We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Michelle Rademacher
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. And honestly, that’s not always easy. My number one core value is honesty, so I tend to tell it like it is- shadows and all. You can’t talk about light without understanding darkness, and truth doesn’t need to be polished to be powerful. Read More>>
Jason Cicci
This is such an interesting question. These days, when the world seems to be watching you all the time, it takes care and diligence to maintain and control your public image to align with your authentic self. Basically a private person, I mostly only share information about my professional life on social media. I offer insight, advice or inspiration via posts and videos. Read More>>
Stephy Lee
the Public version of me is absolutely what you get behind doors; I dont think I could be one of those artist that put on a persona and eventually hate themselves for it because they cant keep up with it. Read More>>
Jean Criss
Yes — for better or worse, it absolutely is. I’m proud of the person I’ve become and everything I’ve accomplished, and I’m not done yet! I’m on a roll — overflowing with creative ideas and a passion for bringing them to life. Read More>>
Kristen Poe
Absolutely. What you see publicly is who I truly am, my friends, family, colleagues and loved ones would back this up. I am a straight shooter, and what you see is what you get. Read More>>
victoria casciola
The public version of me is absolutely real — it’s just not the whole story. What people see on social media or in my work is my passion, my creativity, and my drive to make others feel beautiful. That’s all true. But there’s also a quieter side of me that no one sees — the long nights, the doubts, the constant learning and reinventing. Read More>>
Bob Chitrathorn
Is the public version of me the real me? Yeah. It has to be. I am who I am and can only be who I am as I stive to be who I want to be. I don’t have the energy—or the interest—to play a role. What you see is what you get. Read More>>
Cat Voleur
I think for the most part, the public me is the real me. In the interest of being a professional, I do try to curate a mix of good thoughts to bad thoughts. These days I feel hopeless a lot more than I care to admit. Read More>>
Michael Wall
Absolutely! The version of me you see on stage—or when I meet people—is the real me. Life is too short to be fake; I don’t have time for that. One of the things I love most about performing (and traveling, which is another passion of mine) is the chance to connect with people in real, genuine ways. Read More>>
