In today's episode, I'm sharing every salary I've ever made and every amount of rent I've ever paid in my NYC apartments. For some reason, these topics are incredibly taboo and I've been through my entire media career thus far without sharing this. As the host of this podcast, however, I've decided to practice what I preach and OPEN UP. I once believed that an influencer's worth was directly measured by their follower count – but that myth is quickly dispelled when you step behind the scenes of the content creation world. This episode unpacks the financial landscape of the influencer industry, where numbers don't always mean worth and follower engagement can be deceiving. I recount my own evolution from an eager intern at a prestigious advertising firm to becoming one of the faces of Refinery29, offering a frank examination of how privilege can influence the trajectory of success in this unpredictable digital realm. Our exploration doesn't end there. I invite you to walk with me through the pivotal chapters of my career. From the first spark of interest in stop motion videos to founding Lucie Fink Media, I share the struggles and triumphs of placing value on my work and realizing its worth in the market. Reflecting on my financial journey, I discuss the powerful milestone of nearing seven-figure gross revenue and how personal life transitions, like sharing a home with my partner Michael, have intertwined with my professional growth. Join me to redefine openness and redefine the boundaries of what we can share, as we collectively navigate the unspoken intricacies of our lives. 
 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX 
 To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  
 I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  
 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  
 Find Lucie here:  
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  
 Website: https://luciefink.com/  
 Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's every single salary I've ever made. (SOLO Episode)

The Real Stuff is a weekly podcast series hosted by Lucie Fink who has spent the past decade getting curious and creating engaging and educational content for an audience of millions. On this show, you won’t hear your favorite guests talk about things they typically share — rather, Lucie pulls them deep into some of the world’s most taboo topics, asking intensely personal questions about sex, money, and mental health, all in an effort to help you feel less alone as you navigate through the world. And the best part: we want to invite YOU onto the show. Apply to call in as an anonymous guest at luciefink.com/apply. Pop in your voyeuristic headphones, or call in and spill your secrets! Visit Lucie on Instagram (@luciebfink) and find the show across social media @therealstuffpod.

Health & Fitness

As I prepare to bring my second child into the world, I can't help but ask everyone I know who has more than one kid what their experience was like and how it compares to the journey of becoming first-time parents. I put a call out to my audience about their experiences navigating this transition and in today's episode, you'll hear intimate stories and insights from six listeners who reveal their personal journeys navigating these significant life changes. Just about half of our listeners found the leap from zero to one child to be easier, while the other half believed that welcoming a second child was less daunting. In today's episode, we'll hear from 3 people with each opinion. We also shed light on the day-to-day realities faced by parents, particularly stay-at-home moms who juggle childcare with minimal support from partners working long hours. The emotional toll on relationships is profound, as parents often find themselves wrestling with identity shifts, increased exhaustion, and evolving trust in their parental instincts. I have a personal theory about the type of people who find the transition from 0-1 to be harder than 1-2...so tune into the episode to see if my theory holds true! Let's dive into today's segment filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a supportive community for parents at every stage of their journey.  
 Sponsors:  
 StoryWorth: Save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/REALSTUFF!  
 Omaha Steaks: Order mouthwatering gift packages starting at just $99 and as a bonus use promo code LUCIE to get $10 off your order. 
 00:00:00 - 00:04:51 intro 00:04:51 - 00:16:17 Sam (0-1 was easier) 00:16:17 - 00:18:11 StoryWorth 00:18:11 - 00:30:00 Lindsay (0-1 was easier) 00:30:00 - 00:44:40 Laura (0-1 was easier) 00:44:40 - 00:57:23 Camila (1-2 was easier) 00:57:23 - 00:58:28 Omaha Steaks 00:58:28 - 01:14:48 Tash (1-2 was easier) 01:14:48 - 01:26:45 Ashley (1-2 was easier) 01:26:45 - 01:28:42 closing thoughts + outro 
 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  
 To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  
 I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  
 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  
 Find Lucie here:  
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  
 Website: https://luciefink.com/  
 Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  
   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's harder: going from 0-1 or 1-2 kids? (Audience callers)

I'm so excited to be joined by social media star, Alexia Delarosa (@lex.delarosa), on this week's episode of the podcast. Lex considers herself a full-time stay-at-home mom but she has also found incredible success cultivating a following online as she shares glimpses into the beauty of motherhood and homemaking. Her journey from a simple bread-making video to becoming a viral sensation is a testament to the power of authenticity and humor in the content creation space. This isn't your average tale of a "trad wife" – it's an insightful look at how personal choices carve out unique family dynamics, with Alexia’s warm narrative leading the way. While Alexia and I bonded over the discomfort of being asked about our salaries on live television, she didn't shy away from discussing the often taboo topic of money, sharing her business’s revenue and how much she charges for brand partnerships. Finally, we waded through the evolving perceptions of gender roles and financial independence as she detailed the shift within her own marriage. She spoke candidly about the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom and a full-time content creator, juggling parenting and her professional life without losing sight of her needs and aspirations. Her story is a wonderful example for those balancing family and Internet fame, illustrating the changing landscape of digital media and gender expectations. 
 Sponsors: Omaha Steaks - go to omahasteaks.com and use promo code LUCIE at checkout for exclusive savings on Father’s Day gift packages.  
 Storyworth - save $10 on your first purchase when you go to storyworth.com/REALSTUFF  
 00:00:00 - 00:04:52 intro 00:04:52 - 00:07:05 growing up 00:07:05 - 00:08:25 being categorized as a “trad wife” 00:08:25 - 00:11:22 the rise to social media fame 00:11:22 - 00:13:50 Lex’s signature head tilt 00:13:50 - 00:20:56 the negativity that comes with viral videos 00:20:56 - 00:21:58 Omaha Steaks 00:21:58 - 00:25:01 TikTok vs. Instagram 00:25:01 - 00:31:56 compensation  as a content creator 00:31:56 - 00:36:35 discomfort with talking about money 00:36:35 - 00:38:05 gross revenue in the past year 00:38:05 - 00:39:30 StoryWorth 00:39:30 - 00:43:12 being a SAHM, childcare, and homeschooling 00:43:12 - 00:53:51 division of labor and financial responsibilities 00:53:51 - 01:01:05 experience on The Tamron Hall Show 01:01:05 - 01:01:46 future goals 01:01:46 - 01:02:44 outro 
 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  
 To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  
 I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  
 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  
 Find Lucie here:  
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/Luciebfink  
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  
 Website: https://luciefink.com/  
 Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I no longer need to ask my husband for money.” (Alexia Delarosa)

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Jordy Glassner, a 31-year-old wife and mother who is living with terminal brain cancer. When Jordy first decided that she wanted to share her story publicly on social media, a mutual friend put us in touch so that I could show her the ropes. I’m so honored to have her joining me on our show to share her story with all of you. In this conversation, Jordy courageously opens up about her unexpected battle with glioblastoma. Her story begins with a chilling numbness and evolves into a fight for her life. Jordy’s recount of the disbelief, the emergency surgery, and the pain of not being able to see her son before the operation is a powerful testament to a mother's love and resilience in the face of harrowing odds. The narrative doesn't stop at survival; it's a relentless journey of adaptation to a new reality. Jordy eloquently speaks to how her diagnosis has permeated every aspect of her life, from the loss of a career to the redefinition of her self-identity and personal relationships. Through her eyes, we witness the grief for a past life and the transformation of relationships, yet we also discover the potential for deeper bonds and new perspectives. Jordy’s experience, punctuated by the ebbs and flows of treatment and waiting periods, offers listeners an intimate window into the emotional complexity that accompanies a life-altering diagnosis and the unwavering hope that can emerge from its depths. 
 Sponsors: DrinkLMNT.com/RealStuff  - Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix. Also try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water. OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code LUCIE at checkout for an additional discount when you shop Gourmet gift packages for Fathers Day. 
 Follow Jordy on Instagram: @jordyglassner 
 Listen to Jordy's podcast, Grief Street: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-street/id1742465491 
 The gala is sold out, but here’s a link to donate to UCLA's fund for brain cancer research: https://giving.ucla.edu/Campaign/Donate.aspx?SiteNum=4010&AutoFN;=Y&Trib;=Y&TribT;=M&TribFN;=Stanford&TribLN;=Kurland 
 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  
 To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  
 I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  
 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  
 Find Lucie here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  Website: https://luciefink.com/  
 Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.  
   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I have a 5% chance of living past 5 years.” (Audience caller)

Now that I’m in my second trimester, it's time for another audience Q&A; episode! I'm answering all of the questions that you sent through my IG stories box recently. Join me as I discuss the rollercoaster of our 20-week anatomy scan which unveiled that my baby's umbilical cord has one artery instead of two. Single umbilical artery (SUA) is, as I've learned, not as uncommon as they made it sound. While this discovery was scary at first, I offer comfort and insights for those facing similar prenatal concerns, highlighting how every pregnancy can bring its own set of unexpected turns. On a lighter topic, I share the creative process behind naming our baby, touching on why some beloved names didn't make the cut and the anticipation of a different postpartum experience in our suburban home. Balancing professional and family life with two children is a theme that resonates deeply in this episode. From deciding when to announce the pregnancy to contemplating a step back from work to prioritize family needs, I open up about the complexities and joys of transitioning from one child to two. Join me for a conversation that's as real as it gets, where we celebrate the joyous complexity of adding another heart to the family's beat! 
 Sponsor: Songfinch: Go to songfinch.com/REALSTUFF and start your song – after you purchase, you’ll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value! 
 00:00:00 - 00:08:12 intro + 20-week anatomy scan 00:08:12 - 00:10:49 choosing a name 00:10:49 - 00:14:30 things I hope to do differently with baby #2 00:14:30 - 00:17:35 differences between my two pregnancies 00:17:35 - 00:19:34 does Milo know what's going on? 00:19:34 - 00:21:31 Songfinch 00:21:31 - 00:24:30 having enough time with Milo 00:24:30 - 00:25:55 hiring a baby nurse 00:25:55 - 00:30:09 breastfeeding tips & feeding plan for baby #2 00:30:09 - 00:31:22 when I started feeling baby moving 00:31:22 - 00:32:31 my energy level compared to first pregnancy 00:32:31 - 00:34:52 how I feel about giving birth 00:34:52 - 00:35:50 diet changes for high blood sugar 00:35:50 - 00:36:36 introducing Milo to his baby sister 00:36:36 - 00:38:58 cost of raising a child in the city 00:38:58 - 00:41:33 sibling age gaps 00:41:33 - 00:42:56 did this pregnancy affect how many children we want? 00:42:56 - 00:44:05 sciatica pain 00:44:05 - 00:45:32 announcing my pregnancy 00:45:32 - 00:49:53 fears about going from 1 to 2 kids 00:49:53 - 00:50:55 outro 
 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX   
 To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  
 I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  
 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod   
 Find Lucie here:  
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/   
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink   
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink   
 Website: https://luciefink.com/   
 Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solo Q&A: getting ready for baby girl, family finances and 2nd trimester updates

Join me for an intimate conversation with Liz Moody: best-selling author, host of The Liz Moody podcast, and my long-time friend. In today's episode, we explore all things family dynamics, mental health, and the personal battles that shape our emotional landscape. When Liz told me she didn't want to discuss money or sex on the show, I instantly knew why...she doesn't feel those topics contribute to her business's mission. Mental health, however, is a different story. On her own platforms, Liz has opened up for years about her past struggles with anxiety, agoraphobia, disordered eating, and more. In this episode, we go deeper into each of those topics. Liz opens up about her unique experience growing up with parents who are therapists, challenging the myth that such a household is a sanctuary of emotional wisdom. She reflects on how her upbringing influenced her perspective on mental health and discusses the common misconception that therapists lead flawlessly balanced lives. We also venture into the complexities of navigating life's unexpected twists, from childhood trauma to the thrills and perils of living a nomadic lifestyle, and the courage it takes to confront deep-seated fears like intense agoraphobia and a lifelong struggle with anxiety. Note: this episode contains references to many mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. 
 Follow Liz on Instagram: @lizmoody   
 Liz's book - 100 Ways to Change Your Life: https://amzn.to/3ydsCQ2  
 Sponsors: 
 Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code REALSTUFF at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod 
 Watch this episode in video form on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjmevEcbh5h5FEX0pazPEtN86t7eb2OgX  
 To apply to be a guest on the show, visit luciefink.com/apply and send us your story.  
 I also want to extend a special thank you to East Love for the show's theme song, Rolling Stone.  
 Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealstuffpod  
 Find Lucie here:  
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/  
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luciebfink  
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/luciebfink  
 Website: https://luciefink.com/  
 Produced by Cloud10 and Clamor.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's every single salary I've ever made. (SOLO Episode)

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