Cate & Ty Break It Down

Latest Episodes:

Nova's Big Dreams Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Nova is back with her bearded dragon, Mochi, but this time joined by Ty! Nova shares the secret behind her high school-level reading scores and her experience as a young author. Tyler reads some audience questions, covering everything from reptile care and artistic anatomy to Nova’s bold stance on social media for kids. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion on kindness, the importance of standing up for others, and Nova’s big dreams for a more compassionate world.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com
Marathon: Start earning rewards on every gallon of gas. Available at participating Marathon locations. Terms and Conditions apply. See MarathonRewards.com for details
Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

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

Growing Up In The Spotlight: Nova takes the Mic! Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode, Cate is joined by a very special guest: her 11-year-old daughter, Nova! The duo dives into Nova's unique perspective on growing up in the reality TV spotlight since birth. Nova opens up about her relationship with her sisters, including the deep impact of meeting her adoptee older sister, Carly. Nova also answers fan questions about her favorite things to do with her parents, her dream of becoming a veterinarian, and her love for space and science. Joined by her pet dragon, Mochi, Nova proves she’s a natural co-host in this heartfelt episode!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Marathon: Start earning rewards on every gallon of gas. Available at participating Marathon locations. Terms and Conditions apply. See MarathonRewards.com for details
Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!
Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

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

Birthday Celebrations & the Ethics of Embryo Adoption Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Cate and Ty talk about celebrating Veda’s 7th birthday and also getting first place in her cheer competition. They also discuss the long-term benefits of holding her back in kindergarten and her success with her IEP. Lastly, listeners ask for advice regarding a cheating BFF, dealing with your partner's toxic family, and thoughts on embryo adoption.

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

ENCORE Pay-to-Play: The Marketing & Broken Promises In Adoption feat. Connor Howe Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Let's revisit an episode from 2025!

Join Cate & Ty as they sit with Connor Howe, known as @Adopted_Connor on social, as he challenges conventional narratives surrounding open adoption and exposes the often overlooked complexities of the adoption industry. As an adoptee himself, Connor discusses how open adoption, while intended to be a solution, can still lead to pain, confusion, and a sense of not belonging for adoptees. Connor also explains the profit-driven nature of adoption agencies, including their marketing tactics, and the role of unregulated adoption consultants.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

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

Ashley Salazar: My 16 & Pregnant Journey Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ashley Salazar (16 and Pregnant Season 2) joins Cate & Ty to discuss her journey with kinship adoption. Ashley reflects on the emotional challenges of relinquishing her daughter to her aunt and uncle, including the difficult period when she briefly changed her mind. Cate & Ty bring up the unaddressed trauma of birth parents, the lack of specialized support, and how Ashley's past experiences might have impacted her life today as she raises another child.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Cozy Earth: Go to cozyearth.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for 20% off

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

Surviving Frozen Pipes & a Political Family Feud Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

This week, Cate & Ty share their survival story from the brutal cold snap in Michigan, detailing their struggles with a broken furnace, frozen pipes, and keeping the kids' lizards warm. They dive into the chaos of school's Spirit Week, reminisce about the 90s cleaning product "Greased Lightning," and how they once used it on brown nicotine-stained walls. Lastly, Cate addresses a serious family conflict stemming from a social media post about the Epstein files and the debate over supporting victims and believing allegations.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Cozy Earth: Go to cozyearth.com/BREAKITDOWNBOGO for an exclusive deal only available Jan 25th - Feb 8th!
Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

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

ENCORE In Retrospect.. Our First Decade & an Autism Diagnosis Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary to Cate & Ty! On today's episode they dive into their relationship's evolution, including past separations and therapy missteps. But the main event? Ty's recent autism diagnosis! From getting kicked out of daycares, being hyper-focused on social cues, and having a compulsion to do somersaults, Ty describes the frustration he felt throughout his childhood and not knowing why he did what he did. Inspired by their daughter Vaeda, Ty shares the relief and sadness, but also clarity and understanding of his past which now he says he will use to parent differently.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!
Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

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

Being in our 30s & Growing Up with an Absent Father Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Cate & Ty are in downtown Detroit for today, feeling "old and lame" after staying up until 5am. They talk about the struggles of getting older, their mutual love for the "Irish Goodbye" and how Tyler doesn't like it when plans are altered. Things get serious when Cate asks about the impact of Tyler’s absent father, whose life was defined by addiction and time in prison. Tyler shares his earliest childhood memory—being a toddler and waking up to the flashlights of bounty hunters outside their trailer. He also reflects on the challenge of having to "burn down the fantasy" of an idealized dad and how the lack of a male role model ultimately shaped him into the dad and husband he is today. Lastly, Cate reads some Anonymous Secrets, and one in particular hits close to home.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

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

Urology is for Everyone! Breaking Down Sex, Surgery, and Stereotypes with Dr.Milhouse MD Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Join Cate & Tyler as they open up a vital discussion on health with their guest, Dr. Millhouse. On this episode Dr. Milhouse dives deep into the field of urology, clarifying its role as the "plumbers of the body" for both men and women. She highlights her work in sexual medicine, and speaks on the anxieties of modern sex and the rise of erectile dysfunction in younger men. Dr. Milhouse also debunks some myths surrounding vaginal-only orgasm and cervix pain, and what men should learn from this.

For more of Dr. Milhouse, check her out on Instagram @drmilhouse and on YouTube @downthereurology

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

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

Surviving Christmas Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Cate & Ty barely make it to 2026 after surviving a brutal week of sickness. They recap hospital visits, delayed Christmas presents, and giving thanks to Tyler's mom for holding down the house throughout the chaos. Nova turns 11! Cate describes their planned birthday outing that started getting a little expensive. They also discuss their lack of interest in NYE parties and going out, and Tyler's love for Irish Goodbyes. Facebook misinformation strikes again, this time hitting close to home with Cate's Grandparents. She shares a recent story that gets Tyler heated.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month
Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!
Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected