The Real Reel

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

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 practical insights to help ensure a successful transition. Whether you've recently quit, are on the brink of doing so, or are just generally looking to pivot professionally, get ready to embrace a new chapter of your life with unwavering confidence as Natalie empowers you to pursue your dreams unapologetically. 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

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 importance of factors like communication, respect, and meaningful gestures. Don't miss out on this episode that explores self-discovery, setting standards, and finding fulfilment in dating and life. So, what are your non-negotiable standards? It's time to define your own dating destiny and live your best life!  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:  Ritual – Visit ritual.com/REALREEL and get 10% off during your first 3 months.Osea – Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 women. Join this dynamic trio as they dive into the world of relationships, unveil cautionary tales, and remind us of the importance of friendship, self-discovery, and adventure. With their infectious energy and unfiltered conversations, you'll feel like you're right there with them, sharing in the laughter, tears, and cherished moments that define their bond. Get ready for a heartfelt and relatable journey that celebrates the power of female friendship.    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 Gigi @gigi.guyton and Kathryn @kathrynap  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Ritual – Visit ritual.com/REALREEL and get 10% off during your first 3 months.Osea – Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 today's saturated market. Discover the power of authenticity, the significance of carving a niche, and the tried and true power of podcasting. Get inspired to forge your own path, break barriers, and create a lasting impact in the dynamic world of social media. 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 @definedmediaco and visit www.definedmediaco.com  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Bumpin Blends - Head to BUMPINBLENDS.COM and use the promo code REALREEL to get 20% off your first order. Ritual – Visit ritual.com/REALREEL and get 10% off during your first 3 months.Osea – Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 research. Discover how she turned her personal experience with managing symptoms and using food as a bio-hack into a thriving business. She lets us in on her mindset as an entrepreneur, the importance of setting goals, and the resilience needed to overcome challenges. Lisa also provides valuable insights on bootstrapping funding, acquiring customers organically, and navigating the influencer landscape. Tune in to gain practical advice and be inspired by Lisa's refreshing take on entrepreneurship.  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 @bumpinblends and get yours at www.bumpinblends.com   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Bumpin Blends - Head to BUMPINBLENDS.COM and use the promo code REALREEL to get 20% off your first order. Athletic Greens – Get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase when you go to athleticgreens.com/REALREEL Osea – Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. From her favorite exercises to her personal workout routine, she provides valuable tips for embracing a healthier lifestyle. They also dive into the growth of her business and the challenges she faced along the way. Join Natalie and Callie as they explore the intersection of fitness, mindset, and self-care, leaving you inspired to embark on your own wellness 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. Follow Callie @imsweatyandiknowit, and find her workouts at www.sweatystudio.com   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:   Bumpin Blends – Head to BUMPINBLENDS.COM and use the promo code REALREEL to get 20% off your first order. Athletic Greens – Get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase when you go to athleticgreens.com/REALREEL Osea – Get 10% off when you go to Oseamalibu.com and use code REALREEL   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 shares that the next few months are all about posting random content, drinking less, finding enjoyable workouts, being kinder to herself, and embracing her personal style. She's ditching perfectionism, raising a glass to mindful sips, and unleashing her authentic self. Join her for a summer of growth and authenticity—let the adventures begin!  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:  Bumpin Blends - Head to BUMPINBLENDS.COM and use the promo code REALREEL to get 20% off your first order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 life, these pals spill the beans on navigating the wild rollercoaster that is adulthood. With their unique perspectives and anecdotes, this episode is packed with relatable insights and laugh-out-loud moments that'll make you feel like you're hanging out with your besties. Get ready for some Real (Reel) talk and giggles as they tackle the trials and tribulations of being young, confused, and determined to conquer it all!  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 Giuli @giulianaberninis, Tochi @lifecoachtoch and Perrin @perrmoncur  Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Bumpin Blends - Head to BUMPINBLENDS.COM and use the promo code REALREEL to get 20% off your first order.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, especially in the age of cancel culture. She also opens up about her journey through heartbreak, divorce, and solo travel in Europe, which inspired her to write her book, Eat, Pray, FML. Through it all, Gabrielle's learned the value of self-love, taking risks, and finding joy in the little things. From public heartbreak to self-discovery, tune in as she shares her raw and inspiring journey, offering tips and advice for anyone who's feeling lost, broken, or searching for something more in life.  Thank you so much for being a part of our podcast 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 @gabriellestone   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Athletic Greens – Get a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase when you go to athleticgreens.com/REALREEL  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices