We recently had the chance to connect with Iryna Barnett and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Iryna, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
One of my favorite things to do is read, i love reading an actual book, I love the smell of a book, it is very nostalgic. Reading a book makes me lose track of time but in the most beautiful way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Iryna Barnett. I am the founder and host of Moments That Define Us Podcast -https://momentsthatdefineus.com/. The idea of starting the podcast first came to me back in 2020 when the world was going through global pandemic, we felt so divided and people were protesting all over the world. I thought to myself , we often think we are all so different but if we just talk to each and hear each other story of what make us who we are today, our defining moments , we can find so much we can relate to and our stories can heal us. This thought stayed with me until 2023 when I finally decided to launch my podcast. I am genially interested in people’s stories and I believe with all my heart that when we share our stories, it has a power to heal and make us, our communities and this world better. I recently launched season 5 of my podcast. I love sitting across from people who are not afraid to open and be vulnerable, who are not afraid to speak up and stand up for what is right and people who love to laugh and don’t take themselves very seriously.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
When you cant be truly yourself with people, when you have to pretend to be someone else in order o make someone feel better, your are abandoning yourself to please someone else and you are no longer YOU. If people don’t respect boundaries you’ve created, the bond is broken , if you cant trust, feel safe and understood, the bond is broken. When there is trust, understanding, love and people truly respect and love you for who you are , the bond can be restored.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are worthy of everything you are dreaming of. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and don’t be afraid to be exactly who you are!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
It absolutely is. I cant stand fake and I cant be fake. I believe if anyone chooses to create a public platform, there is no other way but to be real and be exactly who you are. Your community of people who choose to follow you, to listen to you , to get advice from you should absolutely get the real you.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a good, kind and empathetic person and loved with all my heart!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://momentsthatdefineus.com/
- Instagram: momentsthatdefineus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentsthatdefineus
- Other: TikTok momentsthatdefineus
Image Credits
Roy Lee Barnett, Jr
