PRETTYSMART

PRETTYSMART
PRETTYSMART

PRETTYSMART is a love letter to women with something to say: those with bold thoughts and inquisitive minds. In thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most dynamic voices – from entrepreneurs and authors to politicians and celebrities – journalist Danielle Robay digs into the hearts, souls, and stories of people who put a new spin on Pretty. Each week, they tackle a new idea, and hold up a mirror to our culture, asking questions about what works for us and what we can work to change. No topic is off limits – come as you are and join Danielle every Thursday to feel pretty inspired, pretty seen, and best of all: Pretty Smart.

  1. DEC 19

    Reality Check: What TV’s Guilty Pleasures Teach Us About Ourselves

    Natasha Scott and Justine Kay, the dynamic duo behind the podcast Two Black Girls, One Rose, join us for a deep, hilarious, and thought-provoking conversation about reality TV and its impact on culture. What started as a love for shows like Laguna Beach and The Bachelor has evolved into a platform for dissecting race, relationships, and representation in pop culture. Natasha and Justine share personal stories, insights on building their brand, and why their podcast has become more than just commentary—it's a community. Whether you’re a reality TV junkie or a casual fan, this episode will leave you laughing, reflecting, and rethinking how we consume pop culture. In this episode, we dive into: Why Laguna Beach gave them their first glimpse into a world of wild teenage freedom. How Rachel Lindsay’s groundbreaking season of The Bachelorette exposed blind spots in traditional reality TV recaps. The nuances of race in reality TV: what producers get wrong and what needs to change. Why Couples Therapy is a must-watch for empathy lovers everywhere. The cultural phenomenon of Love Is Blind and how reality TV sparks real-life connections. The not-so-guilty lessons they’ve learned from reality TV—on love, friendship, and human nature. Follow Natasha + Justine.  Book Recommendations:  Natasha: Thick: And Other Essays" by Tressie McMillan Cottom Justine: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin Download your FREE 2025 Action Plan at DanielleRobay.com and let’s make this the year you go all in on YOU. Grab the QUESTION EVERYTHING card game here!

    39 min
  2. DEC 12

    Texting Red Flags and Vision Boards: Clarke Peoples on Confidence and Curiosity

    Clarke Peoples didn’t set out to become a content creator—but life had other plans. The Columbia University graduate found herself gaining a massive TikTok following by vlogging her life as an Ivy League student navigating the hustle, heart, and chaos of New York City. Now, as a full-time creator, she’s sharing everything from daily routines to life-changing advice, inspiring young women to embrace confidence, curiosity, and self-empowerment, especially in their dating lives! In this candid conversation, Clarke fearlessly dives into: Manifesting her dreams: How a vision board at 12 years old shaped her future. Lessons from her mom: The unforgettable ways her mom instilled wisdom. Academics and self-love: Finding confidence in her love of learning. Challenging assumptions: Why people assume she’s either wealthy or a sugar baby—and how she handles it. Her accidental rise: The unexpected journey to becoming a creator. Boundaries on social media: What she refuses to share online. Speaking up, no matter the cost: Why she’s committed to addressing social justice issues, even if it means losing followers. Redefining confidence: The importance of finding self-worth outside the internet. Dating unfiltered: App red flags, her love-hate relationship with kissing, texting etiquette, the most romantic gesture she’s experienced, and more. Reclaiming her power: Why she believes men don’t hold more value than she does—and how that shapes her approach to love and heartbreak. Race and the internet: The systemic issues she’s calling out and what needs to change. Follow Clarke on IG and TikTok Book Recs: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore & A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beya. Grab the QUESTION EVERYTHING card game here!

    1h 4m
  3. DEC 5

    Happy Tools to Help You Find Your Happy + Start Living More Fully with Caroline Baudino

    Caroline Baudino, the force behind Instagram’s Shop with Caroline and host of the hit podcast Coming in Hot, joins the pod to share her unapologetic mission to inspire us all to “Get up and get dressed.” With humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Caroline dives into: From zombie to thriving: The wake-up call that made her take back her life and chase her dreams. The menopause conversation: How perimenopause and menopause transformed her—and why we need to talk about it more. Social media success at 50+: Why she’s grateful her journey took off later in life and her must-know tips for starting out. Breaking the cycle: Growing up in a tumultuous household, how she redefined relationships, money, and her path to happiness. Dating wisdom: Her best advice, plus why women in their 20s and 30s need to stop “Rushing to the End.” Dressing for life: The empowering story behind her motto “Get up and Get Dressed” and why it’s more than just fashion. The special occasion is you: Why we should stop waiting for “someday” and celebrate ourselves now. Happiness hacks: The tools she uses to maintain a positive mindset and why it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Caroline’s energy and honesty will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to tackle life on your own terms.  Follow Caroline on Instagram here! BOOK REC: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and The House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett   Check out Strong Girl Publishing here.

    1h 14m
  4. NOV 7

    Why Hard Work Will Always Exceed Talent with Emily Bear (Composer + Songwriter)

    Emily Bear captivated the world with her piano talent at just six years old. Now, at 23, she’s already a Grammy and Emmy-winning composer, producer, arranger, pianist, and singer-songwriter. Recently, she became the youngest person to score a feature film and is currently working on Moana 2. In 2022, Emily won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, which she co-wrote with Abigail Barlow live on social media. The album soared to #1 on the U.S. iTunes pop charts within 1.5 hours of its release and reached the top 5 albums worldwide. This year, she toured as the pianist for Beyoncé's Renaissance tour. Today, Emily shares: The surprising moment her talent was discovered—and why she shies away from the “child prodigy” label. Leaving home at 16 to chase her dreams in LA: the challenges, the courage, and the adventure. How a life-changing meeting led to Quincy Jones becoming her mentor. The journey to becoming Beyoncé’s pianist on the Renaissance Tour—and the one terrifying moment she’ll never forget. An unexpected lesson from Beyoncé that reshaped her approach to music and performance. The story behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, and why winning a Grammy was the last thing she expected. The struggle to be taken seriously as a young musician—and why that respect mattered to her. Why she aims to move people to tears with her music. Creating her own path when gigs weren’t coming—and her advice for others who want to do the same. Breaking barriers as a woman composer—and why she proudly performs with colorful nail polish and heels! Book Rec: Outliers by Malcom Gladwell

    1h 4m

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
270 Ratings

About

PRETTYSMART is a love letter to women with something to say: those with bold thoughts and inquisitive minds. In thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most dynamic voices – from entrepreneurs and authors to politicians and celebrities – journalist Danielle Robay digs into the hearts, souls, and stories of people who put a new spin on Pretty. Each week, they tackle a new idea, and hold up a mirror to our culture, asking questions about what works for us and what we can work to change. No topic is off limits – come as you are and join Danielle every Thursday to feel pretty inspired, pretty seen, and best of all: Pretty Smart.

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