12: Vibes, Vision & Living Fully : How Catie McDonald Built a Life Through Hockey

How do you go from a viral TikTok about losing your job to a thriving remote career in Germany? Today, I'm sitting down with the absolute breath of fresh air that is Catie McDonald, and she's giving us the real, unfiltered look at life as an import partner.

We're diving into the logistical nightmare of moving a 70lb Labradoodle across Europe and why Catie is the self-proclaimed "saleswoman" for the hidden gem of Slovenia. From the middle-child luck of double-income households to the hilarious reality of being the spare human to a dog who only has eyes for her hockey-dad husband, Catie is a masterclass in making the most of every zip code.

She also drops some serious knowledge on the non-sexy side of the business(like the one thing you must have in your contract) and why saying yes to uncomfortable social situations is the only way to build your village from scratch. We even bond over our shared illness of pre-game superstitions and the essential snacks we haul overseas just to feel a little bit of home.

If you're ready to stop playing it safe and start leaning into the beautiful mishaps of this lifestyle, this conversation is your roadmap. Grab a drink and settle in, because Catie is about to become your new favorite hockey sister!

Did something in this conversation I had with Catie resonate with you? I'd love to hear about it, so let us know over on Instagram, @wereinonepod, and we'll see you back soon for another hard-hitting episode!

Just some of the highlights you'll hear:

• Catie shares why she is the #1 advocate for the hidden gem of Slovenia and describes the magic of charcuterie on Budapest's Chain Bridge

• The surreal story of how a viral TikTok about losing her job actually landed Catie her current remote career in digital marketing

• A breakdown of the stress, high costs, and confusing paperwork involved in moving a "service dog" (who is actually a 70lb Labradoodle) across EU borders

• A look into the benefits of a double-income hockey household and the "middle-child luck" that allows Catie to thrive in sales while living in Germany

• What Catie and I think of pet loyalty and why the dogs always treat the "hockey dad" like a returning king while Mom is just the one who provides the snacks

• Why saying "yes" to uncomfortable social situations is the only way to build a support system from scratch as a hockey wife in a new city

• A relatable breakdown of the "illness" of hockey superstitions, from identical pre-game rituals to the wives accidentally eating heavy pre-game meals because they're "just there"

• Catie's super smart advice for new partners and what you absolutely have to consider about contracts in this professional hockey life we live

• Her honest admission about being a "vibes" girl who relies on the crowd's reaction to know when to be angry, especially in the different atmosphere of German hockey

• The essential comforts Catie hauls overseas, including American Advil, high-sugar granola, and the spice blends that keep homesickness at bay
  
  

LINKS:

Catie's TikTok & Instagram

Trevor's Hockey Profile

11: Unsupervised : No Game Plan (My Solo Episode)