"Every time I hear the word authentic, I throw up in my mouth a little."

That's how Rory Vaden opens this raw and riveting conversation about one of personal branding's most overused—and misunderstood—buzzwords: authenticity. Alongside AJ Vaden, the two co-founders of Brand Builders Group debate, dissect, and redefine what it really means to be authentic in today's digital-first world.

Is authenticity just curated vulnerability? Where's the line between connection and oversharing? And how do you know when it's finally time to tell the hard parts of your story?

This episode isn't just talk—it's transformation. You'll leave with a practical, powerful framework for sharing your truth with courage, integrity, and intention—without damaging your brand or your relationships.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The real reason we're all obsessed with "authenticity" (and where it went off track)

• How to know if you're being honest… or just strategically vulnerable

• A simple two-rule test to decide if you're ready to share a story publicly

• Why your hard moments may be your most valuable brand assets

• The difference between transparency and privacy—and how to protect both

If you're building a personal brand in a world full of filters, this episode is your clarity check.

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