The Next Chapter

The following podcast is a deer media production. Welcome to RealPod. It's your host, Victoria Garrick Brown, and this is the podcast where we hold nothing back. Oh, so we're getting deep, huh? I've really cried for 12 days straight. Why do I want to be perfect? There's nothing in my life that is perfect. Every week, I'll bring you honest, unfiltered, and eye-opening conversations to help uncover the real in all of us. I crave the type of content that you're talking about. I actually felt insecure. Oh, my God, I'm like, I'm going to cry. Let me just unload everything. New episodes every Wednesday leave those filters at the door, because it's time to get real. Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the final episode of RealPod. You may see the title, which says The Next Chapter, and I want to be really, I don't even know where to start. I mean, okay, let me try to be all dramatic and serious, and then immediately, just like losing my train of thought. Here's what I want to say. I have a lot to say in this episode, because this is a really special and important episode. I can't believe that I'm sitting down for the final recording of RealPod, at least as we know it. If you have been listening to RealPod for a long time, you have probably heard me say, you know, I started the show seven years ago. Isn't that crazy? Seven years. I just saw on my phone the other day a cute little picture of me with our original cover, our pop-up from 2019. I'll throw it on the Instagram as a cute little TBT when this episode goes live. It's been seven years of me doing this podcast, and I think you guys have heard me in little bits and pieces throughout some of the solo episodes and the crying, you know, crisis episodes. Just talk about not only the just amount of work it takes to keep up with a show like this where you're interviewing people constantly and booking guests and need to be on it every single week. And then, you know, you do that year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year, seven years. And then all of a sudden, it's like I blink and the girl who started this show is not necessarily the girl that's sitting here today recording. And I've said the line, you know, if I had a podcast today, would it be exactly this? And I'm always like, I don't know, but I don't think so. And you know, I've just been sitting with that thought and I've been doing a lot of reflecting. And it's definitely taken me a while to get to the place I'm at now where I feel really good about this pivot. And that's what it's going to be. It's going to be a pivot. And actually, we know one of our incredible guests throughout the years talked about the power of the pivot. And so much of the show is really about connecting to yourself and not being afraid to step into the next chapter or to make a big change in your life. And what's so unique about something like, you know, doing this podcast is there is no end, you know, technically there's no, you do it for four years and you graduate. Like when my volleyball career ended, I didn't necessarily have a choice. Like I knew I get four years of college. And then it's over. Obviously, I could have maybe gone pro, but I didn't want to live abroad. You barely get paid, then that's a whole other episode on women's professional sports. But my point is there are certain things in life where no one's going to tell you when it's time to stop or when it's time to pivot or when it's time to change. And I've actually been thinking about that a lot as I make some big decisions in my own life with Max. And I think about the fact that there are times in life where you have been cruising on the highway. And you see that exit coming up and you want to take that exit. But if you turn your car and you take that exit, you've left the convert of the highway of the road you were traveling and it's scary and it's not like the road just turns right. The road keeps going straight or it turns right and you have a choice. And I feel like after seven years, I'm making the decision to take the exit and allow myself the opportunity to change and to evolve because I feel like I have grown in so many ways. And so is the show, you know, the show really started with female athlete interviews. I remember in the beginning, I didn't even interview men. I was like, I'm just going to interview female athletes. And then as I was leaving my athletic days, I became interested in interviewing all types of people with all types of stories. And you know, I started real pod because I wanted to create a platform where people had the opportunity to get real about the things that they might not have felt they could have in any other way. And I wanted real pod to be that safe space and community where someone could do that. And we've seen that throughout the years and it's it's unreal like what we created. You all and me because you're the community in the audience that created this safe space in this culture where we've had guests come on the show and literally come out as a different sexuality than people thought online. We've had people come on this show to talk about heartbreak and loss. And they never had done it before. We've had people say on the show countless times, you know, I've never said this, but or I've never really thought about it, but and it's like we created that and I'm so thankful for that. And it will always be so special to me that we did that together. But I think as I've been just conducting my interviews over the past honestly two years, two years, I felt just like a bit stagnant and I'm not a quitter and I'm not someone that likes to not see things all the way to the end. But like I said, there's no end, you know, I have to decide, do I want to be recording this exact podcast real pod when I'm 50 years old, you know, probably not. And right now, when I think about the things I want to talk about, the show that I want to have, you know, when I think about that next chapter and that's why that's the title of this episode is the next chapters because I don't think it's the end. It is the end of real pod in ways, but I truly believe that what I am already working on to be sort of what's next might my next podcast. I know you're going to be so excited about and it's going to carry through the pieces of this show that are the heart. Like I don't see a world where I'm going through something gnarly and I'm, you know, having this huge epiphany and this wake up and I'm not talking to you guys about it. Like that's still 100% going to happen. You know what I mean? So for me, it's been thinking about what is the next era? What is the level up? What's the pivot that lights me up and allows me to still like keep the cornerstones of what the point of real pod was in what I do next? This last episode of real pod is brought to you by a rowback. This is a brand that Max and I love Max is the one who introduced me to it. They have such great athleisure and everyday wear. They have active squirts perfect for pickleball, biker shorts sets, which I love a biker short, especially during hot weather and so many other pieces that are so cute and easy for spring. They recently launched a lounge set and I was immediately like, wait, hold on, it's called the Aspire set and it is so soft. When you put the set on, you immediately understand why someone not going to say it's me, but someone would own it in multiple colors. 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And something that I think has come to me visually too is like what once for me was this like roaring fire of real pod, like I remember in my early days like the hustle and I still vividly remember like the experience of my first 20 guests and having Katie Austin over to my at home office and then waking up at 5 a.m. and bringing my equipment to interview Ron Boss Everline and then getting the yes from Carrie Walsh Jennings and thinking this is crazy, I'm going to interview a gold medalist and then when I drove to Janine Roth's home in Northern California with someone from my Instagram who was going to come help assist me for the day and I couldn't believe I was interviewing Janine Roth because she was the author of the book that changed my life. You know, I so vividly remembered the hustle and the build and and when I had Perry Matt felt on from USC and now she's crushing it as an actress and Nicole Davis who's been on so many episodes, Aubrey Maxx who've been on so many episodes are year in recaps with Natalie like my wedding recap. I mean, there's so many things that I've been just so grateful for to be able to do on the show. And I look at and fondly and I'm so proud. Honestly, I'm proud of the hustle that I put into the show and, you know, the first 50 episodes doing them by myself and then getting the DM from my agent who signed me to dear media. And I've been at a network for multiple years. Like it's all so special and I'm so proud of it. It was this roaring fire. And now I do feel like I'm kind of blowing on embers and I felt that in, yeah, just that. I think the past two years I was in denial. People would say to me, oh, well, then what if you just stopped doing real plot? And I was like, no, I would never do that. You know, because I don't know. I just decided like it's never going to end. And then it was kind of been like the past year and really the past six, seven months where I've been like, I think this is its time. And it's hard because I know there are some of you out there who are really dedicated listeners of this show. And when I get to meet you in person or read your messages, it makes me so happy. And like it truly, if you've been listening to the beginning, you'll remember me saying like many years ago when someone tells me I listen to real pod that that like hits my heart in a different way. Then even someone just saying like, oh, they follow my Instagram because of course I'm so grateful for that. But I feel like if you're taking the venture to real pod for like 45 minutes or an hour in your week and you're really hearing me be like insanely open. I mean, there's episodes I think about that I'm like, wow, you know, that I've been struggling episode. I think two December's ago is one I'll always remember that I'm having an identity crisis solo episode where I felt like I was really making that transition from my athlete kind of self to the non-athlete self is one I vividly remember. The therapy sessions with Gabby Bernstein, like anyways, I love you all so much. And it truly means so much to me that you tune into real pod. And it makes me sad to think that some of you, I don't know if it's all of you. I'm gonna keep myself humble. But some of you might be like, oh no, I'm really gonna miss this show. And that means a lot to me. And I want you to know that what the next chapter entails, you're gonna love and you're gonna be really excited about because like I said, it's gonna keep the core of this intact. And I'm really excited about it. All I can tell you is that something is coming next. And it's hopefully coming sooner rather than later. But for me, this will be the first time I've taken a break from podcasting in seven years. And it's wild. I mean, I literally have been putting out podcast episodes every week for seven years. And I honestly think out of the seven years, I want to say I've only missed like, I don't know, maybe like five weeks. I think I've had like four or five weeks we've taken off. Maybe during like Christmas time or something. But we've showed up. We've been consistent. And I'm so grateful for the team and all the people who've touched this show throughout the years and producers and editors and video teams. And it's been such a labor of love. And I've loved it. And I know in my gut that RealPod lived its life. This episode of RealPod is brought to you by Quince. I love Quince so much. I have Kashmir sweaters from Quince. I have my clogged shoes from Quince. I have sunglasses. I just got a gorgeous leather belt. Quince just makes high quality wardrobe staples using premium fabrics like 100% European linen, 100% silk and organic cotton poplin. And everything feels so luxurious. 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That's q-u-i-n-c-e. com/realpod for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com/realpod. [MUSIC PLAYING] As I reflect on real pod, there are so many ways that this show has changed my life. And there are so many lessons that I've learned from doing it. The main one, just being like anything is possible if you put yourself out there. And I've seen that in so many ways. I mean, what comes to mind is always thinking, oh, I'd love to interview Mike Posner. I'd love to interview Mike Posner. But never actually reaching out. Because I would tell myself, oh, he'd never do it. He would never do my show. And then for some reason, one night, I was like, fuck it. I'm going to DM him. And I sent him a DM. And within, I'm not kidding, 10 minutes. He responded, hey, I'd love to. Like, here's the best email. And I was like, oh, my god. Whoa. And then I got to go to his house and interview him. And he was so deep and so freaking cool. Even like the Peter Krohn episode recently, I loved. And you guys know the Jeffrey Sawd interviews. The two I've done with him that I just think are incredible. And like, that's the thing too. All these episodes will live on. They will be here. And I'm excited for one day when my future kid is hopefully a some sassy, iconic 15-year-old girl. And she can go back and listen to me, you know, and her dad telling the story of how we met. So it's really cool to think that this show will always be here. You can always come back to these episodes that you've loved, that have comforted you, that have hopefully made you feel seen, that have inspired you, that have made you laugh, and not they'll be here. It's going to be alive in that way. But yeah, I just learned that it's so important to put yourself out there. And I've also learned every single week that you just never know anyone's story. And you can't judge a book by its cover. And I've experienced that in so many ways when someone's come into my studio. And I've thought, you know, I clocked them in the first five minutes just based on their energy when they walk through the door or, you know, what not. And then we sit down and like, I'm just blown away at how we're all just trying to figure out our own lives. We're all navigating something. We're all projecting something. We're all running from something. We're all trying to prove something to ourselves. And that's brought me comfort throughout the years. It's knowing that like no one has it figured out. And I mean, it's been such a once in a lifetime experience to interview Olympians, entrepreneurs, some of the most brilliant minds, artists, athletes, your favorite TikTokers from one end to the other. It's been awesome. This opportunity to sit down with these people and hear their stories and connect with them. And I love that. And I love interviewing. I love the art of interviewing. And I feel so grateful that I got to do it for so long. Then feel really confident in my skills there. But I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't exhausting in its own way, you know? Interviewing is taxing. And I feel like I've even realized that we connect you and me, possibly more deeply when it's a solo episode, when I'm here with family and friends. You know, when I can take you through something that I've navigated or I'm going through, and I want that connection with you all. And I really feel like, like I said, we're all just trying to figure it out. And I will always want to be someone in that big sister way that you can look at and hopefully see me do something just slightly before you so that you feel like okay and comfortable navigating it in your own life. Or maybe we're going at it in the same time together and you feel less alone in that. I do want to say some thank yous as well. The first one, of course, being to all of you. Just thank you so much for tuning into real pod, whether it was one episode, time episode, a hundred episodes, a thousand, the ones who tagged me at their Spotify rap that they listened to thousands and thousands of minutes. Like I am just so flattered and I literally love you so much. So I just want to thank you. And okay, here's now where I'm going to get emotional. But I just want to thank you because the show would not be what has been without you. It's crazy to think that there's been over 10 million downloads and so many episodes and shares and all of that. And that does not exist without you. So I just want to thank you so much for being there supporting me through like all the chapters that I've been through, especially like if you've really been listening for years. It's crazy and it's surreal and you know, not to ask you to do like a homework assignment. But if you do want to message me, you know, about your favorite episodes or just what you're thinking or feeling right now, because like I said, it's like we're in a friendship. literally and I want this to be a conversation. So if you want to message me like your thoughts or what the show's meant to you, I would love to just be scrolling through those the day that this comes out and just really feel like we had that kumbai on that big hug because I feel like I wish we could have it in person. I of course want to thank everyone who's ever put a magic hand on this show. I said that before but I'll say it again like those people know who they are and it's been so cool to have this show pass through so many brilliant humans and get a little love from each of them and I also want to thank my mom because I know my mom is the person who has listened to every single episode without fail and mom that has always that has always meant so much to me. So thank you for listening to every episode of RealPod. All right well honestly like there's not much else to say or share you know that's that's where I'm at and that's where RealPod is at but I want you to know that like this is not the end it's just the end of this chapter and the page is being turned and I'm really excited about what's on the next page and I know you will be too this podcasting forum is something I see myself continuing to do I just see myself now taking the leap and daring to hopefully find success in a new path with a new show and I'm really excited and they and I hope that you love it as I really do think it's the next chapter thank you all from the bottom of my heart I love you all I love RealPod I love this show and all that it's taught me and all that's meant for me and I'm just really proud I'm super proud of all that we accomplished together and I will forever be proud and it will forever have a special place in my heart and be one of my most favorite and cherished memories and I'm very excited to create new memories have new connections with you in the future on my next podcast thanks everybody thank you so much for listening to this episode of RealPod if this hit home or helped you in some way send it to a friend a teammate roomy share the love share the realness new episodes of RealPod come out every single Wednesday so make sure you are subscribed to this podcast so you never miss an episode to leave a rating or review of the show head to iTunes and let me know what you think I love hearing from you not to mention you can stay connected with RealPod throughout the week seeing behind the scenes info and sneak previews of upcoming guests by following the @RealPod account on Instagram all information about today's show and guests will be linked in the description of this episode thanks again for listening I love you guys so so much let's go dominate the day and as always keep it real 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