Hazel Jones
The public version is a more serious version of me. The public me is polite yet forceful kind yet pushy comforting yet unyielding. The private me laughs jokes and has a thing for the strange and weird which let’s be honest the public does not welcome on the normal let alone when combined with pregnancy and infant loss. Read more>>
David Burton
I’d say the public version of me is real — but it’s not the whole story. People see the hardworking business owner, the guy trying to build something strong and take care of his family. That’s absolutely who I am. Read more>>
Brittany Zimmerman
The ‘version’ of Brittany that is seen on social media, in articles and in person is truly who I am. Since the beginning of Bleu Bee Designs, I knew that I could only be successful if I was my brand. There was no differentiation between my brand values and my own personal values. Read more>>
Bryan Young
For the most part, yes. The big difference between the public me and the real me is that the public me is more outgoing. I’m very much an introvert and the public me can speak in public and interact with folks and sign books. The real me would rather sit quietly in a corner and observe. But that’s the nature of the job. Read more>>
Taneisha Thorpe
Absolutely, the public version of me is a genuine representation of who I am, but it’s also a curated snapshot of my experiences, values, and personality. While it may not capture every aspect of my life, it’s authentic in the sense that it’s based on my real thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Read more>>
Michael (Jus Mic) Stewart
That’s a tricky question. For the most part yes but people don’t see my failures and struggles. The public version of me is a piece of me, but not the whole me. It’s the part I choose to share—the curated version shaped by context, goals, and boundaries. The ‘real’ me includes my private thoughts, struggles, and growth that don’t always make it to the surface. Read more>>
Scandalous Diamonds
YES! What you hear is what you get. Scandalous Diamonds is not scripted. The only part that is planned is Jen’s recap of the book that is featured each season. Dana’s reactions are improvised since she has not read the book before Jen tells about it. The stories we tell and the adventures we have are off the cuff and authentic. Read more>>
Daniel Palladino
How often do we truly show our authentic selves in public spaces? How often do we feel safe or welcomed enough to do so? I think most people put on some kind of exterior to protect themselves from outside judgment. For many—especially within the queer community—public spaces can still feel unwelcoming or unsafe. Read more>>
Petty Murphy
No the public version of me as protrayed by others on Social Media is not because of lies and jealousy and hate towards me because the real people that know me, know my heart knows that I mean well and knows that I am willing to grind for mine instead of accepting an handout. Read more>>
Jack Utermoehl
Yes, absolutely. Satya (truthfulness) is a core principle in yoga, often understood as authenticity and sincerity. I hold that principle close. The public version of me is the same person my students, friends, and family know. It’s not easy to live that way, it’s much easier to create an image or persona that draws attention without vulnerability. Read more>>
Shamira Fuller-Cross
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. What you see is truly who I am. I believe in showing up as my authentic self every day. I’m naturally a happy person, and I love to smile and laugh. I think it’s more important to stay true to who you are than to try to be like someone else. Read more>>
Latasha Burger
Absolutely! The public version of me is the real me. I’ve learned that the only way to truly help others heal is by being genuine and transparent about who I am. I can’t guide people toward authenticity if I’m hiding behind a mask. Read more>>
Krista Berardelli
Absolutely — 1,000%! I say that all the time because it’s true. What you see is truly what you get. There’s no curated version or performance happening behind the scenes. I’ve always believed that authenticity is the key to real connection and growth. When I show up—whether it’s online, at an event, or in everyday life—it’s genuinely me. Read more>>
Rubi McLaughlin
I always tell my friends and customers when they compliment my charisma or ‘sales pitch,’ that when I’m behind my vendor table that is my stage. I am not putting on an act, you’re getting me, Rubi, at my most confident and most genuine. That’s still me, but like every human I have doubts, fears, grief, you name it. Read more>>
Angela Taylor
For better or worse, the answer is yes. As a reader, I always love when it feels like I get little glimpses into who my favorite authors truly are. It makes me relate to them and feel a connection, no matter how small it may be. Read more>>
Aaron Kusterer
As much as I’m able to make it so. Being real requires vulnerability and it isn’t something that comes super easy for me … who knows why. I think I hesitate to allow my extreme nerdiness bleed into my public life but it’s something I’m working on. I’ve always been a serious person when it comes to music. Read more>>
Dria Danielle
I get asked this a lot. And honestly, my answer is yes and no. I’m always me, no matter if I’m on stage or off. But there’s definitely this pressure to live up to the version of me that people see when I perform. Read more>>
Stephanie Alecia Rose
It most definitely is! I’m grateful that nothing has changed me for the worse and that I always strive to be a better version of myself. My family, friends, and church family keep me grounded and I truly appreciate all of their support and love. Read more>>
Kaitlyn Kohler
I would definitely say yes, the public view of me is real and authentic. It’s very hard for me to pretend to be something that I’m not. I believe in being real and true. I strive to be authentic in everything I do, and I cherish having a genuine connection with people. Read more>>
Vicente Wolf
I happen to be a very shy person that is always standing in the corner at a party or event. Read more>>
Anne Kullaf
Yes! Authenticity has always been very important to me. My work is authentic, I only paint things that I am inspired to paint. I don’t like pretense, and that’s one of the reasons social media feels really bothersome to me at times. Read more>>
Rian Maercks
Yes and no. The public version of me is absolutely real but it’s the professional version of me. It’s the Dr. Maercks people see when I’m representing my art, my patients, and my brand. That version reflects excellence, aesthetics, and a certain lifestyle, because that’s part of what The Maercks Institute represents an experience of beauty and refinement. But it’s not the whole of me. Read more>>
