Your Hot Pink Permission Slip to Publish Anyway: How to Stop Overthinking and Trust Your Words
Cara Says It All
What if the sentence that changes your life is the one you almost didn’t publish? In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how a single sentence from an old blog post unexpectedly ended up on a billboard in Europe, and why it completely changed the way I think about creativity, publishing, and trusting your work. If you've been sitting on an essay, a book idea, a Substack post, or even a single paragraph because you're waiting for it to be better, this episode is your reminder that you don't get to decide which piece of your work will resonate with someone else. Your job isn't to...
info_outline
On Reinventing My Life in My 40s, Becoming a Stepmom, and Building a Second Act — with Aaron Leatherbarrow
Cara Says It All
Today on the show, I'm joined by my fiancé, Aaron Leatherbarrow, for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had. We talk about what it's been like to reinvent my life in my 40s—from leaving New York and becoming a stepmom to navigating a blended family, building a creative life together, and redefining what a healthy relationship looks like. We also get into homesickness, identity shifts, separate beds, afternoon sex, and why the best relationships leave room for both people to keep becoming who they are. 🖤 If this conversation resonated with you, you can find more of my...
info_outline
Writing About Your Exes (And Living to Tell the Story) with E.M. Gallagher
Cara Says It All
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...
info_outline
Why Writing Your Book is Your Ultimate Power Move in 2026
Cara Says It All
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...
info_outline
Why Human Stories Matter More in the Age of AI
Cara Says It All
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:
info_outline
The Glamour of Self-Sabotage: The Pretty Little Lies That Steal Your Power
Cara Says It All
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.
info_outline
If You Want a New Life, You Have to Burn Down Your Old One
Cara Says It All
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...
info_outline
Is It Time to Ghost Your Old Life? Truth, Identity, and Your Next Era
Cara Says It All
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...
info_outline
Cara & Aaron: Breaking Up, Making Up, and Getting Married! All the Tea You Asked For
Cara Says It All
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...
info_outline
Survival Mode Is Not Your Brand: The Anti-Hustle Revolution with Andrea Crowder
Cara Says It All
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...
info_outlineI love the INs and OUTs lists everyone makes around this time of year. So naturally I make my own. They are fun but powerful reminders of what I’m taking with me into the new year, and what I’m leaving far behind (for example, I’ll be happy to never eat at a strip mall chain restaurant in Florida ever again).
2024 came in hot. My head is still spinning at the sheer amount of plot twists and lessons that were packed within this weird and wild 365 day span of time. But we keep it moving. We learn and we grow and even when it doesn’t all make sense, we somehow become better versions of ourselves.
And we only listen to Taylor Swift when we’re mentally preapred to do so.
No matter what this year brought you, I hope that you give yourself a hell of a lot of grace. And I hope that you decide who you will be in 2025, because you, my queen, have been — and always will be — the author of your life.
XOXO,
Cara
Follow me on Instagram @TheChampagneDiet