For Real: Life, Leadership, and Unlearning is a top-rated podcast for high-achievers navigating growth in their careers, relationships, and identities. After years of chasing success, you might be realizing the old rules no longer fit… and you’re ready for something deeper.

Through candid conversations, expert insights, and raw, relatable storytelling, we unpack what it means to evolve without burning out. With over 250+ 5-star reviews, this is your space for real talk on leadership, life pivots, and success that actually feels good.

If you’re craving honest conversations and practical strategies for your next chapter, you’re in the right place.

What You’ll Learn

How to Redefine Success (Without The Hustle Hangover)

Tired of chasing someone else’s version of success? It’s time to build a career and life that actually fits—without the burnout or second-guessing.


How to Lead with Confidence (and Fewer WTF Moments)

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself. Learn how to set boundaries, make bold moves, and lead without losing yourself.


How to Unlearn the B.S. Holding You Back

Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and outdated rules? Yeah, they’ve gotta go. Let’s rewrite the script so you can step into what’s next—without the baggage.

300+ Episodes

260+ 5-star reviews

350k downloads

Hey, I’m Megan (your go-to for keeping it real).

I’ve spent my career building businesses, leading teams, and unlearning a whole lot of B.S. along the way. I started in hospitality, scaled a luxury wedding planning business, and now I help high-achievers like you navigate the messy, in-between moments of growth.

I know what it’s like to chase success, burn out, and realize something has to change. So now? I’m all about redefining what success actually looks like—without the overworking, people-pleasing, or pressure to have it all figured out.

This podcast is where we talk about the real stuff—leadership, life pivots, and the mindset shifts that help you build a career (and a life) that actually feels good. Let’s do this.

Popular Episodes

290

10 Life Hacks for Squirrel Brain Entrepreneurs


279

What You Need To Know About Growth + Burnout (Part 1)


239

Use This Strategy For Standing Out In A Crowded Market


219

5 Truths Every Business Owner Needs To Hear

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Recent Episodes

Life Megan Gillikin Life Megan Gillikin

322. Leadership: Scaling, Simplifying or Selling: Finding Your Next Move in Business

Today we're talking about that moment so many high-achieving business owners encounter: 

"What's next?"

You’ve built something you're proud of, but a shift is happening. Maybe you’re craving more ease, simplicity, impact, or space and rest. The conventional wisdom tells us growth equals success, but the truth is, success gets to look different in every season and for every person. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause and redefine what success means to you, right now.

This episode is for entrepreneurs who have poured their time, sweat, and tears into building something meaningful, and are now asking deeper questions. For the first time, maybe it’s less about proving and more about peace. Megan shares her own journey through this "in-between" space and why this crossroads isn't a failure—it's an invitation.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but a guide to help you get clear on what you truly want and choose a path that feels grounded, not forced.

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Life Megan Gillikin Life Megan Gillikin

321. Life: The Truth About Stress, Autoimmunity, and Healing for High Achievers with Sarah Reilly

If you've been feeling that familiar drain of exhaustion, persistent brain fog, or like your body simply isn't keeping up with your high-achieving mind, this episode is going to hit home. 

From blood sugar and sleep to your environment and that annoying inner critic, this episode is about tuning in, clearing the noise, and finding your way back to feeling like yourself again.

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Life Megan Gillikin Life Megan Gillikin

319. Life: When Self-Trust Feels Impossible: Breaking Free from Perfectionism with Dr. Z

Are you caught in a loop of overthinking, over-planning, or playing it too safe? In this episode, Megan sits down with acclaimed psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z) to explore how high achievers can break free from anxiety, over-analysis, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

This conversation is a must-listen if you're ready to untangle old patterns, create more ease, clarity, and alignment in your life, and finally trust yourself to navigate uncertainty.

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Life Megan Gillikin Life Megan Gillikin

318. Life: The Real Reason You’re Questioning Everything Right Now

You’ve checked the boxes. You’ve followed the rules. And still, something feels… off. If you’re standing in the middle of success and wondering, “Now what?”, this episode is for you.

Laura Gassner Otting - bestselling author, keynote speaker, and all-around truth-teller - joins Megan to talk about identity shifts, outgrowing your former self, and the surprising power of trusting your intuition.

This conversation is for the high achievers who are secretly exhausted. For the people-pleasers who are learning to say “no.” For the women who are ready to stop playing small.

Because what got you here won’t get you there, and Laura’s here to help you figure out what comes next.

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Life, Leadership, Unlearning Megan Gillikin Life, Leadership, Unlearning Megan Gillikin

315. Culture Isn’t a Vibe—It’s a Strategy (Here’s How to Build It Right)

Let’s talk about a tough truth in the events and hospitality world:
Burnout has been worn like a badge of honor for way too long. We’ve called it passion. We’ve justified toxic work environments in the name of excellence. But what if there’s another way to lead?

In this episode, I’m joined by Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day. Anthony is on a mission to prove that building a high-performing team doesn’t require chaos or compromise — and that culture isn’t just something you talk about at orientation. It’s something you live.

Read More

Over 250+ 5 Star Reviews

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