246. Rachael Kirkconnell: Navigating breakups, Professional Paths & What’s Next

Summary

Podcast Summary: Trading Secrets Episode 246: Rachael Kirkconnell: Navigating Breakups, Professional Paths & What’s Next Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Audioboom Studios
Guest: Rachel Kirkconnell

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Introduction

In Episode 246 of Trading Secrets, host David interviews Rachel Kirkconnell, a beloved figure from Season 25 of The Bachelor. The episode delves into Rachel’s personal and professional journey following her high-profile breakup with Matt James in January 2025. Rachel shares her experiences navigating life after reality TV, building her personal brand, and exploring new career avenues.

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Handling the Breakup and Public Scrutiny

Rachel opens up about the emotional aftermath of her breakup with Matt James and the intense public scrutiny that followed.

[01:06] Rachel Kirkconnell: "This year's definitely not what I thought it was gonna be. 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."

David commends Rachel for her grace in managing the public’s reaction, especially her appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast—a moment that went viral.

[01:20] David: "Well, you handled everything with grace. I mean, that call her daddy interview, looking back on it, can you believe how big that was?"

Rachel expresses her surprise at the massive public response and her intention to share her side of the story respectfully.

[02:24] Rachel Kirkconnell: "I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be like a... I'm not here to, like, talk shit... I just wanted to just get the truth out there in my piece."

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Navigating Personal and Professional Identity

The conversation shifts to how Rachel’s relationship had intertwined with her career and identity, and how she is now redefining herself independently.

[16:02] Rachel Kirkconnell: "It's just...for the longest time I wouldn't have a career without being in a relationship... It felt like either him or me and him. But I just felt like it was never me."

Rachel highlights the challenges she faced when her professional opportunities were often tied to her relationship with Matt, leading to a loss of personal identity.

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Mental Health and Social Media Impact

Rachel discusses the toll that social media and public relationships can take on mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-validation over external approval.

[09:34] Rachel Kirkconnell: "You are the source of your own happiness and no matter what, that you're going to be okay and stand up on your own with or without that person."

She shares her struggles with negative comments and the pressure of maintaining an authentic presence online.

[50:58] Rachel Kirkconnell: "My biggest struggle... putting myself out there and like I hate the idea of being perceived... I gotta stop."

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Future Career Aspirations

Rachel reveals her aspirations beyond social media, including voice acting and developing her own business ventures.

[38:52] Rachel Kirkconnell: "I have always been obsessed with animation and cartoons and I really think that I could do well in voice acting... I would love to dabble in that if the opportunity ever presents itself."

She expresses a desire to transition from relying on social media income to building sustainable business models that align with her passions.

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Thoughts on Reality TV and Future Projects

Rachel reflects on her potential return to reality TV, weighing the pros and cons based on her past experiences.

[27:15] Rachel Kirkconnell: "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 producer."

She discusses reasons for considering shows like Dancing with the Stars over returning to The Bachelor franchise, citing a preference for personal growth and authentic connections over competitive environments.

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Advice and Trading Secret

Concluding the episode, Rachel shares her personal advice on maintaining authenticity and self-worth amidst the pressures of public life.

[51:37] Rachel Kirkconnell: "The best version of yourself is the most authentic version... try to just be as authentic as possible... that makes you so beautiful."

David echoes the importance of inward validation, summarizing Rachel’s key takeaway.

[53:53] David: "When you seek validation from others, it's when you lose yourself the most. Inward validation is when you make the biggest impact."

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Closing Remarks

Rachel provides her social media handles, highlighting the challenges of maintaining genuine connections online due to impersonation and negativity. The episode wraps up with appreciation for Rachel’s openness and the valuable insights she provided on navigating personal growth and professional development post-reality TV fame.

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Notable Quotes

• Rachel Kirkconnell at [01:06]: "This year's definitely not what I thought it was gonna be. So I'm right now just, like, going with the flow..."
• Rachel Kirkconnell at [09:34]: "You are the source of your own happiness..."
• Rachel Kirkconnell at [51:37]: "The best version of yourself is the most authentic version..."
• David at [07:12]: "Are you happy that you did? Do you have any regrets for doing so?"

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Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Matters: Rachel emphasizes living authentically and not relying on external validation for happiness.
• Personal Growth Post-Fame: Transitioning from a high-profile relationship to independent personal and professional growth.
• Mental Health Awareness: Acknowledging the impact of social media and public scrutiny on mental well-being.
• Exploring New Avenues: Rachel’s interest in voice acting and sustainable business ventures as future career paths.

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For more insights and detailed discussions on financial navigation and personal growth, tune into future episodes of Trading Secrets.

Transcript

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Foreign.

[David]

Welcome back to another episode of Trading Secrets. Today we are joined by Bachelor Nation fan favorite and content creator Rachel Kerkonl Rachel gained 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 has going on. Rachel, thank you for being on Training Secrets.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Thank you for having me. I'm so excited.

[David]

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. Like, so what is, like, 2025 been for you? Because that's a hot way to start it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I mean, I would say this year's definitely not what I thought it was gonna be. 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.

[David]

Well, you handled everything with grace. I mean, that call her daddy interview, looking back on it, can you believe how big that was?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

No, I still don't.

[David]

I mean, every. Like, all of my friends were having, like, a countdown going. I'm like, what is going on? It took over.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I still don't understand. By the way, guy, I just came in from the pool.

[David]

Yeah, we're. We're.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

My appearance.

[David]

You're killing it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But, no, that was wild. I. 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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So, yeah.

[David]

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? Did you think through it? Like, were you, like, how did that whole. How's that go?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

They didn't believe it. They thought that his account got hacked.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So I sent, like, a little voice note just to, like, give them the rundown.

[David]

Sure.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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. Tick tock. 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.

[David]

Wow.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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, like, not an honor, but, like, it's such a big deal when Alex Cooper reaches out to you.

[David]

Were you a fan of hers before this incident?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I'm just a fan. I didn't listen to call her daddy like that.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 piece with it.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I hope I'm explaining this.

[David]

No, I think you're. I think you're saying it perfectly. It's like your intention was like, okay. A lot of people are asking.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah.

[David]

And there's a lot of pressure on you to talk.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah.

[David]

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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah, right, exactly. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be like a. I'm not here to, like, talk shit.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

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 that morning?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I was getting ready for it. Felt so sick on the way there. Shaking.

[David]

It's so hard to do, too. 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 wasn't. I couldn't be doing stuff, work stuff, like, your phone's off, even looking at it. So, you know, I would. I would have buddies call me, like, dude, you better get out there and start defending yourself. Like, there's lies being spread, there's mischief. And I was like, I can't. No. I just. I'm 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? Because I went upset. I was shaking, freaking out.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I mean, I think once they're like, all right, now 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 a 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.

[David]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Nauseous.

[David]

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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Really bad.

[David]

Yeah. I'm not good at it either. And so I wonder. And I guess my question is now looking back at, like, January, when you did do that, are. 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?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

It just depends. Like, I just feel like I obviously did it, you know, for myself, self 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, of course.

[David]

Yeah, we.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

We. We recorded that the same week everything was happening.

[David]

That's a lot. Yeah, that's a lot to do.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So I feel very differently now. 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.

[David]

You can see. You can see what's.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

That's the thing. Like, when you're vulnerable, like, it's. Again, 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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And I see comments from girls being like, does it get easier? Does it get better, really struggling?

[David]

And what's your answer to that?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

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[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

The start of it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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. Yeah, it was hard, but I don't regret anything, you know.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah. Yeah, of course. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

You know, and, 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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And I just have to tell myself that every day. Cause 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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I. I am, like, such a lover girl, and I'm such a relationship person, and I do want that, but I'm not gonna settle anymore. Like, I would rather be alone than being something unhealthy or, like, something I know is not right at the end of the day.

[David]

That's interesting, because part of your. I think part of the stuff that you were saying, even on the podcast in life, was like, you were ready to, like, get married and have kids and so.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

No. And I still am.

[David]

Yeah, but.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But you're like, I'm not going to settle. 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.

[David]

Yeah, I love that.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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. It's. I'm not gonna settle. And, like, I wouldn't, you know, I wouldn't, like, go through, like, IVF or anything on my own or, you know.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Have a family. I just. As much as I want it, I wouldn't do it without, Like, I love it.

[David]

It seems like a new Rachel is born. Like, you're glowing. You're killing it. Like, truly, though. And obviously, like, just your. Just the way you speak. Just, like, your. Your certainty with things, the growth you've gone through. We're going to get into the business side. Before we do, if you go back to Rachel a year ago and you think about, like, how much change and growth you've had in, like, every area of your life, like, what would you tell Rachel a year ago?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Oh, man. I probably shouldn't say half the stuff. I would.

[David]

Okay.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But I would just tell her, like, that everything's gonna be okay, and I would just tell her just to, like, stick up for yourself more and when things feel wrong, they are probably wrong. And to listen to my gut more and just to stand up for myself more.

[David]

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?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

It's just. It's crazy because I felt like for the longest time I wouldn't have a career without being in 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 a fault of my own as well. But yeah, it even just felt like with brands, like when, 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. I wonder what. Yeah, my career is going to look like. I wonder what social is going to look like. Everything. And it's complete opposite of what I thought it was going to be.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And you know, I'm, I'm happy that I still have a space in this, I guess this career path or whatever we want to call it. It's still so weird, I think.

[David]

Yeah, it's so weird. But you have more than space. I mean, I think you have like.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But I think that it. It's easy for women in general. Easier.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 a bachelor.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

A lot of our following is mostly women.

[David]

Sure. Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Mine I think, I haven't checked in a long time, but at one point it was like 98%.

[David]

Yeah, it's probably that.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

90 something still is probably in the 90s.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

If I had to guess. So, yeah. I think that was crazy for. It's just harder for men to make content for women to sell things to women as a man, but as a woman it can be easier.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But yeah, just like, I guess the opportunity that has come my way since then is, Is crazy. Definitely something I didn't expect, but this is definitely one of the best years for me, like financially and wise.

[David]

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[Rachel Kirkconnell]

A space for everyone.

[David]

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 or just like whatever value you bring in a relationship.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Do you remember her saying that? Me too.

[David]

Yeah. I think that's eye opening. Like, I don't.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Well, first off, your partner should support you.

[David]

Yes.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Right.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

You get what I'm saying?

[David]

Like 100.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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, I definitely don't think she was getting that.

[David]

Yeah, no, of course not. But I think even that if someone's listening there, 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. 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 you, if your identity's lost in because of your relationship, there's a huge overlap between like love and professional and value add. And I feel like obviously that's something that you had dealt with.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I mean people love love. They love a relationship. I mean, I will say these days, the whole like parasocial relationship.

[David]

Yeah. And yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Is that what it's called?

[David]

I think it's making a church now.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But like, like people, let's look. Just really says, I see I am anti. I.

[David]

It's about to get crazy. I feel like this, I think so scary.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

It's like, it's so scary. I was actually falling. When I was falling asleep last night, I was thinking about to see AI influencers. AI actresses. They're already in vogue. Did you see that?

[David]

Oh yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 are going to be AI 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.

[David]

I have a theory. I mean we're going off a tangent. I have a theory that like it's gonna massively change relationship dynamics. Right. You think about, everyone's so attached to these man.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

He's married with kids.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And he had a relationship with someone. Like an AI relationship.

[David]

I didn't see.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

That's crazy.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

It's crazy. And we will be seeing so much of that stuff. It's so scary. We don't even know.

[David]

We don't even know it's happening. But in the meantime, they're giving me a definition. So parasocial social refers to a one sided relationship where one person feels emotionally connected to someone who doesn't know they exist.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And usually think about like things like Rhode Island.

[David]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Think about like music stands, like for, you know, like a Ariana Grande, a Taylor Swift, like.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

It's so crazy what the Internet does now with relationships like that with people. They genuinely feel like they know that person.

[David]

Right, exactly.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And it's wild. It's wild. It's definitely toxic to a point.

[David]

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[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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, 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.

[David]

But that could work. If you're a conversationalist, that could work.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah. I do love. 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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

At all. Like, you could tell me anything and you're not faced. No, no, you can 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.

[David]

You went under, like, the Unwell Network, it wouldn't be dime a dozen.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 under. I don't know how they're Okay. 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. I don't know. Like, I would never say never.

[David]

Never say never.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 to yap just to yap. Unless people want that. Then, like, for sure.

[David]

But I think people would like to hear you. Yeah, I think you're a good yapper. All right. You said shows, though. Since January. Have any shows approached you? Would you go back on reality tv?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I was this close. I was asked for a show, but I don't even know if I can.

[David]

Say it was a competition or date.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Competition.

[David]

Competition.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Was it with abc?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

No.

[David]

Oh, interesting. And the show's been around.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yes.

[David]

Just to give people a little guess, they can guess.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I feel like I could say this. I don't know. If I can't say it, then I just. Just cut it out. But still, I was this close to doing Special Forces.

[David]

Wait, why?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I know. And I was so into you.

[David]

Could you. Could you do that? Like. Well, I was doing.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Training for it to where I was.

[David]

Like, you showcase that part of your lifestyle, though.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I'm a. A very, very, very competitive person.

[David]

Wow.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And like, not in, like. God, not in a toxic way, hopefully. But just.

[David]

No, but, like, you're. You're down.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I think for me, it was like that show. You're competing against no one but yourself.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And that's the kind of competition I like. I like to push myself when I feel like when. When I'm in it, I'm like, oh, I can do anything.

[David]

Wow.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And so I was.

[David]

Oh, you would have been great on that show.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Well, I was terrified of the idea, but also excited. Excited. And I did want to do it, and I was doing it until they push 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.

[David]

I can't see you ever. I'll just hold that opinion. Did they reach out to you to do Bachelor in Paradise?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yes.

[David]

And did. What did you say? What were your thoughts?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So that's why it was like, I almost. Not that I felt used or anything, but I just knew. 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. Like, I don't think I would do it again.

[David]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So I was like, I get that.

[David]

So wait, when you say scratch your best, 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 dollar amount or a plan for something bigger.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

It wasn't even a dollar amount.

[David]

It's like a plan for something else.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I don't want to say it. You know, I'll tell you after.

[David]

Okay, tell me after what I asked. But then obviously, my next question would be paradise, whatever. But, like, Bachelorette, you got to be one of the number one considerations. Like, would you do that career? Like, career wise? Personally, where you at?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 talks 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.

[David]

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. It's just. There's too much information now. I mean, you see, we got the.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Long island people here 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.

[David]

Yes.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

When they actually.

[David]

And that's real. I think that's what I see on.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Love island all the time. I think 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 would be together.

[David]

Yeah, 100%.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Like, it's crazy. 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.

[David]

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. People would be live at the door.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I don't know. Yeah.

[David]

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 bachelor at five.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Like, five.

[David]

It's unlikely.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I think it's someone like. I don't think they would ever even ask me.

[David]

They would. I think they should ask you if they have. I mean, have they asked you?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

No.

[David]

That's wild.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

No, that's crazy.

[David]

I think it's crazy that after, like, I mean, after the whole caller daddy thing, why you wouldn't be like the next bet because they skipped the bachelorette season.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Well. And again, we might have to cut this out, but I think that when they were talking to me about paradise, that was.

[David]

Yeah, that was your little. Okay, Got it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I don't know. I don't know. I think I would have had to have done that.

[David]

Okay, gotcha.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Did you go there to even be considered?

[David]

Okay.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And I. I just don't think. I. 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 producer. I don't know.

[David]

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[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I will say this.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I am so sick of. I keep telling myself this. I'm like if 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.

[David]

Wait. You that in the backseat because. Oh, because he's younger than.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yes.

[David]

Oh, interesting.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 to like. If, if I meet someone, I'm like, oh, he's cute and I found out he's 22. No.

[David]

Okay, got it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Okay.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I don't know. I'm sure there are. That's mean to like group everyone together.

[David]

I think generally that's a fair statement.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

But sure, yeah. For the most, but generally for the majority. Yeah, they're not.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So. But I will say, especially now as.

[David]

People are getting married later and stuff. That's such a fair comment.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I will say it's, 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 25 year old woman, but not the other way around. If you, if we're going to accept that, we got to accept the both.

[David]

I agree.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So if you think one's icky, not the other, you got to ask yourself why.

[David]

Yep.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But again, I think if I were 40, I wouldn't date a 25 year old.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 she's 60. Like I just wonder what it looks like after a while.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 in their 70s on the beach with 20 year old girls, I don't think that's something we should be supporting or promoting in any way.

[David]

Fair.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Because again, if there is a seven year old man or woman.

[David]

Yep.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Why are you attracted to a 25 year old?

[David]

Like where's the, where's the connection?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

That's creepy to me at that point.

[David]

Yeah, I think it's fair. That's fair. Like it's a good, I think it's a good take.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

You were almost 50 when they were born, you know what I'm saying?

[David]

Like, like the same age as their parents. Like, come on, what are we doing?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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, 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 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. Yeah, so I definitely think there's probably a cap for me both ways.

[David]

All right, there's a cap.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Both, there's a cap and a floor.

[David]

Let's, let's, let's wrap with this. What is next? Like, 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? Business?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 they?

[David]

I'm like, what can't you make happen?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Well, social media is definitely not my passion, but it's, 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, 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.

[David]

What are a couple of them?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Well, like I have a business. I have a couple business ideas that I would really love to make happen if possible.

[David]

Okay.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And I don't even want to share because I don't want anyone to take.

[David]

Don't share them. Wait till they become a reality. Don't share them.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Okay, so I have two ideas.

[David]

What else? Anything under the entertainment scope.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Like yes. And then same thing with entertainment. I'll put this out there. I don't mind saying it. Anyone can make fun of me if they want. I have always been obsessed with animation and cartoons and I really think that I could do well in voice acting and I would love to like dabble in that if, 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.

[David]

Cool. So maybe someone listening is here.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

That'd be nice. But yeah, give me some stuff.

[David]

Can you do like Robin Williams type stuff? Like can you do like different stuff voice?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah, I have a few different voices that I.

[David]

Can you just give me one?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I can't.

[David]

Not even one?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

No, I can't.

[David]

Is it like, like a grammar voice?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

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 voices. All right, can you describe one of your voices? You don't have to do it. Describe one of them.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But I can get there.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I could literally sound like a kid or a baby if I need to.

[David]

You can get the pitching, go all.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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. Crazy Southern twang, 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.

[David]

I love it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Camera. Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Like, for the longest time when I was as. As a kid watching Family Guy or something, I didn't even know that that was Mila Kuna's voicing Meg, because she did her own. Of course. Like this. Yes. Yeah.

[David]

Megan, Family Guy.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yes. Is Mila Kunis.

[David]

That's always been that way.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah.

[David]

I would have never known that.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But that's what I'm saying is, like, she 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 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.

[David]

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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Let's go. Start swinging in voice acting.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

And well, we will be here in the shower. Just like belting up these high.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Exactly. No, literally.

[David]

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 of drinks I can get you to do one of these southern tws. I got to hear this. You don't have to do it now, but I got to hear it at some point.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

I love it.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So it's nothing but a dream right now.

[David]

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[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I actually would be open to reality TV if it was. I mean, I guess it just depends what it is. I'm open to it and I want to do it.

[David]

Wait, finish that sentence. If it was what?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Well, I was going to Say if it was either more like a lifestyle.

[David]

Shorts, you know, I'm not used to these short hair shorts. If they were.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

What if it was more so like a lifestyle show or a summer house style stuff I could do? Yeah, I would do that.

[David]

Okay. Bravo.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I would do any competition show, obviously. Really? I, I wouldn't ever be like in an HGTV show because I know nothing about that. But I love watching.

[David]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Okay. 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, only reality TV I watch is HG TV and Food Network. Like anything in there.

[David]

Okay.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

And then Love Island. I. Yeah.

[David]

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 for you. Okay.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Oh, God.

[David]

Do you know it's easy. Do you have 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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 was, would be just. Yeah. Doing something to where I could give back to others.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

I would love to open like a no kill shelter like farm or I'm like so, so, so sickly obsessed with animals.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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, our world.

[David]

And yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 why. 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, I never know.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Whatever.

[David]

Options and freedom.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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. But I'm so down, like a crazy rabbit hole that, like, I don't even know what the world's gonna look like in 10 years. No one does. But, like, I'm scared. About what?

[David]

Especially when we talk about AI.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah, exactly.

[David]

Like, it's crazy.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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.

[David]

Amazing peace. Just want some peace and security.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah. Like, 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 getting.

[David]

Go Getting the right things. Right. And you're like, learning through your experiences to like, grow in ways that you probably never thought you would.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Yeah, I think for me it's more, I think the like, emotional aspect of life and the family aspect and relationship and. Yeah, 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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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. You never know. Like, maybe I. Maybe I'm thinking the way I think because I'm comfortable. I don't know.

[David]

I don't know. The one thing I'll say is, like, you, we see on 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. Well, your brain is deep, your emotions are intact, and like, your voice is powerful. So, like, I don't 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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 light hearted and fun. I feel like a decade or two ago. And it's just, it's, 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 then 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.

[David]

Yeah.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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, I'm feeling accomplished in 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 gotta stop. But then the next day I'm like, no, I'm looking.

[David]

No they're not.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

So I gotta, I gotta work on that.

[David]

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. 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 gonna push you to do. You're killing it. I'm gonna be calling you every now and then. Fucking get your voice out there. You're crushing it. Appreciate being on training secrets. We 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 could be like a quote, a piece of advice, it could be a financial tip. Just anything is like Rachel's Trading Secret.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

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 is 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 gonna 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. My biggest advice that I tell myself right now and that I think it at least for. No, I mean, I was gonna say for women especially, but yeah, for everyone. Just, you are so beautiful and 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 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. Yeah, I struggle with it, but, God, it's something we all need to hold on to right now with everything that's happening, because everything's gonna start looking the same. Everyone's gonna start looking the same. And it's scary and crazy. Yeah, we have to hold on to that authenticity because, like, that's what makes us human.

[David]

That's it. You nailed it. I'll end with this. I think my trading secret that I learned from you is when you and 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're 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. You're an all Star. Where can everyone find you?

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Okay, so this is so annoying. My Instagram's just my name. Rachel Kirkonnell. Yeah, but then someone made a fake account of me on Tick Tock a long time ago, so my Tick Tock's different. Rachel, underscore Kirkconnell.

[David]

I thought you're gonna say the real, and I was gonna throw up.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

What real?

[David]

The real Rachel. Please don't tell me.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

But, like, it sucks that someone took my username scumbag. Different. It's different.

[David]

It's different. Just throw that underscore. And, Rachel, thank you for being on this episode of Trade Secrets.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Thank you.

[David]

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.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Ding, ding, ding.

[David]

We are closing the bell with the curious Canadian second time's a charm on the Rachel kirkconnell episode. Lot of action. Rachel has been in Bachelor 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 you think about the episode?

[C]

I mean, first off, we'll give you an out on the ding, ding, ding.

[David]

Jay.

[C]

I mean, this guy's world traveler. Hopefully you're sipping on a little bit of a. 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. It's entertaining to. To follow your travels, but it's also entertaining that your travels are leading to great guests on the. I gotta 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 five year, 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 and all the things that are going around. It's kind of a 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 guest?

[David]

And how.

[C]

How was. How was that for you guys in the. In the room?

[David]

There's no. It's a great question. It was. It was definitely harder, right, because you got so many moving parts and elements and. And noise. And we had the studio set up, and I think we had three podcasts lined up. 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 a. 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.

[C]

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 in the bright lights. And she talked about how podcasting, you know, she likes it, but she doesn't love it. Even talked about her getting into podcasting on the end of, 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 cozied 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.

[David]

That's one thing I was surprised by. Like, she was an open book.

[C]

Open book. And her openness about 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 it where it is, call it 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. 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 a 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?

[David]

I mean, my thought is that, like, everyone's thinking it to some extent. It's a matter of 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. 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?

[C]

For me, it's the exact thing people tune in to 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 Dancing with the Stars. You could only do one or the other. As a business manager case, what would you tell her to do?

[David]

Oh, yeah, I think I would say do Dancing with the Stars.

[C]

Interesting.

[David]

Less risk. The show is, like, really blowing up. It's trending in a big way right now. And with the Bachelorette, there's just such higher. You know, with any type of show, there's high risk.

[C]

There is. But. 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, 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.

[David]

It's true. And there is a short list of people that could do it for the Bachelorette and she's top of that list.

[C]

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?

[David]

That's a good question.

[C]

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?

[David]

Unless they just start from scratch, you.

[C]

Know, and bring in like, yeah, bring in like a celebrity that's gonna draw a new attention. But I, as, 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, the swarms of a Bachelor fan base who want to see someone in the franchise do it.

[David]

I think.

[C]

Let me ask you a question too.

[David]

I mean you're, I mean, I can't argue with anything you're saying. Like, I think, I think you're right. I think you're right. Yeah. How you're David now, exact executive producer David. I mean, do you. Yeah. I mean the, the show can always turn around, right? It can always turn around.

[C]

Could.

[David]

We'll see if it does. I hope it does. But it seems as though like paradise is not going well. Right?

[C]

Paradise, disaster, train wreck. It is just is what it is. But that's.

[David]

Are you watching it?

[C]

I'm watching it from afar. Like I'm not sitting. I can't. Three hour episodes. Like, I'm not like, I'm just not doing it. So I'm, I'm, you know, I'm getting clips of it and edits on it through social media and trying to keep up with like, you know, honestly, like I'm tuning into recappers. Like I'm turning Into like, tick tock and people talking about different episodes and hearing things and seeing.

[David]

So why are you saying it's a trainer?

[C]

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 the. 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 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. I just think the core of the show, if they're ever going to make a comeback, you go in with you. You, Rachel. Kirk Connell is the one a. The one A superstar.

[David]

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?

[C]

Yeah, 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 as she can 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 drop the trading secret of all trading secrets that Mila Kunis is Megan Family Guy.

[David]

Like, I had no idea.

[C]

Did you get a southern twang from her? Did you. Did you hit stop hitting record and get her to give you a couple, like, give me your voice acting impressions.

[David]

She did a little bit of dinner, and she's pretty good. Like, she's. 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.

[C]

I Love that. Because the fact that she's shy about it. It's because she's still. The whole point of 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.

[David]

Right?

[C]

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.

[David]

I think we will see her. We will see her on our screen.

[C]

Oh, yeah, I'm. But she talks about being.

[David]

There's no doubt about it.

[C]

The fact she was talking about doing Special Forces.

[David]

Wild.

[C]

Wild. Like, I didn't.

[David]

That was a curveball. I didn't see that.

[C]

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?

[David]

That? I'm like, yeah. I was like, wow. Okay, Rachel. So.

[C]

But that's like, give me that. And also, like, when she was saying if she was a Bachelorette that, like, she doesn't think that guys would, like, sign up if she was announced, I was like, beg your pardon.

[David]

Don't think that that's insane line would be out there wrapped around from New York to hell.

[C]

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.

[David]

I'll hit the vote button with you. That's two. That's two. Yeah. And then Rachel kirkconnell for Bachelorette Curveball. Rachel Kirkano.

[C]

And then I guess the. 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 comma will 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.

[David]

So, yeah, that's.

[C]

That's my take on it. I thought it was a great episode.

[David]

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 Matt are a great place right now. Very amicable and kind with one another, which, you know, love to see. And she. You could tell, like, just the growth, you know, I talked about in 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 can also tell you this, David, behind the scenes, she, like, you know, when we weren't filming, just awesome, really. Just a sweet person, kind, just as fun. Just an awesome, awesome human being. So behind the scenes and in the. The scene, just so consistent.

[C]

Had you spent time with her before? Like, I'm sure you've met her a couple times. He 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, like, 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, you know, had a couple converse, a couple conversations with her, but I just wondering, like, if that's obviously the most time you've spent with her too, so.

[David]

Yeah, by far. By far the most time. A couple other events probably ran into her, but, yeah, that was by far the most time. She's great. She can't. I can't. Can't say enough good things. So wherever that vote button is, Rachel for Bachelorette or Dancing with Stars, were.

[C]

You surprised that she was like, yeah, let's do it. Let's get on the mics, talk. Really shocked.

[David]

Yeah.

[C]

Because I feel like when you.

[David]

I was surprised when she's like, yeah, let's. Let's rip it. Let's go, let's. And 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 great. So, yeah, I mean, and now 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 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.

[C]

And that's exactly why I asked, because I wasn't sure. And when you go on podcasts like Caller Daddy, which are the biggest of the big 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 yeah, thanks for coming on Trading.

[David]

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, curve ball Kirk Connell. So who knows what's next? Maybe it's voice acting. Maybe it stands with the stars. We will see. But we thank you guys. If you give us five stars, let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode. We would greatly appreciate it. And thank you for tuning in to another episode of Trading Secrets, one you can't afford to miss.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[David]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Could you be more specific?

[David]

When it's cray venient.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Okay.

[David]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at am, pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Grab in just a second at am, pm. I'm seeing a pattern here.

[David]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Rachel Kirkconnell]

Crave, which is anything from am, pm.

[David]

What more could you want? Stop by ampm where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. Am, pm Too much good stuff.