Real with Rocky

Rocky Garza

Welcome to Real with Rocky, a podcast about being honest, being real, and just being human. Hosted by Rocky Garza, a trusted speaker, coach, and consultant with over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, this show explores conversations we’re often afraid to have about identity, confidence, purpose, growth, and vulnerability. Through honest stories and practical insights, Rocky helps you reconnect with who you are so you can lead, work, and live with clarity and and conviction. Learn more at www.rockygarza.com

  1. The In-Between "The Paradox of Fatherhood"

    4D AGO · BONUS

    The In-Between "The Paradox of Fatherhood"

    Rocky couldn't stop thinking about a line,"We love deeply and show it poorly. And we called that fatherhood." In this In-Between episode, Rocky explores the gap between what many dads believe they're doing and what fatherhood actually requires. Providing and protecting are the floor; they always have been. But the floor was never meant to be the ceiling. And too many dads have been living there, believing the job was already done. This episode isn't about doing more. It's about being honest with yourself and with the people who are watching everything. "Be someone worth watching. Not perfect, just human." What's inside: Why providing and protecting are the baseline, not the finish lineThe difference between presence and proximityWhat your kids are actually building by watching youThe most dangerous thing a father can doWhat it looks like to be someone worth watching Join us once a month as Rocky hosts Somewhere in the Middle, a gathering for people who are tired of doing this alone. Get To Know Rocky Rocky Garza is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and host of Real with Rocky. He helps leaders trade performance for presence and to lead like themselves, not someone else. Connect with Rocky Come be human with us at Somewhere in the Middle: https://www.rockygarza.com/confidence Follow Rocky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockygarza/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockygarza/ Visit the website: https://www.rockygarza.com/

    6 min
  2. The Cost of Carrying It All

    12/24/2025

    The Cost of Carrying It All

    In this episode, Rocky sits down with entrepreneur and designer Matt Marciante for a raw conversation about ambition, pride, and the hidden costs of doing everything alone. They unpack the underdog identity, why survival mode eventually breaks down, and what it really takes to build something sustainable. This episode challenges the idea that struggle equals success and invites leaders to rethink how they win. Episode Highlights: . Why the underdog mindset can quietly give us an excuse to lose. . The difference between surviving and actually competing to win. . How pride can disguise itself as loyalty, grit, or self-reliance. . Why building with “scrappy” teams eventually raises the personal cost. . Letting go of doing everything yourself without losing your edge. . Learning to ask for help and trusting both yes and no as valid answers. . Shifting from proving you can to building something that lasts. Get To Know Our Guest: Matt Marciante is an entrepreneur, leather maker, and designer who builds products and brands with the same philosophy: quality first, no unnecessary noise. Through Marciante and Company and Mission Leather Co, he designs and produces handcrafted leather goods rooted in timeless design, ethical sourcing, and practical function. As the founder of Pretty Decent Marketing, he brings that same hands-on mindset to marketing...creating clear, honest systems that turn attention into sales without the fluff. His work helps brands, creators, and small businesses grow through thoughtful design, strong storytelling, and marketing that actually works. Resources Mentioned. Pretty Decent Marketing - https://prettydecent.site/. Marciante & Company - https://marcianteandco.com/. Mission Leather Co - https://missionleatherco.com/. Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training - https://www.rockygarza.com/confidence

    55 min
  3. The Guilt That Destroys Good Dads

    12/10/2025

    The Guilt That Destroys Good Dads

    In this candid conversation, Rocky and Temi unpack the unseen emotional weight many fathers and creatives carry but rarely name out loud. From dad guilt to under-belief to the pressure to be everything for everyone, Temi opens up about the internal battles shaping his identity as a husband, father, and artist. This episode invites listeners to reflect on what they’re chasing, what they’re avoiding, and what it really means to be human. A powerful dialogue for anyone navigating responsibility, creativity, and self-worth. Episode Highlights: Why many fathers feel Dad guilt but struggle to talk about it openly. . How overthinking often masks deeper patterns of under-belief. . The tension between being needed and being wanted in marriage and parenting. . The danger of defining your worth by being “the problem-solver.” . How comparison steals joy from creative and family life. . Rewriting internal soundtracks and choosing human things over hard things. . The power of trusting the people who actually love you. . Seeing yourself as complete today, not someone who needs to be fixed tomorrow. Get To Know Our Guest: Temi Coker is a Designer and Art Director who layers his Nigerian heritage through bold colors, patterns, dimensions, and textures. He creates powerful visual experiences through wearable art, art prints, and creative campaigns that help people feel seen, connected, and represented. His work challenges beauty standards and reflects a growing cultural movement. His mission is to make space for every person to discover their creative voice. Website: www.temicoker.co | shop.temicoker.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temiloluwacoker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temi.coker/?hl=en Resources Mentioned: Soundtracks by Jon Acuff. Temi Coker – www.temicoker.co. Temi’s Shop – shop.temicoker.co Join Rocky for a live leadership training at the end of the month by RSVPing at rockygarza.com/confident.

    1h 2m
  4. Hustle won't make you. Humanity will.

    11/26/2025

    Hustle won't make you. Humanity will.

    Short Summary: In this conversation, Rocky and clothing designer Crespatrick de los Reyes explore the tension between creativity, obedience, and the pressure to “make it” on someone else’s timeline. This episode digs into the lies creatives believe about success and the fear of losing themselves in the pursuit of profit. If you've ever wondered whether you can honor your craft without sacrificing your humanity, this one will hit home. Episode Highlights: Why timelines aren’t the real enemy...our stories about them are.. The difference between protecting your creativity and propelling your creativity.. How comparison and rushing quietly sabotage the creative process.. The human thing vs. the hard thing: a new way to navigate responsibility.. Why obedience, peace, and purpose may be the gateway to true profitability.. The lie most creatives believe when facing financial pressure.. What changes when you stop selling yourself short and start telling the truth. Get To Know Our Guest: Crespatrick de los Reyes is a Filipino American clothing designer specializing in upcycling denim fabrics to create collections for his brand Crescente Patricio. Having graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, Crespatrick's journey has taken him through various parts of the fashion industry to eventually lead him to designing for a denim start up which paved the way for starting his brand in 2017. By way of Los Angeles, Crespatrick and his brand are now based out of Dallas, TX where the brand has really found its roots. Crespatrick draws inspiration from his Filipino American heritage to tell stories through his pieces that are designed to feel Different yet Familiar. Websites: www.cpatricio.com | www.crespatrick.com Social: @crespatrick_dlr @crescente.patricio Resources Mentioned . Join Rocky for the Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confident

    43 min
  5. Frownies Legacy: Like Mother CEO, Like Daughter CEO

    11/12/2025

    Frownies Legacy: Like Mother CEO, Like Daughter CEO

    Helen Morrison on Leading with Love and Legacy When you step into a fifth-generation business, change takes courage—and heart. In this episode, newly appointed Frownies President and CEO Helen Morrison joins Rocky to talk about leadership, legacy, and what it means to rebuild culture from the inside out. This conversation explores how love, authenticity, and consistency can transform the way we lead. Episode Highlights . Why leadership starts with service, not status. . How Helen is redefining success as Frownies’ new CEO. . The power of believing in yourself when no one else does. . Breaking old patterns and “questioning the unquestionable” in legacy businesses. . How positive self-talk and gratitude fuel confidence. . Why building people always builds the business. Get To Know Our Guest Helen Morrison is a devoted wife and mom of two, a longtime yoga instructor, and the proud torchbearer of a five-generation family legacy at Frownies. She has spent the past several years shaping the creative vision of the brand as its content creator, branding director, and face of the company. In September 2025, Helen was appointed President and CEO, carrying forward Frownies’ 130+ year history into a new era of growth and innovation. Her 17 years of experience as a yoga instructor reflect her deep commitment to health and wellness, a passion that runs through every aspect of her life. That same dedication drives her leadership at Frownies, where she builds on the company’s legacy while steering it toward innovation and growth for the future. At the heart of Helen’s work is her true calling: encouraging and uplifting others. With warmth and authenticity, she strives to instill love, confidence, and a sense of community. Her journey transcends building a successful brand; it’s about leaving a positive impact on the lives of those she touches. . Frownies Website – http://frownies.com . Frownies Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/frownies . Helen's Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/helenkmorrison . Frownies TikTok & Shop – https://www.tiktok.com/@frowniesfamily Resources Mentioned . Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confident To join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

    46 min
  6. Helper, Hero, or Human?

    10/29/2025

    Helper, Hero, or Human?

    What if being the hero is what’s burning you out—and being human is what sets you free? Rocky and event planner Hunter Orcutt unpack the tension of business, marriage, and motherhood, and why “best” is a trap while “truest” is a path. This conversation matters if you lead others, carry high expectations, or feel stuck in people-pleasing cycles. Listen in to reframe confidence, hard conversations, and the next 12 months of your life. Episode Highlights . Replace best with truest to escape perfectionism and show up as yourself. . Confidence is the belief something is good; certainty is outcome-obsessed. . Human beats hero: service without self-erasure. . Time triage for leaders who are also partners and parents. . Let them—and then learn to let you for the next 12 months. . How to have hard conversations and resist performative follow-ups. . Reframing guilt loops around texts, emails, and admin overwhelm. . Parenting as proof: your kids often see “best” when you live “truest.” Get To Know Our Guest Hunter Orcutt is the founder of Hunter Orcutt Events, a leading event-planning company known for creating intentional, elegant, and deeply personal celebrations. As an entrepreneur, wife, and mother, Hunter’s life reflects resilience, faith, and grace. Her journey has shaped her heart for helping others hold on to hope. She believes that no matter how hard the season, everything is going to be okay. Website: hunterorcutt.co Business Instagram: @hunterorcuttevents Personal Instagram: @theorcutts Resources Mentioned . Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – https://www.rockygarza.com/confidence . Mel Robbins – https://melrobbins.com To join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

    43 min
5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to Real with Rocky, a podcast about being honest, being real, and just being human. Hosted by Rocky Garza, a trusted speaker, coach, and consultant with over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, this show explores conversations we’re often afraid to have about identity, confidence, purpose, growth, and vulnerability. Through honest stories and practical insights, Rocky helps you reconnect with who you are so you can lead, work, and live with clarity and and conviction. Learn more at www.rockygarza.com