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 tod...
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!
--------
1:03:34
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.
--------
1:14:11
The Kindness Gap: How to Move from Nice to Deeply Kind: with Houston Kraft
What does it mean to truly practice kindness? Houston Kraft, spent his career studying kindness, wrote a book about it (Deep Kindness) and shares powerful insights into how kindness can transform our lives. He explains: The difference between “confetti kindness” (random acts of kindness) and deep, intentional kindness Why kindness is misunderstood as “free” and why it’s anything but The difference between being kind and being nice Does it pay $ to be kind? How kindness requires courage, emotional regulation, and empathy The link between kindness and forgiveness—and why forgiveness is a cornerstone of kindness Why kindness is often harder than we think but worth the effort How to practice kindness in leadership, relationships, and everyday life Why “nice guys finish last” might be true—but kind people finish first Practical tips to close the gap between what we believe in and how we show up This episode is packed with emotional stories, practical tools, and thought-provoking insights to inspire you to be more intentionally and deeply kind in your life. Book Rec: On Being Nice by the School of Life Follow Houston Kraft here
--------
48:00
Never Settle for the Status Quo with Hettas Founder Lindsay Housman
Did you know that almost all athletic shoes on the market have been designed, researched and tested on men? When Lindsay Housman discovered this, she and her husband, founded Hettas, a company creating running shoes optimized for women. Today, Lindsay joins the podcast to share why becoming a disruptor in this space is so important to her. We discuss: Why women are left out of research for shoes (and so many other things) Why women’s feet are fundamentally different than men How wearing shoes designed for men impacts women's health. How Hettas came to be and why she started this company much earlier than she thought. Why it’s important to her to never settle for the status quo Founding, self-funding and running this company while currently working another full time job What she hopes to accomplish with Hettas and exactly how their shoes are different Why she believes women would be in sports longer if they had proper athletic shoes. How women are treated so differently when it comes to raising venture capital. Follow Hettas on Instagram here! Book Rec: Strong is the New Pretty by Kate T Parker
--------
49:34
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
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.
Listen to pretty smart, Kabza de Small & DJ Maphorisa - eMcimbini feat. Samthing Soweto, Aymos, Mas Musiq & Myztro x Suzy Eises Saxophone Cover - Shera The DJ mix. and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app