Let’s be real—long distance isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the ones who are willing to cry on dog walks with sunglasses on. The ones who whisper we’ll figure it out even when every plan falls through. The ones who know love is worth the effort—but still wonder, how the heck do people actually make this work?

So in this episode I dive into this topic that's close to my heart - the rollercoaster of long distance relationships. After navigating my own 2 year international long distance relationship with my now-husband Nate (including military life and visa challenges!), I'm sharing my top 10 tips for making the distance to turn Facetimes into forever.

Just to be clear - I once said I never wanted to do long distance or date someone in the military.

But then one summer night in D.C., fate had other plans—and my Aussie heart fell for an American soldier.

From navigating 5-month stretches without seeing each other, to voice calls filled with tears, to the moment I saw him waiting for me at the bottom of the airport escalator… this episode is as raw and real as it gets.

If you're currently separated from your person or considering a long distance relationship, this episode offers practical strategies, emotional validation, and hope that the distance can actually strengthen your bond rather than break it.

• My unexpected journey falling for an American military man while living in Australia
• Why being "all in or all out" is crucial for long distance success
• How to focus on what you can control when apart
• The importance of sharing daily details to stay connected
• Why trust is foundational (and starts with trusting yourself)
• Creating shared rituals, mantras, and future plans together
• Using your "extra time" to invest in personal growth

And because every love story deserves a soundtrack, I’m sharing something deeply personal: the song I had written for Nate during our time apart. It carried us through the lonely nights and played at our wedding. I hope it carries you, too.

Whether you're already navigating the challenges of loving someone from afar or wondering if you should take the leap, this episode offers genuine encouragement from someone who's been there. Because while long distance may not be easy, the right person is absolutely worth it.

Need support? I’ve got a few free coaching calls open this month. Let’s talk about how to keep your heart strong—no matter how many miles are between you: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching

Ever been through a breakup that didn’t just hurt emotionally—but physically?
Like your chest was caving in or your stomach was in knots? You're not crazy. In fact, there's actual science behind that soul crushing pain.

In this episode, we dive deep into what's actually happening in your brain and body when your heart gets broken—and why breakup grief might actually be harder to heal from than grief after death.

If you've ever felt like you were "crazy" for not being able to "just get over it," this episode is for you. We'll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind heartbreak and give you the validation (and hope) you need to keep moving forward.

• Why your brain treats heartbreak like a literal drug withdrawal
• The science behind why breakups activate the same pain centers as physical injuries
• How the stress hormone cortisol wreaks havoc on your sleep, appetite, and immune system
• Why your brain gets stuck in rumination mode after a breakup
• The unique challenge of grieving someone who's still alive (and why it's harder than you think)
• How social media makes everything worse—and what to do about it
• The incredible power of neuroplasticity and how your brain can actually heal itself
• Practical strategies for working WITH your brain, not against it

If you're listening to this in the thick of heartbreak right now, please know: what you're feeling is valid, it's normal, and it WILL get better. Your brain is doing exactly what millions of years of evolution programmed it to do. Be patient with yourself. You're not broken—you're human. ❤️

And - you don't have to figure it all out alone.

If you're ready for real support (not fluff), I’m here to help you make sense of the pain, rebuild your confidence, and gently take your power back—one choice, one breath, one brave step at a time. Book a free 30-minute coaching consult with me here: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching

What if the thing holding you back isn’t fear—but the story you're telling yourself about it?
This week on Okay, Now What?, I’m joined by the powerhouse that is Sally Zimney—award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and host of one of the top speaker podcasts in the world—for a real, raw, and laugh-out-loud honest conversation about what bravery really looks like.

Spoiler: it’s not the absence of fear. It’s showing up with it.

We unpack:

• Why “confidence” is overrated and what to build instead

• The power of gumption (and no, not the Aussie cleaning product kind—though that metaphor is hilariously spot-on)

• How to “bust your buts” (yes, those buts—like “But I’m not ready…” or “But what if I fail?”)

• Why cold plunging might be the secret weapon for facing discomfort (seriously)

• And how to take action even when you’re shaking in your boots (or freezing in a tub)

This episode is your gentle (and slightly cheeky) kick in the pants to stop hiding with your fears—and start moving toward what you really want.

Tune in now and start flexing your bravery muscle—one gumption-powered step at a time.

Check out Sally's websites and resources here: https://sallyzimney.com/

Ready to take this work deeper? If you're tired of living on autopilot and want real tools to take back control of your mind, your emotions, and your life—I’ve got you.
My 1:1 coaching program is designed for women who are done with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt and so ready to start living with more clarity, courage, and confidence.

Book a free mini coaching session today at www.kategladdin.com/coaching or DM me on Instagram @kategladdin.

You don’t have to keep believing the old story. You get to write and LIVE a new one.