XO, Your Unlicensed Therapists

Everyone, meet Gracie. Known to many as the host of a New York Emmy Award Winning show on the YES network "The Story of My Number", but to Kate? She's her best friend. Kate's Northwestern partner-in-chaos (thanks, NU) and, yes, now a host at the YES Network and professional film/tv actress. Get an inside look at their friendship and listen to their conversation about growing up in the public eye, slowing down, and choosing peace over perfection.  In this episode, Gracie and Kate get into: * How to honor your limits without feeling guilty * Privilege, perception, and owning your story * Family, friendship, and finding steadiness after chaos Let's get into it!

On today’s episode, Kate opens up about what it really looks like to walk away from the dream you’ve carried since childhood. From seeing Wicked at age four to training at Northwestern, acting defined her life for over two decades—until it didn’t. Kate shares the grief, the spirals, the identity crisis, and the hard-won clarity that led her to finally say, “I don’t want this anymore.” She talks candidly about the difference between a rough season and something that’s actively hurting you, how to let go without feeling like you’ve “wasted” your past, and how she’s redefining success around sanity, joy, and health. If you’ve ever felt guilty for changing your mind—or scared that pivoting means failure—this one’s for you.

Being a mom isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. On today’s episode, Kate sits down with the radiant Bella DeNapoli—vocal powerhouse, songwriter, and proud new mama—who you might recognize from The Voice (Team Ariana, duh). Bella opens up about breaking the mold of what it means to be a mom in the performance world, how she kept her mental health steady while on national television, and how she’s learning to chase her dreams while building a beautiful real life, too. If you’ve ever wondered if you can have it all—the baby, the career, the partner, the passion—this one’s for you.

In this special episode of XO, Your Unlicensed Therapist, Kate is joined by guest co-host Veronica Stern—actor, podcaster, and all-around dream re-evaluator. Together, they dive deep into what it means to pivot, pause, and reimagine success as a creative in today’s world. From leaving national tours to exploring corporate careers, Veronica shares her journey of redefining what “making it” really means. They unpack toxic industry myths (hi, “theater or bust”), the weight of social media expectations, and the power of giving yourself permission to evolve. If you’ve ever felt like your dream is shifting—or like you’re “behind”—this episode is the hug (and reality check).

This week, Kate is diving into the friendships that shape us—for better or worse. Some friendships ebb and flow, while others slowly fade for a reason. So how do you know if it’s just a rough patch or a friendship that’s run its course? From what a healthy friendship actually looks like to the subtle signs that something might be off, we’re unpacking it all. Because sometimes, the hardest part isn’t losing a friend—it’s realizing they were never really one to begin with.

Wellness culture is everywhere—morning routines, matcha lattes, perfectly lit meditation corners. But is all of this actually making us well? In this episode, Kate pulls back the curtain on the curated world of social media wellness, breaking down why we’re so obsessed with these aesthetics, the pressure they create, and how to build a self-care routine that actually serves you. We’re talking about the power of social connection, why wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how to let go of the guilt when your version of “self-care” looks more like Love Island and takeout than a sunrise yoga class.

This week Kate dives into the messy, chaotic, and sometimes painfully hilarious dating history  before landing in a healthy relationship (truly its a miracle). From toxic situationships to mistaking red flags for fireworks, she reflects on the patterns that kept her stuck, the turning points that forced her to change, and the hard-earned lessons that led her to love that actually feels good. Tune in as she breaks down: 💔 Why we’re drawn to the people who are so wrong for us 🚩 How to stop dating the human equivalent of a hazard sign 🙃 The self-sabotage spiral (and how to get out of it) 🔥 The truth about emotional unavailability and why we chase it 💡 The moment that changed everything ❤️ What a healthy relationship actually looks like  If you've ever questioned your own dating decisions (or need a reason to finally block your walking red flag), this episode is for you.

This week, Kate gets real about creative burnout and why rest is just as important as the work. She talks hustle culture, the pressure to monetize your art, and how to reclaim joy in your creative process. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or like your creativity is just another box to check, we're here to remind you: it’s okay to hit pause. 

The queen of pink and advocating for self-care within the theater industry, Cara Rose DiPietro, joins us today to talk all things audition season. Those dreadful 4-5 months of winter in NYC where every professional theater actor makes a home in the halls of Pearl Studios or Ripley Grier. Join Kate & Cara as they talk about mental health stigma within the theater, how to survive the season of no’s, the non-equity AND equity actor hustle, emotional UTIs, and so much more. Grab your favorite dunkin’ order and join our girling session!

So... the question still stands: Are you REALLY a girls girl? Let's find out. Kate is flying solo this week (don’t worry— your double unlicensed therapist team will be back in action next week). Let’s talk about the hot button topic that is being a girls girl. Kate defines what a girls girl is (along with several other categories), her own experience navigating relationships with non-girls girls, and how to becoming a recovering non-girls girl. 

If your life was made into a movie, would your therapist be a character? Meet Kate & Robin, your unlicensed therapists, and hosts— Join them in their first of many girling sessions, where they discuss their friendship, their journeys in therapy, and why 2024 is for mental health and clarity.