Episode 1

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Published on:

18th Sep 2025

Friendship Over

In this episode hosts Carmelita (Cat) Tiu and Irene Uy open up about the hard truths of friendships that end. From cultural differences and peer pressure to setting boundaries and recognizing when a relationship has run its course, they explore how to let go with integrity while staying true to yourself.

[00:00:00] Warm welcome & intention for the episode – Irene and Cat talk about showing up more authentically and personally.


[00:02:00] Irene’s wedding celebration in the Philippines sparks a reflection on adult friendships and how relationships evolve over time.


[00:03:00] Reconnecting with childhood friends and the unique purity of those bonds.


[00:05:00] Cultural differences in making friends—platonic friendships with men in the Philippines vs. assumptions in the U.S.


[00:09:00] Transactional relationships and learning when to step back, even with family.


[00:12:00] Trust, time, and deciding whether relationships are worth salvaging.


[00:14:00] Boundaries—what they mean, why they matter, and the discomfort of setting them for the first time.


[00:16:00] Respecting others’ boundaries with the same grace you’d want for yourself.


[00:17:00] Peer pressure—distinguishing between unhealthy pressure vs. loving nudges that help you grow.


[00:21:00] Recognizing who shows up for you in hard times, and who disappears when accountability is needed.


[00:23:00] Navigating lies, betrayals, and deciding when a friendship has reached its limit.


[00:27:00] The emotional weight of female friendships and learning not to carry others’ problems as your own.


[00:29:00] When “support” feels one-sided—friendships that resemble unpaid coaching sessions.


[00:33:00] Differentiating between those who are lost but trying vs. those who choose dishonesty or manipulation.


[00:36:00] Irene’s powerful reminder: you can be kind without being weak, and you can protect your integrity while still leading with compassion.


[00:38:00] Closing reflections—the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself.


If this episode resonated with you, here are a few things to reflect on or try:


Reflect on your own friendships: Are they bringing you joy, growth, and peace—or are they draining and one-sided?


Practice setting boundaries, even if it feels messy at first.


Remember to prioritize the relationship you have with yourself above all else.


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About the Podcast

The Coach Is In
the podcast for parent-leaders who are carrying it all: careers, kids, family, and the invisible weight no one seems to see.
Meet your hosts, Cat and Irene.

Irene is a certified leadership coach on a mission to break intergenerational cycles and bridge generational gaps. The way we lead at home doesn’t just shape our families—it seeps into how we show up at work. Irene brings the perspective of a daughter to the parent-leader challenges we’re unpacking here.

Cat is a coach, lawyer and mom who works with high-achieving moms and service-oriented women like her—women who are burning bright but sometimes burning out. Together, we’re diving deep into the messy, beautiful balancing act of leading your family, leaning into your work and living your life without losing yourself in the process.

So, if you’ve ever wondered, “How can I show up for my family AND take care of myself?” or “When is it time to let go of old patterns that don’t serve me?”—we’ve got you. Because the coach is in—and this space is for you.