Being Relatable: Real Connections in Work, Life & Love

Erica Castner
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated weekly

Being Relatable: Real Relationships in Work, Life & Leadership is a podcast for ambitious women who are done watering themselves down just to make other people comfortable. Hosted by Erica Castner, this show is your permission slip to stop blending in, start owning your story, and build relationships that reflect the real you, not the version others expect you to be. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or healing from being the one who always had to "hold it all together," this podcast is your space to rebuild what real connections should feel like. Because you don't need to wait for someone else to shift the culture. You are the culture shift. Follow Being Relatable and leave a review, not for us, but for the women who don't even know this is the message they've been waiting for.

  1. 20 Aug

    When Your Goals Don't Pan Out, Even After Doing Everything Right - Being Relatable - Episode 24

    Have you ever put everything into a goal, trained for it, prepared for it, done everything by the book, only to have it not pan out? In this episode, I get real about a goal that didn't go as planned, and what it taught me about the difference between an outcome and the work that leads to it. This one isn't about a finish line. It's about what you do when the day doesn't cooperate with the plan, and why that moment doesn't get to erase everything that came before it. In this episode: What to do when your body sends a signal to stop, even when everything in you wants to push through Why "conditions you can't control" are often the real test of a goal, not the goal itself A simple reframe for separating an outcome from the value of the work that led to it How to keep showing up for people you love, even when your own plan falls apart Why one hard day shouldn't get to define months of effort, and how to actually believe that about yourself Biggest takeaway for you: As my gift-daughter, Brooke shared with me (and I am paraphrasing), "The milestone was never actually the finish line. The milestone was every training session leading up to the race." Got a goal you're working on?  Email me at erica@ericacastner.com to share what you're working toward; I'd love to cheer you on.

  2. 10 Aug

    What to Do When You Know What to Do But Can't Do It - Being Relatable with Erica Castner

    If you're the type of chick who knows what to do but can't do it (for one reason or another), it's a good thing you're tuning into this episode of the Being Relatable Podcast  So, if you know what to do...why aren't you doing it? The answer boils down to three areas that move any goal forward: plan, people, and prep, and helps you figure out exactly which one is actually holding you back. WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH: Why worrying about "step 27" is keeping you from ever taking step one The real reason a decision creates more momentum than a perfect plan ever will How the people around you are quietly shaping whether you take action or stay stuck Why finding people who'll cheer you on is more available than you think, if you decide to look for them Why your goal needs actual protected space on your calendar, not just good intentions YOUR TINY STEP THIS WEEK: Pick one, plan, people, or prep, whichever one you know is actually yours. If it's a plan, take step one, not worry about whether you are ready to take step 27. If it's people, notice who's been quietly talking you out of this. If it's prep, block 25 minutes on your calendar and decide what's coming off to make room for it. And, for a bonus: email me (email is in the episode) with your goal and the one action step you are taking today, and I will send you my "Make it Happen" Blueprint: A one-sheet guide to make any goal you want to achieve happen faster.

  3. 27 Jul ·  Bonus

    How to Put Yourself in Rooms That Actually Change Your Life

    Think about the moments that actually changed something for you, a client, a friendship, an opportunity. Chances are, almost all of them trace back to a room you almost didn't walk into. Today's Pep Talk, "How to Put Yourself in Rooms That Actually Change Your Life," is about the rooms you've been telling yourself you're "not there yet" for, and why that feeling isn't the stop sign you think it is. WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH: Why comfortable rooms feel safe but keep you exactly where you are How to tell a room that will actually change something from one that's just noise Why waiting to feel "ready" keeps you out of the rooms that matter most The identity shift required to show up somewhere bigger than where you've been Why the people you're looking for are also looking for you, but only if you're in the room YOUR TINY STEP THIS WEEK: Name one room, event, or conversation you've been avoiding because it feels like a stretch. Show up to it this week, not once you feel more ready. And, if you could benefit from a weekly pep talk from Yours truly, sign up for the "Hype Yourself Up" Pep Talk Series inside the Being Relatable Podcast here.

  4. 20 Jul ·  Bonus

    How to Hold Your Boundaries Without Explaining Yourself - Being Relatable Pep Talk

    You've probably been taught that setting a boundary makes you the difficult one. That saying "this isn't okay with me" turns you into someone cold, or too much, or hard to deal with. But what if you didn't need to justify it at all? What if holding a boundary, without a long explanation attached to it, was actually the clearest, most respectful thing you could offer someone? If you've been sitting on something you know you need to say, and you keep talking yourself out of it because it feels easier to stay quiet, this Pep Talk is for you. WHAT YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH: The difference between reacting in the heat of the moment and responding with clarity, and why giving yourself a few days changes everything A simple pros and cons exercise to help you decide whether to speak up or stay quiet, without emotion making the call for you Why you don't need a villain to have a boundary, and how to separate intent from impact Permission to walk away from a relationship that keeps proving itself out of alignment with your values, without owing anyone a lengthy explanation Why gossip, smear campaigns, and telling someone off never actually bring closure, and what to do instead YOUR TINY STEP THIS WEEK: Before you respond to anything, sit down and write two short lists. What does it cost you to speak up? What does it cost you to stay silent? Give yourself a few days to sit with both lists before you decide anything. Let clarity make the call, not your emotions in the moment. And, if you could benefit from a weekly pep talk from Yours truly, sign up for the "Hype Yourself Up" Pep Talk Series inside the Being Relatable Podcast here.

  5. 2 Apr

    How to Be a Disruptor Without Burning Bridges with Mary Kate O'Connell

    Ever seen something that clearly needs to change but worried about rocking the boat? If you've hesitated to speak up about broken systems, avoided challenging the status quo because you don't want to be labeled a troublemaker, or wondered how to create change without alienating everyone around you... This episode will show you how to become a productive disruptor. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Mary Kate O'Connell, a serial entrepreneur and brand coach who's mastered the art of creating positive disruption in toxic environments and outdated systems. MEET OUR GUEST: Mary Kate O'Connell - Serial Entrepreneur, Brand Coach at Two Market Media (NYC branding company) WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why demanding what you need (office, team, doubled rate) can lead to bigger opportunities How one successful disruption became the blueprint for a $20M business The power of "micro disruptions" to build confidence and skills How to challenge systems while maintaining respect and relationships The difference between productive disruption and just stirring the pot KEY TIMESTAMPS: 8:58 - How Mary Kate disrupted agency systems for an $8M account 16:09 - "Don't bring me a monkey without a banana" - bringing solutions, not just problems 17:39 - Transforming toxic culture by humanizing the workplace experience 23:05 - Mary Kate's "backdoor disruption" strategy with her current boss 24:06 - How her father trained her to challenge authority starting at age 6 26:01 - Why you can start building disruption skills today through practice 29:07 - Shifting from rigid client processes to human conversations 32:36 - Balancing change agent energy with being a team player 36:08 - The importance of finding allies who will support your disruption efforts 40:49 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD for keeping her values intact QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "If you're going to shine a light on the problem, please come with a solution. Otherwise, you are a troublemaker." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Identify one system or process that needs changing in your workplace Start having more human conversations instead of following rigid processes WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP: Jessica McCabe - New York Times bestselling author and founder of How to ADHD, who kept her values intact by refusing to charge for resources, ensuring accessibility for everyone regardless of ability to pay.  CONNECT WITH MARY KATE: LinkedIn RATE + REVIEW If this episode gave you the courage to be a productive disruptor in your own environment, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the confidence to create positive change. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop worrying about rocking the boat? Remember: if your heart's in the right place and you're doing it for the right reasons, you might walk through a little fire, but it will be worth it. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE!

  6. 30 Mar

    How to Own Your Intensity Without Apologizing with Rossana Baez and Sylvia Dorisme - Being Relatable with Erica Castner

    Ever been told you're too much, too intense, or too passionate, and started wondering if you should tone it down? If you've been dimming your light to make others comfortable, apologizing for your energy, or shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that weren't made for you... This episode will remind you that you're not food,  you weren't made to be digestible. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with two powerhouse businesswomen, Rossana Baez and Sylvia Dorisme, who've learned to own their intensity unapologetically and create boundaries that protect their energy. MEET OUR PANELISTS: Rossana Baez  - Founder & CEO of Baez Cleaning (10+ years in Florida), certified minority woman-owned business, mother, and entrepreneur who's learned to filter energy strategically Sylvia Dorisme - Founder of Zeal Technical Institute (private technical school in North Fort Myers) and IZVOR Wellness, business leader with 20 years of experience in boundary-setting WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: The importance of protecting your peace by not adjusting to everyone else's agenda Why dimming your light for others is a disrespect to yourself How to communicate clearly and set firm boundaries without apologizing The power of being intentional about the environment you want for yourself KEY TIMESTAMPS: 6:24 - Rosanna discusses being called "too passionate" and learning to filter her energy 11:54 - Sylvia's powerful college story about dimming her light and getting the lowest grade 16:45 - Rosanna's journey to owning her intensity in business leadership without apologizing 22:51 - Sylvia introduces the concept of "intentional unavailability" and healthy boundaries 28:48 - The cultural challenges women face when learning to say no 33:10 - Rosanna's experience of outgrowing a 10-year relationship that couldn't handle her growth 38:39 - Sylvia's advice: "We were not made to be digestible, we're not food." 45:08 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Sam (Rosanna's daughter) and Claudette Pierre (Sylvia's cousin) QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "I made a promise to myself that dimming my light for others is a disrespect to myself. I will never shrink in any room to make others comfortable. Their comfort is not my responsibility." "When you own your presence without apologizing, you don't lose space. You claim it." "I call it intentional unavailability. You're not intentionally being a mean girl by not supporting, you're being intentional about the environment that you want for yourself." "We were not made to be digestible, we're not food. They're not your people. Our goal in this life is not to be small. Our goal is to be whole." "In a relationship where that love interest told me that I was too much. And my response was, go find less." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Start filtering your energy - redirect it toward people who genuinely appreciate your intensity Practice "intentional unavailability" by saying no to one request without over-explaining Identify one relationship where you've been dimming your light and decide if it's worth maintaining WOMEN WE'RE HYPING UP: Sam - Rossana's 30-year-old daughter, who serves as her teacher and inspiration, constantly lifts her mother with purpose and intention. Claudette Pierre - Owner of FabBar Med Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Sylvia's cousin, who's making waves in the aesthetic medicine industry. CONNECT WITH OUR PANELISTS: Rossana Baez - BaezCleaning.com | Instagram | Facebook  Sylvia Dorisme - Facebook & LinkedIn | ZealTechnicalInstitute.com | IzvorWellness.com RATE + REVIEW If this episode gave you permission to stop apologizing for being "too much," leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to own their intensity. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop apologizing for your intensity? Remember: when someone can only love a smaller version of yourself, that's not your person. Go find your people who celebrate the fullness of who you are. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE!

  7. 27 Mar

    Choosing Authenticity Over Career Advancement with Kristie Scott - Being Relatable with Erica Castner

    Ever felt like you have to choose between climbing the career ladder and staying true to yourself? If you've been compromising your values, hiding parts of your personality, or feeling like success requires sacrificing who you really are... this episode will show you there's another way. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Kristie Scott, a former attorney who built and sold a million-dollar law firm, then chose to pivot into work that aligns with her faith, family, and true calling. MEET OUR GUEST: Kristie Scott - Former Attorney and Law Firm Owner, Current Business Coach and Author helping Christian business owners build profitable, sustainable companies at SuccessQuire.com WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why being good at something doesn't mean you should do it 24/7 How hiding your authentic self creates internal struggle and limits your impact Why temporary gains aren't worth sacrificing who you are The importance of keeping a written list of life priorities to guide decisions The power of surrounding yourself with people who are doing what you aspire to do KEY TIMESTAMPS: 4:16 - Kristie's decision to leave the legal profession to focus on family, ministry, and writing 7:03 - The burnout moment when she realized being good at something doesn't mean doing it forever 10:12 - How she couldn't express her faith authentically while working for someone else's firm 14:02 - Why she stopped working for other people and started keeping a priority list 18:10 - Learning from Dr. Shadreka McIntosh about balancing pharmacy ownership with motherhood 21:38 - Her advice for anyone wondering if they have to sacrifice who they are to succeed 24:18 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Tabbatha Carter, first Black female captain at Charlotte County Sheriff's Office QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "Just because you're good at something doesn't mean that that's how you should spend all of your time." "I don't think that we should compromise who we are, even if it will help us for some type of temporary gain." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Create a written list of your life priorities - what's truly important to you? Start surrounding yourself with people who share your values and priorities WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP: Tabbatha Carter - Captain at Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, first Black female captain in the department's history, pursuing her doctorate while raising her children and supporting their talents in music and theater  CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Kristie Scott - SuccessQuire.com (helping Christian business owners grow profitable, sustainable companies) RATE + REVIEW If this episode encouraged you to choose authenticity over advancement, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to build careers that honor their values. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop compromising who you are for career success? Remember: you're unique and special, with your own fingerprint, heartbeat, and experiences. Don't sacrifice that to be someone else. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE!

  8. 25 Mar

    How to Create Your Own Opportunities with Cheyenne Jordan - Being Relatable with Erica Castner

    Ever get tired of waiting for invitations to tables that you just know deep down inside you're probably never gonna get? If you've been waiting for someone else to recognize your value, invite you to the important meetings, or hand you the opportunities you deserve... this episode will show you how to stop waiting and start creating. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Cheyenne Jordan, an Austin-based realtor and HOA/condo association manager who's mastered the art of building her own table instead of fighting for someone else's seat. MEET OUR GUEST: Cheyenne Jordan - Realtor and HOA/Condo Association Manager (10+ years in Austin, Texas), expert in building intentional professional communities and networks WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: The importance of asking "Where do you see my value?" to key decision makers How to choose relationships carefully instead of accidentally The energy difference between forcing your way in versus natural alignment Why intentional relationships require years of careful cultivation, not quick transactions KEY TIMESTAMPS: 4:56 - Cheyenne's realization that being overlooked was about power dynamics, not personal worth 8:25 - The moment she asked leadership, "Where do you see my value?" and got striking feedback 13:47 - How she started building intentional community through shared values and service 19:52 - The difference between creating an open table versus fighting for a closed door 26:01 - Why relationships built on titles are transactional versus those built on values 31:27 - Her advice for anyone exhausted from waiting for recognition and ready to build autonomy 33:46 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Rena Munoz's success in the male-dominated construction world QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "If a door is closed, you have to keep banging on it, it's probably not where you're meant to be. Do you really want to be there if you have to fight so hard?" "The people who showed up for me weren't impressed by titles. They were aligned with my values." "If I don't make a change, I would still be in the same position a year from now, and that motivated me to make a plan, use my network, and build my own autonomy." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Identify your core values and look for community through shared service and causes Start building your personal "board of directors" through intentional relationship building WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP: Rena Munoz - Owner of OP Contracting in Austin, Texas, fun-loving Latina mom making her mark in the male-dominated construction world while serving on Cheyenne's personal board of directors. CONNECT WITH Cheyenne: LinkedIn: Cheyenne Jordan (Austin, Texas) - loves connecting professionally and hearing how she can help you grow RATE + REVIEW If this episode inspired you to stop waiting and start creating your own opportunities, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to build their own tables. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop waiting to be chosen? Remember: if you have to fight that hard for a seat, maybe it's time to build your own table where you belong. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE!

See All (35)

About

Being Relatable: Real Relationships in Work, Life & Leadership is a podcast for ambitious women who are done watering themselves down just to make other people comfortable. Hosted by Erica Castner, this show is your permission slip to stop blending in, start owning your story, and build relationships that reflect the real you, not the version others expect you to be. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or healing from being the one who always had to "hold it all together," this podcast is your space to rebuild what real connections should feel like. Because you don't need to wait for someone else to shift the culture. You are the culture shift. Follow Being Relatable and leave a review, not for us, but for the women who don't even know this is the message they've been waiting for.

Information