Being Relatable: Real Connections in Work, Life & Love
Being Relatable: Real Connections in Work, Life & Love 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.
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Authentic Networking Strategies: Turning Your One-on-One Communication Skills into a Professional Superpower
07/16/2025
Authentic Networking Strategies: Turning Your One-on-One Communication Skills into a Professional Superpower
You’ve probably been told that if you want to grow professionally, you have to "get out there"—attend big networking events, pass out business cards, and work the room like it’s your full-time job. But what if that advice is working against your natural strengths? If large crowds drain you, small talk bores you, and the idea of “selling yourself” makes you cringe… this episode is going to change the game. In this episode of Being Relatable, we’re flipping the script on traditional networking and showing you why your one-on-one communication style isn’t a liability, it’s a superpower. Whether you identify as introverted, thoughtful, or just someone who prefers real conversations over surface-level chatter, this one’s for you. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why introversion is often misunderstood—and how that misunderstanding holds smart women back How one-on-one conversations build deeper trust than working a room ever could The real difference between being shy and being intentional How to turn your natural curiosity into a visibility advantage Simple shifts to make every interaction more meaningful (and more memorable) ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Pick one upcoming opportunity—coffee chat, Zoom call, or even a DM—and ask yourself: Am I showing up in a way that feels aligned with my strengths? What kind of connection would feel genuine here, not just strategic? How can I leave this person feeling seen, valued, and curious to keep the conversation going? QUOTES TO REMEMBER: “Introversion doesn’t mean you’re shy—it means you recharge differently. That’s a strength.” “People don’t remember how many people you met—they remember how you made them feel.” “Everything you want is on the other side of a conversation.” LINKS & RESOURCES → Follow the Being Relatable Podcast – | → Know someone who’s great one-on-one but hates traditional networking? Send this episode their way. → Want more support showing up your way, not the loud way? Start by taking the RATE + REVIEW If this episode gave you a new perspective, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. It helps the show reach more women who want to build influence without pretending to be extroverted. STAY CONNECTED Follow Erica on
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How to Promote Yourself Authentically: Strategies to Overcome Self-Promotion Anxiety
07/08/2025
How to Promote Yourself Authentically: Strategies to Overcome Self-Promotion Anxiety
You know you’re good at what you do. You’ve put in the work, earned the results, and have so much to offer. But when someone asks, “So, what do you do?”... you freeze. Or fumble. Or rush to change the subject. If you’ve ever struggled to talk about yourself without feeling awkward, boastful, or just plain gross, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Being Relatable podcast, we’re dismantling the shame and weirdness around self-promotion and giving you real strategies that feel authentic and natural. This isn’t about becoming a walking billboard. It’s about learning how to share your story, your skills, and your impact—without shrinking, over-explaining, or selling your soul. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why self-promotion feels cringey for so many high-achieving women—and how to reframe it The power of the story method, the helper lens, behind-the-scenes moments, and amplifying others How to communicate your value in a way that feels like you, not some pushy version of someone else Why holding back your brilliance robs others of the chance to benefit from your work ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Choose one strategy from this episode that feels most aligned with your personality. Then try this: Use it the next time someone asks what you do—or in your next social post, client call, or intro email. Track what felt easier, what felt harder, and what surprised you. Rinse, tweak, repeat. Your confidence grows through practice, not perfection. QUOTES TO REMEMBER: “You’re not being humble by hiding your value. You’re being selfish—and the world needs exactly what you have to offer.” “Self-promotion isn’t about bragging. It’s about being a resource and being of service.” “If you’re holding back, someone out there misses out on your magic. Period.” LINKS & RESOURCES → Follow the Being Relatable Podcast – | → Share this with someone who’s amazing at what they do but struggles to talk about it → Download your Authentic Visibility Style Report - RATE + REVIEW If this episode hit home, leave a review. It helps the Being Relatable podcast reach more women who are done playing small. STAY CONNECTED Follow Erica on
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How to Handle Toxic People in Work, Life, and Love - Episode 8 - Being Relatable
07/02/2025
How to Handle Toxic People in Work, Life, and Love - Episode 8 - Being Relatable
Do you find yourself constantly recovering from other people's toxic energy? This episode provides a roadmap for recognizing toxic patterns, from narcissistic coworkers who steal credit to friends who turn every conversation into a drama-filled crisis. You will learn practical strategies like using assertive communication phrases, reducing contact with energy vampires, and protecting your emotional bandwidth. Takeaways: Setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining your mental health and peace. This means being direct, reducing communication with toxic individuals, and prioritizing your own emotional well-being. Your energy and emotional bandwidth are limited resources. It's essential to protect them by not allowing toxic individuals to constantly drain you. Maintaining healthy relationships doesn't mean tolerating bad behavior. You can care about someone while still maintaining strong personal boundaries and limiting their access to your life. Conclusion: Handling toxic people requires recognizing patterns of disruptive behavior in work, personal, and romantic relationships and taking decisive action to protect your mental well-being. Remember that you're not obligated to explain yourself or engage with toxic behavior, and it's perfectly acceptable to prioritize your peace of mind. By identifying toxic traits early, practicing emotional detachment, and focusing on your own growth and purpose, you can effectively manage toxic relationships without losing your mind. LINKS & RESOURCES: Follow the Being Relatable Podcast – | Share this episode with a woman who gives to everyone—but rarely gets it back Grab your Authentic Visibility Style Report - RATE + REVIEW: If this episode spoke to you, please rate + review the show, wherever you are listening to the Being Relatable Podcast. Your feedback helps Being Relatable reach more women tired of holding it all alone. STAY CONNECTED: Follow Erica on Grab your Authentic Visibility Style Report -
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How to Get Others to Support and Celebrate You – Episode 7
05/22/2025
How to Get Others to Support and Celebrate You – Episode 7
How to Get Others to Support and Celebrate You – Episode 7 You're the one everyone counts on. You hold things down at work, home, and friendships. But if you're being honest? You don't always feel supported or celebrated in return, am I right? If you've ever felt like your consistency gets taken for granted, this one's for you. In this episode of the Being Relatable podcast, we're unpacking what I call the Support System Trap, a frustrating cycle where being reliable makes you invisible. We'll explore how this trap plays out in work, life, and love and the small shifts you can make to get others to see you and support you in real and energizing ways. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: What the "Support System Trap" is and how it sneaks up on high-achieving women How over-functioning leads to emotional burnout, resentment, and invisibility Why being reliable shouldn't come at the cost of being recognized Three practical ways to invite support and visibility without changing who you are Real-life examples of how minor tweaks lead to significant shifts in work, life, and love ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: Pick one area (work, life, or love) where you've been the reliable one and often feel unsupported. Then reflect on these questions: What am I doing that's been taken for granted? How can I frame or name my effort without shrinking or over-explaining? Who do I need to gently re-train to see, hear, and support me differently? LINKS & RESOURCES: Follow the Being Relatable Podcast – | Share this episode with a woman who gives to everyone—but rarely gets it back Ready to be celebrated, supported, and seen? . RATE + REVIEW: If this episode spoke to you, please rate + review the show, wherever you are listening to the Being Relatable Podcast. Your feedback helps Being Relatable reach more women tired of holding it all alone. STAY CONNECTED: Follow Erica on Join the
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How to Handle Your Inner Circle Holding You Back - Episode 6
05/13/2025
How to Handle Your Inner Circle Holding You Back - Episode 6
How to Handle Your Inner Circle Holding You Back - Episode 6: You’ve got big dreams, and you’re putting in the work, but when it comes to support, your inner circle isn’t exactly what you need. In this episode, we break down how to handle the relationships that are unintentionally holding you back—even when they claim to have your best interests at heart. In Episode 6 of Being Relatable, we’re getting real about the people in your life who might not be aligned with your goals and how to handle that. Whether it's your coworkers, long-time friends, or even your partner—sometimes, the people closest to you might not be the support system you need to move forward. You’ll learn: How to tell if your coworkers are supporting your growth (or just offering fake praise) Why long-time friends may not "get" the new version of you, and how to navigate that What to do when your partner's actions are unintentionally undermining your dreams Actionable steps to assess, communicate, and make changes in your relationships for better support Whether you’re navigating your career, evolving friendships, or seeking more support in your romantic relationship, this episode will help you assess your inner circle and take the necessary steps to surround yourself with people who are aligned with your vision. Links & Resources: Follow the Being Relatable podcast so you never miss an episode – | Share this episode with a woman who needs clarity on her inner circle Be Unforgettable in Work, Life, and Love – Share this episode with a woman who’s ready to create deeper, higher-vibe connections
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When You Don’t Have a Mom in Your Life (And Everyone’s Celebrating Theirs) - Episode 5
05/09/2025
When You Don’t Have a Mom in Your Life (And Everyone’s Celebrating Theirs) - Episode 5
Mother’s Day can feel like a celebration for everyone—except the woman who doesn’t have a mom in her life. Whether you’ve lost her, you’ve chosen distance to protect yourself, or you never really had the relationship you needed, this time of year can bring up feelings that are hard to explain and even harder to navigate. In this episode of the Being Relatable Podcast, we’re getting real about the resentment, grief, and emotional tension that come up when you feel like the world is celebrating something you quietly lost. You’ll learn how to stop performing peace for other people’s comfort and start reclaiming your emotional energy without guilt or pressure to pretend you’re fine. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Mother’s Day can stir up hidden resentment, jealousy, and guilt—even years later How grief and estrangement impact your energy in ways most people don’t recognize Why you don’t owe anyone a polished response or performative peace Three simple ways to reclaim your emotional energy and care for yourself this week How choosing intentional rituals can help you move forward without feeling stuck Action Steps to Take After Listening: Create a “Mothering Myself” Menu: List 5 ways you’ll care for yourself this week—on your terms Celebrate Yourself Out Loud: Write down what makes you a strong, resilient woman (and post it where you’ll see it daily) Curate Your Digital Space: Mute, unfollow, or log off from anything that triggers comparison or emotional overwhelm Links & Resources: Follow the Being Relatable Podcast so you never miss an episode – | Share this episode with a woman who might feel invisible this week Be Unforgettable in Work, Life, and Love – Rate + Review: If this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world if you’d rate and review the show. Your voice helps Being Relatable reach more women who are ready to stop shrinking and start owning their story with courage. Stay Connected:
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Why People Aren’t Advocating For You (Even If You’re Great at What You Do) - Episode 4
05/06/2025
Why People Aren’t Advocating For You (Even If You’re Great at What You Do) - Episode 4
Being Relatable Episode 4: Why People Aren’t Advocating For You (Even If You’re Great at What You Do) Let's face it! You’re talented, reliable, and putting in the work—but when opportunities arise, no one’s saying your name. This episode breaks down why that happens and what to do about it. In Episode 4 of Being Relatable, we’re getting honest about what’s really behind the lack of advocacy so many high-achieving women experience. Being good at what you do isn’t the problem. The real issue? People aren’t clear on how to talk about you. You’ll learn: Why your work connections aren’t speaking up for you in meetings or referrals The reason your friends can’t describe what you do—even if they love you How to turn your partner into a powerful advocate for your goals What to say (and how often) to make sure your name gets brought up when it matters Whether you're navigating career growth, building community, or wanting your partner to better understand your work—this episode will help you bridge the communication gap that’s costing you visibility. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: 💼 Work (2:00–7:00) – Why vague messaging and inconsistent visibility is blocking you from advocates at work or in your business 💬 Life (7:00–11:00) – Why your circle can’t hype you up if they don’t know what you’re aiming for 💗 Love (11:00–14:00) – How to turn your partner into a true supporter of your mission—without making it feel like a pitch 📢 Take Action (14:00–16:00) – 3 simple steps to help people champion you more confidently Follow Being Relatable on or and share this episode with a woman in your life who deserves to be known and supported for who she is.
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How to Honor Your Boundaries with More Courage - Episode 3
04/29/2025
How to Honor Your Boundaries with More Courage - Episode 3
How to Honor Your Boundaries with More Courage - Episode 3 Summary: Setting boundaries sounds empowering—until it’s time to hold the line. Suddenly, it feels uncomfortable. Emotional. Even scary. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, second-guessing, or fear when it comes to holding boundaries, this episode will meet you right where you are—and help you move forward with more strength, not shame. In this episode of the Being Relatable Podcast, we’re getting real about why honoring your boundaries feels so hard—and how to build the kind of courage that protects your peace, your energy, and your self-respect without apology. Because living for approval is exhausting. And protecting your peace is your real power. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why setting boundaries feels way harder than it sounds (and why you’re not broken) The hidden fears that make honoring boundaries so uncomfortable A simple framework to start holding boundaries with more clarity and confidence How small wins build big courage over time Why feeling uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it means you’re growing Action Steps to Take After Listening: Clarify Your Boundary Why: Anchor to what you’re protecting, not who you’re disappointing Practice Micro-Boundaries: Start small to build your courage muscle Script Your Boundary Language: Prepare simple statements to feel more confident Normalize Discomfort: Remember—awkward doesn’t mean wrong, it means real growth is happening Links & Resources: Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode Share this episode with a woman who’s learning to protect her peace, too Rate + Review: If this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world if you’d rate and review the show. Your voice helps Being Relatable reach more women who are ready to stop shrinking and start connecting authentically. Stay Connected:
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The Cost of Hiding the Real You - Episode 2 -Being Relatable Podcast
04/29/2025
The Cost of Hiding the Real You - Episode 2 -Being Relatable Podcast
The Costs of Hiding the Real You - Episode 2: Have you ever walked into a room, showed up the "right" way, said the "right" things—and still walked away feeling invisible? In this episode of the Being Relatable Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real, hidden costs of hiding your full self—and why your next level of connection, confidence, and opportunity starts the moment you stop shrinking. You didn’t start hiding because you’re weak—you did it to survive. But keeping parts of yourself tucked away has a cost. Today, we’re talking about what that cost is—and how you can start reclaiming your energy, your alignment, and your real connections without needing to be louder, flashier, or perfect. If you’re ready to stop blending in and start building a life where you feel seen, heard, and celebrated—this one’s for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why hiding parts of yourself feels safer—but costs more than you realize The 3 hidden costs of shrinking (and how to spot them in your life) Simple, powerful ways to start "unmuting" your real self starting today How small shifts in your energy and voice can open doors to real relationships Why being relatable isn’t about being polished—it’s about being present Action Steps to Take After Listening: Micro-Bravery Challenge: Share one real thought or feeling this week Energy Audit: Identify 3 places where you feel most yourself—and 3 where you don't Unmute Yourself: Share one ambition, opinion, or quirk you usually hide Hype Authentically: Celebrate another woman’s energy, not just her achievements No-Masking Boundary: Choose one space where you refuse to filter or shrink Links & Resources: Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode Share this episode with another woman who’s ready to be seen for who she is Rate + Review: If this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world if you would rate and review the show. Your voice helps Being Relatable reach more women who are ready to build deeper, high-vibe connections. Stay Connected:
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How to Create High-Vibe Relationships - Episode 1 - Being Relatable
04/25/2025
How to Create High-Vibe Relationships - Episode 1 - Being Relatable
How to Create High-Vibe Relationships - Episode 1 Summary: So many women know how to show up, succeed, and support others—but still walk away feeling unseen, unsupported, or disconnected. You don't need to perform to be accepted. You don't need to water yourself down to belong. You are the culture shift. In this kickoff episode of Being Relatable, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it takes to build high-vibe relationships—the kind that energizes you instead of depleting you. And today, we’re talking about how to own that power and start creating relationships that reflect the real you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why fitting in isn’t the same thing as building real connections How early experiences can condition us to hide the real parts of ourselves 3 tangible ways you can start leading the energy in any room you enter How authenticity (not likability) creates loyalty, visibility, and deeper relationships Why you don’t need permission to start shifting the culture—you are the permission slip Action Steps to Take After Listening: Set the emotional tone: Before your next meeting or conversation, ask yourself, "How do I want people to feel around me?" Replace fear with clarity: When self-doubt creeps in, shift from “What will they think?” to “What do I stand for?” Break the surface: Ask one bolder, deeper question in a conversation that would normally stay surface-level. Links & Resources: Follow the Being Relatable podcast so you never miss an episode Share this episode with a woman who’s ready to create deeper, higher-vibe connections Rate + Review: If this episode sparked something for you, it would mean the world if you’d rate and review the show. Your voice helps Being Relatable reach more women who are ready to stop shrinking and start leading. Stay Connected:
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