This conversation was first released in 2018 and re-edited in 2026.

Rosemary MacCabe is an Irish writer, journalist, and podcaster known for her honest, funny and often self-deprecating commentary on modern life, relationships, and mental health. Originally from Kildare, Rosemary now lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She began her career as a journalist, writing for major Irish publications including The Irish Times, The Irish Independent, IMAGE, and Stellar. In the mid-2010s, Rosemary became one of Ireland’s original "honest influencers," using platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to discuss topics that were then considered taboo, from body image to clinical depression.

Her debut book, This Is Not About You was released in 2023, chronicles her life through the lens of the men she dated. It explores the search for self-worth and the societal pressures placed on women to find "The One." Rosemary remains a prolific essayist through her Substack, "Anchor Baby," where she writes candidly about motherhood, the reality of living as an emigrée in the American Midwest, and her personal journey with ADHD and debt. She also has a long-running podcast, "Not Without My Sister," which she co-hosts with her sister, Beatrice MacCabe.

In this episode, Rosemary talked to me about what it’s like finding people talking about you in Reddit forums, the time a stranger left a threatening package at her front door and the importance of knowing your worth.

Follow Rosemary’s newsletter here and her Instagram here. And while we’re at it, my Instagram page is here and my newsletter In Bits, is here.

Thanks so much for listening!

Peace and love,

Esther

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