Ally Petitti is a young woman to watch. Born into a large Italian family in Westchester, New York, and raised by divorced parents, the 24-year-old moved to Los Angeles to enter USC’s Music Industry Bachelor of Science program and pursue her dream of a career within the industry itself. Since moving to LA, Ally has overcome considerable adversity but has charged forth in her pursuits with the sort of confidence and determination that relatively few possess. After graduating from USC, she was hired as an administrative assistant to the head of the Sports & Gaming Marketing and Licensing Department at Interscope Records. There she immersed herself in a world of constantly emerging opportunities, working closely with major recording artists and heads of multiple departments, assimilating industry culture and protocol, as well as the collaborative process by which stars are made and marketed. In December 2021, Ally left the job she was working at the time and took a few months to reflect on what would be next for her. This time led her to launch her podcast, “Trying To Figure It Out”, wherein she and her guests grapple with the myriad of daily tribulations and annoyances that threaten to impede, deter, or outright destroy them. To wit, since starting the podcast, Ally has been very vocal about the physical and emotional health struggles with which she has contended over the past couple of years. From the pituitary tumor, she was diagnosed with last year, to debilitating bouts of depression and anxiety brought on by both the diagnosis and several other struggles, Ally holds nothing back. Her goal is to start uncomfortable but necessary conversations, in an effort to bring comfort to those who may otherwise avoid them. By dealing with a wide range of topics pertaining to mental and physical illness, relationship challenges, self-confidence, and a great deal more, she and her guests attempt to dissect the proverbial “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”, and hopefully offer listeners some viable strategies for effectively navigating life.

Ally is looking to continue this path with her podcast and also get into modeling and being an influencer to be a relatable woman in the industry for a wide range of followers. She is passionate about fashion, and beauty, and sharing stories with the hopes of helping others. Ally has had a number of smart, talented, and insightful young women on her show, including influencer Jordyn Jones and TikTok makeup artist and body positivity promoter Brooklynne Webb. Interviewing and conversing with strong, self-confident women was one of Ally’s primary ambitions going into the podcast, and she has thus far been very successful in actualizing this goal and vision. She intends to continue utilizing the podcast as a platform for exploring issues of mind and body wellness, female empowerment, the cultivation of potential, and the imperative of charity and compassion. For Ally, philanthropy is one of the most important and fulfilling aspects of life. Over the past several years, she has engaged in numerous charitable programs for the homeless and mentally ill, as well as those for both adult and childhood cancer patients. She has stated that aside from her love of music and the music industry at large, nothing else in her life conveys the same sense of purpose and urgency as assisting and emotionally connecting with those in dire need of a helping hand. Ally’s life, like that of most people, has not been lacking in its ups and downs. And while the downs have, at times, dipped below sea level, she has never once found herself unable or unwilling to swim back up for air. She is a survivor, and she persists in spite of circumstances. What’s more, she is determined to help others do the same.

You’re originally from Westchester, New York. Why did you move to California, and what do you like best about living in Los Angeles?

Since I was young everyone always told me I was “extra.” I loved to dye my hair different colors, have crazy nails, and wore outfits that were more eclectic and out there. Growing up in a suburb outside of New York, I just never felt like I fit the mold and wanted to live somewhere where I could be my most “extra” self and be celebrated for that. Since I was eight, I wanted to move to California from seeing it on TV, from family vacations here, and just loving everything about the culture (and of course, the weather)! New York will always be home but what I love best about living in LA is that it's almost like a suburban city; there is so much to do, so many different types of people, and overall amazing energy.

What inspired you to start your podcast Trying To Figure It Out?

I have been through a lot in my life: divorced parents, mental health struggles, abusive relationships, toxic friendships, and more. I have always been open about my experiences and my stories. I never hold back when talking to friends or family and have been in therapy for years. After going through one of the hardest years of my life, I ended up leaving my job at the time and spending a few months trying to decide what would be next for me. During that time, I realized how much I wanted to share my experiences. I reached out to my mentor, who said that I should start a podcast and create a space to open up about everything I want—that was really when the idea came to fruition. Once I decided I would do it, there was no stopping me. Within six months, Trying To Figure It Out went live!

I started TTFIO with the goal of sharing my stories and creating a space for others who might relate to me. The podcast focuses on everything: mental health, growing up in a split household, friendships, relationships, sexuality, body positivity, and other topics that we are all just “trying to figure out.” With solo episodes and guests, we dive into so many topics and aim to aid anyone who might be going through something similar or who has gone through something similar.

What is Al P’s Three?

Since I have worked in music for the last six years and have always been passionate about music, I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into my podcast. While the podcast is not focused on music or the music industry, I thought of adding “Al P’s Three” as a segment where my guests and I can share our love of music. The main point of it is to pair 3 songs that fit the theme of whatever subject is discussed in that episode. So, in an episode where I talk about my childhood or a relationship or a friendship, I would pair 3 songs that fit that time and put them as that episode’s “Al P’s Three”

You have a fantastic service dog named Bowie. Can you tell us a little bit about how he helps you in your day-to-day life?

Bowie is truly the sweetest little boy! I sometimes joke with my friends and say we are each other's service dogs because we need each other equally! He was trained for 9 months and knows all the certain ticks that I have when a panic attack is coming. He can actually sense it sometimes before I even know it's coming. If I ever sniffle my nose, or if my feet or legs anxiously shake, he immediately comes running over to me and sits in my lap until I tell him “I’m okay.” He is so smart and adorable, and I am so lucky to have him. He has helped so much in the last two years since I had physical health challenges, and since my mental health struggles have become more intense. I take him with me most places I go; he just stays right by my side, and it makes me feel safe knowing that I have him there to look after me and help if I enter a state of panic.

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What are some of the biggest mental and physical challenges you’ve faced? What helped you overcome them?

I have struggled with anxiety and panic disorder since I can remember. My anxiety was heavily focused on fears of my health, the health of those around me, and a lot of separation anxiety. More recently, I have gone through a lot of physical health experiences including PCOS and having a (now removed) pituitary tumor. These experiences exacerbated my anxiety and they crippled me for a long time after. I don’t think I left my house for 4 months after my surgery. I have been medicated for my anxiety for over two years now, and can confidently say that the medication along with therapy has changed and saved my life. I have additionally been struggling with depression for the last year, and am learning what my new normal is on how to cope with it.

Implementing routine into my life, being open about my experiences, medication, therapy, and close network of friends and family have saved me through the darkest times. There are times when I simply need to be alone and process how I am feeling, but I am so grateful to have all the support in the world.

What’s one piece of life advice you can share with our audience?

The best advice I can give to anyone out there struggling in any way is to be kind to yourself and know that there is no right way to handle the things that happen in our lives. Life will always continue to throw hurdles at us, and we all will struggle, continue to try, and figure out how to carry on. Listen to your body. If you need to slow down one day, slow down. If you need help, seek help and be empowered by that. Lastly, I would say be proud of yourself. If we have a bad day and can’t get much out of ourselves, still be proud. If we had the best day and accomplished something, be proud of that too. We have to be our number one supporter; the minute we believe in ourselves and want the best for ourselves, our mindset will improve. □

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