Check out our interview with popular digital content creator and podcast host Ally Petitti who is a mental health advocate and strong voice for Gen Z and beyond. With her podcast “Trying to Figure it Out”, Ally is an open book and isn’t afraid to speak her truth. She lays it out ALL out on the table and provides help and support for her guests and devoted listeners.
Created in January 2022, Ally’s inspiration to start her podcast transpired after experiencing multiple mental and physical health struggles in her life and strongly feeling the need to create social awareness on real-life, meaningful issues & topics. She chats with friends and guests in conversational style interviews, in which they share personal and powerful stories and learn from each other along the way.
Follow Ally @allypetitti
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Hi Ally, please tell us a little about you?
I am a podcast host, content creator, and mental health advocate. I am originally from New York but live in Los Angeles. I have worked in entertainment for the last seven years and am trying to figure out what is next for me.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, thoughtful, and driven.
Who is your role model?
My dad!
How did you get started into the business?
My dad worked in entertainment his whole life and so I saw it through his lens and experience. His career in the industry revolved a lot around sports but I always knew I wanted to do something in the space, it just took some time to figure out what certain area I wanted to focus on.
How has this changed your life?
I took what I was inspired by, such as my dad and my aunts, who all worked in entertainment in every different facet. For me, I wanted to do it a bit differently. I am a very personal person with no filter, so starting a podcast where I share everything about myself is nothing like they would ever do. It’s changed my life because I’ve been super open, and I’ve seen a great response based on what I’ve shared.
How and when did you start into the digital world and as a content creator?
Through past jobs that I’ve had, I gained a following and didn’t really know what to do with it at first. So, my next step was wondering what I could do with that following next. It motivated me to do something with it that was important to me. From there, that’s where I found the confidence to start my podcast.
Tell us about your podcast “Trying to Figure it Out?”
I started Trying to Figure it Out in 2022 when I was exciting one of the hardest times of my life. I decided to start it as a space for myself to share my stories. It quickly became a place where other people also wanted to share their own, which has definitely been the most rewarding part about it. The podcast is called Trying to Figure it Out because that’s what we constantly aim to do when navigating all of the little things that life throws at us such as mental health, family dynamics, sexuality, women’s health, and so many other things.
How often do you release new content?
New episodes of my podcast come out every Tuesday.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful podcast?
I think the secret is just being authentic and believing in what you’re doing. Even if you’re doing a podcast in a completely different genre such as gossip, there is a space for everything. The biggest thing is it being natural. If you’re passionate about whatever it is, whether it is spilling reality tea or talking about mental health, you’re on your way to success. Just get up and do it! Buy that microphone, release those episodes, and you’ll gain traction before you know it.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I’ve recently had to make is figuring out what to do next. While I have this podcast that’s becoming more and more successful, I have also always had a job at the same time. Right now, I’m in this weird in between as to whether or not I should go full force with my podcast or if I should keep this safety net that I’ve had through staying employed. I want to make my podcast the most important part of my life, so it has been tough trying to navigate the best way to go about that.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would give my younger self the advice of not being so hard on yourself. It’s cliche, but it’s so true. We all are our biggest critics, but I always see things about myself that I’ve been really hard on. So, I would tell my younger self that it’s all going to be okay and that everything you’re feeling will bring you to a greater purpose.
What is your favorite food?
A cheese plate. If you give me one of those, I’ll love you forever.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I would say my style is super eclectic. Everything I wear is very 2000s inspired and I love oversized sweaters and baggy pants.
How would your best friend describe you?
I think they would call me extra, but in a nice way, not a judgmental way. All of my friends are a little more reserved and I very much like to put myself out there so sometimes they think I’m a little crazy, but they are always so supportive of me and my career.
What is your own definition of happiness?
As of right now, my own definition of happiness is enjoying my days and feeling excited about what I’m going to do. Trying to live in the moment instead of not looking at what’s next has been really important.
How is a normal day in your life?
Initially I wake up, I have my coffee, and take care of my three dogs. I’ll typically spend some time in time in the morning journaling and planning out what I want the rest of my week to look like. Then, I’ll run errands, go shopping, or hang out with friends. I also work on my podcast for at least an hour a day. Lastly, I like to socialize over food, so something that brings me joy is incorporating dinner plans into my evenings as much as I can.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My answer to this is going to sound ridiculous. If I could meet someone who was dead, I would meet Jesus because I want to know the truth. And, if I could meet someone living, it would probably be Adam Sandler. I would do anything to meet that man.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
My dogs, my friends, and my Lexapro.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I honestly have no idea and I kind of love that. I’m super open to anything and I think that’s the best place to be in. As a content creator, I just know that I believe in what I’m doing and where it will take me.
Favorite song? Why?
Big Jet Plane by Angus and Julia Stone. It is a song that has been truly timeless in my life. I’ve loved it since the first time I heard it and it opened me up to my larger music taste, which is very indie and alternative.
Where we can follow you?
Trying to Figure it Out Podcast: Spotify & Apple Music
Social Media: Instagram / YouTube / TikTok
Favorite Singer/Artist: Coldplay is amazing.
Movie: Nightmare Before Christmas
Travel Destination: I’m a Caribbean girl. I’ll continue to go there over anywhere else.
Sports Team: I’m a New York Giants and Mets fan.
Tv Show: One Tree Hill.
Book: Anything by Dr. Seuss.
Photo Credit: Ben Cope @ben_cope
