Kicking It Real

GABBY ROBERTS
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Life lately — the highs, the plot twists, and everything in between. I’m Gabby, a former Rockette turned big-dream believer, sharing the real, unfiltered side of chasing what’s next. From journaling and self-growth to routines, relationships, and figuring it out in real time, this is where the highlight reel ends and the honest conversations begin. Come for the stories, stay for the “same, me too” moments 🤍

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    19. rejection, redirection & chasing the bigger dream ft Emily Tanner

    In this episode of Kicking It Real, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow Rockette, Emily Tanner, for a conversation about rejection, resilience, and choosing the long game even when it feels uncomfortable. Emily shares her journey from high school drill team to fine arts training, navigating college programs that pushed her confidence, and learning how to separate feedback from self-worth. We talk honestly about what it’s like to be labeled “average,” how comparison can distort reality, and why some of the most painful rejections can actually be redirections toward something bigger. We also dive into:> Why not making the team can change the entire trajectory of your life> The pressure cooker of college dance programs and learning to survive them mentally> How to stay grounded when external validation is constantly shifting> What it really takes to pursue a career in dance beyond the rhinestones> Trusting your instincts when your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s This episode is for dancers, performers, creatives or anyone who’s ever wondered if a “no” was actually protecting them from the wrong yes. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Emily here👇🏼IG:@empowerjazzprojectwww.empowerjazzproject.com

    1h 29m

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    monday morning motivation 03: why you feel unproductive (and what to do about it)

    Feeling like you didn’t get anything done, even after a full day of working? In this week’s monday morning motivation, I’m sharing the real reason that happens and the simple system that helped me stop feeling behind all the time. I open up about how my relationship with productivity was shaped by years of dance, performance, and always pushing my body and mind to the limit. When I stopped performing full-time and started building my own projects, I realized how much I was relying on exhaustion to feel “accomplished” and how unsustainable that mindset really was. I also share how to free up mental space, reduce overwhelm, and finally start closing all those open loops in your head. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to create a system that works for your real life. If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or frustrated with how you’re using your time, this episode will give you a few simple ways to start moving forward with more clarity, less stress, and a lot more intention. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

    22 min

  3. 4 FEB

    18. how to keep the 'new year energy' alive all year + break down big goals

    Let's catch up in this solo episode of Kicking It Real, I share what a real-life reset looks like, not just the “new year, new me” energy, but the deeper work of realigning your life with who you’re becoming. I open up about a major personal update and the decision to step away from a role that no longer aligned with my long-term goals, even though I still loved it. I talk honestly about how hard it can be to close a chapter when something is comfortable, and why fully closing doors is sometimes necessary for new ones to open. We also get practical. I break down exactly how I reset when I feel unmotivated or off track - from journaling and vision-setting to building systems that actually support your goals. I walk through my personal method for breaking big dreams into realistic steps, for one of my current new goals and a hypothetical dance goal example you might have, creating habits that move the needle, and setting “controllable goals” so you can stay consistent even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure of your next move, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan... you just need to start betting on yourself again. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

    40 min

  4. 2 FEB

    monday morning motivation 02: training smarter with cross-training as a dancer

    Feeling like you’re working out but not actually getting better at dancing? In this week’s Monday morning motivation, I’m diving deeper into how to make your fitness classes actually support your dance goals. I share how shifting my mindset in barre, Pilates, and weight training helped me bridge gaps in my technique faster and more efficiently, especially when I was training for precision and performance. Instead of just “getting a workout in,” I learned how to bring musicality, alignment, and intention into every class I took. This episode is all about being more intentional, using the workouts you’re already doing to train smarter, not just harder. Different seasons require different strategies. And if you’re in a season of chasing big dance goals, I hope this gives you a few tools to move forward with more clarity and confidence. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

    15 min

  5. 28 JAN

    17. inside UDA nationals, confidence, and choreographing at the highest level ft Alyssa Brutlag

    In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Brutlag to dive into the real story behind UDA Nationals, elite college dance culture, and what it takes to keep going when you feel overlooked, doubted, or “not enough.” Alyssa shares her journey from being underestimated to choreographing and performing on one of the biggest stages in college dance, and how confidence, resilience, and mindset completely changed the trajectory of her career. We talk about the pressure of competing at the UDA level, navigating comparison and social media in the dance world, and how to stay grounded when your worth feels tied to results. Alyssa also opens up about finding her voice as a choreographer, building trust in herself, and learning to take up space in rooms she once felt she had to shrink in. This episode is for dancers, athletes, and creatives who are chasing big dreams, questioning their path, and learning that sometimes the underdog story is the one that makes you unstoppable. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com Find Alyssa here👇🏼IG:@alyssabrutlagalyssabrutlag.com

    1h 13m

  6. 26 JAN

    monday morning motivation 01: how I trained for Rockettes outside of NYC

    Feeling unsure if you’re doing “enough” for your dreams when you don’t live in the right place? This monday morning motivation is for the dancers who feel behind, stuck, or like they’re missing the secret formula. In this episode, I share why I created these short Monday chats and get into the most common question I get: what kind of training to do when you want to become a Rockette but don’t live in New York City. I talk about graduating early from college, moving back home, teaching fitness and dance, and slowly building a plan without a clear timeline, just a deep belief in the dream. From ballet and tap to hip hop, contemporary, strength training, barre, and even practicing alone in empty studios, I break down how I built a personal “toolkit” based on my strengths, weaknesses, and the kind of dancer I wanted to become. We also talk about: - Why assessing your weaknesses is a form of self-trust, not self-judgment - How practicing alone (even when it “kind of sucks”) builds discipline and confidence - Why five minutes of consistency can matter more than perfect routines - How strength training, barre, and cross-training changed my dancing - And how honoring small commitments to yourself builds momentum This episode is a reminder that there is no single right path, only the one that keeps you moving forward. If you’re a dancer chasing a big dream from a small place, this one is for you. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

    17 min

  7. 21 JAN

    16. creating stability in the fitness world ft Carla Mae

    Today on Kicking It Real, I sit down with Carla to talk honestly about what it looks like to build a sustainable career after dance without rushing, panicking, or forcing the next step too soon. We dive into the transition from performer to fitness educator, the pressure dancers feel to always have a plan, and why focusing on doing the job in front of you well can matter more than chasing the next title. Carla shares her experience working in fitness, consulting, and instructor training, and what she’s learned about long-term growth, money, and trusting the process. We also talk about what dancers should actually look for when stepping into fitness, why you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on certifications right away, and how teaching, performance skills, and confidence translate far beyond the stage. This episode is for dancers (and anyone in transition) who feel stuck between what they love and what comes next and maybe even need permission to slow down, do the work, and trust that it will lead somewhere meaningful. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍 Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabby TikTok: @potentiallygabby Episode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com Find Carla here👇🏼 IG: IG @carlamaeoconnor carlamaeoconnor.com

    1h 16m

  8. 14 JAN

    15. from performing to personal branding: creating stability in a creative career ft Riley Bradley

    In this episode, I sit down with professional dancer turned entrepreneur and personal brand coach, Riley Bradley, to talk about what it really looks like to build a life beyond just performing. From moving abroad to England, to navigating injuries, COVID curveballs, and career pivots, we get real about how dancers can redefine success and create stability in an industry that’s anything but predictable. We dive into personal branding for performers - why it matters now more than ever, how social media has changed the audition room, and how building a brand isn’t about becoming an influencer, but about how you show up, how people remember you, and the opportunities that follow. Riley shares how she transitioned from full-time dancing into entrepreneurship, what she’s learned about niching down, and how dancers can start monetizing their skills without losing their love for performing. We also talk honestly about confidence, fear of being seen online, perfectionism in dancers, and how learning to detach from expectations can completely shift your career - onstage and off. If you’ve ever wondered what life could look like after (or alongside) dance, this episode is for you! Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabby Episode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Riley here👇🏼IG: @rileybradley @just.b.mediaTT: @riley.bradley

    1h 1m
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About

Life lately — the highs, the plot twists, and everything in between. I’m Gabby, a former Rockette turned big-dream believer, sharing the real, unfiltered side of chasing what’s next. From journaling and self-growth to routines, relationships, and figuring it out in real time, this is where the highlight reel ends and the honest conversations begin. Come for the stories, stay for the “same, me too” moments 🤍

Information

  • Creator
    GABBY ROBERTS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © GABBY ROBERTS
  • Show Website
    Kicking It Real