Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Hornsby.
Hi Marissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For over a year, I toyed with the idea of starting a podcast—not as a platform to simply vent or go on tangents, but as a space where real, unfiltered conversations could happen. I envisioned a community built on honesty, vulnerability, and open dialogue across a wide range of topics. January 2024, I finally took the leap. I started pulling ideas from the pages of my journal and bringing them to life. With guidance and encouragement from a close friend, I recorded and launched The Pretty Candid Podcast—a space that truly reflects its name.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not—it’s been far from smooth sailing. I’ve hit a few bumps along the way, from delays in scheduling to technical issues that popped up out of nowhere. But so far, there hasn’t been anything I couldn’t push through. Every challenge has taught me something new. One of the biggest hurdles in the beginning was editing. I had no experience—zero. So I jumped into YouTube tutorials, read articles, and just started figuring it out as I went. I’m still learning, honestly, but I’ve grown to really enjoy that part of the process. It’s rewarding to see how far I’ve come, even when it’s not perfect.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the host and creator of The Pretty Candid Podcast—a platform I built out of a deep desire to have real, unfiltered conversations about the things that matter most. What started as an idea scribbled in my journal eventually grew into a space where I, along with my listeners, could show up authentically and speak freely. From navigating life’s ups and downs, to unpacking the layers of relationships, mental health, personal growth, and everything in between, my goal has always been to create a safe, honest, and relatable environment. No scripts, no filters—just open dialogue rooted in truth and connection.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community that has formed around this podcast. It still amazes me when I hear from people who resonated with something I said or found comfort in an episode. That connection is everything to me. It lets me know the message is landing where it’s supposed to—and that’s always been the heart of this journey.
What truly sets The Pretty Candid Podcast apart is the intention behind it. I didn’t start this with the goal of going viral or turning it into a brand overnight. I’m not chasing sponsorships or applause. I started it because I genuinely love meaningful conversations—the kind that challenge perspectives, spark healing, and make people feel less alone. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of storytelling and shared experiences, and I want every episode to leave people feeling a little more understood, encouraged, or empowered than they were before they hit play.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
wouldn’t necessarily label myself a natural risk-taker, but I’ve definitely learned that sometimes the most meaningful growth comes from the moments that feel the most uncertain.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken so far was launching The Pretty Candid Podcast. It might not seem like a major risk to some, but for me, it was deeply personal. Putting myself out there—my thoughts, my voice, my perspectives—for the world to hear wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a production team or a blueprint; I had an idea, a mic, and a lot of nerves. I didn’t know if people would listen, if they would care, or if my message would resonate. But I knew I had something to say, and I believed in the purpose behind it.
What I’ve come to understand about risk is that it’s often tied to vulnerability. It’s not just about the possibility of failure—it’s about choosing to show up fully, even when there are no guarantees. And in that sense, I think taking risks is necessary, especially when you’re building something meaningful. Whether it’s starting a podcast, sharing your story, or simply being honest in a world that often encourages the opposite—those are all risks in their own right.
So no, I may not be jumping out of planes or making bold moves every day, but I do believe in betting on myself, even when the outcome is unknown. That’s how I define risk—and that’s the kind I’m learning to embrace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Theprettycandidpodcast
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettycandidpodcast_/?igsh=MW92ZzlreHZnbmFiYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprettycandidpodcast/videos
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@she222raww?_t=8m4tfan4awb&_r=1
