Episode 290: Happy New Year, TRR listeners! In this episode, Nat dives into her love for goal-setting, reflecting on her 2024 goals and habits while sharing what she stuck to and lessons learned. With only 9-12% of people actually keeping their New Year’s resolutions, Nat offers practical advice on setting goals you can achieve, breaking them down into manageable steps, and finding real motivation behind them. She explores the difference between resolutions and dreams, the importance of writing goals down, and why it’s fun to set goals with others—hello, vision boarding night! Nat also shares her personal goals and habits for 2025 and emphasizes the value of progress tracking and embracing failure. Tune in to get inspired and start your year strong! 

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.

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Episode 289: 2024 Nat felt like she was cruising on autopilot—checking off the to-do list because she had to, not because she wanted to. But 2025? Oh, it’s all about flipping the script. In this lighthearted year-end recap, we unpack the highs, lows, and lessons of 2024 and set the stage for a more mindful, intentional, and balanced year ahead. From prioritizing living in the moment to creating quality-over-quantity content, she’s leaning into work-life harmony and chasing meaningful travels (with fewer posts and better memories). Oh, and there’s a certain London boy who’s made things a little sweeter. Join us as we reflect on the word of the year and explore how faith, mindfulness, and a dash of wanderlust are setting the tone for a transformative year ahead. 

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:

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Episode 288: In this episode, Nat sits down with Emmy-winning filmmaker, human connection specialist and founder of The Skin Deep, Topaz Adizes, to explore the transformative power of human connection. Known for his viral interactive documentary {THE AND} and his upcoming book 12 Questions for Love, Topaz shares insights into how technology has reshaped the way we connect and date in today's world. They discuss cultivating curiosity, navigating loneliness in an era of hyper-connectivity, and breaking down walls created by unrealistic expectations. Topaz also reveals how intentionality, presence, and well-crafted questions can deepen relationships, offering practical tools for dating and exploring emotional intimacy. This episode will leave you inspired to embrace connection with more authenticity and curiosity. 

Follow @theskindeep on Instagram and visit www.theskindeep.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:

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SelectQuote - Get the RIGHT life insurance for YOU, for LESS, at selectquote.com/realreel. 

Ouai - Go to theouai.com for 20% off sitewide from November 26 to December 2 when you enter promo code REALREEL

Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.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.  

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Episode 287: How can one viral video change your life? In this episode, Nat chats with Cami Sophia about how a single post with 9 million views launched her thriving online career. Cami shares how she turned that moment into lasting success through authenticity, confidence, and passion, along with her wellness staples like Sunday resets and journaling. She also offers advice on creating routines that keep you grounded while pursuing your dreams. 

Be sure to keep up with Cami on Instagram  

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. 

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.   

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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.

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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:

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Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/realreel. 

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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