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.

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.

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.

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 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.

In this episode, Rita explores the pressure that comes with New Year’s resolutions and why she’s letting go of the tradition altogether. She reflects on how these resolutions can create unnecessary stress, especially when life decisions still feel unclear. Instead of rigid goals, Rita discusses embracing growth, self-discovery, and enjoying the new year without the weight of unrealistic expectations. 🌟✨ For anyone who feels overwhelmed by the “New Year, New Me” mindset, Rita offers her personal insights, reflections, and alternative ways to approach 2025 with clarity and kindness. This episode is all about progress over perfection and making space for self-acceptance and meaningful change. 💭💕

In this episode, Rita shares the small joys that bring her happiness, from getting her nails done to visiting her favorite donut shop and spreading kindness by giving out sweet treats. She also compares Christmas in America to Christmas in the UK, explaining why she believes the UK does it better—no Thanksgiving means all the focus goes into the holiday season! Finally, Rita opens up about the issue of over-prescribed medications in America, sharing her personal experiences and her decision to reduce the number of pills she’s on. Tune in for a festive, thoughtful, and honest conversation about self-care, holiday traditions, and taking control of personal health.

Feeling like you’re falling behind in your 20s? Same. In this episode, I get real about how I’m NOT the 'aesthetic girl' you see all over TikTok. I don’t wake up at 5 a.m., do elaborate skincare routines, or live some perfectly curated lifestyle. If I could, I’d wake up at 12 p.m., go to bed early, and skip the pressure to 'glow up' every single day. I realized I’ve spent too much time trying to be someone I’m not instead of letting people see and appreciate the real me. Let’s chat about embracing your authentic self, finding joy in your own habits, and why it’s okay to just be YOU. 💕✨

In this episode, Rita shares her personal journey with OCD, offering insight into how it manifests in her life. From Contamination OCD and Harm OCD to Checking OCD, Symmetry OCD, and more, she explores the many ways obsessions and compulsions impact her daily experiences. Rita discusses the challenges of intrusive thoughts, compulsive rituals, and the surprising ways OCD can affect everyday life. This candid conversation aims to provide understanding and connection for anyone curious about OCD or navigating similar struggles. Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest and relatable content!

In this episode, Rita shares a heartfelt discussion about breaking free from the pressure to seek approval and learning to live authentically. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on the struggles of people-pleasing, the constant comparisons that can come with social media, and the courage it takes to prioritize personal happiness over external validation. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in the cycle of trying to meet others' expectations or who needs a reminder that their happiness doesn’t depend on external validation.