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Almost Normal Podcast

by Rita Aldridge

Join me, Rita, as I dive into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of life in your 20s and beyond. In each episode, I explore topics that hit close to home-whether it’s navigating career doubts, managing anxiety, or battling procrastination. Together, we’ll unravel what it means to be human, from the pressures of time passing too fast to the relentless pursuit of satisfaction.Expect honest conversations, personal stories, and insights on issues that matter-from the sexualization of female bodies and online censorship to the everyday struggles that shape who we are. This is a space for anyone seeking to understand themselves better, embrace their imperfections, and find solace in shared experiences.Subscribe and join the conversation as we explore the ups and downs of modern life with authenticity, empathy, and a touch of humor.

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Episodes

  1. 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...

  2. 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...

  3. 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…

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  4. 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…

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  5. 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...

  6. A New Years Message

    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...

  7. Finding Happiness in Everyday Moments this Christmas

    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...

  8. Confessions Of A Lost 20 Something Year Old

    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…

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  9. Living with OCD: I Think I Hit Someone With My Car

    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...

  10. Live For Yourself, Not For Others

    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...

  11. Why It's So Hard To Celebrate Yourself

    In this episode, Rita dives into the challenges of learning to celebrate yourself, sharing her personal battle with imposter syndrome and the difficulty of embracing her own achievements. She reflects on moments where self-doubt overshadowed success, like a recent art show that left her…

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  12. Why I'm Struggling With Body Image More Than Ever

    In this candid episode, Rita opens up about her current struggle with body image and the difficult journey toward self-acceptance. She’s facing her insecurities head-on, from past habits of idolizing thinness to the constant comparisons that make feeling comfortable in her own skin challenging....

  13. 4 Years Sober - The Biggest Lessons I've Learned So Far

    In this episode, I’m opening up about the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past 4 years of sobriety. From navigating social pressures and overcoming cravings to rediscovering life’s simple joys without alcohol, I’m sharing the hard truths and unexpected insights that have come from this...

  14. Redefining fun in sobriety

    In this episode, Rita dives into her journey of redefining fun after choosing sobriety. 🎉✨ When she first decided to get sober, there were fears of missing out on social life and enjoyment. But Rita found a new world of authentic fun without alcohol! 🍹🚫 She shares personal stories, practical...

  15. The Surprising Power of Gratitude

    In this episode, Rita opens up about her journey out of a mental health crisis, sharing how she's actively fighting back against OCD and anxiety. She dives into the importance of gratitude and the practical ways she uses it to regain a positive outlook. Tune in to hear personal tips, techniques,...

  16. The Truth About Having OCD

    In this episode, Rita opens up about her personal experience with OCD, sharing how the compulsions manifest and the impact they've had on her daily life. From repeating actions over and over to finding medications that help, she reflects on the challenges of living with the disorder. Rita also...

  17. The Truth About Being A Woman

    In this episode, Rita explores the societal pressure on women to meet unrealistic expectations surrounding career, motherhood, and beauty standards. She discusses the constant competition among women over success and looks, as well as the overwhelming pressure to balance a career and raise kids....

  18. Dealing With Acne In My Twenties

    In this episode of her podcast, Rita dives into the emotional struggle of letting go of old clothes that hold sentimental value. She opens up about accepting her changing body and navigating the challenges of "second puberty" — especially dealing with adult acne. Rita's honest reflection on body...

  19. How I Went from Partying in the UK to Sobriety and Marriage in LA

    In this episode, Rita takes listeners on a wild journey through her many attempts to move from the UK to Los Angeles. From chaotic experiences involving substance use to finally settling down and attending art college—now married and thriving in LA—this story has it all. If you've ever dreamed of...

  20. Quitting Vaping & Life in London vs. LA

    In this episode, Rita opens up about her decision to quit vaping and shares how the journey has impacted her life. She also talks about the books she's currently reading, offering listeners a glimpse into her latest literary picks. Rita then dives into the differences between living in London and...

  21. How my body changed when I got sober

    In this episode, Rita dives deep into the challenges of gaining weight during sobriety and the emotional toll of comparing yourself to your past self. She explores the importance of shifting perspective and recognizing that the version of ourselves we romanticize may not reflect reality. Through...

  22. how to do nothing

    In this episode, Rita delves into the challenges of managing time effectively and how her struggles with this issue have impacted her regular posting schedule. With the start of college once again, Rita reflects on the difficulties of finding a rhythm amidst the chaos of academic life and…

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  23. Learning how to be more consistent *BIG NEWS*

    In this episode, Rita explores the importance of consistency in life and the journey of building strength, both physically and mentally. She shares her own experiences as she begins a new strength training routine, offering insights on the challenges and rewards of staying consistent.

  24. How I navigate sobriety in my 20's | Almost Normal Podcast With Rita Aldridge Ep. 6

    In this episode, Rita dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of being sober in your 20s. Whether you're on a sober journey, exploring a sober curious lifestyle, or just looking for ways to enjoy life without alcohol, this episode is packed with actionable tips and tricks to help you succeed.

  25. Trying to be present in my 20's | Almost Normal Podcast With Rita Aldridge Ep.5

    In this episode, Rita dives deep into the importance of living in the moment and appreciating life beyond just career achievements. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle, but what about the simple joys that often go unnoticed? Join Rita as she explores how to embrace the present, avoid taking...

  26. Why are women being censored on social media? | Almost Normal Podcast Ep.4

    In this episode, Rita delves into the ongoing issue of the sexualization of female nipples and the impact of online censorship. She shares her personal experiences with censorship on social media platforms and discusses how these policies affect women. The episode also explores the historical…

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  27. The Quarter Life Crisis | Almost Normal With Rita Aldridge Ep.3

    In this episode, Rita delves into the challenges and uncertainties of navigating career doubts in your 20s. Reflecting on her own experiences, Rita shares her journey from the pressures of choosing a career as a teenager to the ongoing search for clarity and purpose in adulthood.

  28. What OCD is like (my experience) | Almost Normal Podcast With Rita Aldridge Ep.2

    In this heartfelt episode, Rita shares her deeply personal experience of living with severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She takes listeners through the early symptoms she faced as a child, the significant role that medication played in her life, and the challenges she encountered along…

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  29. Why I had to quit drinking in my 20’s | Almost Normal Podcast With Rita Aldridge Ep.1

    In this debut episode, Rita shares her personal journey through addiction and sobriety. Reflecting on her younger years, she candidly discusses the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace a life of sobriety. With honesty and insight, Rita offers hope and inspiration…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join me, Rita, as I dive into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of life in your 20s and beyond. In each episode, I explore topics that hit close to home-whether it’s navigating career doubts, managing anxiety, or battling procrastination. Together, we’ll unravel what it means to be human, from the pressures of time passing too fast to the relentless pursuit of satisfaction.Expect honest conversations, personal stories, and insights on issues that matter-from the sexualization of female bodies and online censorship to the everyday struggles that shape who we are. This is a space for anyone seeking to understand themselves better, embrace their imperfections, and find solace in shared experiences.Subscribe and join the conversation as we explore the ups and downs of modern life with authenticity, empathy, and a touch of humor.

HOSTED BY

Rita Aldridge

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Almost Normal Podcast have?

Almost Normal Podcast currently has 29 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Almost Normal Podcast about?

Join me, Rita, as I dive into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of life in your 20s and beyond. In each episode, I explore topics that hit close to home-whether it’s navigating career doubts, managing anxiety, or battling procrastination. Together, we’ll unravel what it means to...

How often does Almost Normal Podcast release new episodes?

Almost Normal Podcast has 29 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Almost Normal Podcast?

You can listen to Almost Normal Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Almost Normal Podcast?

Almost Normal Podcast is created and hosted by Rita Aldridge.
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