Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie McCarty
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a bit of a workaholic, driven by a genuine passion for new projects. My journey has taken me from my home in Los Angeles to the hustle of Wall Street to the creativity of film sets, from organizing vibrant festivals to starting my own media company. I find that variety in my work environment really keeps me energized and inspired.
What truly captivates me, though, is meeting new people and hearing their stories. I believe that the greatest joy in life comes from connecting with others and understanding their unique narratives. My love for individual stories has shaped my career, guiding me from public relations to media writing, management, and filmmaking. Every project I take on is fueled by the power of human experiences.
There’s incredible strength in individuality, but even more power in our shared interests and connections. When we create art or highlight stories with genuine intent, we contribute to a more authentic culture in the media. Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s this genuine engagement with people that keeps me driven and passionate.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Admittedly, my career has been very challenging and continues to be in a multitude of ways. One thing about working in the entertainment world, especially in media and public relations, is that there’s really no downtime. The line between personal and professional life is almost nonexistent; it’s one of those industries where you’re constantly swimming against the current. This isn’t a career where you just climb the ladder easily—you really have to pour your heart and soul into your work. There are days when you might find yourself working sixteen to twenty-four hours straight, and taking a day off can make you feel like you’re falling behind.
On top of that, the industry is incredibly unpredictable. It’s tough to grow without the right network, which is why I encourage everyone to reach out and introduce themselves to as many people as possible. You never know who might end up being a perfect match for your collaborative and creative energy! Some of my best business partners were people I met in unexpected ways—like a waiter at a restaurant, a friend I connected with online, or even a colleague from high school or college. Creatives are everywhere! So, don’t be shy—introduce yourself and see who you vibe with.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Gut Instinct?
I founded Gut Instinct with the intention of fostering authentic human conversations. What has consistently moved me is the symbiotic relationship between media and society—how media influences society and, in turn, how societal dynamics shape the media. Recognizing this interplay, I find it crucial to ensure that the media we present is genuine and reflective of real experiences.
Gut Instinct is truly the love of my life, and there’s nothing I’m prouder of. My best friend, Stella Violet, is my business partner, and together we’ve built a real company. From hosting our own events, like the Gut Instinct Weekender, to having the opportunity to interview many creative minds in the industry, it’s been such a wonderful experience.
We do everything from interviews to media reviews to sharing personal anecdotes. We really encourage our readers to tell us what they want to see from our company or which artists they want to hear from. It’s incredibly collaborative, which makes it feel like a true community.
We have a fantastic team of about twenty people, including Maleah Puente, our Texas-based writer. Our global reach is enhanced by the range of where our writers are based out of, with journalists on the ground everywhere from California to New York, Arizona to Massachusetts, and beyond. This diversity has helped us string together stories from different communities, featuring a variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences—especially in our travel column!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I tend to read a lot of biographies from people in the entertainment industry or books about smart public relation moves. Works on bands like The Beatles or The Velvet Underground have influenced my management style for clients I’ve signed over at McCarty PR. I’ve also found self-works like those by Matthew McConaughey, Pamela Anderson, and Henry Winkler particularly helpful. “The Last Action Heroes” by Nick de Semlyen was such a helpful read in terms of seeing what has worked for some real giants in the industry regarding their careers. It also taught me some useful approaches for PR for movie releases/roll-outs and film festivals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gutinstinct.my.canva.site/media
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliexmccarty/?hl=en
- Other: https://gutinstinct.my.canva.site/mccartypr
Image Credits
Lauren Aho
Ollie Slade
Axel Tamayo
