Real Pod

Victoria sits down with the one and only YiaYia for a heartwarming and deeply personal conversation about life, love, loss, and legacy. YiaYia shares the incredible journey that shaped her resilience, wisdom, and faith from her parents' arranged marriage in Greece to building a family in Chicago. She opens up about meeting Papou, their timeless love story, and why she never sought another partner after his passing. Plus, she reflects on grief, the power of keeping life simple, and the most important lessons she hopes to pass down to future generations. Get ready to laugh, cry, and cherish every word of this beautiful conversation with the matriarch who’s seen it all.

Sponsors:

AG1: AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 and 5 free travel packs in your first box! So make sure to check out drinkag1.com/realpod to get this offer! 

The Knot: Let The Knot be your partner in all thing wedding planning. Get started at theknot.com/audio.

Premier Protein: Visit premierprotein.com and go to Where To Buy to find a retailer near you or to find where to buy online. 

NO BULL: Visit nobullproject.com/realpod for 30% off your entire order.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Schwarzenegger is on Real Pod! The actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—who just landed a role in The White Lotus Season 3—gets real about his career, personal growth, and navigating life in Hollywood with a famous last name. Patrick opens up about his approach to goal setting (inspired by his dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger!), the moment he stopped caring about proving himself to others, and the reality of building a career in acting. He also shares how he and fiancée Abby Champion have made their long-distance relationship work, what it was like keeping White Lotus a secret, and the wild story of how he found out he booked the role. Plus, we dive into his philosophy on success, why he ditched social media validation, and how he’s forging his own path on his own terms. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and major motivation. Tune in!

Sponsors:

Better Help: Visit betterhelp.com/realpod today to get 10% off your first month. 

Just Thrive: Visit justthrivehealth.com and use code REALPOD for 20% off your first 90 day bottle. That’s like getting a month for free! 

Premier Protein: Visit premierprotein.com and go to Where To Buy to find a retailer near you or to find where to buy online. 

NO BULL: For Real Pod listeners, NOBULL is offering 30% off your order. Visit nobullproject.com/realpod for 30% off your entire order.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

 Produced by Dear Media. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready to take a fresh path to self-discovery? Every Monday, Jemma of "The Psychology of Your 20s" brings you a new mantra, breaking it down to show you how you can apply it to your own life. Whether you're facing a major transition, or looking to evolve your everyday routine, Mantra is the podcast for you. Join Jemma every week for reflections, practical tips, and personal insights that'll inspire you to live with intention and unlock your true potential. Follow Mantra with Jemma Sbeg wherever you get podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kellie Gerardi joins Real Pod! Kellie is a bioastronautics researcher, a trailblazing astronaut, and one of the first 100 women to fly to space. She’s here to talk about her incredible journey—both in orbit and on Earth—as she prepares for her second spaceflight. Kellie opens up about her IVF experience, the emotional toll of multiple miscarriages, and how she found resilience in the unknown. She also shares her perspective on perfectionism, body image, and why seeing Earth from space completely changed her outlook on life. Plus, we get into relationships, boundaries, and how she and her husband support each other’s ambitions while staying true to themselves. This episode is full of powerful insights on chasing big dreams, trusting the process, and embracing the perspective that nothing matters—in the best way possible. Tune in for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation you won’t forget!

Sponsors:

AG1: AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 and 5 free travel packs in your first box! So make sure to check out drinkag1.com/realpod to get this offer! 

LMNT: LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase, that’s 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try all 8 flavors or share LMNT with a friend. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/realpod.

Premier Protein: Visit premierprotein.com and go to Where To Buy to find a retailer near you or to find where to buy online. 

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

 Produced by Dear Media. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Victoria is back and into diving into all things Maid of Honor! After being a bride, bridesmaid, and now a Maid of Honor, Victoria shares her ultimate guide to slaying this role and making your best friend's big day unforgettable. From planning the bachelorette party of dreams (hello, Excel spreadsheets!) to handling tricky conversations about budgets and expectations, Victoria gets real about the joy, pressure, and privilege of supporting your BFF. She also dishes out tips for dress shopping, giving a killer wedding speech, and keeping your cool under pressure. Whether you're in a bridal party or just love heartfelt stories of friendship, this episode is packed with advice, laughs, and inspiration. Tune in to hear Victoria’s take on showing up for the people you love most!

Episodes from Vic’s Bridal Era:

Why I’m Not “Shedding for the Wedding”

Comfort for the Anxious Bride!

I’m Engaged!!!!

WE GOT MARRIED

Sponsors:

Better Help: Visit betterhelp.com/realpod today to get 10% off your first month. 

Quince: Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to quince.com/realpod for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Just Thrive: Visit justthrivehealth.com and use code REALPOD for 20% off your first 90 day bottle. That’s like getting a month for free! 

Premier Protein: Visit premierprotein.com and go to Where To Buy to find a retailer near you or to find where to buy online. 

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

 Produced by Dear Media. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Victoria and Max are getting real about one of the biggest questions in their marriage: are we ready for kids? From funny moments (like a surprise pregnancy test freak-out) to deep conversations about how parenting might change their lives, they’re diving into it all. They chat about their timelines for starting a family, hilarious baby name debates, and how they imagine their parenting styles. Vic gets vulnerable about balancing her career with motherhood and shares her thoughts on the fears sparked by TikTok’s “real talk” on parenting, while Max opens up about how his own childhood inspires the dad he hopes to be. It’s an honest, raw, and funny convo about what’s next for them—don’t miss it!

Sponsors:

AG1: Check out DrinkAG1.com/realpod for 5 free travel packs with your first order!

CozyEarth: Give the gift of luxury with Cozy Earth this Valentine’s Day. Get 40% off at cozyearth.com when you use REALPOD. And don’t forget— this weekend, February 7-9, use my exclusive code REALPODBOGO to get a free bamboo pajamas when you buy one for your loved one! 

LMNT: LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase, that’s 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try all 8 flavors or share LMNT with a friend. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/realpod.

Hello Fresh: Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life hellofresh.com/realpod10fm. One item per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. 

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

 Produced by Dear Media. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shayla Mitchell, the powerhouse influencer and entrepreneur, joins RealPod for one of the most vulnerable and inspiring conversations yet! From starting as a paycheck-to-paycheck makeup artist to building a thriving brand, Shayla doesn’t hold back about her journey. She shares the struggles of navigating online criticism, how her childhood shaped her relentless drive, and the lessons she learned along the way (including some tough ones, like signing a contract with no end date!). Shayla also gets real about marriage, balancing public and private life, and why walking is her secret weapon for mental clarity. This episode is packed with candid insights on self-awareness, resilience, and the beauty of embracing life’s tough moments. Tune in to hear Shayla like never before—raw, real, and relatable.

Instagram: @makeupshayla

TikTok: @makeupshayla

Sponsors:

BetterHelp: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at www.betterhelp.com/realpod and get on your way to being your best self.

Just Thrive: Visit justthrivehealth.com/discount/realpod and use promo code REALPOD for 20% off your first 90 day bottle!

Wildgrain: Get free croissants in your first box when you visit Wildgrain.com/REALPOD - and trust me, order the chocolate chip cookies!

Quince: Go to Quince.com/realpod for 365-day returns, plus FREE shipping on your order!

Produced by Dear Media

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vic is back with a heartfelt and chaotic solo update! From navigating the emotional toll of the LA fires to a major mindset shift for 2025, Vic opens up about the rollercoaster of emotions, self-discovery, and growth she’s been experiencing. She shares how she’s letting go of the constant climb for success, embracing staying grounded, and learning to stand up for herself—both online and offline—without letting ego take over. Plus, Vic spills all the tea on being a maid of honor for her best friend, including the stress, the doubts, and how she’s absolutely slaying it now! Vic also dives into her latest therapy breakthrough about “optimizing” every situation and how she’s learning to just breathe, reorient, and ground herself in the present. This episode is full of raw honesty, inspiring reflections, and a whole lot of realness. Tune in for a candid conversation on resilience, finding purpose, and showing up for yourself and others in challenging times!

Sponsors:

AG1: Check out DrinkAG1.com/realpod for 5 free travel packs with your first order!

LMNT: LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase, that’s 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try all 8 flavors or share LMNT with a friend. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/realpod.

CozyEarth: Visit cozyearth.com/realpod and get up to 40% off with my exclusive code REALPOD

Produced by Dear Media

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode originally aired in 2024.

We’re bringing back a favorite conversation all about one of life’s most important (and sometimes tricky) relationships: friendship! I’m joined by Danielle Bayard Jackson, Bumble For Friends' resident friendship guru, and she’s sharing all the secrets to making new friends, having deeper connections, and navigating those oh-so-tough conversations. From creating meaningful rituals to knowing when it’s time to let go, this episode is packed with tips to help you build the kind of friendships you’ve always wanted. Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, this one’s for you!

Follow Danielle on Instagram: @daniellebayardjackson

Sponsors

BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/REALPOD and get on your way to being your best self.

Just Thrive: Visit justthrivehealth.com/discount/realpod for 20% off your first 90 day bottle!

Quince: Treat yourself this winter without the luxury price tag. Go to Quince.com/realpod for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!

Produced by Dear Media

This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.