How Not to Cry on Your Birthday

Replacing substances with shopping and nicotine

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

The Dark Side of Body Positivity

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

How Not to Cry on Your Birthday

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

The Pressure To Define Yourself

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

In Sweats and No Makeup? Go To The Party Anyway!

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