
Could the secret to boosting your health and overall happiness be as simple as nurturing deeper, more authentic relationships?
In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta chats with Rachel DiAlto—communication and relatability expert, keynote speaker, and author of The Relatable Leader and Relatable. Rachel traces her journey from practicing law to becoming a sought‑after media personality, revealing how genuine human connection not only reshaped her career but also elevated her well‑being. Together, they unpack why intentional communication is vital for combating the loneliness epidemic, how quality relationships can improve both mental and physical health, and practical ways anyone can weave more relatability into everyday interactions to create a richer, healthier life.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the episode here
The Art of Relatability with Rachel DeAlto: Lessons from the Art of Badassery Podcast
In a world teeming with digital interactions, finding genuine human connections can feel like a Sisyphean task. During this recent episode of the Art of Badassery podcast, host Jenn Cassetta chats with Rachel DeAlto, a communication and relatability expert, keynote speaker, and author, to delve into the art of creating authentic connections in both personal and professional spheres.
Background and Journey
Rachel DeAlto’s journey from attorney to renowned relatability expert is inspiring and unconventional. Starting her career in law, Rachel shifted to the dating startup world, eventually leading to an unexpected stint on reality TV shows like Lifetime’s “Married at First Sight.” Her path reveals how pivoting can lead to unique opportunities and how skills like communication can translate across vastly different fields.
The Power of Relatability
Rachel’s books, “Relatable: How to Connect With Anyone Anywhere, Even If It Scares You” and “The Relatable Leader,” explore the concept of relatability both on an individual and organizational level. Underlining the importance of human connection, Rachel identifies relatability as the ability to show up as your authentic self and truly engage with others. Her work aims to dismantle the barriers to connection, emphasizing how critical these bonds are in the age of digital communication and artificial intelligence.
Strategies for Building Connection
- Curious Listening: Perhaps the most impactful takeaway from Rachel’s approach is the concept of curious listening. By engaging in conversations with genuine curiosity and saying “tell me more,” you give others the room to feel seen and heard, establishing a foundation for trust and rapport.
- Intentionality: Rachel emphasizes the power of intentional communication. In professional settings, being deliberate about how we show up and interact fosters respect and can transform team dynamics. Whether in a leadership position or a personal relationship, intentionality signals respect and value.
- Embrace Humanity: Sharing your personal story, including the pitfalls and failures, can make you more relatable to others. Rachel encourages leaders to share more of their journeys with their teams, highlighting that transparency and vulnerability are pathways to building stronger connections.
Thriving in a Divisive Time
In these divisive times, Rachel suggests focusing on our commonalities to foster meaningful relationships. Identifying shared values and interests can bridge gaps and enable more productive and positive interactions.
Takeaways from the Episode
- Embrace Authenticity: Real connections are formed when we allow our true selves to be seen, advocating for dropping the “mask of perfection.”
- Intentional Conversations Can Transform Workplaces: Using regular, intentional check-ins and creating a space for open dialogue can significantly impact workplace culture.
- Focus on Commonalities to Bridge Divides: In a polarized world, seeking out common ground is crucial in maintaining and forging strong bonds.
Important Links
- Rachel DeAlto’s Website
- Rachel DeAlto LinkedIn
- Rachel DeAlto Instagram
- Rachel’s Book Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere, Even if it Scares You
- Rachel’s Book The Relatable Leader
- Join the Upcoming Retreat in Montauk
- The Art of Badassery Nutrition Guide
- Subscribe to Jenn’s newsletter so you never miss an episode
- Book Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo
- Burnout to Badass
- The 6 Habits Of High Performance With Jenn Cassetta – Past episode
- Art of Badassery Retreat
- Art of Badassery Newsletter
About Rachel DeAlto
Rachel DeAlto is a keynote speaker, author, and expert in communication, leadership, and relatability. She is the author of “relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You)” and “The Relatable Leader: Create a Culture of Connection.” Rachel maintains a law degree, a Master’s in psychology, and an influential social media presence where she shares psychological research updates and practical takeaways to connect and communicate more efficiently..
On a mission to connect people to their most powerful resource—each other—Rachel engages audiences of every size with tactical and practical tools to expand their emotional intelligence, empowering them to communicate more effectively and build stronger professional relationships and teams.
Learn more about Rachel and her refreshing relatability at racheldealto.com.


