The Real Reel

The Real Reel

Let’s face it, we are all living in a digital age where we're constantly bombarded with comparisons and perfect highlight reels. Enter the Real Reel Podcast—a one-stop shop for some genuine, unfiltered realness. Join your host, influencer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, Natalie Barbu, as she dives headfirst into the raw reality of adulthood. No more filters; Natalie’s on a mission to uncover the real struggles and triumphs that come with navigating the dating scene, relationships, friendships, finances, business, and everything in between. Tune in for some Reel talk every Monday as Natalie engages in raw and authentic conversations with Real people, including entrepreneurs, reality stars, content creators, and anyone who fits the "real deal" bill. Say goodbye to the Instagram facade, and let's embrace the beautiful (and almost always messy) journey of adulthood and growth together because, let’s be real, nobody really knows what they’re doing.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Nat's State of the Union 2024 Recap

    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: Earnin - When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up 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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  2. DEC 4

    Why People Don’t Have Deep Connections Anymore with Topaz Adizes

    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: Earnin - When you download the EarnIn app type in Real Reel under PODCAST when you sign up 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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  3. NOV 19

    Getting Rid of Limiting Beliefs and Following Your Curiosity with Kaelyn Grace Apple

    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m
  4. NOV 13

    How Becca Marie Watson Became Your Favorite Comfort Creator

    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

    55 min
  5. NOV 7

    How to Communicate in Relationships and Talk About Hard Things with Lindsay Jill Roth

    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

    54 min
  6. OCT 28

    How to Take Initiative of Your Life

    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: 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

    29 min
  7. OCT 21

    Entrepreneur tips from Selling a Company to Coca-Cola & Buying It Back

    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

    59 min

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
937 Ratings

About

Let’s face it, we are all living in a digital age where we're constantly bombarded with comparisons and perfect highlight reels. Enter the Real Reel Podcast—a one-stop shop for some genuine, unfiltered realness. Join your host, influencer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, Natalie Barbu, as she dives headfirst into the raw reality of adulthood. No more filters; Natalie’s on a mission to uncover the real struggles and triumphs that come with navigating the dating scene, relationships, friendships, finances, business, and everything in between. Tune in for some Reel talk every Monday as Natalie engages in raw and authentic conversations with Real people, including entrepreneurs, reality stars, content creators, and anyone who fits the "real deal" bill. Say goodbye to the Instagram facade, and let's embrace the beautiful (and almost always messy) journey of adulthood and growth together because, let’s be real, nobody really knows what they’re doing.

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