I've Always Been Me!

Debbie Ditanna
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Most memoirs focus on trauma, but I've Always Been Me is a celebration of life and identity. Join host Debbie Ditanna on a multi-generational journey-from growing up in an Italian American family in Philadelphia, navigating Greenwich Village and Soho in the 70’s and 80's, to starting fresh in Rio de Janeiro and embracing a bold second act. Debbie shares her story with candor, and heart, proving that your core self never gets lost, no matter how life changes, and your best chapter can always be the one you write next. https://substack.com/@debbied https://www.patreon.com/c/IveAlwaysBeenMe

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    I've Always Been Me! Ep 7 A Generation of Firsts Pt 1 The Magic and the Moon

    Step into the wonder of the 1960’s as we explore growing up with colored television, the musical revolution of the Beatles and bold changes in hair and fashion to the historic moon landing in 1969 before the world shifted. This was a generation my generation that broke every rule and never looked back .

  2. Oct 28

    I've Always Been Me E6 The World of Barbie

    In this episode we're taking  a fresh look at how Barbie was so much more than just a doll.  Created by Ruth Handler, she was a crucial, accidental pioneer for women's independence giving generations of little girls a tangible way to dream beyond domesticity. we’ll explore how the women’s movement got her completely wrong. I was inspired by Renee Rosen’s book “Let’s Call her Barbie” Copy and paste the link below if you'd like to learn more about Let's Call her Barbie https://amzn.to/4slNe0M

  3. Oct 21

    I've Always Been Me! Ep 5 Life at 113 Sullivan St.

    In this episode, I share memories of my very first apartment in NYC. Join me as I reflect on watching this South Village Neighborhood turn into beautiful downtown Soho, the birthplace of Brunch. I'll also tell the stories of living on the street of the annual Feast of St Anthony, and the connection to the Godfather Part II and how this protected Italian/American neighborhood connected back to my roots in Northeast Philadelphia.

  4. Oct 14

    I've Always Been Me! Ep 4 Conversations Pt 2 Discovering Gnosis

    In this episode we explore the deep connection between spiritually and the concept of gnosis, we also touch on the significance of premonitions, plus the preciousness of fleeting time and the power of a lifelong practice of gratitude.

  5. Oct 7

    I've Always Been Me! Ep 4 Conversations with God Part one- The St. Jude Prayer Card

    In this episode I share how my spiritual journey began when my Mother gave me a St Jude prayer card. That card sparked my daily long conversations with God leading me to question my 12 years of Catholic school and eventually embrace identity as a spiritualist.

  6. Sep 30

    Episode 3 The Foundation Part 2 The Compass and the Confidence

    This episode focuses on how my parents taught me inclusion, acceptance, and deep respect for others long before those became modern buzzwords. It explores how their example and guidance taught me to live without prejudice, embrace people for who they are, and build strong, healthy boundaries.

  7. Sep 23

    Episode 3 The Foundation Part 1 The Gift my Parents gave me.

    In this episode I take us back to where it all began-Northeast Philadelphia. I grew up in a warm Italian/American household and enjoyed a rare kind of freedom built on mutual respect and logical boundaries' rather than strict rules. From launching my showbiz career at age seven to navigating school on my own terms, my parents gave me the ultimate gift: total confidence without entitlement, Discover how this foundation of deep family trust shaped the independent 18 year old who took on New York city in 1973.

  8. Sep 16

    September 1973-The New Beginning

    In this episode, I dive into the thrilling whirlwind of my first few months living in NYC. From the structured rules of a Greenwich Village girls boarding house--and a late -night curfew escape after a charming autumn date-- to my first classes at AMDA, landing a part time job on iconic 8th St, and an unforgettable first night that included an unexpected surprise!

  9. Sep 9

    When Sex was the end of a good date Episode 1

    Forget dating----Let's talk about sex. In this premier episode, we're diving into the true Golden Age for women, an era of unapologetic freedom, liberation and when the "one night stand" truly began. Whether you're navigating today's hookup culture or curious about how women claimed their power before dating apps, this is a look at what it really meant when sex was simply the perfect end of a great night.  https://www.patreon.com/cw/IveAlwaysBeenMe https://substack.com/@debbieditanna?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1twcgg

  • 9 Episodes

About

Most memoirs focus on trauma, but I've Always Been Me is a celebration of life and identity. Join host Debbie Ditanna on a multi-generational journey-from growing up in an Italian American family in Philadelphia, navigating Greenwich Village and Soho in the 70’s and 80's, to starting fresh in Rio de Janeiro and embracing a bold second act. Debbie shares her story with candor, and heart, proving that your core self never gets lost, no matter how life changes, and your best chapter can always be the one you write next. https://substack.com/@debbied https://www.patreon.com/c/IveAlwaysBeenMe

Information

  • Creator
    Debbie Ditanna
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Debbie Ditanna
  • Show Website
    I've Always Been Me!