Marissa Hornsby shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Marissa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building that people don’t always see, is the foundation behind The Pretty Candid Podcast. It started as a space for real, unfiltered conversations, and over time, it’s grown into a true platform where people from all walks of life can come to express themselves, share their stories, or even teach something meaningful to our audience.
Behind every episode is a ton of unseen effort: connecting with incredible guests, engaging deeply with listeners, and creating a vibe where honesty and vulnerability are celebrated. The response from my community has been amazing and it’s that connection that fuels me to do more.
Even more exciting is how Pretty Candid is evolving. I’ve been expanding the platform, with new series and spinoffs sprouting from the main podcast. It’s becoming more than just a show, it’s turning into a hub for authentic storytelling and shared growth. That quiet, consistent building? That’s what I’m most proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Marissa Hornsby, the creator and host of The Pretty Candid Podcast, a space built on real, unfiltered conversations. What started as a personal passion project has grown into a platform where people from all backgrounds come to share their stories, speak their truth, and connect on a deeper level.
The podcast is all about creating space for honest dialogue so whether we’re talking about personal growth, cultural topics, creative journeys, or just navigating life in today’s world. What makes Pretty Candid unique is how raw and relatable it is. It’s not just interviews, it’s real people, real stories, and real connections.
Over time, our listener community has become incredibly engaged and supportive, and that’s pushed me to keep expanding the platform. I’m currently working on launching new series and formats under the Pretty Candid umbrella, giving even more voices a chance to be heard and more topics a space to breathe.
At its core, this brand is about making people feel seen and I’m really proud of how far it’s come and where it’s heading next.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was someone deeply curious, unapologetically expressive, and always asking questions,,,even the uncomfortable ones. I was the friend who wanted to understand why people are the way they are, who loved deep conversations more than small talk, and who found comfort in storytelling.
I didn’t always see that as a strength. The world can make you feel like you have to be more polished, more quiet, more “put together.” But looking back, that raw, observant, emotionally in-tune version of me was the root of everything I do now. The Pretty Candid Podcast is really just an extension of that inner kid; the one who valued truth over perfection, and connection over performance.
So honestly? Before the world told me who to be… I was already who I needed to become.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You don’t have to shrink to be loved or understood. Your voice matters..even when it shakes.”
I’d remind her that the things that make her feel different now; her sensitivity, her honesty, her need for deeper connection are the very things that will one day become her strength. She’s not too much. She’s just early.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get. I don’t have the energy or desire to play a character or keep up a perfectly polished image. I’ve made it a point, especially with The Pretty Candid Podcast to show up as I am, even when it’s messy, emotional, unsure, or in-progress.
I’ve been passionate on mic, I’ve questioned myself out loud, I’ve admitted things most people would hide, because I never wanted to build a platform based on performance. I’m not here to be liked by everyone. I’m here to be real and that means being the same person online, on the podcast, and off.
I’m not perfect, but I’m honest. And if that makes people uncomfortable sometimes? That’s okay. I’d rather be fully myself and lose a few followers than fake it and lose me
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could and I have!
I’ve poured my heart into things that got no applause, no recognition, no “likes” and still showed up the next day to do it again. Not because it was easy, but because it meant something to me.
The truth is, if you’re only creating for praise, it’ll burn you out fast. But when you’re rooted in purpose; when you know what you’re building matters, even if it’s not trending…that’s what keeps you going.
The Pretty Candid Podcast was never about chasing clout. It was about creating something real, even if only a few people were listening at first. So yeah, I can give it my best with no spotlight because the work is the reward. And the right people always find it in time.
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
