Off The Record Episode 18: Let's Get Back 2 Basics: Community

In today’s episode, I’m keeping it real and personal. I don’t have the bandwidth to dive into heavy news articles, so I want to talk about community, why we need to come together, and give you a window into where I’m at right now — personally and professionally.

I’m building Redefining the Record because I believe the media has gotten us into this chaotic, disgusting mess — from a 34-time convicted felon and adjudicated rapist in the Oval Office to the everyday impacts of political cruelty on real people. I can’t sit still while this is happening. I also know we all have to survive financially, which has been exhausting for me as I navigate finding a job, building businesses, and figuring out my next steps. But here I am, talking to you, and this is me not letting the chaos break me.

We need to stand together — online and IRL — because the way we respond over the next few years will shape how we live for decades to come. Community is what will get us through this. It’s not just about following the news — it’s about acting, organizing, and supporting one another.

I break down how this chaos affects everyday life: airports are in disarray due to the government shutdown, WIC funding for women and children is stalled, and yet Congress still gets paid. Meanwhile, identity and immigration are being weaponized for political power, and the cruelty touches every corner of society — from healthcare to education to the treatment of trans people.

On education, I share my experience growing up in a white, privileged household. My family moved to the suburbs of Denver for better schools, which shows how baked-in systemic racism affects education. I also talk about standardized testing, tracking race and identity, and how these systems continue to shape opportunities unevenly.Listen to The Foolish Optimist in addition to Voices 4 Change for real stories of candidates running for office in 2026.

Social Media & Brand WorkI’ve been building my digital media career since 2018, starting with an internship that turned into freelance work. My first client was FRÉ Skincare, based in Tel Aviv — when I started, they had 30,000 followers; now they’re just under 150,000 and sold in Erewhon, Revolve, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Other clients I’ve worked with are now in Costco and Neiman Marcus. The teams themselves deserve their flowers, but I will argue that well done, branded content is 100% part of the special ingredients.

I help brands grow community, credibility, and social proof through strategic social media. I know how to move brands — from follower growth to engagement to meaningful impact — and I bring that experience to Redefining the Record, helping amplify important voices and stories while continuing to build a sustainable platform.

ClosingAt the end of the day, none of this works unless I show up — online, in my community, and in the choices I make every day. Chaos is overwhelming, but community is how we survive it, how we fight it, and how we build something better. I’m showing up, and I hope you will too. Even small actions ripple farther than we think. That’s how change starts — and that’s how I’m trying to Redefine The Record.

If you want to support the work, amplify the message, or get involved with Redefining the Record, reach out — we can do this together.I’ll see you tomorrow. Substack | Podcast | Daily News📲 IG: @marlenabeautydotcom | @redefiningtherecord✍️ Substack: Redefining the Record

Fueling independent media that refuses to look away.✨ Tip Jar ✨Venmo: marlenageller | Buy Me a Coffee

🎙 Hosted by Marlena📍 Recorded in California—with one dog, zero filters, and no coffee (yet)

⛓️‍💥 Untangling broken systems, social media, and tech stacks.→ Now taking a few social media + strategy clients.