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 followers over night. Sarah talks about how she went from creating niche content to becoming a multi-faceted content creator, as well as her process of rebranding her podcast, Mutual Friends Podcast. From being coined the "least funny person" in her family to becoming "the only person who gets paid to be funny," Sarah walks us through her experience of breaking the influencer mold and creating content around the things she loves.  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 Sarah @sarahebaus on Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube and her podcast, @mutual.friends.podcast on Instagram. 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 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 often filled with both progress and setbacks, and that’s ok too. She then expresses her appreciation for the friends that have brought her back to life this year and how grateful she is for the bond that’s strengthened with her family. Nat also gives us a little inside look at her dating life and her headspace surrounding that. Tune in as Nat shares a very realistic and raw update on how she’s doing, her feelings about the future, and the faith she has in the universe. If you are going through something similar or have experienced heartbreak yourself, you are not alone, and this one's for you!  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/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 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 creators, diving into platform dynamics, content strategies, AI's role, and the challenges of staying relevant. In this witty discussion of age, technology, and digital culture, Nat and Jade navigate the complexities of feeling out of touch with the younger generation, posing the ever-relatable question, "Are we old?". Tune in to laugh, relate, and reinvigorate your inner content creator spirit!  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 Jade @jadebeason and @thecreatorproject_  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!  LMT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 into a thriving business, overcoming challenges, and capturing the attention of renowned influencers and people all over the world. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation between two kindred entrepreneurs and learn why Almma’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, Tiktok, and the impact of building a strong community! 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 Almma @almmaii, Tropical Society @tropicalsociety and shop www.tropicalsociety.com   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!  LMT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 own company, and why she regrets not putting more effort into marketing Alala sooner. Her story touches on the oh-so-relatable experience of imposter syndrome, struggling with body image, and why we need to stop tying our identity to our work. This episode offers a candid glimpse into the complexities of entrepreneurship and self-discovery and will hopefully leave you feeling that much more inspired. Enjoy! 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 Denise @denisexlee, @alala and check out Alala at www.alalastyle.com   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!  LMT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 attainable and practical habits that have positively impacted her well-being throughout this year. She breaks down the low-impact workouts she genuinely looks forward to, the importance of a morning routine, soaking up sunlight, movement, and finding balance in nutrition/meal prep. She also discusses strategies to disconnect from social media, drink more water, and find activities that nurture the spirit. As Nat says herself, the theme of today’s episode is all about finding what works best for you, and hopefully this episode inspires you to do just that! 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 Sciences - Use discount code “REALREEL” for 10% off your purchase at www.delaviesciences.com 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!  LMT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 dismissed just because they are associated with women. Join her as she sheds light on the female experience, inviting reflection from all listeners, regardless of gender. If you've seen Barbie or can relate to her insights, don't hesitate to share your thoughts!   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:   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!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 moments that pushed Rella to new heights, including the decision to raise money and expand the business, plus they discuss their unique team dynamics and how their diverse skill sets complement one another. From the valuable lessons learned so far to emphasizing the importance of hard work, patience, practicing "directed delusion", and diving in headfirst, tune in to hear from this candid and close-knit team as they offer empowering advice for those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial path.  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 Nick @nickane15, Connor @connor_boyce and check out @rellasocial  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Delavie - Use discount code “REALREEL” for 10% off your purchase! Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel   LMNT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 clinical insight on skincare, shares what works, and dishes on what products are really worth it. Kyle's story is a testament to the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and staying open to new horizons. Tune in as they delve into the realm of science, skincare, and the limitless possibilities that arise when we say "yes" to the unknown.  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 @delaviesciences and check out www.delaviesciences.com    Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   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   LMNT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 contributing factors like social media, comparison, and feeling uninspired by the day-to-day routine and rhythm of life. But fear not; Nat is here to break the cycle and offer practical tips for finding excitement in the ordinary. Join her as she ignites that inner fire and reclaims motivation.  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:   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   LMNT - Go to DrinkLMNT.com/RealReel to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices