'm probably more aware of it than I ever have been.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

Dang. How. How did. So you said till, like, age 11, the separation anxiety, how did, like, was it just therapy that kind of helped you through that?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah, I'm like, I don't know. Sometimes I look back at it too. I'm like, when did you, like, snap out of it? Like, I think so. Separations. I started when I was really, really little, and then when I was nine. This is something like, I actually so excited to talk about it because I've never talked about it publicly. And, like, when I was thinking about doing this podcast, I was like, I've, like. So, like, I feel like I should do this more often. Like, actually open up about these things, because I know if I was at that stage and heard someone else talk about the specifics of what they're dealing with. It would have been like world changing for me. So when I was nine, really weirdly, I gained this like really intense debilitating fear around throwing up, which is like really specific and a really specific type of anxiety that like, it's really difficult to explain to people because it almost shows up as a phobia where it's like, yeah, and no one likes throwing up. It's like not a pleasant thing for anybody. But I'm like, it was like incredibly irrational and incredibly debilitating at its peak where, like I wouldn't be able to do certain things. I would carry a throw up bag with me everywhere I go in case something happened. Not that it ever did, but like, there was so much fear and so much like it was just a really, really interesting time. Like looking back now, I feel like I can realize how like abnormal I guess it was versus when you're in it. You're like, everyone has fears. And like, yeah, this is scary. And like I get more stress than this than typical. But like, no, like I had a phobia. I had like a like clinical anxiety around this topic. So that happened at 9 and it was triggered by me throwing up on a bus in Paris really randomly. And that also really scared me to be like, whoa. Things can like happen in your life that are like, you don't realize it at the time but will like change the trajectory of your mental health and like really, really impact you up until your adult life is like so crazy. So I would say that anxiety honestly was probably more prominent than the separation anxiety. But then there was a combination of the two which was really rough. And then many, many years I dealt with this like, phobia and this fear and like it got to the point where like I wouldn't wear certain clothes because it didn't have pockets and I couldn't put a throw up bag in there or I would hide it in like I used to play field hockey and I would like hide it in my high sock and like things that I was like. Then of course you like, as a kid you feel so like shameful about this and like you can't really place it in your mind. Like, why am I going through this like weird thing that I can't explain to my friends because I just look crazy and like this is not like, oh, she's stressed and like anxious about regular things. I'm like, no, I have like this, this like weird thing going on that I can't even explain. To you. Like, that was really tough. And then now, like, I'm so grateful I've gotten through. Like, I'm past that stage and is still with me in little ways, but, like, we are worlds apart from where we were growing up. But that was, like, a really roundabout answer to. I don't even remember what your racial question was. But that was, like, backstory curious.

[Podcast Host 2]

Like, did. Did your parents know about that thing?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yes, they did know about it. And they're like, I'm so grateful for them for being, like, as supportive as they could be. But of course, like, I think when you're dealing with mental health issues, it's gonna affect the people that you love, and not always in the best ways, because it makes everybody's life difficult at moments when you're dealing with stuff. So it was really hard for our whole family, but they were as, like, supportive as they possibly could. I started seeing a therapist, and I think it's so interesting to me now that looking back, I remember being so scared of the thought of seeing a therapist. And so, like, don't you dare tell my friends. Moms. Don't tell my friends. Like, I have to lie and tell them I'm going to the dentist. Like, I. I don't. I'm not. And I'm like, I was nine. Like, how did I know that was something to be ashamed of? Like, I was like, I. I can't believe. Like, at that point in my life, I was already, like, so socialized. To know this is something that you should feel bad about is so crazy to me. And I was, like, at 9 years old, I was, like, in tears being like, mom, you, like, don't bring me to a therapist. And how did that. Like, how did that happen? Like, how did I think that? But it was incredibly beneficial and helped me a lot. A lot, for sure. And then shortly after, like, when I was going to therapy, like, right after that, I started acting, and I was doing a lot better with this specific fear and with this type of anxiety. And then it kind of came back while I was working on my first show, which was really interesting to deal with. And then eventually, like, when I got to high school and stuff, this kind of stage passed. And luckily I'm, like, in a good place with it now. But now anxiety just shows up in different ways. Yeah, but that's kind of like, where the root of it was. And it's, like, one of the most vulnerable because it's so difficult to explain, and it's so specific, and it's, like, not the Normal like oh, social anxiety or like whatever. Something that's more common. It's like, no, it's like really like weird and I don't even know why that happened and whatever. But yeah, I think if I had heard someone else had this specific type of fear, I'd be like, I'm not crazy. This means a lot. So it's cool to talk about.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah, no, it, it is crazy how you know, our early childhood, you know, things that happen to us can impact us in ways like that maybe, you know, don't make sense. Like you were like, know why, you know, this has developed into what it was. Okay. Lemon drops. So it is the new year and the hype that is going on right now, as always, at the beginning of the year is a new year's resolution, a goal, a thought feeling, something that you want to bring into this new year. And one of my goals for this new year, it's actually a smaller goal, but really something that I want to try to implement into my daily routine. And that's just prioritizing self care and doing that in ways that I can easily and effectively incorporate into my day to day routine. And that's why I've loved taking Symbiotica's liposomal vitamin C packets because, well, for a lot of reasons. And let me tell you why. The first one is because it's so easy. They come in these pre measured pouches and you can take them on the go with you if you're traveling, which, you know, we're traveling a lot this time of year. So easy to just throw them in your bag and take them with you wherever you go. I have the box of them right next to my coffee pot. So in the morning when I'm making coffee, I just go ahead and suck one of those right up and they taste great, which is awesome. Not only do these liposomal vitamin C packets help improve your skin, but they also help improve your immune health, which are two of the things I would love to improve on. And what's so cool about Symbiotica is the quality of their products. They're free from seed oils, preservatives, toxins, or in artificial additives which are usually found in supplements. And you know you're getting the good stuff that your body really needs from Symbiotica. High quality holistic wellness right at your fingertips. Be present and feel your best for life's most memorable moments. You can go to symbiotica.com squeeze for 20% off your order plus free shipping today. Again, symbiotica.com squeeze for twenty percent off your order plus free shipping today. You guys want to hear a crazy statistic? Over 10,000 chemicals have entered our US food supply and yet the EU limits this just to 300 additives. Personally, I don't have the time to sift through ingredient labels to see what's in my food, which is why I love using Thrive Market. Thrive Market makes it so easy to find better options without the hassle. One of my favorite features is the Healthy Swap Scanner in the Thrive Market app. It's simple, you can scan any item and it instantly suggests cleaner, healthier grocery alternatives. For me, that means swapping out sugary snacks for high quality swaps like chomps, beef sticks, simple meals, crackers and lesser evil popcorn. The best part is everything gets delivered right to my door and I get savings on every order. Thrive Market also takes the guesswork out of finding safe, healthy food. All their products are 100% non GMO and free from over 1000 harmful ingredients on site. Filters make shopping even easier. Whether you're looking for dye free snacks, non toxic cleaning or high protein meals that fit your dietary preferences, Thrive Market has you covered in just a few clicks. Ready for a junk free start to 2025? Head to thrive market.com squeeze and get 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift. That's T H R I V E market.com squeeze thrive market.com squeeze Many of you listening already know and love the brand Drunk Elephant and they've just launched their C Luma Hydrobite Serum. It's a gentle 10% hydrating vitamin C serum that brightens, hydrates, improves clarity and reduces blemishes. C Luma is ideal for those who have sensitive skin and maybe are sensitive to traditional vitamin C formulas and it may be used both day and night. 10% vitamin C reduces blemishes, fades hyperpigmentation, improves skin clarity and triple antioxidant brightening complex brightens and reduces post breakout marks. I am so prone to hyperpigmentation in my skin whenever I get a zit and it goes away like it'll go away nicely, I won't have to pop it and won't be this usual thing. It'll just go away. But I always get marks on my skin every single time and I live off of vitamin C serums. I need them and that's why I am so excited about this new product from Drunk Outfit because sometimes with vitamin C serums the texture can just be off. They just it's a no. Sometimes but with this one, it's definitely more smooth. It goes on so nicely and doesn't leave me feeling, like, tacky or sticky at all. They have so many good products and I just, I can't wait for this one. You can discover Drunk Elephant C Luma Hydro Bright Serum at Ulta Beauty stores and [e-mail]. when did you kind of. Was there a point where you were like, okay, I actually like therapy or I'm enjoying this or not proud to be going to therapy. But was there ever, like, a switch for you there?

[Anna Cathcart]

I'm. To be honest, I don't totally remember exactly how that process went because I was so young when it started.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

But I, I would say it was probably like a year and a half, two years that I went pretty consistently. And at that age, it was a lot of like, let's talk about what a worry is or what, how does this feel in your body? What is fear? Like, anxiety is a real thing and you might not have even known it. And like, I felt nauseous a lot of the time throughout that stage. Like, I just, like, felt sick pretty much every day. And like, learning, like, oh, that's not. Like, that can come from my mind and like, that's connected to everything going on and like, working through things in a very, like, let's lay it out. Because it was like a kids counselor and she was amazing. Like, shout out to her. But it. I think it had like, eventually, like, oh, this is just a routine. This is something that I just have to do and like, almost treat it like a doctor's appointment. And I think I often now, even in my adult life will, like, make comparisons to physical health when you're dealing with mental health, just because it makes it like, yeah, it reframes it of like, imagine if, like, you broke your ankle and you had to go to physio. Like, you wouldn't feel bad about it. And like, if you had a harder time going on a run because you had a broken ankle and the person beside you didn't have a broken ankle, you wouldn't blame yourself for it. Versus, like, you deal with mental health struggles the person beside you is not dealing with and you're both having to, like, go to school or do the same thing. It's not your fault that this is harder for you. And, like, you can get that support the way that you would put on a cast and not be like, I don't need to cast my. My ankle. Like, that's my fault. Like, that I think I tried to do that as well. Like, this is kind of like going to the doctor. Like, this is something that I'm not doing great in and I need to heal, so let's go heal it. And I think having that framework helped for sure. And then, like, I don't know, after I stopped doing that, I. I had taken a break from therapy, and then I started going again in high school when it, like, started showing up again and anxiety was like, Looked very different, but still felt not great, obviously. And I've struggled with, like, going to therapy in my adult life because I think I've turned into a very, like, reflective person. And I. I'm lucky to have people in my life that I can talk to about a lot of these issues and about the things that I'm going through. And, like, I journal a lot. I think way too much. I, like, reflect way too much. I'm very self aware, which is great. But a lot of therapy sometimes provides that for people who maybe don't do that in their everyday life. And my sister always jokes, she's like, you need a level two therapist. Like, you've leveled up and like, to have like, that next type of support that shows to be beneficial. Like, I'm still looking for. That's like a ongoing journey, but definitely was most beneficial as a kid.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. I love what you said about the broken bone analogy, because that's literally like, what we preach on this podcast is like, you wouldn't just break your arm and then like, never go, like, get a cast or, like, get it fixed.

[Anna Cathcart]

Totally.

[Podcast Host 1]

Go do something about it and like, go see the doctor, go take the medication, go do whatever it is.

[Anna Cathcart]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host 1]

But I also relate a lot to what you said of how, like, your, like, feelings of, like, nausea can be like, you know, not because you are nauseous. It can be like, from your brain that it's something that I struggle with. I'm. I've gotten better since I've, like, really, like, understood. But my anxiety is in my gut. Like, I've always. I've always had stomach issues. I was born lactose intolerant. So, like, I've always had. I've been a tummy girl, totally. But as like, you know, into my 20s, it's definitely gotten more worse. And I have this thing where I'll go and get my nails done, and every single time I go, I feel like I'm gonna throw up. And sometimes I've literally, like, jumped out of the pedicure chair to, like, go to the bathroom. But I know I'm not Gonna throw up. But I, like, get, like, an anxiety attack almost every time I go.

[Podcast Host 2]

And just so weird because you, like, getting your nails done is, like, something you love too, but you. It's so strange.

[Podcast Host 1]

And I'm stubborn, and I'm like, I'm gonna keep going to do this because I know that there is nothing harming me. So, like, I'm gonna get over this eventually, and I'm literally just going to keep going. And it's been two years, but I will say, last time I went, I came home and I didn't get nauseous once. And that was, like, a breakthrough moment for me. And I have so clue why.

[Podcast Host 2]

No clue why. I was going to ask if anything was different.

[Podcast Host 1]

No, I don't. I don't know what I mean. It was a different salon. Well, I've been going to this one, but it's the first time I got my toes done. Sometimes when I get my toes done, I feel, like, trapped, I think, because I. That this is what I'm assuming. I, like, developed a weird thing of claustrophobia because I worked as a nurse during COVID and we had, like, all the. And stuff.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

So I think, like, it makes me feel stuck.

[Anna Cathcart]

Totally.

[Podcast Host 1]

Like. Like, I feel like I need to be able to run.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah. If you have to go somewhere you can't, like, you're. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

But I've been doing little things. Like, I figured out, like, when they put the water in, I have them put it, like, freezing cold and instead of hot, because that, like, brings your heart rate up, and that could, like, mimic an anxiety attack and get your nerves going. So when it's cold, it doesn't do that.

[Anna Cathcart]

Grounding?

[Podcast Host 1]

Almost.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Is that enjoyable?

[Podcast Host 1]

I mean, it's not the best, but I feel I would. I would.

[Podcast Host 2]

You'd rather have that?

[Podcast Host 1]

Absolutely.

[Anna Cathcart]

Jump out of the chair, run to the bathroom. I still get that.

[Podcast Host 1]

But it is interesting learning. Learning that, because sometimes we'll be like, okay, thank you. Okay. Like, you know, am I actually nauseous right now? Like, am I gonna throw up? Or am I, like, just anxious and there's, like, something going on.

[Anna Cathcart]

Totally.

[Podcast Host 1]

So it's really. It's really interesting once you, like, kind of learned that.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah. I also. Something you said that I found interesting was, like, how a kid looks at therapy is like, they. You know, you probably had that mentality that, like, something's wrong because, you know, as a kid, you think something's wrong with me. Like, in that moment, you're. You're like, you're. You don't know how to, you know, talk about it and think about it. You just think, something's wrong with me. And it's so crazy because it's the same thing with adults in therapy. It's like they have the same mentality. You know, we all do as a 9 year old kid is, even as adults, we think something's wrong with me. That's why I have to go to therapy. Rather than just shifting that thought process to be like, you know, you can be going to therapy proactively, like you can go to therapy on your best days. Like something doesn't have to be be wrong with you to be going to therapy, but it's just crazy how like a nine year old's view of it and like adults can be the exact same.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah, totally.

[Podcast Host 2]

Something I was curious about was if you've been able to find a balance between anxiety and happiness and if those two can coexist or not.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah, I, I really struggled with this concept of like the gray area between, like back, back to the, the analogy with the broken ankle.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

I would often come to like this feeling of, oh, I had a really good day. Like, it's really fun, but like, my ankle's still broken. It's still broken. So like, you know how fun this day would have been if my ankle wasn't broken. And you're like, well, like that just because it's broken. Yeah, that sucks. And during that time, of course, you should be healing it, you should be working on it. And like some days you're allowed to just like scream and cry that your ankle's broken and other people's aren't. And you wish, you wish you had like a fully healed body for sure. But the fun you just had, that doesn't go away. Like, that isn't, that's not invalidated by the fact that your ankle was still on the cast. Like you, that fun was still real, that fun was still valuable. Those feelings still existed in your body and in your brain. And like coming to that realization that just because, yeah, I'm not 100% where I want to be, that doesn't make the good feelings any less good and any less real. And like, I've really tried to work on that, especially since high school, because I would find myself getting in that cycle of like, yeah, like, oh, I'm in Disneyland with my family and this is fun. But like, guys, like, I'm, I'm still having anxiety. Like, I'm still a mess inside. So like, yeah, I'm having a good time and like almost check myself to be like, you're not actually having a good time, like, because you're still have so much to work on and like, because there's so many things going on in your brain that you don't love. This can't be like real and that's just like not true. Like both can totally coexist and you would be able to see that with physical health. Again, like someone who was in a process of healing and like they have a broken bone. You're not like, oh well, they just went to a birthday party and had a good time. But like their bones broken so it's. They didn't actually have a good time. It's like, you see that that's irrational and that doesn't like, those two things don't go together. But when it's like in your head, it feels like it can override it sometimes of like if you have a cloud over top of it, it's like, doesn't matter what's going on beneath it, the clouds on top. And like to get out of that mindset is so difficult. And I still struggle with that for sure. But I've like come a really far away since. Since high school. I think that was like really prominent in like grade 12. But they definitely can coexist and this balance of like you can, you can still heal and you can still like be working on that and be going to physio, but have a really good time even when your body's. Yeah, like, the happiness isn't not real just because of that.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, the bad doesn't have to take away from the good.

[Anna Cathcart]

Totally.

[Podcast Host 1]

How, how have you kind of been able to get yourself out of that mindset? Is there something that you've seen that's helped that you would maybe like, give someone like advice on getting out of that?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah, I think, like, I know. I think trying to rationalize with anxiety sometimes is hard because like that is what it is. It feeds off of irrationality. Like, that's, that's literally like what it loves. So it's really hard to be like, oh, like let's be logical here. It's like if we could be logical and we go away, we would be fine from day one. Like, that's not what this is. So it is, it is really hard. But I think seeing those frameworks, like, do help of comparing it to like someone else is going through this. You would be able to see see in such a different way than when it's your own brain. And like, I love trying to do that and, like, imagine what you're going through, but on someone that you love and, like, how would you support them? And how would, like. I think sometimes it's way more instinctual of, like, what you would maybe say to the person that you love most if they were trying to tell you this was their issues or, like, just flipping it to kind of come out of your own context and your own body. Because it can feel so much bigger when it's you. Yeah. Understanding that, like, what did you feel in that moment that was good? That is never gonna go away. Even if you, like, had a great time at the party and you went home and then you had a really rough night because of, like, your own struggles, that still happened. The party still happened. It was still good. That good is, like, you felt it. You had it in your body, you had it in your mind, and no matter what, no one's gonna take that away. Like, I think seeing those as independent things and, like, understanding they can all just coexist is, like, comforting. And I'll remind myself that often, but some days it's obviously easier than others to tap into that.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. We had an expert on once, and he was kind of like, the stress doctor and talking about how it manifests and just basically everything that it has to do with. And the biggest thing that I took away from talking with him is there is a healthy level of stress and anxiety. That level does exist. And society, we've built so much of how to get rid of stress and how to get rid of anxiety. But reminding myself, actually there is a healthy level here. Like, they're having a little bit of stress. Like, you know, I get my work done. I. You know, it. It gives you, like, kind of the nudge to get your crap done for sure. And sometimes when I am feeling, like, stress, like. Like when I get into, like, these really serious work modes, I just, like, get, like, tense, and I just, like, take a moment and, like, breathe. I'm like, no, like, healthy. We're gonna stay at a healthy level today. Like, this is what. Like, this feeling is okay. We're gonna maybe tone it down a little bit. Shake the hands out. But knowing and reminding myself that this is actually okay. Like, I do have a lot on my plate, but I'm. I can handle this.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

Has been for sure. Has been helpful. Yeah. Throughout your whole mental health journey, what have been the biggest, like, tools or resources that you've learned that have helped you?

[Anna Cathcart]

I'm very lucky to have people in my life to talk to, and, like, I'm a talker. I will talk about everything all the time. And I also, like, love sharing. And I'm, like, pretty comfortable with it sometimes to the point where I'll, like, be worried that I, like, share too much or that, like, I'm like, other people, like, aren't as, like, open with, like, their vulnerabilities. And I'm like, is this too much for me to be like this? But I'm so lucky to have those people. And, like, I know that's really helpful for me to just get it out. Journaling has been huge, and I think that's like, a lovely way to kind of do the same thing without the stress of, like, am I bothering this person? Or is that, like, going to be, like, impacting them? Because they have. Obviously everyone has their own stuff they're going through, so it's like, sometimes you can't always pour that onto other people and, like, finding that balance. Journaling's like, it's just for you. It's there. It's always going to be there. You don't have to read it back ever again. It can be like, whatever you want it to look like. So I have, like, a million completed journals, and I love doing that. And I think taking the pressure away of, like, what, like, I used to have to write context. I felt like in my journal of, like, let me, like, lay. Like, this is the lay of the land. This is that person. Like, I'm like, who. Who am I trying to give you? Like, I'm trying to set the scene for who this is for me and, like, my mind. And I know, like, I'll just, like, if I am referring to someone just by, like, oh, like, she said this. It's like, that's okay that they don't know who she is. Who's they? No, I don't want anyone to read it. I hope no one's reading this. Like, I have. No one reads this ever. So, like, I don't need to do that. And that helped a lot to just, like, literally write anything that is going to be helpful and, like, draw a lot or just, like, express yourself in that way. I find really beneficial. And, like, I think I'm just wired in that, like, direction. So. I love, love journaling.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And like, realizing that everyone is a mess in their own way. And, like, it's so. It's so, like, power empowering to talk about it and empowering to, like, own it a little bit. I think that's been really helpful. But I will say this kind of like, coming to A different conversation. But, like, right now, I've come to this realization that, like, I've. I've owned it almost a little too much, where I've almost, like, accepted, like, I'm just always going to be anxious and, like, there's a level of that that is empowering. There's a level of that to be like, I know who I am. I know I've still lived a really awesome, fruitful life with anxiety for, like, all these years, but don't accept it to the point where you don't think it can ever change. I think there's. There's, like, something dangerous with that too. Like, oh, I'm just like, I'm anxiety girl. Like, that's just who I am. And I'm like, well, like, no, it doesn't have. It doesn't have to be. Like, let's remember, I can still get better. I can still, like, improve in there. It's possible to heal. Because I think I've. I've gone too far about accepting and, like, owning my struggles that I think sometimes I slip into this point of, like, well, that's just who I am. Like, it's never gonna change. I'm, like, I'm so used to it now, and I'm so fine to tell my friends and tell people about it that, like, I. I think I need to just, I don't know, find that balance of not accepting it too far, where I've also accepted it won't change because it can.

[Podcast Host 2]

Is that what you meant earlier when you said that it can become a habit?

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah. I think this, like, really changed my perspective, and I thought this was fascinating. That, like, I, like, like any habit. If you've done this every day for 20 years, why would tomorrow. You, like, don't do that thing that if I've gotten so used to living in an anxious state and, like, I can still be successful, I can still do well at school, I can still do a good job at my work while being anxious. Like, why would my body all of a sudden, like, wake up tomorrow and not be. I think that would almost, like, freak myself out. Like, to not feel this stress would be like, this is not who you are. This is like, you.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

This is not what. You know, that. Yeah. It's come so far that I'm like, oh, it is like, it is a habit. I'm, like, used to it, and I identify it with so, like, identify with anxiety so much that something I've tried to tell myself is, like, anxiety is a feeling that I feel more often than other people. But it's not who I am. And that's not me. It's something that I feel and something that can come into my body. But we are not. We are not the same thing. Like, it's not one and it's not a part of me. It's just a feeling. And that's, like, really helpful and really comforting to be like. Yeah, it's just something that I go through. Other people feel it too, just less.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And it shows up differently, but it's not me. And, like, that's kind of been a way for me to frame it as that because I think, yeah, it gets to this point where you, like, you get too caught up in, like, this will just be forever.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And that's kind of a barrier as well for yourself.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. I always say, like, it obviously, like, don't let it define you. So cheesy. But, like, truly, like, it's not. It's not the label. I always say it's like, it's just a part of me. Like, I have something like, you know, I'm a wife, I'm a dog mom, I'm a podcast host. I have anxiety. Like, it's just like, one of the things that. That make up me. It's not the soul thing that is defining me. So, like, not letting it have that power over you and, like, not making it, you know, a habit, so to say. Yeah, by doing that. Okay, ladies, engagement season is officially here, which means wedding season will also be here before we know it. Birdie Gray is about to be your new bestie. They've got the most stylish, affordable dresses that are perfect for any vibe. Birdie Gray believes that being in a wedding should look great without breaking the bank. That's why all the bridesmaids dresses start at just $99. And each one is stunning. They come in so many colors. 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The start of a new year is the perfect time to get organized, set goals and prioritize what matters most. For me, a top priority is financial wellness, which feels more important than ever. Thanks to Rocket Money, my goals feel achievable. They show me all of my subscriptions right in one place and help me easily cancel ones that I forgot I've been paying. Rocket Money also pulls together all of my spending across all different accounts so I can clearly track my spending habits to see where I can cut back. Rocket Money is a personal finance app that helps find and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so that you can grow your savings. Something that is always just a little a little sneaky guy is the subscriptions. I sometimes will forget I even have a subscribe to a streaming service or to a book like it's just a website. 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You can start ritual or add essential for women 18 and older to your subscription today. Again, that's ritual.com the squeeze for 25% off. So since you know the start of Exo Kitty and the success that you've had with it, how. How have you kind of attacked your anxiety differently? Because I'm sure it's like just. That adds a whole other like, layer to your mental health that most people don't really go through.

[Anna Cathcart]

No, for sure. I think like, I don't know, I think work stress and like the way anxiety is kind of showing up in my life right now is. Is like the feeling of stress. And sometimes stress, anxiety, like people think they're synonymous, but I feel like they're quite different things. But in this current stage is like just high stress all the time. Even when it doesn't have a reason. Like, it's like, oh, I'm stressed because I have an exam tomorrow. It's like, I feel like I would if I had an exam tomorrow, but I don't have an exam. And the feeling's still there that like, that has been going on a lot recently. And like, if I try and think about it, it was when the show like started and like this stage of my life, of entering my career from a different aspect has brought a lot of different stresses. And it was weird to have the transition. I'm sure, like you also went through this of like, it was a hobby as a kid. And it was just saying that, like, I can't believe I get to do this. And like, this is my dream and this is like the coolest thing ever. I just love it so much. I like, I was like, I gotta be Hannah Montana. Like, this is like who I dreamed of being to. Now I'm like, oh, this is my job. Like, this is actually a job. And this is a career. And like, you're gonna have. Not everyone's gonna want to do their job every single day. It doesn't mean that they should quit. They don't like their career path. It's just like, it's a job, it's gonna be hard. Like, work is hard. Yeah, that with this show specifically. This is the first time I worked as an adult. Season one was like, as brand. Like, I was 18, never been on set without a parent. Never had 16, 17 hour work days. I was used to like 10 hours with a card cut off and like school time and lunch. I'm having to be exactly this amount of minutes. And I was like, welcome to the real world. Like, you're. But I was only 18, but it's like you're a real, real actor now. And like, I was a lead and I was on a, a show that was like, not a. Not a kid show. And there was pressure that like, things were told to me that would not have been told to me as a kid or like, dealing with challenges that I just never faced as like a child. And I was really lucky to have a really positive child actor experience. So this was like, whoa, I'm. I don't know what it means to be an actor. I don't know what it means to do this. Like, I'm relearning this even though I've been here for a while. So that was like, really steep learning curve. And season one was really challenging for a lot of reasons. But like, I think one of the hardest parts was like, after and now just being the stage of my career, to realize that, like, it is a, it is a job. And I think that was kind of like, I couldn't see that for a long time. Like, I would tell myself, like, this is supposed to be fun. Like, why are you not having fun? And this was, this is supposed to be fun as, like a sentence was so, like, damaging because it would create so much guilt all the time of like, why are you so stressed out? You're living the dream. You know how many people would want to be here? You know how lucky you are to be here? Like, invalidating myself and invalidating my stress very often. And I struggle with that a lot now that like, like, I always fear that I'm like, I want to know how, how group, like lucky I am to be here. Like, I'm like, people would die to do this. And like, I've been so lucky that I don't know that balance between being humble and gracious. But also like, you're allowed to be stressed out. This is really tough and this is hard. And like I used to be so upset when I was wrapped. I used to want as many work days as possible. I was like, what do you mean? Like, I don't want to go home and like make this fitting like four times as long. I just loved it so much because I just never thought I could even do it. Like, I was like, I get to be an actor. Like, this is insane that now I'm like, the first time I realized I was like, I just want to, like, I want to go home. Or like, I hope I get an off day this week. Or like I was like, wait, this is so sad. Like I had this like, no, like you're not allowed to think that. Like what's happening? I'm like, you're becoming adult. That's what's happening. And like you're, this is becoming your job, not your hobby. And that's a really weird thing when something goes from like your extracurricular to like your job that. I don't know, I'm still in that. But like this show really brought that crazy transition of like child to adult career.

[Podcast Host 1]

Especially like being like the lead when you're 18 and like it like, like that would already be a big workload. Totally a child. But like getting that like right off the bat as a.

[Podcast Host 2]

That whole thing is so fascinating because I've never thought about it.

[Podcast Host 1]

Like, I wanted to ask you your thoughts on that.

[Podcast Host 2]

Fascinating because. Yeah, like when you look somebody who's a doctor or a pilot. They weren't a doctor or a pilot as a child.

[Anna Cathcart]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host 2]

So it's so strange. Yeah. Because. Yeah. When I was a kid, you, I would cry my eyes out when I was wrapped. Like it was just the saddest thing in the world. And it's. Yeah. Making that transition from this being a cool thing you get to do as a kid to. Yeah, well, I gotta, you know, wake up every morning at 5am and do a 16 hour day. And pilots didn't have to do that when they were five.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And I think there's like not this guilt attached to like work stress in other industries as much because like, no, I think a lot of the time I was told like, you're living the dream. And I'm like, why doesn't it feel like I'm living the dream? Like, why am I so stressed about this? I supposed to be living the dream right now versus like my friends who are studying marketing and they have an internship in the summer. Yeah. That's their dream. They got it. But if they're complaining or they're stressed to wake up tomorrow to go to their internship, it's, like, so understandable. That makes sense. That of, like, wow, you seem ungrateful. You're not. You're not having the best time of your life. Like, you're wearing a pretty dress, and you get to go on a red carpet. Like, whoa, big whoop. That you're stressed about your job. Like, I wish I could do that. And I'm like, you're right. Like, maybe I shouldn't be like, why am I. You should give this to someone else. And it's not deserving because this is, like, the coolest thing ever, and I should always be having the time of my life. And, like, that was so negative. And, like, realizing that recently of being like, I think also starting as a kid, you're always asked, like, are you having fun? Are you having, like, if it's not fun, it's not worth it. Like, what's the point if you're not having a good time? And I'm like, yeah, at. At 12. True. Why. Why would I do this if it wasn't fun? I'm not. I don't. This is not my job. I don't need to pay bills. Like, I'm not doing soccer. Yeah, go back to class. Like, go to school. Go live your life. That, like, that was the mentality for the first, like, eight years of my career was always like, are you having fun? And, like, you look like you're living the dream. Like, every kid wishes they were you. That type of thing. Like, in my, like, hometown, type of, like, energy that I always took that with me. And then now to not feel that, I'm like, that's not fair. My friends who are, like, working in finance do not feel like they're living the dream every day, though. That's their dream career. Yeah. That was, like, a really crazy realization for me.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay, let's talk about season two. What can fans expect this season?

[Anna Cathcart]

Fans can expect definitely some surprises that I am so, so excited for them to see. And, like, I also think, like, it's just fun because for the characters and for us as actors, like, season one was us trying to find our bearings and, like, figure out what is the show and figure out, like, like, how to do this versus season two. It was like, we. We know how to do this. We know who we are, and, like, we can really, like, take a hold of this and go for it. So it's like, like, my Character is in a very different space. She's, like, a lot more confident in. In who she is and, like, entering. She's going back to school in semester two, and, like, didn't think she was gonna be there. At the end of season one, she's, like, kicked out of school, and then we realized she has to come back. So she's, like, really motivated to be, like, I'm gonna do things right this semester. And she had a lot of realizations with her sexuality season one, and now she's, like, very comfortable with it, which I think is also really cool to see on screen of, like, a character who's not, like, struggling with that new part of herself. She's, like, cool. I get to, like, embrace this and now go forth with my romantic chaos, but in a new way. And that's really fun to see too. So I think fans will be very excited. And there's so many moments that I'm like, I just can't wait to see their reaction. Because even while shooting, I was like, I think the people who were super invested in season one, they're gonna be super invested in season two, so I cannot wait.

[Podcast Host 2]

Are there any parallels? There doesn't have to be, but are there any parallels between your character's experience at university and yours?

[Anna Cathcart]

Totally. Totally. Well, like, like, she. She's, like, in high school still. She's, like, in grade 11. But when Kitty, like, goes away for the first time, it was like, obviously, she's going to international school. It's like, I'll bring all these new experiences. When I went to Korea for the first time, I was basically going to international school. Like, I was like, I feel like I'm on an exchange. Like, I'm in a brand new city, a place I, like, never lived before. I'm becoming adult for the first time. I'm experiencing all these new things. Emotions are high. Those parallels were, like, like, very strong. Like, we're both experiencing something new. We're both in a new city, in a new place, far from home. And, like, just figuring out who you are and figuring yourself out is, like, basically the theme of the entire show and, like, very real for young adults, for sure. Like, your stages are changing and you're figuring things out. So it's very cool to kind of, like, hold her hand through it of, like, oh, we're both doing this in, like, different ways.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. I was gonna ask how, like, portraying her has kind of influenced, like, your own personal growth at all.

[Anna Cathcart]

For sure. It definitely has. Like, I think season one was so impactful. For me in so many ways. But one being, like, honestly, like, the themes of the show were, like, so cool to kind of, like, work through through a character, but I'm like, oh, I'm also freaking out about, like, who am I? What do I want to do? What is this? What's, like, my relationship to everyone in my life and her dynamic with her family is changing and so is mine. And, like, getting to kind of explore it, though, through someone else was, like, really, really interesting. And I came home from season one with, like, such a different perspective on things than I had before the shoot, which I'm, like, so grateful to the show for. But, yeah, it, like, definitely helped me just be, like. It's, like, so. It's so fine to not know what's going on. Like, literally, that's what makes growing up cool. And what makes, like, life exciting is, like, you don't know what's gonna happen in a few months and, like, how awesome, like, anything can happen. Something way better than you can imagine could happen.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, we are excited. I am a sucker for anything Jenny Han does, because I am.

[Podcast Host 2]

You are. I am just a Jenny fan.

[Podcast Host 1]

I am a big Jenny fan. Should we head into Lemon 7 quick? Sure. You want to start us off?

[Podcast Host 2]

Yes. Okay. This segment is called Lemon 7.

[Anna Cathcart]

Okay.

[Podcast Host 2]

We have seven fun questions.

[Anna Cathcart]

Love it. Lemony questions. I'm ready.

[Podcast Host 2]

Lemony questions. Okay, number one. What movie or song title best describes your mental health today?

[Anna Cathcart]

I'm gonna say you need to calm down by Taylor Swift. Okay, that's a good one. At most points, that. That would be helpful. That's a good one.

[Podcast Host 2]

I'm shocked. I know. I'm shocked. Nobody's ever said that.

[Anna Cathcart]

Oh, I feel so proud of myself.

[Podcast Host 2]

It makes so much sense. Like, for this podcast. Nobody's ever said that. That was so good.

[Podcast Host 1]

Wait. Wow. I love that. We both were like, wait. No one said, I know.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's where my. That's where my mind went first. I was like, wow, that's great. That's had to have been said before. And I was like, no, it hasn't.

[Podcast Host 1]

No, that's so good. I feel that one. Okay, number two is how open are you with people in your life when struggling?

[Anna Cathcart]

I would say pretty open, for sure. I'm. I'm lucky to have, like, a really close circle, especially, like, my immediate family and especially my sister. I will, like, tell her everything all the time. Yes. Literally. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Love it.

[Podcast Host 1]

We love a good dump.

[Podcast Host 2]

All right, number three. If you could only follow three social media accounts, what would they be. You can go across platforms but just three accounts.

[Anna Cathcart]

Oh my gosh. Okay. I feel like one would have to just be like dog. Like you know the account that's just called Dog.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And there's just like a bunch of different dog content will always be positive for me.

[Podcast Host 2]

Is there really an account just called Dog?

[Anna Cathcart]

Dog. Really?

[Podcast Host 1]

Dog.

[Anna Cathcart]

It's great.

[Podcast Host 2]

I think I follow like dogs doing things or something.

[Anna Cathcart]

Oh, that also sounds great. Okay, I need to add that to who I'm following. Anything with that is just going to be a little mood booster. So that's healthy. There's a company called we the Urban. I don't know if you guys know them, but they like post a lot of like in case you need to hear this type of like quotes and stuff. And I save so many of them because there's like just like little things of like reminders that when you're like doom scrolling it just like will stop you and be like, like remind yourself like all these positive like validating great things. I'm like, I actually like, it's been so beneficial. So I would probably keep following them.

[Podcast Host 2]

Urban.

[Anna Cathcart]

Love them. And then Zendaya. I love Zendaya so much. There we go. I just think she's the coolest ever. And like I look up to her and respect her so much that she's imposed that often, which I also like love. Like, I'm like, I hope to get there where I'm like only to post my projects. Like social media stresses me out so much that like I want to see her updates. I want to see all her cool outfits. I'd be so sad to miss those. So those three would be pretty good.

[Podcast Host 1]

I feel that we were, we were at the farmer's market not that long ago and Tom and Zendaya were there.

[Anna Cathcart]

Stop.

[Podcast Host 1]

And I was literally like, we walked past them and he was like, that was Tom. And did I see.

[Podcast Host 2]

No, I was ahead. I told you. I like gave you a heads up because I knew you were gonna get really giddy.

[Podcast Host 1]

I just love her. I just think her story is like awesome. I also like watched her on Disney Channel so it's cool to see.

[Anna Cathcart]

I truly shake it up is like why I wanted to be an actor. Like no doubt that show single handedly. I was like, that's the dream.

[Podcast Host 1]

Oh my gosh. Especially like the dance.

[Podcast Host 2]

Like I never saw it.

[Podcast Host 1]

We have to.

[Anna Cathcart]

I mean you need to catch him up.

[Podcast Host 1]

Watching it now might be a little interesting as like a 32. Like.

[Podcast Host 2]

Well, yeah. And because one of the girls Was my sister on a show.

[Podcast Host 1]

Oh, oh, yeah, I forgot about that.

[Anna Cathcart]

Yeah, that's so funny.

[Podcast Host 1]

We'll, we'll do a little recap. Yeah, yeah, they had.

[Podcast Host 2]

The girl was not Zendaya.

[Podcast Host 1]

Number four. Sure. What is your favorite form of self care?

[Anna Cathcart]

I would say journaling is like major. Yeah, majorly up there. Reliable.

[Podcast Host 2]

Number five. What would you say is the most misunderstood thing about you?

[Anna Cathcart]

Whoa, whoa. I think this sounds negative, but I'm like, I feel like this is the place to talk about these things. I think I'm seen as like a very cheery, perky, happy, sunshiny person, which I like. I'm very glad that that is the energy I bring into a room. That's energy I hope to bring into the world. Like, I'm very glad. But I think people are like, just do not think that I like, think as much as I do as well as like, I feel like I can be quite cynical at times. And like my, my sister always says she's like, you are an like optimistic pessimist. And like I think that is perfectly sums it up. Like I want to be optimistic and like I am in the way that I get so excited over little things. And like I am also a very perky person and like that is a very real part of me. But I also can be very pessimistic and my tendencies are like, to see through things a lot and to see negatives and things. And like I think people would be very surprised to know that about me because I don't think that comes across right away.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Anna Cathcart]

And I'm like, like always thinking all the time. Very observant. I care so, so, so much. And I worry so much that like I think a lot of people like, oh, like you're so carefree and like you're so like funny. Especially people at school have said that to me a lot of like, oh, like you're so sunshiny and like happy go lucky type of person. I'm like, that is like wild. But I'm happy that you think that. I'm glad I'm giving that. I'm glad I'm like bringing that positive energy to you because that's like, I really hope I can do that for other people. But it always surprises me that like, like people would be shocked to know.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah. How did you become so self aware? Like, it's incredible.

[Anna Cathcart]

Thank you. I don't know. I think sometimes it's like my greatest strength and greatest weakness that I like, I know too much about myself. I like reflect to the ninth degree. I'm like, also, I think very like empathetic and like will put myself in a lot of other people's situations. And weirdly I'm like, maybe that's why I like acting so much because I'm like, that's literally what you're doing actively every day as an actor. You're like putting yourself in someone else's situation and then like exploring their feelings through it. Which is why I love this job so much. I'm like, it's honestly made for me. But I think that helps of like understanding other people. That makes you more self aware of yourself for sure. Yeah. I don't know. Sometimes I really wish I was less though, because I think it would make me maybe a little more peaceful. But thank you.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay, number six is who has had the most positive impact on your mental health?

[Anna Cathcart]

I would say definitely my big sister for sure. I don't know how I got so lucky. I'm always like, thank you mom and dad. I feel like I won the lottery with this one to just be born into. Like, this is your best friend and she's gonna be there forever. And yeah, I just cannot say enough amazing things about her because I don't know who I would be without. Without her.

[Podcast Host 2]

Your guys relationship sounds incredible. All right, last one, number seven. If you could go back to one moment in your life, what moment would that be and what would you say to yourself?

[Anna Cathcart]

Honestly, I think like at the very peak of all of my throw up anxiety, it felt like I remember even being as a child being like, I can't imagine not feeling like this like as terrible it is right now. Like, I'm so scared that I'm never gonna not feel this way and like to go and give her a hug and be like, guess what? Like you, you are gonna not feel this way one day. And like, sure you're gonna deal with other stuff and things are always gonna be challenging, but this feeling and this scary like cloud you trapped yourself into, you're gonna break through from it and like you're gonna do those things that feel so out of reach right now. I like would love to tell little me that and just like, I think that would have gone so far.

[Podcast Host 2]

Oh my gosh, that's beautiful.

[Podcast Host 1]

I love having like people that are in your situation on that have a younger audience because I think it's so awesome when you know, having you open up and hearing your audience share, share that because so many people deal with that. And I'm sure you're gonna help a lot of them by opening up. So thank you for sharing with us, everyone.

[Anna Cathcart]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host 1]

Go to Netflix. The new season of Exo Kitty comes out tomorrow.

[Anna Cathcart]

Thank you for, like, creating a space where I. I can do this and, like, be comfortable to talk about it. I appreciate it so much.

[Podcast Host 2]

Of course. Thank you.

[Anna Cathcart]

Please note that this episode may contain.

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Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.

[Anna Cathcart]

Individuals on the show may have a.

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Direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[Anna Cathcart]

Or services referred to in this episode.