Trading Secrets - 246. Rachael Kirkconnell: Bachelor Nation fan favorite breaks down growing her personal brand, navigating public breakups, pursuing her own passions, and staying authentic

Episode Date: August 4, 2025

This week, Jason is joined by Bachelor Nation fan favorite and content creator, Rachael Kirkconnell! Rachael gained recognition from her time on season 25 of The Bachelor back in 2021 after earning Matt James’ final rose. After a few years together, the couple announced that they were going their separate ways this past January. Since then, Rachael has focused her efforts on  Rachael opens up about growing her personal brand while pivoting into a variety of professional paths. She reflects on the impact of her appearance on Call Her Daddy following a highly publicized breakup, how she processed sharing such a personal moment publicly, and the advice she has for women navigating heartbreak. Rachael also shares why she has no regrets, how her career has evolved over the past year, and what it means to truly support a partner’s ambitions. She dives into her thoughts on AI, whether she’d start her own podcast, and if reality TV—or reality dating shows—are still on her radar. From age-gap relationships and her passion for animation, to her future goals and financial aspirations, Rachael gets candid about her journey, staying authentic, and what’s next. Rachael reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss! Host: Jason Tartick Co-Host: David Arduin Audio: John Gurney Guest: Rachael Kirkconnell Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!  Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast  Youtube: Trading Secrets Facebook: Join the Group All Access: Free 30-Day Trial  Trading Secrets Steals & Deals! Leesa: Leesa isn't just about sleep - it's about impact. They donate thousands of mattresses each year to those in need, while also partnering with organizations like CleanHub to help remove harmful plastic waste from our oceans. Go to Leesa.com for an extra $50 off with promo code TRADINGSECRETS Rula:  The first step on your journey to mental-well being is easy. Rula starts by asking you a few questions about what's important to you and then provides a list of licensed in-network providers who match your preferences. You can schedule your preferred time and meet with your therapist as soon as the next day. Go to Rula.com/tradingsecrets  to get started today.  IDEO U:  Ever feel overwhelmed by all the Al hype? You know it's important, but you're struggling with how to use it in your day-to-day work. IDEO U's Al & Design Thinking programs are designed for leaders like you—people who want to stay ahead but keep problem-solving human-centered. It's practical, hands-on, and built for real-world impact. Go to IDEOU.com/TRADINGSECRETS for 15% off sitewide Quince: Quince nails it with luxe essentials that feel effortless and look polished-perfect for layering and mixing. Their styles are so versatile, I find myself reaching for them again and again. Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to Quince.com/tradingsecrets for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. Upwork: Posting a job on Upwork is easy; with no cost to join, you can register, browse freelancer profiles, get help drafting a job post, or even book a consultation. From there, you connect with freelancers that get you, and can easily hire them to take your business to the next level. Upwork makes the entire process easier, simpler, and more affordable, with industry low fees. Post a job today, and hire tomorrow, with Upwork. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. YouTube Title: Needs to be 100 characters or less  | Trading Secrets w/ Jason Tartick

Welcome back to another episode of Trading Secrets. Today we are joined by Bachelor Nation fan favorite and content creator Rachel Kirk Cottle. Hi, hey, Rachel Gate recognition from her time on season 25 of The Bachelor. That was back in 2021 after earning Matt. James Final Rose. After a few years together, the couple announced that they were going their separate ways this past January. Since then, Rachel has focused her efforts on growing her personal brand and pivoting into all different professional career directions. We're going to dive into the life inside and outside of Bachelor Nation. Her opinions, of course, on the current

season and all the personal and professional endeavors she is going on. Rachel, thank you for be on training secrets. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited. I'll tell you what. I was just reading that and I was thinking about it. January 2025, I mean, you were like the number one most trending thing in the United States. So what is like 2025 been for you? Because that's a hot way to start it. I mean, I would say this year's definitely not what I thought it was going to be. Yeah. So I'm right now just like going with the flow, figuring out what life looks like right now because, again, doesn't look like how I thought it would, but I'm loving it. It's been fun. Well, you handled everything with Grace. I mean, that call her daddy interview,

looking back on it, can you believe how big that was? No, I still. I mean, I still. I mean, I mean, every, like, all of my friends were having, like, a countdown going on. I'm like, what is going on? It took over. I still don't understand. By the way, guys, I just came in from the pools. Yeah, we're, we're the hapsis. Please excuse my appearance.

You're killing it. But, you know, that was wild. I guess just because, I don't know, like, it's not surprising that people cared because it was a crazy story, I guess. But, yeah, I mean, I don't think anyone can wrap their head around that many people caring. Like, when I saw how many people were just waiting for the episode to drop, like, in the chat, I was shocked. But, and that's not like, you know, I didn't do it for any of that. I just wanted my truth out there. And I just felt like I owed it to those who, you know, followed along and cared about us.

I just, like, wanted to just get the truth out there in my piece because I think a lot of people had a lot of questions. Yeah. So, yeah. Was there, I always think about, like, the behind the scenes or, like, business-wise or just the whole thing. Like, when they reached out to you, like, was it an immediate yes? No. Did you think through it? Like, were you, like, how did that whole, how's that go?

So, I mean, it had to have been, like, right when I landed from Japan, I, like, sent a voice note to my friends and family because they were all freaking out. Yeah. They didn't believe it. They thought that his account got hacked. Yeah. So I sent, like, a little voice note just to, like, give them the rundown. Sure. And then I put my phone away for, like, the rest of that.

evening and slept pretty much the entire day the next day. I really like shut down when I'm sad or depressed or anything. I just totally check out. So didn't even touch my phone for that whole day I got home. And then I finally like worked up. It's also scary when you're going through something like that. Like I know the internet's talking about it and I haven't even had time to process it. So I was scared even like pull up Instagram or anything else, TikTok. So yeah, I finally, like, worked up the courage to just, like, check in, see what's going on. Saw I had a DM from Alex. Wow.

So she was on it, you know, and she just was like, you know, so sorry about everything that's happening. Like, if you want to share your piece, we'd love to have you on. And I, of course, was like, you know, thank you so much for reaching out. It's, you know, and like, not an honor, but, like, it's such a big deal when Alex Cooper reaches out to. Were you a big deal? Were you a fan of hers before? I'm just a fan. I didn't listen to call her.

daddy like that. But like I'm just a fan of what she's built and like who she is and you know everything she's accomplished like she is obviously just someone to be so impressed by and yeah like seeing that name come up in your DMs it's crazy and she's so I mean she is exactly like how she seems on social media like she is the exact same person. Yeah. So it really did feel like so natural talking to her as scary as it was but yeah I mean seeing that I replied. said like thank you for reaching out this is crazy i don't know if i want to do this because i'm not trying to go on to bash anyone if i'm able to just like share my peace with it yeah and as long as we're not you know digging into anyone or trying to make it like you know just something gossipy

i guess yeah i hope i'm explaining no i think you're i think you're saying it perfect it's like your intention was like okay a lot of people are asking yeah there's a lot of pressure on you to talk yeah and you're like so i want to talk yeah and you're like so i want to talk at a platform, I feel comfortable. And I want to do it in the most respectful way, given the history of your relationship with Matt, but also giving, I just think, like, realistic understanding of what the reality is, right?

Exactly. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be like a, I'm not here to like talk shit, you know, so, and she was so respectful about that. So I think once we had that discussion, and then I had a meeting with her producer, and we chatted for hours about it. Really, interesting.

Was there ever a point you're like, I'm not going to do it? Or were you pretty much like once you talked to? That morning I was getting ready for it. I felt so sick on the way there, shaking. It's so scary. Like I think when you go through the public, obviously I've gone through public breakups, right? And to your point, the pain of the breakup is so significant that you can't, I couldn't really function. Like I couldn't be doing stuff, work stuff.

Even looking at that. Even looking at it. So, you know, I would have buy. call me like, dude, you better get out there and start defending yourself. Like, there's lies being spread. There's miss. And I was like, I can't, no, I just am not in a place. So, like, the fact that, like, you had the ability to, like, even do that is impressive in itself. When, like, were you, like, going into that, though, were you like, were you super nervous? Oh my gosh. That's what I'm saying. I was shaking. Freaking out. I mean, I think once they're like,

all right, you know, we're rolling, I think all of the nerves just go away because, like, once you're in it and you're talking about it, she definitely made me feel very comfortable. And it did just feel like I was talking to my friend. So I think once I was, yeah, once we were going through it, I felt better, but leading up to it, oh my gosh, I was like sick. Yeah, yeah. Like nauseous, you know. I think people that listen to this, whether it's in their career, whether it's with their boss, maybe it's in their relationship, whatever it is. I think speaking up is a really hard thing to do, right? It's really hard because, like, yeah, I'm not good at it either. And, And so I wonder, and I guess my question is, now looking back at like January when you did do that, are you happy that you did?

Do you have any regrets for doing so? Like, looking back on, are you like, hell yeah, I would never not speak up again? Like, what's your take on that? It just depends. Like, I just feel like I obviously did it, you know, for myself and just to have that peace of mind that like, okay, at least I said my piece with it. at least I said my truth with it and I really tried to handle it in the most respectful way but I don't regret it I think I was surprised by the reaction and everything I think that I feel very differently now it was so fresh I mean we we recorded that the same week everything was

happening that's a lot yeah that's a lot to do so I feel very differently now yeah Yeah. It's hard watching that back. Not that I've, like, sat there and watched it back again, but just seeing clips and stuff. Like, I just... You can see your... You can see what's at. Yeah. I mean, I looked horrible. And I felt horrible. And obviously, like, I'm in a much better place now. But I still can't wrap my head around that entire situation. But no, like, I feel, yeah, I'm glad I did it. If it helped one girl. If she was going through anything similar and she feels better from that podcast, I'm glad I did it. That's the thing. Like, when you're vulnerable, like, it's, I guess. And for me, it's hard to do that. But when you're vulnerable like that, you empower other people that are kind of going through it, too. And I still get to comments from girls being like, does it get easier?

Does it get better? I'm really struggling. What's your answer to that? Yes, of course. Like, I try to tell people, don't ever let someone be your source of happiness. I think that it's a gift to be able to be on your own for however long, you know, finding your independence and knowing exactly who you are with or without someone. And yeah, you need to be the source of your own happiness and your own joy. And I think that when you find a partner or even friends, like, they should be a fun addition in your life, but they shouldn't be the sole purpose.

They shouldn't be the source of your happiness. And you should always make sure that no matter what, like if anything happens, whether it's a breakup, whether something tragic happens, like you have to make sure that you're going to be okay and stand up on your own. Yeah. So that's my advice is just to. always make sure, yeah, you're the source of your own happiness and no matter what that you're going to be okay and be able to stand on your own with or without that person. Telehealth has made mental health care more convenient and accessible for millions of people. However, critical challenges like finding a suitable therapist, scheduling appointments,

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After you sign up, they'll ask you where you heard about them. please support the show and tell them that we sent you. Just go to rula.com slash trading secrets and take the first step towards better mental health today. You deserve quality care from someone who cares. What's interesting, so obviously this is like the business podcast that touches like pop culture and all that, but what's interesting is even when I have found in relationships where I have had codependency on the person or I was leaning too hard or relying on happiness

for my significant other, obviously that impacted the relationship with my personal happiness. It also impacted my like professional world because I've lost, you start to lose your identity. So the two worlds, as much as you want to treat them like silos, they aren't silo. So I want to ask you about that. But before I do, one thing you said was you mentioned the reaction and you said I was surprised. What was the surprise? Just that I had support, I guess. I think that for a while I didn't know if people liked me for me or if I was just, like a fun addition or it was like a couple thing and yeah I just was surprised to see the support in general because you never know and obviously we went through a very unconventional

season and relationship in general like that first year was crazy and not in like a great way yeah we had a very rocky start the start of it yeah and like that was really really hard for me a whole, for the whole year, like, after we decided to, like, really give things a shot and get back together. Yeah, it's been, it was hard. But, like, I loved him so much that I just really wanted to, I wanted to try. Like, that's just who I am. Like, I will give it my all, like, I'll run it into the ground before I leave or I bail. Like, I'm just, you know, I really want to give things a fair, a fair shot. And especially, like, if I love someone, like, I will fight for them so hard. So I think like I just really wanted to give it a try because I just knew that we

both felt so strongly for each other. And I just felt like we were living for others, not for ourselves. So it was hard, but I don't regret anything, you know? But I definitely do feel differently now, like looking back on a lot of stuff and a lot of flags and things. You know, I don't want to get into it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's just so, yeah, it's just such a different thing to look back on now. But yeah, it was just, it was just shocking. Like, the whole thing, it was just so hard to wrap my mind around. I just, like, for the longest time, I was like, I can't believe this is my life right now.

Yeah. You know, in, like, in a bad way. Now I'm like, everything happens for a reason. I always try to tell myself whatever is meant to be will be. Whatever's supposed to come to me will come to me. Whatever's not supposed to be my life won't be. Yeah. And I just have to tell myself that every day, because still, I still can't believe, you know,

my life looks like what it looks like right now. And I'm scared for the future sometimes. Sometimes I feel pretty hopeless. I don't know if my person's out there. I don't know what any of that looks like. But I also am, like, really enjoying my independence. Yeah. I am, like, such a lover girl, and I'm such a relationship person, and I do want that.

But I'm not going to settle anymore. Like, I would rather be alone than be in something unhealthy or, like, something I know is not right at the end of the day. That's interesting because part of your, I think part of the stuff that you were saying even on the podcast and life was like you were ready to like get married and have kids. And so. No,

and I still am. Yeah. But you're like, I'm not going to settle. No, settling. I would rather. Yeah.

I would rather be alone without kids as much as I do want a family and everything. I will live my life alone without kids if I don't find someone who is like the perfect person. Yeah. I love that. Like a partner through and through. And I know they'd be. an incredible husband and father and everything.

And if I don't find that, I won't. I'm not going to settle. And like, I wouldn't, you know, I wouldn't, like, go through, like, IVF or anything on my own or, you know, have a family. I just, as much as I want it, I wouldn't do it without, like, a unit. Yeah, I love it. It seems like a new Rachel is born, like, you're glowing, you're killing it. Like, truly, though.

And obviously, like, just your, the way you speak, just like, your certainty with things, the growth you've gone through. We're going to get into your business side. Before we do, if you go back to Rachel a year ago and you think about how much change and growth you've had in, like, every area of your life, like, what would you tell Rachel a year ago? Oh, man. I probably shouldn't say half the stuff I would say it. Okay.

But I would just tell her, like, that everything's going to be okay. And I would just tell her just to, like, stick up for yourself more. And when things feel wrong, they are probably. probably wrong and to listen to my gut more and just to stand up for myself more. I love it. When we go back to a year ago and then we look at January, how about professionally? Like, let's talk a little bit about the business aspect. Where do you look at your career today versus maybe when you did then? It's just, it's crazy because I felt like for the longest time I wouldn't have a career without being a relationship. I felt like my career was that relationship

and it felt like it just definitely felt like he was like the center of career-wise and our relationship and everything so it was either him or me and him but I just felt like it was never me and that was probably the fault of my own as well but yeah it even just felt like with brands

like even when I would when someone would reach out to me about something they'd pitch the idea of like him being in it like or and the same thing like vice versa if he had a deal like I would either be filming it or would be in it but I wouldn't get any compensation at all for it and so I think like yeah when when everything happened I just was like I wonder what my income's going to look like yeah my career is going to look like I wonder what social is going to look like, everything. And it's a complete opposite of what I thought it was going to be.

Yeah. And, you know, I'm happy that I still have space in this, I guess, this career path or whatever we want to call it. It's just so weird. I think it's so weird, but you have more than space. I mean, it's just crazy. But I think that it's easy for women in general, easier to be in, like, the social media space and create content. and I think that women have all the buying power and everything, and it's so much easier as a woman

to make content for other women. Whereas a man, it's difficult, especially in The Bachelor. A lot of our following is mostly women. Mine, I think, I haven't checked in a long time, but at one point, it was like 98% women. Yeah, it's probably that 90% percent. It still is probably in the 90s if I had to guess. So, yeah, I think that was crazy for...

It's just harder for men to make content for women and to sell things to women as a man, but as a woman, it can be easier. Yeah. But, yeah, just, like, I guess the opportunity that has come my way since then is crazy. Definitely something I didn't expect, but this is definitely one of the best years for me,

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And if there's someone that's listening to this, it's in a relationship that feels like either their identity, their income, their future, their professional success is, a derivative of who they're with. You have to separate the two. That's something I've gone through too. And then you learn, and I just think, okay, I'll go back to being in finance and you start to realize, like, no, you can stand on your own feet. Yeah. Like you, and I think people that lose, yeah, there's a space for everyone.

There's a space for everyone. I think if you're losing your professional identity, you know, Kelly Flanagan came on and she talked a lot about how she lost her professional identity in her last relationship, which was relatively toxic. And it's like, if you feel like you're losing your professional identity, you're or just like whatever value you bring in a relationship. I do remember her saying that to me too. Yeah, I think that's eye-opening.

For sure. Well, first off, your partner should support you from, like, whatever you're doing to make money, they knew that going into the relationship, what you did for work. Them dating you, like, they should support that. Right. You get what I'm saying? A hundred percent. If you don't like what someone's doing for work, then don't date them.

But if you're in a relationship with that person, you should do nothing but support them and uplift them in that career path. And I definitely don't think she was getting that. Yeah, no, of course not. But I think even if someone's listening to this and you're not, So if you're in your career and you're lost, I think this is a great learning lesson. I also think if you're not in your career, because let's say you're a stay-at-home mom or you're taking care of the family or whatever you're doing, like I still think the role of a significant other.

It's so pertinent that that person is making sure that you understand your value and that you're appreciated, no matter what that is. And I think any, if your identity is lost because of your relationship, there's a huge overlap between, like, love and professional and value at. And I feel like obviously that's something that you had dealt with. I mean, people love love love. They love a relationship. I mean, I will say these days, the whole, like, parasocial relationships. Yeah, yeah. Is that what it's called?

I think so. I'm just making up many words now. But, like, people just really. AI says. A.I. See, I am anti-AI. It's about to get crazy, I feel like. This AI thing is you get, It's so scary.

It's like, it's so scary. I was actually falling, when I was falling asleep last night, I was thinking about we're about to see AI influencers, AI actresses. They're already in vogue. Did you see that? Oh, yeah. AI models. So, like, they're not using real people anymore.

And I'm, like, thinking about that for my career. I'm like, pretty soon we're going to be scrolling on Instagram and half of the accounts and people and ads, everything is going to be fake. And it's really scary, but it's not just for social media. It's going to be everywhere. I have a theory, I mean, I'm growing off on a tangent. I have a theory that, like, it's going to massively change relationship dynamics. For sure.

You think about everyone so attached to these phones? He's married with kids. Yeah. And he had a relationship with someone, like an AI relationship. I didn't see it. I don't know. We have to look this up. But it was crazy.

Like, something happened to his AI relationship, and he was not okay. Like, I don't know if he was suicidal or just heartbroken or something. And it was just crazy watching. that story because then you find out at the end that he is married with a family that's crazy it's crazy and we will be seeing so much of that stuff it's so scary we don't even know we don't even know it's happening but in the meantime they're giving me a definition so perisocial refers to a one side of relationship where one person feels emotionally connected to someone who doesn't know they exist and think about like things like lobe island yes yes think about like music stands like for you know

like a Ariana Grande, a Taylor Swift, like, yeah. It's so crazy what the internet does now with relationships like that with people. It's crazy. They genuinely feel like they know that person. Right, exactly. And that they're friends with them. And that, I mean, I even felt it to an extent.

I don't think, like, I wouldn't say The Bachelor is where anywhere, like, where Love Island is or anything. But I do think that when people follow your life and when you share so much of it, I really don't feel like I share that much. I think I should share more, but it's really scary. So I have such a hard time doing it. But when people are so open and honest and raw on social media, I think it's a great thing because people love authenticity, but some people do take it a step further to where they truly feel like they know that person.

They're friends with them. They know them better than they know themselves. Like, it's people definitely are taking it a step further these days. Yeah, yeah. And it's wild. It's wild. It's definitely toxic to a point. It is for sure.

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It was everywhere. Like, in Unwell Network's now hiring people left and right. Like, would you ever consider sharing more on a podcast, like under Unwell Network? I get told a lot. Like, even when I'm having conversations with people, like, I do like to get deep if they're open to it. And I think sometimes when I'm asking people about things, like, I'm just very interested in what they're having to say. So I'm asking all these crazy questions. I've had so many people be like, at one point in our conversation, like, you just need to start a podcast.

And I'm like, eh, I've been told this, but I feel like I have nothing of value to say right now. Like, I don't even know what it would entail other than just having random conversations. But that could work. If you're a conversationalist, that could work. Yeah, I do love talking to people when I finally, like, I am shy at first and I'm a nervous person, but I think once I finally feel comfortable, I will get into it with anyone. I'm just not a judgmental person at all. Like, you could tell me anything and...

You're not faced. No. No, you could tell me anything. But I just feel like, again, no offense, because I know we're on a podcast right now, but I just feel like podcasts are also... Dime a dozen. Well, yeah, it's just oversaturated.

But if you went under, like, the Unwell Network, it wouldn't be dime a dozen. I don't know. I don't know how... Like, I know that her podcast does well, but I don't know how everyone else is on. I don't know how... They're, I do think they're building a freaking empire.

Like, again, what they're doing is incredible between the podcast and now the shows and everything. It's unreal what they're doing. But yeah, I think I don't know. Like I would never say never. Never say never. But again, yeah, I just don't see a vision for it. I don't know what it would be about. And I don't want a yap just to yap.

Unless people want that, then like for sure. I think people would like to hear a yap. I think you're a good yapper. All right. Shows, though, since January, have any shows approach you? Would you go back on reality TV? I was this close. I was cast for a show, but I don't even know if I can say it.

Was it competition or date? Competition. Competition. But they moved the dates of filming and I couldn't make it work. They pushed it back a month, and I couldn't make it work. Was it with ABC? No. Oh, interesting.

It wasn't. And the show's been around? Yes. Just to give people a little guess. They can guess. I feel like I could say this. I don't know. can't say it, then I just cut it out.

Yeah, deal. I was this close to doing special forces. Wow. Wait, why? I know. And I was so into it, too. Could you, could you do that? Like, of course you could do it, but like, I was training.

I was training for it to where I was like, I'm a very, very, very competitive person. Wow. And, like, not in, like, God, not in a toxic way, hopefully, but just like, I love it. Well, I think for me, it was, like, you're down to, dude. I think for me it was like that show, you're competing against no one but yourself. Yeah. And that's the kind of competition I like.

I like to push myself when I feel like, when I'm in it, I'm like, oh, I can do anything. Wow. And so I was scared. Oh, you would have been great on that show. Well, I was terrified of the idea, but also excited and I did want to do it. And I was doing it until they pushed it back. And then I was like, I can't make this work. Sorry.

I love competition shows. I really don't know if I would do a dating show. again. I can't see you ever, I'll just hold that opinion. Did they reach out to you to do Bachelor in Paradise? Yes. And did, what did you say? What were your thoughts? I said, essentially, if I'm scratching your back, you have to scratch mine, too. Like, I felt like it would be good if I was on that show, but would it have been good for me? Probably not. Yeah. So that's what it was like, I almost, not that I felt used or anything, but I just knew I'm like, I'm like, I just new, I'm like, I feel like it would be a big deal if I went, but what would I get out of it?

Because I really didn't think I would leave in a relationship. There's not really anyone, I don't even know how I feel about dating anyone in Bachelor Nation. I don't think I would do it again. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's stuff. So I was like. I get that. So wait, when you say scratch your vest, now you're talking like business boss negotiation stuff. So you're saying like, I'll go, but like I need, I need a either a dollar amount or a plan for something bigger. It wasn't even a dollar amount. It's like a plan for something else. I don't want to say it.

I'll tell you after. Okay, tell me after. What I asked for. But that obviously my next question would be Paradise, whatever, but like Bachelorette, you've got to be one of the number one considerations. Like, would you do that career, like, career-wise personally where you at? I don't even know if I'm, I see that all the time, like, on the internet. Just people talking about it or, like, people posting fake things that I'm in talking.

of, and I don't think I am, but again, I feel like these days, those men are not signing up to actually meet the woman. They're not. They're signing up for TV and hopefully to like switch career paths after. Like, I really genuinely don't feel like, like maybe one or two guys are about it. No. But, okay, they might be about it. But I think there's not one person in 2025. that goes on reality TV, that doesn't have career or dollar signs or trajectory. Yeah. It's just, there's too much information now. I mean, you see, we've got the Love Island people here.

I just don't know if I trust a single. So I get that. I just don't know if I would, yeah, if I would trust a single. I think a lot of people go on the show for that. And then they're surprised with themselves when they actually fall. Yes. When they actually. And that's real.

I think that's real. I feel like that's what I see on Love Island all the time. I think that these people are almost. surprised by how much they are really feeling this person that they just met. And I mean, I doubt that any of them really thought that would be together. Yeah, and all of them. Like, it's crazy. And I just think the same thing with Bachelor is like, I just don't know if people are even going on without even knowing who the lead is yet.

And that's when it's like, you don't even care who it is because you're not going on there for them. I don't, if you were the bachelor, I don't think you'd have to worry about people signing up for, like, I think you'd be fine. I just, people would be lined up the door. I don't know, yeah. Give me a percentage. What is the percentage likelihood? Like, Vegas odds, we talk numbers here. Give me a percentage that you would possibly be the next matcher at.

Five, like. Five, it's unlikely. I think it's so, like, I don't think they would ever even ask me. They would, I think they should ask you if they have, I mean, have they asked you? No, no. That's wild. No, that's crazy. I think it's crazy that after, like, I mean, after the caller daddy thing, why you wouldn't be like the next bet? Because they skipped the bachelor's season.

Well, and again, we might have to cut this out. But I think that when they were talking about paradise. That was, yeah, yeah, yeah. That was your little, okay, got it. I don't know. I don't know. I think I would have had to have done that. Okay, got you. Did you go there? To even be considered. Okay. And I just don't think. I don't know if I could put myself through that again, honestly. Yeah, and I just don't know if I would trust any of the guys or the pretty, I don't know. I got you. If you're running a business right now, you already know it's hard.

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All right. One more bachelor question that I'm done. You're talking about Paradise. Nick Vial now has his own. They have like an age gap show. Right. Congrats to them. They're hosted it.

And then there's age gaps on Paradise this summer. And then you threw a little comment in there talking about the age. gaps. What's your, now you're dating, you might go on a day show, you probably won't, whatever. What's your take on age gaps in dating? I got to get your perspective on that. I will say this. I am so sick of, I keep telling myself this. I'm like, if I, I'm 28 right now, if I were to meet a guy and he'd be 25 or 26, it would, I immediately, like, my immediate reaction, I would be upset that he was younger than me. And I've been telling myself lately, I'm like, I cannot have that in the back.

that because oh because he's younger than you yes oh interesting well and even then there's definitely like there'd probably be no probably there's definitely like a too young of a person for me like if i meet someone i'm like oh he's cute and i found out he's 22 no okay got you like no i don't see how that's possible honestly just because i don't think a 22 year old man is even ready for like a serious relationship okay i don't know i'm sure there are. That's mean to like group everyone together. I think generally that's a fair statement. I mean, I don't even think a 22 year old girl is ready to get married. Of course, there are people out there that are. Sure. Yeah. But generally, for the majority, yeah, they're not.

So, but I will say. Especially now as people are getting married later and stuff, that's such a fair comment. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I will say it's definitely sexist or I don't know if it's misogynistic or there's something icky about it's okay for a 40-year-old man to date a 20, 25-year-old woman, but not the other way around. If we're going to accept that, we got to accept it both ways. So if you think one's icky, not the other, you got to ask yourself why. Yep. But again, I think if I were 40, I wouldn't date a 25-year-old.

I think that you are just in such different spaces of life that I guess when I see these big age gap relationships, I'm wondering what they have in common, what they talk about, how life looks like when he's 60 and she's 45, when he's 80, and she's 60. and she's 60, like, I just wonder what it looks like after a while. Yeah. And I don't think, and I do think there's such thing as, like, too big of an age gap. I think that if you're having these golden bachelors and their 70s on the beach with 20-year-old girls, I don't think that's something we should be supporting or promoting it anyway.

Fair. Because, again, if there is a 7-year-old man or woman, why are you attracted to a 25-year-old? Like, where's the connection? That's creepy to me. Yeah, I think it's fair. That's fair. It's a good, I think it's a great take. You were almost 50 when they were born, you know what I'm saying? It's like the same age as their parents. Like, come on, what are we doing? Oh, and I think about that too. I, so I did see, I love vampire diaries and I saw Paul Wesley. I think he's 40 or maybe in his 40s. He's now dating, I don't know

if he just got married or if he's dating. I don't know. My sister told me about this. She's 25. And my sister was like, that could have been you. And I'm like, God, that's, It sucks. It could have been, no. But I was thinking like, yeah, but Trin, how weird would it be bringing home a 40-something-year-old man to mom and dad when they're in their 50s? Like, I just wonder the dynamic would just be so crazy. I don't know. So I definitely think there's probably a cap for me both ways. All right. There's a cap both ways. There's a cap and a floor. Let's let's wrap with this. What is next? Like in your career, like what can people expect from? What do you think? Like, what are your dreams, aspirations? What do you want to do? I have dreams, but I don't know if I can make them happen. I think that when, and God, that sounds so negative. That sounds like, so. What are that? I'm like, what can't you make that?

Well, social media is definitely not my passion, but it's such a blessing that, of course, I want to make the most of it while I can. I think anyone would if they had the opportunity. But I will say, like I just said, it's a blessing. It still is like really shitty at times having to deal with people and the audience. and, again, parasocial relationships and just so much negativity. Like, my confidence and, like, just my self-esteem

and my mental health struggles so much because of social media. And it would be great to find an income that isn't relied on my social media because I would love to, and I have a few dreams, but. What are a couple of them? Well, like, I have a business, I have a couple business ideas that I would really love to make happen if possible.

Okay. And I don't even want to share it because I don't want anyone to take them. Don't share them. Wait until they become a reality. Don't share them. Okay. So I have two ideas that I really would love. What else?

Anything under the entertainment scope? Yes. Yes. And then same thing with entertainment. I'll put this out there. I don't mind saying it. Okay. Anyone can make fun of me if they want.

I have always been obsessed with animation and cartoons and cartoons and. And I really think that I could do well in voice acting. And I would love to, like, double in that if the opportunity ever presents itself. And right now I'm currently, like, looking into just who can help me even, like, get into that space because I don't have anyone in my life right now that is connected in that space at all. Cool. So. Maybe someone listening is here. That would be nice.

But, yeah, give you a chance. Like, I will show you. Like, could you do, like, different stuff, voice? Yeah, I have a few different voices that I... Can you just give me one? I can't. Not even what? No.

I can't. Is it, like, like, a gram of voice? And, like, this is wrong. I think, like, once I... I think I would like to share it... Even if it's, like, a real, like, not a real, like, on Instagram, but, like, you know, like a swizzle reel way of, like, just all my different voices. Like, I think when I can do something, like...

that i'd be happy to share but i don't want to like we got oh yeah because you don't want it you need to do it right but like you know everyone's going to want to hear this now i know you have many voice all right can you describe one of your voices you don't have to do it describe one of them well i would say growing up in georgia i can i can get my i feel like i have a low pitch voice like i'm not like a valley girl like i don't have like a very yeah yeah but i can get there i could literally sound like a kid or a baby if i need to so you can get the pitch you can go all the way up and and like even I have like I don't know I feel like growing up in Georgia it's so easy to pull out the southern twain crazy southern twain southern accent and again like combining those

things with the like I just feel like I have a lot of characters in my brain that I do a lot I love it and if like there's ever show that needs like the voices that I have but I don't know like again I don't I'm not in this space so I don't know how it works like I don't know if you have to be able to do any voice on the spot or if you again like have your these are the 10 that I can do can we make this work in this character but I still am also even playing around like can I make more can I do you know like I'm very interested in and like I do think it's fun because you do have to act and I've always been so interested in acting but I hate I don't think I could do it because I think I would freak out actually being on camera on camera yeah yeah yeah so

the idea of, like, still being able to act, but being behind the camera and doing my own thing, but getting to watch it as a totally different character. Yeah. Like, for the longest time when I was, as a kid, watching Family Guy or something, I didn't even know that that was Milakuna's voicing Meg, because she did her own, of course, like... Is? Yes.

Yeah. Meg and Family Guy? Yes, is Milakunas. That's always been that way? Yeah. I would have never known that. But that's what I'm saying is, like, she has... has that and then she has like her actual acting career and I think it's so cool I mean I can't say

that I don't know what's going on with them I won't even get into all that but I'm just saying like that's a crazy example to yeah to see like but there's so many actors that end up in like a little animation and I think you do have to understand how to act in a sense like you yeah you're acting while you're doing it it's just you're not in front of the camera it's all your voice and I think I would have fun and I think I could I think I could do it but I won't know unless I try let's go start swinging

in voice acting I want to just like I don't know yeah I just would love to just even talk to someone in the space like how do I get started on this? Like what do I need to do to even attempt to see if it's something that's even possible for me but yeah like right now

it's nothing but a dream and it's just something I find fascinating and something that I enjoy doing when I'm alone at home. Well, we will be here in the shower, just like belting up these high-piscuits. Yeah, exactly. No, literally, exactly. Unbelievable. I think everyone here is going to be excited about this teaser reel.

I know I want to see. So maybe after a couple drinks, I can get you to do one of these Southern Twains. I got to hear this. You don't have to do it not, but I got to hear it at some point. But again, like, it's cool. Yeah. It's, yeah, but it's just something that I would love to do if the opportunity ever came to me, I would grab it so quickly.

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I'm open to it, and I want to do it. Wait, finish that sentence, if it was what? Well, I was going to say if it was either more like a lifestyle shorts, you know, I'm not used to these short, Hampton shorts. If they were what? If it was more so like a lifestyle show or... I could do, yeah, I would do that. Okay. I would do any competition show, obviously really.

I wouldn't ever be like in an HDTV show because I know nothing about that, but I love watching HGTV. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And love Food Network. options are there again don't know what I would do in that space but love it yeah it's just what I love to watch I think the only reality TV I watch is HG TV and food network like anything in there okay and then Love Island I yeah we haven't gotten one number from you I told you I wasn't going to drill you on numbers but let me see if I can get this number okay oh god do you have you know it's easy do you have a dream dollar amount you want to make annually or do you have a dream dollar amount you want to make annually

or do you have a dream dollar amount that you're like one day I dream to be like have this net worth no I don't have a number I just want to feel safe like I want to yeah that's it like as long as I feel safe I'm not like a big you know I don't need to be a billionaire like I don't need that I don't think anyone should be a billionaire actually but like I if I were to ever make that money I think I would love to do a lot of things for other people with it so I think maybe the only thing that would be nice about earning an insane amount of money would be just, yeah, doing something to where I could give back to others. Yeah.

I would love to open, like, a no-kill shelter, like farm, or I'm like so, so, so sickly obsessed with animals. Yeah. So I would love to, like, do something in that space if I had all the money in the world to do something. But, like, there's so many things. Like, it makes me sick just seeing so much wrong in our country. world and knowing that there's so many people out there that have so much money to help and

they don't and I don't know what like yeah would love to chat with them and ask them why not but yeah I just want to feel safe to where if anything happens in my life I can be able to afford it like any hospital you know yeah I never know yeah whatever it options and freedom and then if I ever have the chance to have a family I want to be able to provide for them and give them a great life life, but I'm so down like a crazy rabbit hole that like I don't even know what the world's going to look like in 10 years 20. No one does, but like I'm scared about what. Especially when we talk about AI. Yeah, exactly. It's crazy. I don't even know like God, I want a family so bad, but I'm like, do I want kids in like the world that's coming? I don't know. So yeah, I think I would like to just

make enough to where hopefully I can retire not at 70. Like the country's trying to get like I would love to, yeah, just be financially stable to where I can live out my old years in peace. I'm made it in peace. Just want some peace and security. Yeah. I think that's all you can ask for these days. I'm really, I guess at the end of the day, maybe I'm not a go-getter like everyone else, but I just want to, yeah. But you're going to go-geting the right things, right? And you're learning through your experiences to, like, grow in ways that you probably never thought you would. Yeah. I think for me, it's more, I think the, like, emotional aspect of life and the family aspect and relationship and I'm just all about that like that's more important in life to me

than money but I think that can also be something stupid to say because I think there's a lot of people in life that are really really really struggling and like they would give anything for money and that's I think so many people right now think like their life so many problems in their life would be solved if they were more financially stable so I never you know know, you never know, like maybe I'm thinking the way I think because I'm comfortable. I don't know. The one thing I'll say is, like, you, we see at social media, obviously, your lifestyle content, your fashion, all the things that you do. But I don't think on social media we get to see enough of this. And like, your voice is powerful. It's scary. Well, your brain is deep. Your

emotions are intact. And, like, your voice is powerful. So, like, I know you want to be a voice actor and keep doing that. But I also think when you look down your career is like, continue to use like this voice to like make change and empower people. It's just scary. Like I just need to get over. Yeah.

I need to get over being. I just find the internet terrifying. I find it's just such a negative space these days. It used to be a lot more lighthearted and fun. I feel like a decade or two ago. And it's just, it's scary to put yourself out there. And I think I'm just not, I need to work on like being, tougher and a bit more strong because I like if I get one bad comment or DM like it ruins my whole day

I'm like I just don't want to post or do anything and I really struggle with that yeah that's my biggest struggle for sure is just putting myself out there and like I hate the idea of being perceived yeah and I have to get over that because sometimes like yeah I don't know like if I'm having a good day or I feel like I'm getting I don't know like I'm feeling accomplished and whatever I just shot or something performed well or whatever it is, I'm like feeling obviously better about it and I'm like, it's really not that serious. Like, just throw shit up. Stop caring about what people think. Stop worrying about being perceived and hated and the mean comments and the cruel DMs. Like, I got to stop. But then the next day I'm like, no, I'm looking at. Yeah. So I got to work on that.

Keep power in through though. Because you're a light and you know that like when you, obviously it's scary, but you obviously did it on Caller Daddy. You know, when you get the chance, you get to do it, I think the good and the impact is astronomically outweighing the bad. So, like, just keep going, keep going. That's what I'm going to push you to do. You're killing it. I'm going to be calling you every now and then, fucking get your voice out there.

You're crushing it. I appreciate being on trading secrets. We've got to end with the trading secret. So it's like something that you can't learn from a professor. You can't, like, read in a TikTok tutorial or a textbook. They can only learn from, like, your life experience. It's going to be like a quote, a piece of advice. It could be a financial tip.

Just anything is like Rachel's trading secret. I mean, I need to take some of my own advice, but I think my biggest advice for myself right now and that I hope everyone can take away kind of goes off of what I just said. Like, I think that, like you just said, there's so much more good out there, even though if it doesn't feel like that,

sometimes it's the complete opposite. But I really have to stop living. for other people and just start living for myself and not caring about, again, being perceived and worrying about what people say. So I guess I would just say the best version of yourself is the most authentic version. So I think that I would just tell everyone, try to wake up and live your life as authentically as possible, as hard as it is sometimes, because I think. when you're authentic, you're never going to have the whole world love you because, like,

there's just no such thing as everyone loving you. It's impossible. So, yeah, I think my advice for everyone, like in this day and age and with social media and everything, try to just be as authentic as possible because that is what makes you so beautiful. And I don't have any, like, financial advice or anything. I'm still figuring it out. But, yeah, I think my biggest advice that I tell myself right now and that I think it at least for no I mean I was going to say for women especially but yeah for everyone just you are so beautiful in your most authentic self I think that we see so much on social media so many especially with AI now like everything I think that it's so easy for women I mean everyone but especially young girls to feel like shit about

themselves and try to be something they're not try to be someone they're not yeah And I'm like that. So, yeah, I think that's just the advice I have. It's hard. It's easier said than done. I struggle with it. It's a hell of a treat. It's something we all need to hold on to right now with everything that's happening.

Yeah. Because everything's going to start looking the same. Everyone's going to start looking the same. It's crazy. It's crazy. Yeah, we have to hold on to that authenticity because, like, that's what makes us human. That's it. You nailed it.

I'll end with this. But I think my trading secret that I learned from you, is when you in your life were looking or seeking others for outside validation, it's when you lost yourself the most. And then when even at like your toughest point, when you're nervous, when you're scared, when you were depressed,

when you found inward validation, it's like when you made the biggest impact. And it's like when your career continued to take off and when your connections with people and everything else. So it's like always continue to find like inward validation, no matter how much bullshit's out there because that's when you'll thrive. So that's the trading secret I got from you. But Rachel, thank you for being on trade secrets.

You killed it. an All-Star, where can everyone find you? Okay, so this is so annoying. My Instagram's just my name, Rachel Kirkconnell. Yep. But then someone made a fake account of me on TikTok a long time ago. So my TikTok's different. Rachel underscore Kirkconnell.

I thought you're going to say the real and I was going to throw up. What real? The real Rachel Rochakana. Oh my God. I was like, oh my God. Please don't tell me you did that. But like it sucks that someone took my username. Scumbag.

It's different. It's different. It's different. It's different. Just throw that underscore. Rachel, thank you for me on this episode of Traying Secrets. Thank you. Ding, ding, ding.

I love it. I love it. I mean, that is the worst ding, ding, ding I've ever done in 250 episodes. Let's try that again, David. Ding, ding, ding. We are closing the bell with the Curious Canadian. Second time's a charm on the Rachel Kirkconnell episode. A lot of action.

Rachel has been in Batchar Nation for a while now. And obviously we talked a lot in this episode about her last year, which has been a bit of a twister in all aspects, but she handles it with such grace. David, what did you think about the episode? I mean, first off,

we'll give you an out on the ding, ding, ding, Jay. I mean, this guy's world traveler. Hopefully you're sipping on a little bit of a recipe to get the voice back, the energy back.

He's a traveling man. He's been everywhere. So just, you know, it's entertaining to follow your travels, but it's also entertaining that your travels are leading to great guests on the pod. I got to say, Rachel Kirkconnell is, like you mentioned in the podcast, she was the number one trending topic in the world in January when her breakup started.

We historically, in the four years we've been doing this, all of our top 10 episodes for the most part are Bachelor alum. This is one of, I would say, the biggest Bachelor alums that we haven't had on. And we had her on. And I thought it was a great episode. So my question to you is doing it in the house, which we talked about last episode. episode and all the things that are going around. It's kind of an ipso facto content house. You're used to doing podcast guests in a studio, tight atmosphere, no distractions. This one, you got people in and around the house while you're doing the episode.

Were you able to dial it in and deliver the type of like, you know, interview that you wanted, given the scale of, of the guests? And how was that for you guys in the room there? No, it's a great question. It was definitely harder, right? because you got so many moving parts and elements and noise. And we had the studio set up, and I think we had three podcasts lined up. And it was like the day before, I was like, Rachel, do you mind coming on for like 30 minutes?

She's like, I'd love to come on. So even as far as prep, I didn't have as much time to prepare either. But she makes it so easy. Like, she's such an easy person to talk to. And, I mean, she should have her own podcast. So she's great at articulating the way she's feeling and the things she's going through. But was that our normal set of circumstances? Absolutely not.

But you know what? I thought it worked. I thought it worked. Yeah. I mean, she is so like chill. Like she brings chill, the definition of chill to like a new level. And it was kind of like very her in a setting. Like it would have been interesting to see if you got her on the bright lights and she

talked about how podcasting, you know, she likes it, but she doesn't love it. You even talked about her getting into podcasting on the end of the well network. She said it's a little oversaturated for her right now. So I think you got her in a really good setting. she kind of cozyed up on the couch and very casual and she was you know she was willing to talk about pretty much anything and everything jay i mean yeah i know i was that's one thing i was surprised by like she was an open book open book and her openness about um what she's been through first and foremost and her rawness about that but i mean the biggest part of the episode

let's just start out where it is call what it is her talking about actually considering going on paradise and doing it with what we always talk about almost like a realistic mindset that yeah i'm i'm willing to go on maybe not even for the premise of the show but what it could bring me after what it could lead to what now we're filling in the gaps in terms of maybe that's the bachelorette lead maybe it's dancing with the stars maybe it's something i was like oh my god i want to give her hug be like because like that's the openness and realness and that's just her so were you kind of like whoa or were you like no that's smart like what was your reaction to that when she was talking about that.

I mean, my thought is that, like, everyone's thinking it, to some extent, it's a matter how much you're thinking about it. It's just that people shy away from talking about it. So what I loved about, Rachel, was just her openness, her honesty with it and just, like, the real authentic thoughts. Like, there's no filter going on. Like, it's just like, she thinks that she feels it. She says it that way.

And I think that's why so many people connect with her because she is so real. She is so honest. And she does it in a way which it doesn't feel. like, you know, we have a lot of people on the podcast and they speak so openly just about what they're feeling or business decisions they're making or pursuits that are top of mind. A lot of the time after the episode, they text me, like, well, was that okay? Or can I take certain things out? They're on eggshells or after the episode, they're like, man, that made me sweat.

Not Rachel. She's just like, hey, this is how it is. This is how I feel. You know, this is what it is and take it or leave it. Like, yeah, I'll go on Paradise. What else are you going to do for me? It's great. It's the exact thing people tune.

into podcast fours. They don't want to have to decipher. Am I getting the full version or not? And that's why we, I agree. I would say we think that she should do one. Let's say as a hypothetical, you were her business manager. Let's say she went on Paradise and she got offered the Bachelorette lead and or or dancing with the stars. She could only do one or the other. As a business manager case, what would you tell her to do? Ooh. Yeah. I think I'd say do dancing with the stars. Interesting. Last risk. The show is like really blown up. It's trending. a big way right now. And with The Bachelorette, there's just such high, you know, with any type of dating show,

there's high risk. There is, but do you believe that she is one, a, the person that could bring back, like, truly bring back viewers to the Bachelorette? Like, because if, because if she is, we, we know we've seen the potential of the show being, I mean, you saw it with, with so many people. I don't know. Like, Dancing with the Stars is great. I agree.

The show is stable, but she is one of a contestant on a stable show where she could single-handedly bring back a franchise. It's true. And there is a short list of people that could do it for the Bachelorette, and she's top on that list. Who do you else do you really think is on that list to move the needle the way, in my opinion, given recent events and Bachelorette alums is the same? Like, who?

Oh, that's a good question. Because I don't, because I think we can say that because we think it, because we assume, maybe there is, but I don't think there's anybody in that realm who hasn't been on Paradise before is like this, she was, she dated a former lead. They were in a relationship for three years. They were number one trending. Like, this is it. How many other Bachelorette alums have been on?

Unless they just start from scratch, you know? And bring in like, yeah, bring in like a celebrity that's going to draw a new attention. but I, as we've seen with how they're changing the show, I don't think they're going to ever be able to bring in a new demographic. I think they're going to have to double down on the swarms of a bachelor fan base who want to see someone in the franchise do it. Let me ask you a question too. I mean, I mean, I can't argue with anything you're saying.

Like, I think, I think you're right. I think you're right. How you're David. Now, executive producer, David Arruitt. I mean, do you, yeah, I mean, the show can always turn around, right? It can always turn around. Could. We'll see if it does.

Anything could. I hope it does, but it seems as though like Paradise is not going well, right? Paradise disaster. Train wreck. It is just is what it is. Are you watching it? I'm watching it from afar. Like, I'm not sitting, I can't have three-hour episodes.

Like, I'm not. Like, I'm just not doing it. So I'm, you know, I'm getting clips of it and edits on it through social media. trying to keep up with like you know honestly like i'm tuning into recappers like i'm turning into like tic-tok and people talking about different episodes and hearing things and seeing so why are you saying it's a train right well most of it is just what i'm hearing and seeing and the things that i've watched it just has no identity like it lost its feel of the show like paradise to me wasn't if it ain't broke don't fix a thing because there's enough variety and you know there's people coming

down the steps and you're used to the property it's to me it's the it's the feature show it's the bachelor, the bachelor, the bachelorette where the predictability of the dates is just insane. Like, oh, we know there's going to be a hot tub in the middle of the desert that's a wooden hot tub and, like, that's going to be a date. Like, we know that there's going to be, like, all the dates are so. There's going to be a skydive date. There's going to be all these things. So I just think the core of the show, if they're ever going to make a comeback, you go into

what you, Rachel Kirkconnell is the 1A, the 1A superstar. All right. We'll see what happens. I'm rooting for it. I know you're rooting for it. What else did you think about the Rachel? I just think I loved her business aspirations. Like I loved how she was transparent about saying,

hey, this is the best year that I've ever done financially. So it's totally different than what I thought I was going to be doing in 2025. But she says she's navigating it as best she can't personally, but professionally she's capitalizing on it, which is great. But then she talks about wanting to get into voiceovers, like being a voice acting and dropped the trading secret of all training secrets

that Milakunis. this Meg and family guy? Like, I had no idea. Did you get a Southern Twang from her? Did you, did you hit stop hitting recording, get her to give you a couple, like, give me your voice acting impressions? She did a little bit of dinner and she's pretty good. Like she could do it, but she was very shy about it.

She's like, this is like acting a singer to just start singing. She's like, it's tough. I got to get in the zone. She's passionate about it too. Like I never thought of all the career aspirations. I didn't see voice acting. I love that because the fact she's shy about it. It's because she's still the whole point.

voice acting is like I don't want anyone to see me do this I just want to be in a room being able to like do my thing and turn it on right so that to me was like I'm I'm like maybe it isn't a podcast for her maybe it's just something that like we just see how she goes about like it's like a lifestyle show and even she said she would get back to reality TV for a lifestyle show do you think she I think we will see her we will see her on our screen oh yeah I'm but she talks about being there's no doubt about the fact she was talking about doing special forces wild wild like i didn't that was a curveball i didn't see that coming that are i think we're starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together that everything she says is kind of a curveball in like

the most fascinating way ever special forces curveball voice acting curveball like you scratch my back i'll scratch your curveball i'm like you did this that i'm like yeah i was like wow okay rachel but that's like give me and also like when she was saying if she was a bachelette that like she doesn't think that guys would like sign up if she was announced i was like uh beg your pardon don't think that that insane line would be out the doors wrapped around from new york to i think that she's genuine enough that that she would find the right guy on it so i don't know if you could tell like i'm hitting i'm hitting the vote button to get rachel back on the tv bring back the franchise i'll hit the vote button with you that's too that's two yeah and then

rachel kirkconnell for bash rack curveball rachel kirkconnell for that's And then I guess the final thought of it all is like just in saying how she wants to do more, but how even her, you know, with what she's been through, she says a bad DM or commo ruin her day and completely stop her from wanting to post anything. So just the overall vulnerability side of that. Like, I don't know. I think she's raw. I think she's real.

I think she resonates extremely well. I think for every person who says sometimes they want to be famous, she's a perfect example of like telling you and showing you these like elements of it that aren't so grand, but also like just keeping it raw and real along the way. So yeah, that's my take on it. I thought it was a great episode. It's been a wild year for her, obviously financially, a great year. professionally, it seems like so much is on the horizon. And personally, she obviously had to deal with a lot and has overcome it. And it sounds like her and Mattner, great place right now, very amicable and kind with one another, which you love to see. And she, you could tell,

like, just the growth. You know, I talked about the podcast. And I brought that to, light just well she brought it to light and i just highlighted it because it's just it's growth growth growth and you can see in every which way she's growing and i could also tell you this david behind the scenes she like what you know when we weren't filming just awesome really just a sweet person kind um just as fun just an awesome awesome human beings so behind the scenes and in the scene just so consistent had you spent time with her before like i'm sure you've met her a couple times. We met her. She came to restart roadmap book tour at 92nd Street Y in New York City with Matt. And so I met her then in passing in the green room and stuff. And the same thing.

It's like she's just the most like normal chill like person then. And I had a couple of conversations of there. But I just wondering like if that's obviously the most time you've spent with her too. So yeah by far by far the most time um and a couple other events probably ran into her but um yeah that was by far the most time but she's great she can't i can't can't say enough good things about her so wherever that vote button is rachel for bachelorette or the anto the stars we're clocked you surprised that she was like yeah let's do it let's get on the mics let's talk really shocked yeah because i feel like she when you i was surprised when she's like yeah let's let's rip it let's go let's i was like anything like you want me to stay away from she's

like no ask me whatever i'm like that's this is amazing she's so yeah i mean and i you can tell that's why so many people have connected with her and that's why her community is so strong and that's why she's such a great fan base she's so authentically herself um and you know doesn't shy away from that which is beautiful and inspiring honestly and that's why i'm like keep doing what you're doing because it's and that's exactly why i asked because i wasn't sure um and when you go on a podcast like call her daddy which are the biggest of the big and then And then, you know, you're, you were the biggest trending topic. Like she's definitely not on a press tour of any means.

So for her to just hop on the mics, Rachel, for listening, we appreciate it. You crushed it. Can't wait to see kind of what, how this, even though it was an unexpected twist of 2025, how it keeps playing out for you. And, uh, yeah, thanks for coming on Trading Secrets. Team Rachel Kirkconnell over here at Trading Secrets. We are voting for her on the Bachelorette and Dance with the Stars, but you never know. As David said, curveball, Kirkconnell. So who knows what's next?

Maybe it's voice acting. Maybe it stands on with the stars. We will see. But we thank you guys. If you give us five stars, let's know your biggest takeaway from this episode. We are greatly appreciated. And thank you for tuning into another episode showing secrets,

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