Writing About Your Exes (And Living to Tell the Story) with E.M. Gallagher

  Today's episode is for anyone who's ever fallen in love, ignored a red flag, or romanticized someone who absolutely did not deserve it. I'm joined by writer and author E.M. Gallagher, whose memoir Ugh. Anyway… dives into love, heartbreak, ambition, and the beautifully questionable decisions that come with dating in New York City. We published this book through my imprint, Pink Ink Press, and it's already building a cult following. In this conversation, we get into: What it really takes to write about your exes (and actually publish it) The line between love and delusion Writing through heartbreak vs. writing after it Navigating real people on the page How New York shapes the way we love (for better or worse) What happens when you finally tell the truth about your life This one is honest, funny, a little chaotic...and very real. If you've ever thought, "I could write a book about my exes"… this might be your sign. Get the Book Ugh. Anyway… by E.M. Gallagher — available now on Amazon + Barnes & Noble Connect with E.M. Instagram: @emgwritingthings Substack: emgallagher.substack.com Connect with Me Instagram: @thechampagnediet  Website: https://www.carasaysitall.com/

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend Amanda Frances for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually looks like to become an author today—and why self-publishing is no longer the "alternative"… it's the power move. Between the two of us, we've sold hundreds of thousands of books, built global audiences, and turned our writing into real businesses. And at one point, we both had the same realization: We don't need permission. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the publishing industry, breaking down the myths, and showing you what's actually possible when you decide to do it your way. If you've been thinking about writing a book, sitting on an idea, or waiting to be chosen...this is your sign. In this episode, we talk about: The biggest myths about traditional publishing What book deals really look like behind the scenes Why self-publishing gives you more control, ownership, and income How to turn your book into a long-term asset (not just a one-time project) The identity shift required to become a visible, paid author What to do if you want to start writing your book now This episode is for you if: You have a book idea you haven't acted on You've been waiting for a publisher, agent, or "right time" You want to build a brand, business, or platform through your writing You're ready to stop playing small and actually put your work into the world Ready to become a self-published author? If this episode spoke to you, Self-Published was created for exactly this moment. Inside, you'll learn how to write, publish, and sell your book—on your terms. https://amandafrances.com/self-published/

The internet doesn't need more content. It needs more voice. It needs more SOUL. It needs people who know how to tell their story in a way that moves peoploe. Because when people are moved, they create movements. In today's episode, I'm digging into why your voice is your biggest business asset as an entrepreneur and how you can make yours stand out in a sea of AI-soaked posts and trends. If you've been thinking about starting a Substack, writing a book, or using your voice to grow your infulence, this conversation is for you. Join Hot Girl Writing House Here: https://www.carasaysitall.com/writing-house

It's time to stop glamorizing the things that are secretly destroying you. In this episode, I'm talking about the seemingly harmless habits, personality traits, and lifestyle choices we defend...even when they're keeping us stuck. Wine culture, exhaustion as identity, staying where it's comfortable, calling chaos passion. Many of us are telling ourselves pretty little lies about the way we're living and wonder why we're not reaching out potential. If you're ready to explore the "aesthetic" or glamorous ways you may be subconsioculy sabotaging yourself, this one's for you.

Six months ago, I burned down my old life. I left everything I ever knew in New York City and headed to Jacksonville, Florida. For love. For a fresh start. And for the chance to meet a new version of myself. But here's what nobody tells you: the move is the easy part. The indentity shift is brutal. In today's episode, I'm talking about the messy middle, the terrifying limbo that holds you hostage as you step into your new era. It's definitely not all sunshine and champagne, but if you navigiate it the right way, it's always, always worth it. If you're in-between two versions of yourself right now, this one's for you. P.S. - Join Hot Girl Writing House here. P.P.S. - Read my Substack here.

Sometimes the hardest person to be honest with is yourself. In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how I went from a $5,600-a-month luxury Manhattan apartment and endless freedom…to packing up my life and moving to Florida to step into the love, family, and future I didn't even know I wanted. It's about recognizing when the version of you you've been clinging to, no matter how glamorous, independent, or accomplished, has expired. It's about ghosting the old life that no longer fits, and having the courage to step into the one that's calling you. We'll talk about starting over, rewriting your story, and why telling yourself the truth will get you to your next era faster than anything else. If you've been feeling the pull toward something different, something bigger, this episode is your permission slip to stop fighting it and finally own what you really want. ✨ PS: Enrollment is open for Literary Queens, my signature storytelling workshop for women ready to own their voice and write their most magnetic stories. Join us here. 📖 For more stories like this, find me on Substack at Cara Says It All → https://caraalwill.substack.com

It's the episode you've all been waiting for… In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Aaron and I sit down to share the full story of how we broke up (more than once), how we found our way back to each other, and how we ended up engaged. We open up about: • Why our relationship ended and what finally brought us back together • The healing work we both had to do • Aaron's reaction to reading about himself in my book • What dating long distance (and in our 40s) taught us about real love • The moment I knew we were ready • Our proposal story (!!) • Why men commit, "if he wanted to, he would," and all the nuance in between PLUS: the urgent care trip for Viagra visit (yes, really lol), our blow-up fights, our mind-blowing makeup sex, the tears, the laughs, and the one moment that changed everything. It's messy, romantic, honest and hilarious. This is our plot twist. And we're so glad you're here for it. 💌 Want more of the story? Read The Plot Twist Diaries on Substack and grab my latest book, Don't Do Anything I Would Do.

Today on the show, I'm throwing it all the way back to the very first time Aaron joined me on the podcast. Before the plot twist, the champagne-soaked proposal and our second chapter. At the time, he was my new boo (lol), and we had just started exploring what it meant to choose love with intention. We talked about punk rock values, how we approach life, art, and relationships, and honestly, listening back now hits so differently. Whether you're new here or you've been along for the ride since the beginning… this one is special. Enjoy. 🖤 P.S. There's more to this story…If you want a deeper look into how love, healing, and unexpected plot twists shaped what came next, read The Plot Twist Diaries on Substack: https://caraalwill.substack.com/s/the-plot-twist-diaries Grab my new book Don't Do Anything I Would Do here. About Aaron: Aaron Leatherbarrow is the creator behind PunkRockTeacher, a writer, livestreamer, and educator whose work blends raw honesty with relentless creativity. By day, he teaches 5th grade and leads marketing strategy for Wayman Academy; by night, he's built a thriving global community of nearly half a million followers through his livestreams and writing projects. Aaron is currently working on his first book, The Amplifiers, exploring how money, sex, fame, power, and silence don't change us, they reveal us. Known for his grit, humor, and unfiltered voice, Aaron lives at the intersection of teaching, art, and building a life that feels like freedom. Follow Aaron: 🎸 TikTok: @punkrockteacher 📸 Instagram: @punkrockteacher_official

Have you heard? Hustle is out. Soft power is in. In this soul-shifting episode, I sit down with Andrea Crowder to explore what it means to completely rewire your approach to success. Andrea's "Pleasure Over Pressure" philosophy is not just a tagline—it's a new way to live, a new way to lead, and a new way to win. We talk about: Letting go of survival mode and choosing safety instead of stress Building a million-dollar business with nervous system regulation at the core Redefining productivity and leadership as a woman What happens when you stop chasing results and start trusting your body If you've been craving a new way to move through the world—this one's for you. 💖 Follow Andrea on IG: @love_andreacrowder 💖 Come hang with me: @thechampagnediet

What if your next level isn't about working harder...but simply saying yes to you? In today's episode, we're talking about what it really means to invest in yourself—not just financially, but energetically. I'll share how the most pivotal moments of my life and business were born from one brave decision: putting myself in powerful rooms with powerful women. Women who saw me. Mirrored my magic back to me. Held the vision when I was still shaky. We'll get into how to stop second-guessing your power, why putting yourself in powerful rooms with powerful women is the most profitable move you can make, and what it actually means to back your next era with boldness. If you're ready to move like the woman you're becoming—not the one you've outgrown—this is your episode. This is your reminder that you don't need to be "ready." You just need to be willing. EXCLUSIVE INVITE: We're entering a new era—of softness, power, intuition, and bold, unapologetic moves. If you've been craving sisterhood, strategy, and the kind of energetic upgrade that shifts your entire frequency... 🖤 GIRL CODE: The Next Era Mastermind begins September 2. Early applications are now open. Only 10 spots. ✨ Apply here ✨ You're not meant to figure it all out alone. You're meant to be poured into, babe.