Join Tyler and Catelynn Baltierra, one of the OG couples from MTV's 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom , who showcased adoption first-hand, as they dive into life beyond reality TV. They share the ups, downs, and everything in between of marriage, parenthood, and personal growth. With candid stories, celebrity guests, and lots of laughs, Tyler and Catelynn explore how they navigate the spotlight, raise a family, and stay strong as a couple. Cate & Ty: Break It Down! is a weekly fix of heartwarming moments, behind-the-scenes tea, and a whole lot of love.
In this part 2, Amber Boone returns to unpack the beautiful and complex reality of motherhood across generations. Amber shares her journey of becoming a grandmother at 32, navigating the shock of her daughter’s teenage pregnancy, and the battle against a broken foster care system to bring her granddaughter home. She explains the devastating toll of addiction, the long road to three years of recovery, and the unique, often confusing dynamics of co-parenting a grandchild you’ve legally adopted. Amber opens up about the generational trauma she’s working to undo, the importance of choosing compassion over judgment, and why she believes the true alchemy of life is found in the moments of stillness between the chaos. Thank you to our sponsors! Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Young Grandma Amber Boone: Escaping Domestic Abuse & Blended Family Dynamics (PART 1)
1 hr 1 min
In part one of this conversation, Cate and Tyler sit down with fellow Detroiter Amber Boone ( @getrealwithab ). She opens up about the reality behind her viral 25-million-view TikTok, surviving severe childhood trauma and system failures, escaping a life-threatening teenage marriage, and talks about the complexities of navigating generational trauma as a helicopter mom—only to watch her own daughter follow closely in her footsteps. This is PART 1 of a two-part discussion! Thank you to our sponsors! Arya: Get $10 off your first month at GetArya.com/CATEANDTY Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com Zenni: Go to zenni.com/podcast and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
The Day I Grew Up: Finding Out My Cousin Was My Mother (PART 2)
1 hr 8 min
Cate is back with D.A. ( @difficult.adoptee ) to continue the exploration of trauma, systemic failure, and survival. DA shares her journey of growing up in a controlling, highly restrictive kinship adoption and the moment she realized her family was built on performance and lies. From navigating a volatile reunion with her biological mother and a dangerous encounter with her biological father, DA reflects on the systemic lack of regulation in kinship placements. She also shares the layering grief of losing her infant son in the second trimester, drawing powerful parallels to her own mother’s unacknowledged postpartum grief. Thank you to our sponsors! Alloy: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for $20 off your first order! Cashapp: Download Cash App Today https://click.cash.app/ui6m/hn9nkrvk #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants. Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. 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 .
The Cousin Who Was Actually My Mother: Kinship Adoption with D.A. (PART 1)
58 min
In this deeply personal episode of Break It Down, guest D.A. ( @difficult.adoptee ) joins the show to deconstruct her experience growing up within a kinship adoption. She shares her journey of discovering at age seven that the woman she thought was her cousin was actually her biological mother. She discusses navigating preverbal trauma, surviving a toxic and narcissistic home environment, and the challenges of advocating for her own mental health as a teenager in a system that often preferred silence over real healing. This is PART 1 of a two-part discussion! 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 K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Camping Trip Recap & Summer Routine
43 min
Mercury is in retrograde and out to get us. Cate & Ty are back from their camping trip and share how they plan to keep up with the kids this summer. They share their thoughts on the double standards between young girls and boys when it comes to dressing "appropriate" 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 .
ENCORE Genetic Mirroring and Brain Wiring: Understanding Adoptee Development w/ Psychotherapist Amy Silvia
1 hr 18 min
Let's revisit an episode from 2025 Cate & Ty sit down with psychotherapist and adoptee Amy Silvia ( @psychotherapist.amy_ ) , who shares her personal journey through the Baby Scoop Era and the complex process of reconnecting with her birth family. Drawing on decades of clinical experience working with thousands of adoptees and birth parents, Amy unpacks the profound impact of genetic mirroring, attachment trauma, and the crucial need for "adoptee-focused" therapy. Amy sheds light on the crucial difference between "adoption competence" and truly "adoptee-focused" care, highlighting the mental health struggles faced by adoptees and birth parents, including the shockingly high rates of suicidal ideation. Discover how normalizing difficult adoption conversations can lead to profound healing for the entire adoption triad. Thank you to our sponsors! Alloy: Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/BreakItDown today to get 10% off your first month K-12: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown 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! Zenni: Go to Zenni.com/PODCAST and use code PODCAST15 for fifteen percent off your first order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
ENCORE Dr. Abby Hasberry: Navigating Adoption as an Adoptee and Birth Mother
1 hr 4 min
Let us go back into the vault and listen to an episode from 2025 when Cate & Ty sat down with Dr. Abby, a transracial adoptee, birth mother, and adoption-informed therapist. Dr. Abby breaks down the true meaning of informed consent in adoption, revealing the systemic issues and personal traumas often hidden beneath the surface. She also shares her personal journey, from her coerced relinquishment as a teenage birth mother to her own experience as an adoptee navigating identity and reunion. For more information visit https://adoptingprivilege.com/ 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 K-12: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown 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! Rocket Money: Join at RocketMoney.com/CATEANDTY See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Deep Thoughts with Nova: Space, Dress Codes, and School Bullies
43 min
Summer is officially here, and Nova is back on the mic to break it all down! Fresh out of the fifth grade, Nova sits down with Mom to tackle a lightning round of fun and thought-provoking questions from the "Children Are Human" card deck. From her current obsession with The Sims and the mind-bending physics of colliding black holes, to a blunt critique of the middle school dress code and what it really means to stand up to school bullies, Nova pulls no punches. Thank you to our sponsors! Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code CATETY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/CATETY K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown 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 .
Pregnant at 13: Bri's Story
1 hr 4 min
Bri shares her incredible journey from childhood abuse and foster care to becoming a mother at 14. She opens up about being groomed by an adult predator, navigating the foster system, resisting adoption pressure, and fighting to keep her child against overwhelming odds. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the experiences and turning points that shaped her life and led her to where she is today. https://www.tiktok.com/@briinthemaking Thank you to our sponsors! K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown 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 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 .
Unexpected Updates & The Amanda Arrest Fallout feat. Elle Bee
1 hr 0 min
Cate, Ty, and Elle dive into the latest shocking updates surrounding Unexpected , including Hunter and Bella’s breakup, custody developments, and the ongoing court drama involving their families. The conversation then shifts into a deeper discussion about reality TV ethics, child exploitation, addiction, and the pressures that come with growing up in the public eye. They also react to the recent Amanda arrest news, relapse concerns, and the emotional impact addiction has on families, recovery, and children caught in the middle. Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok ! Thank you to our sponsors! K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Alloy : Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code BREAKITDOWN for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com Quince: Go to Quince.com/breakitdown for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns 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 .
The Matriarch, 16&Pregnant Reflections and Anonymous Secrets
50 min
Cate and Ty are finally back in today's episode! The episode begins with Tyler sharing stories of his late grandmother, a resilient matriarch who raised eight children. Ty also shares his dream he had of her the night before her passing. They shift to discussing the upcoming Hollywood Demons series and the positive impact 16&Pregnant had on their lives. Lastly, the episode ends with some anonymous secrets, featuring some wild family mingling and sabotaging someone's birth control. 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 K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Kiwico: Get $10 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/summer , promo code BREAKITDOWN Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more! Saily: Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code CATETY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/CATETY See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
TLC's Unexpected: Reality TV and Leaked Truths feat. Elle Bee
1 hr 7 min
Cate is joined again by Elle Bee ( @ellebee_official ) to break down TLC's Unexpected . They share their concerns regarding the custody case of Bella and Hunter, and their newborn child. Cate and Elle both share their experiences and opinions on fame, healthy family dynamics, and the exploitation in reality television. Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok ! 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 K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Kiwico: Get $10 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/summer , promo code BREAKITDOWN Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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 .
ENCORE Unconditional Love, Empathy & Human Connection with David Shane
1 hr 8 min
Cate & Ty sit down with David Shane (@davidbshane), an adoptee who shares stories of love, mindfulness, and human connections on social media, but one day decided to share his journey of being contacted by his biological mother. David opens up about his upbringing, filled with open communication from his adoptive parents, which instilled in him a strong sense of self from a young age. He shares how the reunion with his biological younger sister, and eventually biological parents, came with emotional challenges and expectations, and the aftermath. Cate and Ty discuss with David about the fragility of life, the importance of overcoming fear in pursuing connections before it's too late, and the idea that not all reunions are positive but deserve to be explored with a strong support system. Drawing from his experiences, David offers advice for both adoptive and biological parents, emphasizing the critical role of unconditional support, open communication, and respecting the adoptee's pace during the reunion process. 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 Marathon: Start earning rewards on every gallon of gas. Available at participating Marathon locations. Terms and Conditions apply. See MarathonRewards.com for details Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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 .
Ask Me Anything: Solo Session
45 min
For this week, Cate does a rare solo Q&A session, also recapping the current sickness sweeping through the Baltierra household. She delves deep into her 17-year journey with Teen Mom, providing some behind-the-scenes insight of reality TV production and reflecting on the impact of documenting their open adoption journey. Cate also hints at an upcoming project for MTV/Paramount that has them heading out to record in the coming weeks! Thank you to our sponsors! K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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 Q&A: Abortion, Leaked Photos and Being Soul Mates
58 min
Cate & Ty dive into listener questions, tackling some personal topics such as whether Cate considered abortion when she found out she was pregnant. Her and Ty talk about the fear and panic surrounding an unplanned pregnancy at sixteen, emphasizing the importance of an educated decision when facing a crisis pregnancy. They also provide an update on their relationship with adoption facilitator Dawn, and discuss the complex state of their open adoption with their daughter Carly. Cate & Ty address the leaked photos of Carly, discussing the irony of being vilified for sharing their story while others now break privacy boundaries. Lastly, they share updates on their current relationships with their own parents, including maintaining a healthy and safe environment for their family. They discuss their own relationship and how they've worked to have a strong partnership but have never considered the work "hard" 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 K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
ENCORE Being in our 30s & Growing Up with an Absent Father
56 min
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! K12 Powered Schools: Enroll online today at K12.com/breakitdown Magnetic Me: New customers can get 15% off sitewide at magneticme.com 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 .
Hope with Holly: Reclaiming Female Autonomy
1 hr 33 min
This week, Tyler sits down with Holly from Hope with Holly . They discuss her journey with Christian fundamentalism and how she was able to break away. From attending Liberty University and marrying into a religious family to the devastating loss of her first daughter, which became the catalyst for her deconstruction, Holly details how and why she's so passionate in helping other women find their autonomy. For more information visit stan.store/HopeWithHolly 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
The Catfish in the Room: Addressing Controversy & Social Media with Elle Bee (Part 2)
1 hr 17 min
Cate & Ty continue with Elle Bee ( @ellebee_official ) in this Part 2 to explore the complexities of life in the public eye. She discusses the world of content creation, from vetting exclusive stories to managing the burnout that comes with 24/7 reporting. The conversation then shifts to Tyler and Cate's 16 and Pregnant journey. They address long-standing rumors, clarifying the reality of their back-and-forth decisions and the lack of support systems for teen parents when they already come from high risk families. Tyler also talks about the leaked message controversy, explaining the impact of being catfished by sources claiming to have "inside" information about their daughter. Lastly, the reality of open adoption, discussing the legal loopholes of non-binding agreements and the ongoing fight for adoptee rights. Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok ! 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 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 .
From the Bathroom Closet to YouTube Fame feat. Elle Bee
1 hr 22 min
In this two-part episode, Cate & Ty welcome Teen Mom content creator Elle Bee ( @ellebee_official ) for a deep dive into her life and career. Elle opens up about growing up with teen parents, navigating her mother’s four marriages, and how childhood experiences with yelling and abuse shaped her "helicopter mom" parenting style. Elle recounts her journey from recording makeup reviews in a cramped bathroom closet to becoming a prominent voice in the Teen Mom commentary space. She also speaks on the ethics of reality TV coverage and the moment she realized the stars she discussed were actually watching her videos. Come back next week for PART 2! Follow Elle on YouTube and Tik Tok ! 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 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 .
Beyond the Reality TV Lens feat. Rei Clarke
1 hr 6 min
In today's episode, Cate is joined by friend and content creator Rei Clarke ( @rei_clarke ) to discuss life's transitions and the power of breaking generational cycles. Ray shares her journey from debt collector to content creator, her experiences with burnout, and her dedication to advocating for children in the public eye. Cate reflects on the challenges of raising daughters in the spotlight and the importance of creating a safe environment. It's a conversation about growth, friendship, and staying true to oneself! 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 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 .
