Meet Rita Aldridge | Artist and Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Aldridge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
“I see my podcast as a virtual meeting room—a place where people can drop in and feel understood. Inspired by the sense of fellowship I found in AA, I share honest, solo reflections on everything from creative roadblocks and imposter syndrome to everyday anxieties and small wins. Listeners know they’re hearing someone who’s been there, which helps normalize those struggles and chip away at shame and isolation. Over time, our comment threads and social-media channels have grown into their own supportive community, where people swap resources, encouragement, and real-talk advice. By modeling openness and empathy in each episode, the show strengthens mental health, fosters genuine connection, and reminds everyone tuning in that they’re not alone in their journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My work lives at the crossroads of two passions: storytelling and visual art. As a CalArts student, I balance studio days making paintings and hand-built ceramics with solo podcast episodes on Almost Normal. Both halves feed each other—my art gives form to raw, feminist themes of self-love and acceptance, while my podcast gives voice to the struggles that inspire every brushstroke or clay coil.

On the art side, I’ve explored women’s real experiences in multiple mediums. In 2023, my short film My Colorful Mind—an unflinching look at addiction and recovery—premiered at the Taormina Film Festival. In the studio, I paint bold, unapologetic nudes and sculpt ceramic busts that celebrate every curve, emotion, and “imperfection” as an act of feminist reclamation. Shows like Hysteria layer images of laughter and longing to reclaim a word once used to silence women, and my ceramics lab sessions often become public “open studios,” inviting classmates to witness the mess and magic of making.

On the audio side, Almost Normal began in the spring of my third year at CalArts—right in the thick of critiques, deadlines, and that familiar fear of hitting “record.” Now heading into my fourth year, I still lean on the fellowship I found in AA, treating each episode like a lifeline: solo reflections on imposter syndrome, creative blocks, and everyday anxieties that, when spoken aloud, feel a little less overwhelming. Listeners tell me they recognize their own stories in my late-night city-drive monologues or “I almost deleted this” confessions, and that sense of connection fuels both my voice and my vision on canvas.

It hasn’t been easy—there were studio days when the paint wouldn’t dry right, episodes I almost deleted, and the constant question of whether anyone cared. But leaning on that simple AA lesson (“show up and speak honestly”), my husband’s unwavering belief, and a routine as disciplined as any art critique, I turned small steps into real momentum. Today, my goal is simple: blend unfiltered conversation with art that honors women’s natural states, and remind anyone tuning in or walking past my easel that vulnerability and creativity are two sides of the same coin. When we share our imperfect stories—through mic or medium—we find belonging, and that’s the heart of my brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Downtown Art & Eats
Breakfast: Ace Hotel pancakes & matcha latte
Morning: The Broad + MOCA
Lunch: Grand Central Market (Eggslut or Tacos Tumbras a Tomas)
Afternoon: Bargain hunt at Santee Alley
Snack: Cold brew at Alfreds
Evening: Mocktails and dinner on the rooftop at Perch

Day 2: Outskirts Thrift & Treat
Morning: Drive to Savers (Value Village) in Santa Clarita
Lunch: In-N-Out nearby
Afternoon: More thrifting at Goodwill
Evening: Unpack your haul at home over a dominoes pizza delivery

Day 3: Fitness, Ceramics & Tacos + Pizza
Morning: Solidcore class
Brunch/Lunch: Pinches Tacos
Afternoon: CalArts ceramics lab session
Dinner: Prince Street Pizza corner slice

Day 4: Market Mornings & The Grove
Breakfast: Du-par’s pancakes in the Farmers Market
Late Morning: Explore the original Farmers Market stalls
Afternoon: Shops at The Grove + Barnes & Noble browse
Snack: Iced coffee at La La Land
Evening: Outdoor screening or open-mic

Day 5: Beachwood Steps & Beachwood Café
Breakfast: Breakfast and coffee at Beachwood Café
Mid-Morning: Conquer the Beachwood Canyon stairs
Late Morning: Stroll the charming roads of Beachwood Canyon, spotting murals and tucked-away bungalows
Lunch: Drive to Little Tokyo and pick up sandos and mochi
Afternoon: walk around the cute shops in Little Tokyo
Evening: Get Korean BBQ

Day 6: Theme-Park Thrills & Tinseltown Sips
Morning: Universal Studios Hollywood
Lunch: Pizza and a giant donut in Springfield
Afternoon: Finish up the park or browse shops
Evening: Mocktails at Chateau Marmont’s garden

Day 7: Wrap-Up & Reflection
Breakfast: République French toast
Midday: Echo Park/Silver Lake street-art stroll
Afternoon: One last thrift stop or gallery revisit—your pick
Farewell: Home-cooked picnic or take-out feast, share your week’s best moments, and plan the next visit

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has been my greatest champion—constantly encouraging me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and believe in my potential. Whenever I doubted myself, he was there with steadfast support and gentle reminders that the biggest dreams often start as the wildest ideas. He celebrates every small win, helps me turn setbacks into learning moments, and challenges me to set goals that once felt unreachable. Because of him, I’ve learned that ambition isn’t arrogance—it’s a roadmap to growth. His faith in me has made me braver, more resilient, and more open to possibilities I never imagined could be real. Love you Noo Noo x

Website: https://ritaaldridge.com

Instagram: @ritaevealdridge

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitaEveAldridge