The Real Reel - podcast cover

The Real Reel

Natalie Barbu
Let’s face it, we are all living in a digital age where we're constantly bombarded with comparisons and perfect highlight reels. Enter the Real Reel Podcast—a one-stop shop for some genuine, unfiltered realness. Join your host, influencer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, Natalie Barbu, as she dives headfirst into the raw reality of adulthood. No more filters; Natalie’s on a mission to uncover the real struggles and triumphs that come with navigating the dating scene, relationships, friendships, finances, business, and everything in between. Tune in for some Reel talk every Monday as Natalie engages in raw and authentic conversations with Real people, including entrepreneurs, reality stars, content creators, and anyone who fits the "real deal" bill. Say goodbye to the Instagram facade, and let's embrace the beautiful (and almost always messy) journey of adulthood and growth together because, let’s be real, nobody really knows what they’re doing.
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Episodes

Finding Beauty in the 9 to 5 with Jen Lauren

Episode 231: In this long-anticipated podcast meet-up, Natalie and content guru Jen Lauren finally sit down for a catch-up in NYC! They share their experiences and insights on the content creator life and the importance of authenticity. Jen, who once worked in PR, opens up about her journey from struggling financially as a freelancer to finding stability in a 9-5 job while still managing her own podcast and YouTube channel on the side. She provides valuable tips for promoting podcasts, drawn fro...

Sep 18, 202348 minEp. 231

Rebranding and Breaking Out of the “Influencer Mold,” With Sarah Baus

Episode 230: This week, Nat's sitting down with a woman who seemingly does it all. We're talking about someone who has a chemistry degree, worked at a research lab right out of college, was a retail manager, was an assistant to a marketing freelancer, and is now a content creator with over 600,000 followers on TikTok, Sarah Baus! Sarah takes us on her own, "Era's Tour," discussing her work experiences and how one viral budget laundry hack, Tiktok, gained her millions of views and thousands of fo...

Sep 11, 202347 minEp. 230

Nat Chats: The Break Up, 1 Year Later

Episode 229: Join Nat for one of her most vulnerable episodes to date as she reflects on the year following her breakup. With raw emotions recording in NYC, where she’s flooded with a million memories, she opens up about the nostalgia she’s feeling and where her head and heart are at now, one year later. She shares the music that’s been giving her all the feels, like Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, and Zach Bryan, and is opening up about her healing journey, emphasizing that it’s not linear; it’s ofte...

Sep 04, 202328 minEp. 229

Feeling Ancient but Staying Relevant with Jade Beason

Episode 228: Anyone else struggling to keep up with the kids these days? Well, the good news is that you’re not alone. This week, join Natalie and her friend Jade Beason, the founder of Creator Projects and a social media guru, for a fun and unfiltered convo. They're reflecting on their early social media experiences, including the iconic era of MySpace, the differences in today’s youth, and the evolution of the social media industry as a whole. Jade shares her tips and tricks for aspiring creat...

Aug 28, 202355 minEp. 228

Designing Viral Bikinis with Tropical Society Founder Almma Ichak

Episode 227: From launching a tie-dye Etsy shop during the height of the pandemic to curating a standout bikini brand that’s caught the attention of influencers like Alix Earle, Addison Rae, and the cast of Netflix’s "Too Hot to Handle," today’s guest is nothing short of impressive. On this episode, Natalie is sitting down with Tropical Society’s founder and visionary, Almma Ichak, for a candid convo about her rapid rise to success. Almma shares a behind-the-scenes look at turning her passion in...

Aug 21, 202340 minEp. 227

Flexing Entrepreneurial Muscles with Alala CEO Denise Lee

Episode 226: From growing up in Singapore to living the American dream, this week Natalie is joined by Denise Lee, the dynamic force behind the thriving active wear brand we know and love: Alala. She opens up about her traditional upbringing and the influence her parents had on her natural transition into the world of fashion and entrepreneurship. Denise then expresses her true thoughts on business school and if it’s really worth it, why you shouldn’t quit your job right away when you start your...

Aug 15, 202350 minEp. 226

Nat Chats: How I Approach Health and Wellness

Episode 225: Summer may be winding down, but Natalie’s health and wellness journey sure isn’t! As fall approaches, Nat is taking a moment to reflect on some of the healthy habits she’s adopted this year and how she plans to finish the year off strong and in a Reel(istic) way. She starts off the episode by reflecting on the incredible trips she’s taken this summer. From Australia with her girlfriends to London and Paris with her family, it’s been one to remember. Nat then dives in and shares the ...

Aug 08, 202338 minEp. 225

Nat Chats: Barbie, Taylor Swift & the Female Experience

Episode 224: Got Barbie on your mind? You’re not alone! After recently seeing the movie of the summer, Nat walked away with a variety of thoughts and was inspired to record this episode. Whether you've seen it or not, her reflections will resonate with many. Nat candidly shares her observations on societal expectations, internal biases, and the unfair double standards women often face compared to men. From Taylor Swift's music to the Barbie movie, she explores how certain interests are unjustly ...

Jul 31, 202328 minEp. 224

Practicing Directed Delusion with Rella Co-Founders Nick Kane & Connor Boyce

Episode 223: This week Nat’s sitting down with her partners in code, a.k.a., her Rella co-founders, Nick and Connor! Join the squad as they reflect on their journey so far, reminiscing about how they met, the early days of Rella, and how much the company has grown since the beginning. The boys share how avoiding "real jobs" after school led them to teach themselves coding and start a consulting firm, while Natalie shares her first impressions of them. The co-founders also dive into the pivotal m...

Jul 25, 202339 minEp. 223

Defying Gravity & Elevating Skincare with Delavie Sciences President Kyle Landry

Episode 222: What do studying food science, researching at Harvard, collaborating with NASA, and creating a skincare brand have in common? Join Natalie as she sits down with the founder of Delavie Sciences, Kyle Landry, whose journey encompasses these incredible achievements. Kyle shares the fascinating story behind his diverse career and the pivotal moments that propelled him towards groundbreaking scientific accomplishments and endeavors he never could’ve predicted. Plus, he gives us his clini...

Jul 17, 202352 minEp. 222

Nat Chats: The Real Reel Rebrand and Reclaiming Motivation

Episode 221: This week, Nat’s kicking off the episode with some exciting news: the podcast is getting a rebrand! She’s diving into all the deets, sharing her thought process behind this refresh, the new direction of the show, and what listeners can expect. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t be afraid to share your valuable feedback. Nat then delves into a relatable struggle: a lack of motivation. Questioning whether it’s because it’s summer or if it’s simply just her, she reflects on some of the ...

Jul 10, 202325 minEp. 221

Nat Chats: So You Want to Quit Your Job?

Episode 220: Join Natalie in a celebratory episode as she finally takes the time to acknowledge the four-year anniversary of quitting her job to pursue full-time content creation and self-employment. This milestone is still a pinch-me moment for her, and she’s taking this opportunity to reflect on her journey and share valuable advice for those contemplating a similar leap. From the importance of networking and side hustles to setting financial goals and leaving on good terms, Natalie provides p...

Jul 03, 202333 minEp. 220

Nat Chats: Embracing Singlehood, Growth & Defining Your Standards

Episode 219: Fresh from an unforgettable girls' trip in Australia, Natalie’s reflecting on her personal growth journey during a year of being single and the non-negotiable standards she’s set for herself as she gets back into the dating world. Get ready for some real talk as Natalie addresses the disappointments she and her friends have encountered with men and shares her own dating standards, encouraging listeners to define their own. From first dates to relationships, she discusses the importa...

Jun 26, 202334 minEp. 219

Reel Talk: Dating Chronicles and Cautionary Tales with Nat & Co.

Episode 218: Coming at you straight from down under, join Natalie, Kathryn, and Gigi for a long-awaited episode that is well worth the wait. Currently enjoying a girls' trip in Australia, these best friends share their rare journey of a friendship formed in your mid- to late-20s. From their serendipitous meeting in Miami to the support they provided during Natalie's breakup, these kindred spirits share their hilarious dating stories, empowering lessons, and the joys of navigating life as single ...

Jun 19, 202353 minEp. 218

Navigating the Digital Frontier with Defined Media Co. Founder Melissa Furr

Episode 217: This week, Natalie is sitting down with Melissa Furr, the founder and CEO of Defined Media Co., to dive into the ever-evolving realm of social media. As founders with a shared zest for unconventional paths, these two kindred spirits delve into their unique journeys and the influences that shaped their work ethics. From Melissa's leap from a rug company to launching her own digital marketing agency, to the changing landscape of influencer marketing, they offer insights on thriving in...

Jun 12, 202350 minEp. 217

Fuelling a Health Revolution with Bumpin’ Blends CEO Lisa Mastela

Episode 216: Are you ready for some entrepreneurial Real (Reel)ness? This week, Natalie has the opportunity to connect with Lisa Mastela, the founder and CEO of Bumpin' Blends, for an inspiring conversation. In this episode, Lisa shares her journey from being a pre-med student to creating a successful business that offers delicious and nutritious smoothie blends. With no business or marketing background, Lisa's entrepreneurial path unfolded organically through her passion for nutrition and resea...

Jun 05, 202343 minEp. 216

Redefining Fitness & Cycle Syncing with Sweaty Studio Founder Callie Jardine

Episode 215: This week, Natalie sits down with Callie Jardine, a fellow podcast host and the inspiring founder of the Sweaty Studio. Callie opens up about her journey in the fitness industry, tracing it back to her love for movement from a young age. They discuss her experiences with body image and the pivotal moments that led her to prioritize internal healing and self-acceptance. Callie shares her insights on cycle syncing, emphasizing the importance of tuning into your body's natural rhythms....

May 29, 202352 minEp. 215

Nat Chats: Catching Up & Spilling the Tea on Summer Goals

Episode 214: This week, Nat is back with another beloved solo episode, spilling the tea on her summer goals! But first, she catches us up on why she’s been loving content creation recently, specifically long-form videos, and urges fellow creators to jump on the YouTube train for high engagement and less algorithm drama. Nat recaps her wonderful trip back to Charlotte for her sister's graduation and doesn’t hold back when it comes to her resolutions and aspirations for the summer ahead. She share...

May 22, 202326 minEp. 214

Reel Talk: Navigating Adulthood & Unsolicited Wisdom with Nat & Co.

Episode 213: Get ready for a dose of unfiltered wisdom as Natalie and her squad serve up some unsolicited advice on friendship, surviving your 20s, handling rejection, and diving into the treacherous world of dating. After a whirlwind weekend filled with podcast-worthy conversations, Natalie made it her mission to gather her squad—Giuli, Tochi, and Perrin—to bring their insights to the podcast. From finding hobbies that don't revolve around endless drinking to embracing the glorious messiness of...

May 15, 202343 minEp. 213

Exploring Heartbreak, Cancel Culture & Self-Discovery with Gabrielle Stone

Episode 212: This week, Nat and her guest of honor are getting all kinds of Real (Reel). As an actress, author, and podcast host who grew up with famous parents, Gabrielle Stone knows a thing or two about life and navigating the world of entertainment. Despite the glamour and excitement surrounding her upbringing, her parents made sure to give her a normal childhood, and now, as an adult navigating her own career in Hollywood, Gabrielle knows firsthand the hardships and pitfalls of the industry,...

May 08, 202351 minEp. 212

Modelling, Motherhood, & Embracing Imperfections with Isabela Grutman

Episode 211: From humble beginnings in rural Brazil to making her mark on the fashion industry, this week Natalie’s sitting down with the one and only Isabela Grutman! Not only is she a successful model and thriving business owner, but her husband, Dave Grutman, owns some of the hottest restaurants in Miami—talk about a power couple! She’s pulling back the curtain on all the glitz and glamour of the modelling industry, sharing her journey and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Isa...

May 01, 202343 minEp. 211

Nat Chats: Rella in NYC & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Episode 210: Nat’s back to chat this week and is coming to you live from the comfort of her car. After a week-long trip to NYC, Nat is back in the driver's seat (literally) and feeling all kinds of emotions. Nat dives into how surreal this trip was, breaking down the details of Rella’s collab with Discord and the pinch-me event they had the pleasure of putting on while they were there. But the real topic of discussion is imposter syndrome. As the founder of a startup and a content creator, Nat o...

Apr 24, 202331 minEp. 210

Building a Brand Identity and Nailing It with Glosslab CEO Rachel Apfel Glass

Episode 209: This week, Natalie has the pleasure of sitting down with a guest who is quite literally nailing it at life—none other than the founder and CEO of Glosslab, Rachel Apfel Glass. Rachel shares her entrepreneurial journey, from a cushy job in finance to taking the leap and starting Glosslab. She discusses her vision for an elevated, efficient, and Instagram-worthy nail salon experience and some of the challenges she’s faced as a solo founder. With a clear vision of creating the "Starbuc...

Apr 17, 202330 minEp. 209

Achieving Work-Life Harmony with Buzz Marketing Group Founder Tina Wells

Episode 208: Natalie is having a major pinch me moment this week as she has the opportunity to connect with CEO, author, and marketing guru, the incredible Tina Wells. Tina shares her inspiring journey from answering an ad in the back of 17 Magazine to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author of over 20 books (yes, you read that right!). Tina discusses her "elevation approach," which is a game-changer for anyone who feels stuck in their corporate job and is looking for a way to take their c...

Apr 10, 202347 minEp. 208

Leaving ‘What If' Behind with Elite Skate Wear Founder Emily Duong

Episode 207: This week, Natalie’s sitting down with a beloved guest who has already passed the vibe check. That’s right, Emily Duong is back on the podcast! She’s known as the host of the "What Fulfils You" podcast and founder of Elite Skate Wear, but let’s not forget her real talent: flirting. In this episode, Emily shares her secrets to taking risks in all areas of life (like approaching men at the bar) without getting bogged down by the "what ifs", practicing Stoicism, and putting your ego as...

Apr 03, 202352 minEp. 207

Mastering Social Media & Confidence with Confidence Coach Victoria Alario

Episode 206: Prepare to have your confidence and social media game boosted this week. On her most recent trip to NYC, Nat had the opportunity to sit down in person with fellow content creator, confidence coach, and ex-reality TV star, Victoria Alario, and the two are serving up a heaping dose of social media realness. From starting a podcast to dishing out tough love on Instagram, Victoria shares how she’s formed an authentic personal brand and made a name for herself in the social media space. ...

Mar 27, 202358 minEp. 206

Reel Talk: Navigating Aesthetic Trends & Self-Confidence with Marissa Barrionuevo

Episode 205: As someone who was always terrified of getting her lips done, Natalie knows the importance of finding someone you trust to get the job done so you can look and feel your absolute best. On this episode, Nat is sitting down with Marissa Barrionuevo, a friend and her own physician assistant who specializes in cosmetic procedures. Marissa shares her journey of how she discovered her passion for aesthetics and how she strives to help her patients feel confident and beautiful while mainta...

Mar 20, 202350 minEp. 205

Nat Chats: The Pros + Cons of Living in LA, NYC, Miami, and NC

Episode 204: This week, Nat’s chatting with you live on video from Raleigh, NC! For her first ever video recording, she’s diving into a frequent question found in her DMs and a niche topic she knows she may receive some heat for—her opinion on living in major, sought-after cities in the U.S. As someone who has lived in hotspots like Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, Nat has personal insight on the great and not-so-great qualities of each destination, and she’s getting real (reel) abou...

Mar 13, 202341 minEp. 204

Calling the Shots & Foraging Your Own Path as a Leader with Tree3 CEO Katina Kenyon

Episode 203: New month, new podcast set-up! This week, Nat is over the moon to be recording from her new and improved podcast space in Miami, kicking this exciting chapter off with an episode you won’t want to miss. For the inaugural in-person recording, she’s joined by Tree3’s CEO, the incredible Katina Kenyon. With over 20 years of experience under her belt in corporate America, from leading high-power teams on a global scale at companies like Dell, founding her own company, and now taking ove...

Mar 07, 202352 minEp. 203

Igniting a Brand & Following Your Gut with Health-Ade Co-Founder Daina Trout

Episode 202: Today’s episode is Natalie’s favorite of 2023 so far, so you know you’re in for a treat! Daina Trout, current CEO & Co-Founder of premium kombucha brand Health-Ade, joins Nat to break down all things business from her views on the role of CEO (and why she’s transitioning out of that role) to the art of hiring to communicating through packaging and brand values. Unlike the entrepreneurs that we often hear from, Daina and her two co-founders didn’t originally go into business due ...

Feb 27, 202353 minEp. 202
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