welcome to the podcast

Weddings For Real has officially rebranded to
For Real: Life, Leadership, and Unlearning

After 7 years and 300+ episodes, the podcast has evolved... because so have you! What started as a show for wedding pros has  has evolved into a bold, no-BS space for high-achievers to unpack identity shifts, quiet the inner critic, set boundaries that stick, and navigate the messy (but powerful) moments of growth and change.  

For Real is still hosted by Megan Gillikin, and it’s here to meet you in this next chapter as a whole human, not just a business owner.

Click the button below to check out the latest For Real episodes, or scroll down to dive into the archive of Weddings For Real, featuring 300+ episodes on client experience, team building, social media, SEO, branding, and the real-life lessons of entrepreneurship in the wedding industry.

wedding industry podcast
podcast episodes icon

300+ Episodes

5 star reviews

Over 250+ five star reviews

Podcast downloads

350,000 Downloads

POPULAR EPISODES:

290

10 Life Hacks for Squirrel Brain Entrepreneurs


239

219

279

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


Use This Strategy For Standing Out In A Crowded Market


5 Truths Every Business Owner Needs To Hear

listen now on

CHECK OUT OUR RECENT EPISODES

Search For Your Favorite Episode

Megan Gillikin Megan Gillikin

28: Inside the Bridal Suite with Makeup Artist Michelle Clark

Makeup Artist and all-around hilarious and amazing person Michelle Clark came on the show today, not so much to talk about makeup – although we get to that in the lightning round – but more so about what goes on in the bridal suite before the wedding. The makeup artist and the hair stylist are usually the first vendors in the room, so they see the dynamic between the bride and her tribe first-hand. Usually it’s a fun festive atmosphere, but sometimes, it can get a little tense.   Michelle Clark in her new office! (image by LiveView Studios)   Michelle and Megan on Recording Day   Makeup Artist Michelle Clark in Action       Makeup Artist Michelle Clark on Social Media: Facebook: @karenmichelleclark Instagram: @kmichelleclark twitter: @kmichelleclark  

Read More
Megan Gillikin Megan Gillikin

26: Felicia and Max Trujillo on Changing Careers, Entrepreneurship, and the NC Food Scene

Max Trujillo and Felicia Perry Trujillo are a power couple in the North Carolina Food Scene, even though they’ve only been in Raleigh for less than five years. When they moved from Los Angeles, Max became the general manager of Midtown Grille in North Hills, and Felicia had a 10-year wedding photography business. But Max was working 70-hour weeks that weren’t great for family life, and Felicia was starting to get burnout from weddings, so they both decided to make a change.

Read More
Megan Gillikin Megan Gillikin

25: Pre-Marital Counseling and Marriage Tips with Therapist Terry Michael Newell

Terry-Michael Newell, Officiant and Marriage Therapist, comes on the show today to talk about why all couples should go to pre-marital counseling, some of the common reasons he sees couples after the marriage, tips for a healthy marriage, adults giggling like middle schoolers when talking about sex, and the one time he told a couple to fire him and hire a maid.

Read More
Megan Gillikin Megan Gillikin

24: Under the Tent with Mary Larick from CE Rental

Mary Larick, Director of Sales at CE Rental in Raleigh NC comes on the show today to talk about linens, tents, and all things wedding rentals! Mary is bubbly, fun, and hilarious, and I was so excited to have her on the show!  We went into how much you should realistically budget, styles and trends, what happens when clients disagree, my “tell you twice” rule, and when weather doesn’t cooperate with your wedding.

Read More
Megan Gillikin Megan Gillikin

23: Faking It with The Big Fake Wedding CEO Jennifer Ammons

Jennifer Ammons, CEO of The Big Fake Wedding, came on to talk about her company which puts on weddings throughout the country, which are Big and Fake. There are flowers and food and cake and music and dancing. The couple getting fake married is usually someone renewing their vows, while the guests are engaged couples so they can see wedding vendors in action.

Read More
Megan Gillikin Megan Gillikin

22: “One Foot in Front of the Other”: Jill Donovan on Overcoming Tragedy and Growing Donovan’s Dish

Jill Donovan came on the show today to talk about the growth of catering company Donovan’s Dish, and her positive perspective in the face of overwhelming tragedy.   In March of 2016, Jill’s husband, business partner, and the chef of the company, TJ Donovan, tragically passed away.  Jill was left with businesses to run and 3 young girls to raise. With the help of her amazing village surrounding her, Jill has not only survived but has continued to grow both personally and professionally.   Listen in, it’s truly an inspiring story!     Episode 22 Guest Jill Donovan   TJ and Jill Donovan   Jill Donovan and her 3 girls   Donovan’s Take-Out Market. The first take-out market opened 4 days before TJ passed away in 2016.   Donovan’s Dish on Social Media: Instagram: @DonovansDishFacebook: @DonovansDish   Jill’s Beach on Social Media: Instagram: @jillsbeachFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jills-Beach-69787834084/   Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal  

Read More

WHAT LISTENERS THINK

WANT TO BE ON THE WEDDINGS FOR REAL PODCAST?

Click the button to be taken to our contact form.