A Chipped Tooth, an Orgasm, and The Birth of a B.R.A.T.™

What do you do when the dream that matters most to you disappears, is eclipsed—made irrelevant? 

After more than a decade of challenges building it. When few understood or saw the point. When it’s who you are.

You sure as hell don’t give up.

This is that story—about this podcast, and the B.R.A.T.™ brand—that began with a chipped tooth, an orgasm, and a blog in 2013; turned into The B.R.A.T.™ Show on YouTube in 2021; and then got rocket kicked into The Twilight Zone when Charlie XCX launched her brat album in 2024. And came out the other side more defiant and irreverent than ever in 2025.

 It’s also my story about doing what’s right rather than what’s expected; honouring your voice; and always, being true to self regardless of pushback. Becoming—being—a B.R.A.T.™

Whatever you’re working on, no matter the challenges, if it lights you up don’t let it go. Even if your journey (like mine) is longer than the gestation period of 28 African elephants! Keep going.

(B.R.A.T.™ is my brand and my acronym for women who are Bold, Relevant, Addictive, and Transformative.)

About Kathy Barthel:

Host Kathy Barthel (aka Bratty Kathy) owns the B.R.A.T.™ brand which she created in 2013 when she launched her blog, Bratty Kathy. She followed that in 2021 with The B.R.A.T.™ Show on YouTube where she interviews fellow B.R.A.T.™s. Her twice-monthly, solo podcast, Becoming a B.R.A.T.™: Creating Your Life Based on the Truth of Who You Really Are is the latest incarnation of Kathy’s B.R.A.T.™ brand.

Kathy Barthel is a former journalist, TV host, and TV producer with a 30-year career in Canadian media (online, print, and broadcast). She has interviewed everyone from acclaimed architects and designers to British royalty; and has created content for major media outlets including CBC News, CTV, MSN, YTV, and HGTV. When Kathy’s not focused on all things B.R.A.T.™, she’s teaching business professionals how to be compelling on video (and how to become in-demand podcast guests) at her company, Take on the World.

Podcast Theme Music: www.foximusic.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathybarthel
Website: https://takeontheworld.ca/

Listen to Becoming a B.R.A.T.™ every other Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.