The Real Reel

Episode 286: Kaelyn Grace Apple is back on the pod, five years after being one of Nat’s first guests, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. As the founder of The Accepted Society, a Yale history PhD candidate, and a professional horseback rider, Kaelyn truly does it all. From studying at Oxford and Cambridge to running businesses and pursuing her passions, she embodies intentionality and drive. In this episode, Kaelyn opens up about overcoming limiting beliefs, the importance of championing other women, and why passion is essential for lasting success. She and Nat also dive into building healthy relationships, setting standards, and pivoting careers with purpose, leaving listeners inspired to chase their dreams unapologetically.  Be sure to follow Kaelyn on Instagram @kaelyngraceapple and the Accepted Society @theacceptedsociety   Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast  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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  SelectQuote - Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/realreel.  Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/realreel  Skims - The Fits Everybody collection is available in sizes XXS to 4X. You can shop now at SKIMS.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 285: The London sessions continue! This week, Nat sits down with content creator Becca Watson to dive into the latest social media trends and the realities of content creation. Together, they explore the balance between following trends and staying authentic, touching on the pressure to keep up with constant posting and the freedom in waiting for the right inspiration. As established creators, Nat and Becca share insights into the unique pressures they face and dispel the myth that making relatable content is effortless...because hint hint: it's not! Keep up with Becca on Youtube , follow her on IG @beccamariawatson and listen to her podcast Bloom with Becca Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast  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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  SelectQuote - Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/realreel.  Uncommon Goods - To get 15% off your next gift, go to uncommongoods.com/realreel  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 284: This week, Nat’s in London and catching up with TV writer, creator, and author Lindsay Jill Roth for a timely conversation about dating and relationships. With Nat herself now seeing someone who lives in London, the two bond over their shared experience of navigating love across borders. Lindsay dives into her own transatlantic love story—meeting her British husband in New York, managing long distance, and bridging cultural and religious differences. They explore themes from Lindsay’s upcoming book, Romance and Practicalities, which focuses on open communication and lasting connection. Together, they discuss setting boundaries, handling finances, and recognizing the calm, steady feeling of true compatibility. Tune in for their advice on avoiding dating fatigue, and keep an eye out for Romance and Practicalities, coming in January 2025.  Keep up with Lindsay on Instagram @lindsayjillroth Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast  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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 15% off site wide and enter promo code REALREEL. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 283: Nat’s back with a solo episode to talk all about motivation! Nat always feels like she’s been a natural motivator, and she breaks down a few key points that she's learned along the way to help you take initiative in your life. Thinking about her own journey, Nat talks about the importance of following your curiosity instead of chasing abstract dreams. Follow your interests instead and find others who share them! You’ll never know where it takes you. Also, the power of a good network can’t be underestimated either, so find those like-minded people to promote growth and opportunities for yourself. Lastly, it’s never too late to start! The ‘perfect time’ for anything is a myth, so start with small steps if you need to and watch that growth happen over time! Tune in for lots more tips and advice on becoming your best (and most motivated) self! Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast  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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Earnin - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 282: Joining Nat this week is Mark Rampola, the founder of Zico coconut water, and he shares his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur after leaving his comfortable corporate job behind. Mark and Nat then dive into the entrepreneurial mindset and touch on everything from risk-taking to self-awareness to finding joy in the journey. Mark discusses buying back his company from Coca-Cola and the new Zico product he’s excited to launch, which he thinks is their best (and tastiest) product yet! This episode isn’t just for aspiring business types, as Mark’s insights extend beyond the life of an entrepreneur and crossover into everyday territory, which listeners are sure to find both informative and entertaining. You can find out more about Mark and his companies at Zico.com and Groundforcecapital.com Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast  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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Earnin - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 281: Nat is back with another solo episode this week, recording live from a bachelorette weekend in Destin, Florida, and is sending out prayers to everyone impacted by hurricane Milton and Helene, especially in her home state of North Carolina. After feeling uninspired for a while, Nat gets candid about where she's been mentally when it comes to the podcast and reflects on her incredible past guests and the challenges of coordinating in-person recordings. But now she’s ready to embrace remote interviews again with a renewed sense of excitement! She then teases an upcoming trip to London to visit her "London Boy" at the end of the month and dives into listener questions, offering advice on reigniting a relationship, deciding when to quit a job and start a business, and navigating long distance relationships. Nat also introduces a new and exciting voicemail feature for future episodes. Click the link below for your chance to be featured on the next one! Leave Nat a voicemail! https://www.speakpipe.com/Therealreelpodcast  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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Earnin - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 280: From the snowy streets of Salt Lake City to the bright lights of Hollywood and back, today’s guest has one heck of a story to tell. Natalie has the honor of speaking with Lindsay Arnold, a So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars alum, to learn about her journey as a professional dancer turned mom, influencer, fitness instructor, and business owner. Lindsay’s sharing how her passion for movement landed her the career of her dreams, her first-hand experience on reality TV, and how she manages to wear so many hats at once! Tune in for an inspiring and relatable conversation that simultaneously feels like a comforting coffee date with one of your besties. Enjoy!       Today’s episode dives into:    The benefits of feeling motivating stress when it comes to your profession    Lindsay’s first-hand experience with mom-shaming online and her true feelings toward social media     How her relationship with movement began and the origin story of her career as a professional dancer    Behind the scenes of her experience on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars   Why she ultimately decided to take a step back from DWTS  What led her to create The Movement Club  The contrast between her current life and her life when she was dancing full time      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 Lindsay @lindsarnold and check out @themovementclub   This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: Earnin - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store.When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  Ouai - Go to theouai.com and use promo code REALREEL for 15% off any product. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel.  Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 279: Nat’s back with a solo episode about her recent travels around Europe! Making weeklong stops in London, Italy, and France, Nat dives into what each week was like and shares some insights and travel tips that she’s picked up along the way. Whether it was solo travel (and dating!) in London, going to a wedding in Italy, or buddy-traveling in France, each place presented unique opportunities to soak up the culture and experience something new and exciting. Nat wraps up the episode by answering some listener questions like how to save money on travel, strategies to stay safe when you’re in a new area, and how to balance work while on the road! (Hint: leverage those time zone differences!) It’s a super fun episode that’s sure to get you booking that next flight out of town! 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: In The Making from Adobe - Search for In the Making in your podcast player and subscribe or follow the show. Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/realreel, Earnin - Download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 278: This week, Nat sits down with her friend Jeanine Amapola, a long-time content creator and recent author! Nat and Jeanine met as neighbors in LA during the peak of the DIY influencer movement and stayed in touch over the years as their shared interests in beauty, fashion, and faith evolved along the way. Jeanine has been making content since 2010, focusing on mostly fashion and lifestyle, but hit a rut in 2019/2020 as she was in a difficult relationship and also dealing with some negative online comments about her content. With the help of a great life coach and a diligent approach to rediscovering her faith, she turned the corner, landing in a healthy relationship (with her now husband!) and feeling much more secure and confident in the content she was making. She credits her dramatic change to her faith, and it culminated in writing a book about her journey titled “Becoming Happy and Healthy,” which she wanted to write to help other women who were feeling the same way as she had been. Tune in for a lively discussion as the two share personal stories and anecdotes that we think you’ll find super relatable! Follow Jeanine on insta @jeanineamapola or check out her website, new book and podcast 'Happy and Healthy' at https://jeanineamapola.com/ 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 277: This week, Nat is joined by her friend Lisa Gilmore, a jewelry entrepreneur living in Miami, as they chat about everything from the Miami dating scene to personal growth to why Instagram will likely never have a search function to see who’s looked at your stories (come on, Meta, give the people what they want!). Lisa describes herself as the ‘queen of the situationship’ and declares that she’s ready for love after having learned from experience that dating people from out of state hasn’t worked for her (eligible bachelors in Miami, we’re looking at you). The conversation shifts to personal growth as Lisa looks back on her twenties and reflects on how much she’s changed her outlook on what she wants in life. They wrap up with thoughts on the Love Island drama (Leah and Rob, anyone?) and how escapism TV can be the perfect antidote for the pressures of daily life.  Find Lisa on IG @lisaxgilmore and her podcast @unwineding 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 276: Nat’s getting the inside scoop on health and wellness in Miami this week as she sits down with Lucy Nelles, owner of Hi Vibe Wellness and event host for the ultra-popular ‘Coffee and Chill’ series that has been taking the city by storm. Lucy started her journey as a creator right after she moved to Miami a few years ago and wanted to provide event alternatives to people that were living alcohol-free. She clearly struck a chord, as the response has been overwhelmingly positive, having now hosted 50 events (yes, 50!) over the last year and a half, and she even had one beach yoga event attended by 1200 people! ‘Coffee and Chill’ is a cold plunge experience combining coffee and community, which aims to be inclusive and non-intimidating. Can you think of a better wake-up combo than an ice bath and caffeine?? We can’t! Tune in for all the details on how Lucy makes these events happen and so much more. You can find Lucy on instagram @lucelianelles and follow @coffeeandchillmiami and @hivibe.wellness for info on the next events in Miami! 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 275: Today is a big day for Nat and her team at Rella! They are officially announcing a relaunch of their social media management tool as Rella 2.0. As first-time founders, Nat and her business partners have learned so much along the way since the app’s initial launch, and so with honesty and transparency, Nat gives us the details on what made her and her team decide a relaunch was necessary. Nat goes through all the business reasons why they made this decision, from the previous version targeting the wrong audience to trying to be too original of an interface, which led to a user experience that wasn’t working for either the Rella team or its customers. But with these learnings comes the opportunity to start again—a fresh page, a blank slate—and Rella 2.0 is going to be better than ever! With a more user-friendly interface, better affordability, and more effective tools, Nat is sure that their new targeted customers will see its value right away. It’s another fascinating episode on the business side of social media and start-ups, one that Nat is in a unique position to speak about! Check out Rella 2.0 at getrella.com 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 274: This week, Nat is back this week for a solo episode to give us a big life update (cause it’s been a minute) as well as talk about, you guessed it, independence! From setting personal goals to solo travel, this episode is packed with encouraging thoughts on how you can develop (and maintain) your independent self. Nat shares that she’s really taken a liking to running lately and loves that it gets her outside, off her screen and doing something on her own that isn’t dependent on other people. She also shares info on a couple of upcoming trips she has planned to Europe, how excited she is to experience solo travel, and how it takes her out of her comfort zone in a really good way. She wraps up with 6 helpful tips on becoming more independent, from having your own hobbies distinct from your partner to setting simple routines during the day to keep you focused, reminding us to get out there and take some personal chances; you won’t regret it! 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 273: 17 years is a long time to know someone, let alone stay best friends for that long! But that’s exactly what Nat and her best friend Katy have done—develop a friendship that adapts and grows as they do too. Even though they live in different cities and their lives are taking different paths (Katy has a 1-year-old son and is moving to Hong Kong!), they still put in the work to stay connected in each other's lives, which has been super rewarding for both of them. In this episode, Katy reflects on how much personal growth she’s had since her marriage and the birth of her son and how important it is to really know yourself before you jump into a relationship. Nat and Katy share stories and insights on how they both stay grounded during life’s uncertainties and the benefits of self-care, supportive partners, and their faith. It’s a conversation filled with warmth, laughter, and insights into friendship, career choices, motherhood, and navigating the complexities of adulting. If you needed a friendly podcast hug this week, this is it!   You can follow Katy on her travels @travel.with.katyd 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 272: Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of the NFL and hear what life is like for a player? Here’s your chance! This week, Nat sits down with NFL Quarterback Sam Howell (boyfriend of Nat’s sister Chloe) to hear all the inside details on what that’s like! Sam has recently been traded to the Seattle Seahawks and is super excited about the new team and fan base he’s joining. He shares insights into the pressures of his position, from the intense physical demands of the sport to the mental aspect of needing to memorize every single player’s job for every single play they run! Nat and Sam talk about what it takes to succeed as a pro athlete as well as what it takes to perform at peak fitness week-in and week-out. Lastly, Sam also shares his thoughts on the added publicity in the league ever since Travis and Taylor became an item and tells us whether he’s a true Swiftie or not (tune in to find out!).  You can follow Sam on Instagram @sam7howell 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. This show wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors. Check out these deals just for you: EarnIn - Download EarnIn today in the Google play or Apple app store. When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up – it’ll really help the show.  OUAI - Get on your OUAI to save for the holiday. Go to theouai.com for 15% off sitewide and enter promo code REALREEL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices