Episode 240: This week, Nat’s back with a solo episode to provide the ultimate go-to guide for aspiring content creators of today. With over a decade of creating content under her belt and as someone who has been fortunate enough to turn it into her full-time job, Nat’s spilling the secrets to success. She dives into crucial questions like: What type of content should you create? Should you really niche down? What platform should you focus on? Do views matter? And so much more. She then breaks down the importance of strategy, organization, equipment, editing recommendations, and the golden key to growth: consistency. And, of course, monetization and making money. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned creator, Nat's got the playbook for content creation success in 2023–2024. Tune in and kickstart your own journey! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. And check out @rellasocial and www.getrella.com  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREELShopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel  Factor - Head to factormeals.com/realreel50 and use code realreel50 to get 50% off. Ouai - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Lume - Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code REALREEL at lumepodcast.com! #lumepod   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 239: It’s here! The Real Reel just got a makeover, and Nat's sharing the inside scoop on all the deets of the refreshed vibe. Taking us back to the podcast's roots, she explains the journey from quitting her job to becoming a podcast host, the natural evolution of the show, and her hopes for this new chapter, because this rebrand isn't just about a new look—it's about getting more personal, intentional, and, of course, unfiltered. Nat then introduces a fun new segment, opens up about imposter syndrome, and dives into the topic of rebranding yourself! Sharing some practical advice for anyone thinking about a personal rebrand on social media. It's a glow-up you won't want to miss!   Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast.  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREELLume - Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code REALREEL at lumepodcast.com! #lumepod  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   Ouai - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL.  Factor - Head to factormeals.com/realreel50 and use code realreel50 to get 50% off.  Quince - Go to Quince.com/realreel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 238: This week, Nat’s back in Charlotte for a long-awaited girls trip to show her Miami besties around her hometown. Between their busy itinerary, she’s sitting down (for a second time, gotta love technical difficulties!) with her dear friend Chanelle Van Nguyen to chat about the ins and outs of their whirlwind friendship and her journey as a pro tennis player. They first dive into the hilarious way they met and how incredibly different they are from one another in the best ways. Chanelle then opens up about her upbringing and the early days of her tennis career, from the strict training and homeschooling to eventually joining UCLA's tennis team. She touches on the costs of going pro, both financially and personally, and where her tennis career stands today. Finally, Chanelle shares some sage advice for aspiring young athletes, emphasizing the importance of balance and the exciting book she is working on! It's a hilarious and inspiring convo you won't want to miss.  Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Chanelle on Instagram & TikTok!   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREELLume - Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code REALREEL at lumepodcast.com! #lumepod  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL.  Factor - Head to factormeals.com/realreel50 and use code realreel50 to get 50% off.  Quince - Go to Quince.com/realreel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 237: This week, Nat’s back with a solo episode and sharing her whirlwind adventures over the last two weeks. From attending the Forbes 30 Under 30 summit in Ohio (NBD!) to soaking up some much-needed girl time in Dallas with her best friend Giuli and a quick trip to NYC with her sisters, it was a jam-packed trip! While most of her travels were a success, Nat candidly shares the anxiety that came up while she was away and her recent realization about her struggles with control. She reflects on how her determination and independence have led to the incredible life she has built for herself, but also how they can make it tough for her when things don't go as planned, especially when it comes to dating, work, and even friendships. She then explores the concept of letting go and trusting in a bigger plan, drawing from her own experiences of how life's twists and turns often lead to beautiful outcomes. So, if you're currently struggling with something similar and are feeling lost, this episode is a reminder that sometimes surrendering to the unknown can bring remarkable surprises, even if it's not always easy.   Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast.   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:    Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREEL   Ritual - Visit ritual.com/realreel to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase!  Factor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off!Quince – Go to quince.com/realreel and get free shipping and 365-day returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 236: Reunited and it feels so good! This week, Nat is back in Dallas, joined by her bestie and resident Real Reel podcast guest, Giuli, for a bit of an unintentional therapy sesh. With a strong bond as besties, sisters, and soulmates, they're taking a break from the usual format to play the infamous game "We're Not Really Strangers." Their chill night in includes wine and some deep questions. Together, they dive into different aspects of their lives, exploring difficult moments, self-reflection, and aspirations. They share stories about forgiveness, accomplishments, strength during tough times, and their individual journeys toward self-acceptance, with a lot of laughs along the way. So grab your fav drink, settle in, and come crash girls' night with Nat and Giuli!  Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow @guilianabernini and check out her coffee shops @bernibeancoffee!Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:    Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREEL   Ritual - Visit ritual.com/realreel to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase!  Factor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off!Quince – Go to quince.com/realreel and get free shipping and 365-day returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 235: Sometimes two really is better than one... At least that's the case for this week's guests! On this episode, Nat’s sitting down with Keaton Milburn and Natalie Braun, the soul sisters and masterminds behind the force of a clothing brand many of us know and love, Twin Flames. They share their unique journey from sorority sisters at ASU to successful entrepreneurs, dishing on the ups and downs of creating a legitimate brand that goes beyond just merchandise. The convo is packed with insights into starting a business, their deep friendship, and how they balance being individual content creators in addition to being business owners. They also hint at their future aspirations for Twin Flames and upcoming products to keep an eye out for. This chat offers not only a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world but a genuine reflection of their journey, entrepreneurial spirit, and the camaraderie that powers Twin Flames.  Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow @twinflames, Keaton @kkeeaattoonn , Nat @nattyy_b and shop Twin Flames at www.twinflames.comThank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:    Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREEL   Delavie - Use discount code “REALREEL” for 10% off your purchase!  Ritual - Visit ritual.com/realreel to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase!  Factor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off!Quince – Go to quince.com/realreel and get free shipping and 365-day returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 234: This week, Nat’s doing her first ever podcast Q&A! We’re entering a new era of The Real Reel, peeps. Stay tuned for more! After a little life update and insight on upcoming travel plans, Nat dives right into a random mix of questions submitted by her audience, covering everything from breaking into content creation without burning out to her personal relationship with faith, staying independent in partnerships, and her hopes for the future. She also chats about handling post-breakup blues, the healing process from past relationships, her honest take on NYC living and moving in general, and even spills the beans on her go-to drink. Cheers to the first of many Real Reel Q&A’s!  Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast.    Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Lume - Get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code REALREEL at lumedeodorant.com/REALREEL  Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREEL   Delavie - Use discount code “REALREEL” for 10% off your purchase!  Ritual - Visit ritual.com/realreel to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase!  Factor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trigger Warning: Sexual assault, abuse, human trafficking, and grooming.  Episode 233: In one of the most difficult yet powerful episodes of The Real Reel to date, tune in as Natalie connects with the incredibly resilient Alexandra Ford, the founder of "The Laughing Survivor”. Alexandra recounts her life's journey from an almost picture-perfect upbringing in Canada to becoming a victim of sexual abuse and human trafficking. Her story sheds light on the complexities of abuse, addiction, and the challenge of navigating through life after trauma. The episode also explores the nuances of sex work and the great debate over whether decriminalization is the answer. It's a raw and eye-opening conversation that advocates for open, fact-based discussions, aiming to empower those seeking freedom from their circumstances and an inspiring story of turning pain into purpose.  Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Alexandra @thelaughingsurvivor and visit www.thelaughingsurvivor.com + www.uprisingwyo.org to learn more about human trafficking and the incredible work she is doing as an advocate.  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREELFactor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off!Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/realreel  Delavie Sciences - Use discount code "REALREEL" for 10% off your purchase! OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 232: Today’s guest has created the ultimate thrifting empire. On this episode, join Natalie as she connects with Clara Agnes Ault, the mastermind behind Curtsy, a consignment app that began as a dress rental company in the southern university sorority scene and spread across the country. Clara candidly shares Curtsy’s startup journey, from their humble, less-than-pretty beginnings to marketing tricks like fake parking tickets (yes, you read that right!). They chat about the advantages of being naive in the early days of starting a company, the importance of embracing inexperience, and how even investors can't predict a business's success. Enjoy this candid convo as Clara and Nat dish out inspiration for budding entrepreneurs: embrace the unknown, overcome doubts, and keep pushing forward.   Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Curtsy @curtsy and check out www.curtsyapp.com  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREELFactor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off!Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/realreel  Delavie Sciences - Use discount code "REALREEL" for 10% off your purchase! Lume - Get 5% off your Starter Pack with promo code REALREEL at lumedeoderant.com/REALREEL OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase! Quince – Go to quince.com/realreel and get free shipping and 365-day returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 from her current role as a video editor at Dear Media where she works solely on "The Skinny Confidential Him and Her Podcast" with Lauryn and Michael Bosstick. The conversation takes a hilarious turn when Jen gets candid about the trouble she got into recently after giving a not-so-complimentary TikTok review of a popular workout class. Tune in to laugh and learn from these two content queens!   Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and of course, post to your highlight reel. Follow your host Natalie on Instagram @nataliebarbu and @therealreelpodcast. Follow Jen @jen_laurenn and check out her podcast here.    Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Honeylove - Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/REALREELFactor – Visit factormeals.com/therealreel50 to get 50% off!Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/realreel  Delavie Sciences - Use discount code "REALREEL" for 10% off your purchase! Lume - Get 5% off your Starter Pack with promo code REALREEL at lumedeoderant.com/REALREEL OUAI - Go to theouai.com and use code REALREEL for 15% off your entire purchase! Quince – Go to quince.com/realreel and get free shipping and 365-day returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices