Conversations with Caitlin Marshall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Marshall

Hi Caitlin, 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?
After spending a decade in Los Angeles actively striving toward a sustainable career in acting, I attended the New York Film Academy on a talent-based scholarship, worked on various film, television, and commercial sets, joined SAG-AFTRA (not as easy as one might think), performed sketch comedy on the stages of Hollywood’s IOWest, Acme Theatre, and Second City, as well as stand-up comedy at Second City and improv at UCB. I had finally reached a point in my acting journey where I was signed to a prestigious agency and auditioning for projects at least 5-6 times a week—a painstakingly difficult level to reach for most actors—and then it all came to a crashing halt. This cataclysm arrived not long after I was placed on a “hold” (and heartbreakingly “released” without a booking) for a Super Bowl commercial, in which I would have been featured alongside a very prominent SNL cast member and another notable actress, both of whom I would have gladly given my right pinky toe to work with. The cause of this head-first collision into what felt like a brick wall of failure was the same catalyst for millions of others: the pandemic.

My husband, Jay Eftimoski (also a SAG-AFTRA and award-winning actor), and I realized after spending three months cooped up in a Van Nuys two-bedroom apartment with a cat, a dog, nothing but the TV, our phones, and one another to stare at—not even allowed to cool off in the sparkling pool outside our window, thanks to COVID restrictions in the 100+ degree heat—that we had to get out. With no real plan on how we’d afford rent in such catastrophic times, we moved to Highlands Ranch, CO, where my family lived. The adjustment was jarring. We weren’t used to seeing a place so… clean and safe. “Where’s the pile of Taco Bell from two nights ago on the sidewalk? People actually pick up after their dogs here? You mean I don’t have to clutch my keys between my knuckles just to take the trash out?” While this may paint a grimy picture of Los Angeles, we didn’t mind it. The weather, palm trees, and “chasing the dream” made it all worthwhile. But the contrast made us realize why we’d never progressed to the next stage of our lives. That stage? Parenthood. Highlands Ranch, Colorado, was the beautiful, suburban paradise where we felt comfortable raising a tiny human.

In 2021, our spitfire little boy, McCoy, was born. At this time, Jay was working for Peloton in Denver, and I was slogging through a soul-sucking call center job for an online clothing rental company. Spending my days being scolded by customers whose clothes hadn’t arrived for their tropical vacations (vacations I could only dream of affording), I knew I had to find a different path. The only thing that kept me going? Slack channel conversations with coworkers about reality TV, specifically Bravo’s Real Housewives. Anytime I found someone who appreciated what some dismiss as “trash TV” (I prefer “drama through resolution” and “a study in the psychology of group dynamics”), I felt I’d met a kindred spirit.

My love for all things Bravo ran deep. So deep that when I couldn’t afford cable as a starving actor, I would go to work early, during my time working at a talent agency in Los Angeles (one of the countless jobs I took to survive while pursuing “the dream”) just to watch the previous night’s episodes at my desk. I’ll never forget when BravoCon was first announced, a giant convention for Bravoholics to meet and mingle with the network’s stars, attend panels for each show, and bond with fellow Bravo addicts over the history and current dramatic dynamics brought by our favorite shows. I dreamed of going but knew my bank account had other plans. Little did I know, this not so guilty pleasure of mine would eventually become a career for me.

Fast forward to leaving the call center job, having a one-year-old, and needing an income: I realized something crucial. The bond Bravo fans share is unique. We don’t just watch the shows; we passionately debate, analyze, and argue over our love (or hate) for housewives like Teresa Giudice, Lisa Rinna, and Nene Leakes. Ask a Bravo fan about their “big 3”, and they’ll know you’re not talking about their astrological chart.

Knowing how endless the passion of the Bravo fanbase is, I thought, “Why not talk about it?” Thus, my podcast, Besties by Bravo, was born.

People love to say, “Anyone can have a podcast these days,” but let me tell you, until you’ve spent an hour shouting into the void, after three hours taking analytical notes, and then painstakingly editing that into a digestible episode, you realize—not everyone can have a podcast. But if I’m one thing, it’s determined. Three years later, the void isn’t so empty anymore; it’s a full-fledged community of besties.

Since launching the podcast, I’ve had my first taste of going viral online, and let me tell you, that’s been a wild ride. Social media is a must in this space, and while I thought I had it figured out, I quickly learned that “to stay current, you must be current.” Meaning? You have to be willing to evolve. My account, @bestiesbycaitlin, has connected me with real friends from the digital world, unexpected opportunities, and a way to help provide for my family. I even launched my Etsy shop, “Pop Culture Besties”, featuring Bravo and pop culture merch I designed myself—perfect for finding a fellow Bravo bestie in any crowd.

I finally fulfilled my dream of going to BravoCon, where I may have resembled a “sparkly-eyed squirrel on speed.” I got so flustered meeting my first Bravolebrity, Erika Jayne, that I blurted out, “I almost dressed up as you for Halloween once!” Thank the Bravo gods, she was gracious. These days, I channel my fandom more productively, like when I donned multiple different wigs to perform a Housewives-themed reimagining of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on social media. Growth, am I right?

Now, Besties by Bravo is signed with the Bleav network, I’ve made appearances on TMZ, been a caller on Watch What Happens Live, and even hosted Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives watch parties in Denver. None of this would have happened without my incredible support system: my partner, my parents, and the amazing friends who shared their wisdom with me.

I was bullied and excluded in high school to the point where I felt like I was stranded on an island, alone, with not even an ant for company. But the Caitlin of today—the one in her 30s—knows that loneliness fueled me to create a space where no one feels left out. That’s what my community of besties are for.

I still audition whenever projects come my way, as I’m grateful to be signed with Wilhelmina Denver. So, yes, the acting dream is still alive. But if there’s anything I want people to take from my journey, it’s this:

You don’t have to give up on a dream when it doesn’t work out as planned. Pivot. Your passions might have more than one path.

You don’t need a degree or a traditional 9-to-5 to succeed. The world is full of creative ways to make a living.

Talk to strangers. Yes, I’m telling you to ignore your parents’ advice. Your world gets bigger and more interesting when you engage with people who equally challenge and inspire you.

BE BOLD. Toddlers don’t fear a “no.” They believe a “yes” is coming. And even if it isn’t, they move on (typically not before having some “big feelings”, but they get through it.). Do the same. Ask for what you want. If you don’t get it, pivot and find your “yes.”

Because you never know what a “yes” will do for you, bestie.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The feeling that I had “failed”—that I had essentially “given up” on my acting career by leaving Los Angeles, the very hub where my dream resided—was excruciating. No one embarks on an ambitious journey expecting to fail. But success isn’t linear, nor is it the same road for everyone. I had to come to terms with the fact that truly successful people don’t stop at every roadblock and brick wall; they find ways to climb, pivot, and push forward. I also had to learn that doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome, isn’t perseverance—it’s insanity. Real success requires adaptation.

Sometimes, the thing you want the most doesn’t arrive in the way you expect. But if a different path opens up, take it. I found my way back to performance through my podcast. By reenacting reality stars’ conversations through impressions and turning dramatic moments into a script as my own form of entertainment, I discovered a new outlet for storytelling. I now analyze their motives, choices, and histories the same way I once broke down characters in a script. Is it the exact way I envisioned my acting career? No. But in creating my own content, I get to be a performer, writer, director, and producer—on my own terms. I get to produce the content I would want to consume.

Learning to be adaptable in the pursuit of making a living from my passions has been both my greatest challenge and my greatest gift.

People often ask me, “How do you keep going without becoming jaded?” I had to reframe every “no” as “not this time” and trust that my “yes” is coming—while understanding that my “yes” will also be someone else’s “no.”

Of course, social media presents its own challenges. The comment section of anything I create can be a minefield of negativity and unsolicited opinions. It’s easy to spiral when reading bold, often cruel words about something I poured my heart into. But I remind myself that most people don’t consider the real human behind the screen. Their words often have little to do with me and everything to do with what’s happening in their own lives. They use social media as an outlet, a place where they finally feel heard. Sometimes, I want to defend myself, but I’ve learned that their words aren’t truly personal.

On the flip side, one of the most frustrating challenges is when I put immense effort into something, only for it to seemingly reach no one. Social media often feels like a casino—each post like pulling a slot machine lever, hoping for a win. The noise of peers hitting jackpots can make it feel like I’m stuck on $5 wins. And just like gambling, virality is unpredictable and largely out of my control. The only thing I can control is the work I put in, the stories I choose to tell, and my consistency in showing up. Embracing that reality—while absorbing strategy from those who’ve cracked the code—was the key to unlocking my growth.

Ultimately, the biggest obstacle I’ve faced is learning to let go of control over the world around me while fully owning the power I do have—my creativity, my resilience, and my response to every challenge. And that, with the drive to provide and set an example of resilience for my son, is what keeps me moving forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a content creator, podcaster, and performer – with an added focus on all things pop-culture and an emphasis Bravo. My podcast, Besties by Bravo, isn’t just about breaking down reality TV drama; it’s about building a real connection with my audience.

What sets me apart is that I don’t treat my audience as “followers”—they’re my besties. From engaging directly in conversations to creating a space where everyone feels included, I’ve built a community that feels more like a group chat than just another content feed.

What I’m most proud of?
That I didn’t give up—I pivoted. When my acting career stalled, I found a way to keep performing, creating, and storytelling on my own terms. I built something from scratch that reflects my passions and brings people together.

Most of all, I’m proud that my platform is a place where people feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about content—it’s about connection.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about rigidly following one path—it’s about being willing to swerve at the obstacles thrown your way.

For years, I believed my dream had only one trajectory: acting in “Hollywood”. When that particular path was no longer sustainable, I felt like I had failed. But in reality, I just needed to reimagine what success looked like. By shifting my focus and embracing new opportunities, I discovered that my passion for performance, storytelling, and connection could take shape in ways I never expected—through podcasting, content creation, and building a true community.

I also learned that the people who thrive are the ones who keep going, even when the roadblocks seem endless. Every “no” isn’t a dead end—it’s a detour. The key is to adapt, to keep creating, and to remember that sometimes, the version of success you never planned for is the one that fits you best.

And above all, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about numbers, platforms, or visibility. It’s about the relationships you build along the way. That’s why I don’t treat my audience as just “followers”—they’re my besties. Because connection, not clout, is what truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bestiesbybravo.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestiesbycaitlin
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@bestiesbycaitlin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bestiesbycaitlin
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/besties-by-bravo/id1637962393

Image Credits
Chelsea Reynolds Photography for podcast cover image and headshot.
TMZ for TMZ appearance screen grab.
NBC Universal Bravo “Watch What Happens Live: with Andy Cohen” appearnce screen grab.