In my latest episode of Clear Conversations, I sat down with
, whose journey from corporate burnout to spiritual guide exemplifies how sobriety transforms not just our health, but our entire creative expression. After quitting her corporate job and buying a one-way ticket to Australia following a devastating breakup, Kaitlyn found herself in Thailand where her relationship with alcohol intensified—until her body literally wouldn't let her continue.What began as health concerns evolved into a profound awakening. Now sober and based in Thailand, Kaitlyn combines astrology, coaching, and writing to help others rediscover their authentic selves. Her story reveals how removing substances doesn't limit creativity—it actually expands our capacity to create from a place of genuine presence and purpose.
Show Notes
[00:00:00] - Introduction and Welcome
Introducing Kaitlyn Ramsey and her journey from corporate life to spiritual guide
How a painful breakup led to quitting her job and booking a one-way ticket to Australia
Her evolution from escape-seeking to finding authentic purpose
[00:02:23] - The Turning Point: When Health Forces Change
Kaitlyn shares how her drinking escalated while living in Thailand's tourist culture
The wake-up call: passing out on a bar floor and subsequent hospital visits
Being diagnosed with depression, panic disorder, and insomnia—but choosing a different path to healing
[00:10:42] - Discovering Astrology as a Tool for Self-Knowledge
How sobriety and astrology became intertwined in Kaitlyn's recovery journey
Using astrology to "shine lights on certain parts of myself that maybe I had ignored"
Finding purpose in helping others discover themselves through astrological insights
[00:17:31] - The Creative Transformation in Sobriety
The dramatic difference in creative capacity after getting sober: "Like night and day"
How sobriety created mental and emotional space to hold ideas and inspiration
Discovering her true introverted nature after years of alcohol-fueled "extroversion"
[00:22:45] - Daily Practices That Support Sobriety and Creativity
Morning pages: Starting with small journals and gradually increasing capacity
Movement practices: Ballet, jazz dance, and Muay Thai training
The importance of setting yourself up for success with achievable practices
[00:28:08] - Working with Inner Critics and Self-Judgment
Recognizing that even critical inner voices have positive intentions
Questioning whether self-criticism is actually keeping us safe
Learning to have conversations with different parts of ourselves
[00:30:42] - Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places
Kaitlyn shares a story about how a dead cat taught her about beauty
How pausing and creating space led to a profound shift in perspective
Transforming an unpleasant task into a meaningful ritual of honoring life
Key Quotes
"For so long I just ignored every single signal until it was like, 'You're not ignoring this anymore'—you can't." - Kaitlyn Ramsey
"The biggest thing for me has just been the capacity. I feel like I just have so much more capacity and space to hold all of these ideas and things that are filtering through me. Whereas before I was just so overwhelmed." - Kaitlyn Ramsey
"I think setting ourselves up for success is important. I started with a tiny little notebook because there's no way I'm going to do three full-size pages. Now every time I finish a journal, I just get one size bigger." - Kaitlyn Ramsey
"I fully believe that even the critical parts of ourselves do have positive intentions and they just want us to keep us safe. But then it's like, is this actually keeping me safe? Do I need your advice right now?" - Kaitlyn Ramsey
Resources Mentioned
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (Morning Pages practice)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course
Elephant Journal (where Kaitlyn has published work)
Somatic practices and journaling for recovery support
Muay Thai training as a physical practice
Where to Find Kaitlyn
Substack: Follow Kaitlyn's writing and astrological insights
Website: kaitlynramsay.com for astrology readings and coaching
Instagram: @kaitlyn.k.r for daily inspiration and updates
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us live for this conversation, and to
for her extraordinary openness and wisdom. Your presence and engagement make these conversations possible.What's Next
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Each step forward is an act of creative rebellion.
Thanks for walking this path with me.
Josh
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