The Cost of Being Authentic in a World That Wants You Quiet | Kayla Schreibstein

What does it actually take to live as your authentic self — especially when it costs you friendships, comfort, and approval?

In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with Kayla Schreibstein for a deeply honest conversation about identity, courage, belonging, and what it means to stand for who you are when it would be easier to blend in.

Kayla shares her journey growing up disconnected from her Jewish identity, the moment October 7th forced her to confront who she really was, and the heartbreak of losing close friendships over deeply held beliefs. We talk about what it means to choose authenticity over people-pleasing, why community matters more than ever, and how showing up publicly can become a source of healing — not just for yourself, but for others.

We explore faith, culture, boundaries, fear, self-doubt, and the pressure young women feel to stay quiet or agreeable. This episode is about finding your voice, owning your story, and realizing that purpose doesn’t come from validation — it comes from alignment.
This conversation is a reminder that you don’t reach your full potential until you stop hiding who you are.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
– Why authenticity often comes at a personal cost
– How losing friends can clarify who you really are
– What it means to own your identity publicly
– Why community is the antidote to isolation
– How self-doubt shows up — even in confident people
– Why people-pleasing keeps you stuck
– How young women can step into their voice and power
– Why purpose matters more than money or approval

Follow Kayla Schreibstein: https://www.instagram.com/kay_schreibs
Friends of Kayla podcast: https://linktr.ee/friendsofkayla
Friends of Kayla instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofkayla

Timestamps:
00:00 – Choosing purpose over chasing money
01:00 – Rejecting identity and the fear of being different
03:00 – October 7th and losing close friendships
06:30 – Agreeing to disagree — and when it fails
09:00 – Division, narrative, and the cost of hatred
12:00 – Building community through culture and tradition
14:30 – Showing up publicly despite fear
16:30 – Women, confidence, and self-doubt
18:30 – Boundaries, people-pleasing, and personal freedom
20:30 – Final reflections on authenticity and growth

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