Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast: Recent Episodes
Tianna (Vanderhei) Goldberg
The Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast aims to share real stories of real women in hopes that their tenacity, through trials and tribulations helps to inspire others to refine their own skill sets, set their goals a little higher and to work a little harder. Let's face it, no matter the personal or professional pursuits - whether it be pageantry or in the grander scheme of life, we all need to work through grit to achieve glitz.
Amidst state competition season, it's important to realize that you're not perfect. Yup, I said it. No one is perfect. In fact, perfection is rather boring - the panelists aren't looking for a perfect person. But rather, they're seeking someone that's authentically themselves and is energized and prepared for a time such as this...
Go show 'em what you've got, queen!
It's time for another mock interview episode with a mix of current event and resume-based questions! Let's do this...
Maura Spence Carroll began competing in the Miss America Organization within the teen program just after her 13th birthday. A director approached her and asked if she had heard about MAO Teen and told her that she thought she would make it to Miss America one day, and that very conversation started her journey in MAO.
As a Soldier in the United States Army Reserves, she advocates for, “22 Too Many: Ending the Epidemic of Military and Veteran Suicide”. She got involved after her own experiences with behavioral health in the military. The more she researched, the more she realized the need for preventative measures and risk mitigation in addition to crisis intervention. Listen to learn more!
Jaelyn Wratchford began her involvement in the Miss America Organization within the teen program, after discovering MAOTeen when searching for scholarship opportunities online. Now she serves Miss West Virginia 2021 and advocates for Investing in Our Future: The Impact of Youth Empowerment.
Jaelyn strives to keep it natural, living her authentic self while openly sharing her struggles with mental health as she inspires others to advocate for themselves, take mental and emotional breaks and to remain present and humble through life’s big moments.
Think about this statement for a minute, "I want to use my influence to ___________ because I believe __________________. What's your why? What's your motivation and inspiration behind competing in the first place and how has it evolved over your time competing?
An honors graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Elle Mark had a unique journey to becoming a state titleholder - but she wouldn't have it any other way! She's a mental and emotional health advocate, vocalist, scholar, podcaster and research professional at the University of Minnesota.
Callie Cox is currently serving as Miss Missouri 2021. She is a senior at the University of Missouri where she's applying the nearly $20,000 in scholarships she's earned to finish her degree in communication and psychology. Her hope? To further her mission of creating a more inclusive culture for people of all abilities!
Jennifer Schmidt's journey to becoming Miss Wisconsin spanned a 10 year timeframe, throughout the MAOT and Miss competitions. She advocates for "Diabetes, YOU Have the Control" and as a first-generation college student, knows the importance of pushing through adversity in order to achieve success!
Alyssa Bohm started her Miss America journey in 2013 and ended up competing in a total of 23 locals over the course of her 7 year journey to becoming Miss Wisconsin. She currently works as a High School Special Education Teacher and promoted her SII, “Embracing Special Needs, Building Inclusive Communities" throughout her involvement in MAO.
State competitions are just around the corner and whether you're in full prep mode with a local title or you're still working on winning a local competition in hopes of making it back to state, here are 5 ways you can take charge of your destiny and actively prepare right now!
Mallory Fuller is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree at Baylor University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Mallory placed as a Top 10 Finalist at the Miss America competition, advocates for suicide prevention and is a Children's Book Author of two books aimed at mental health awareness. Join us as we talk about suicide myths, signs and prevention.
We are our own harshest critics. More times than not, we self sabotage our opportunities before we even have a chance to work towards achieving the goal at hand. How do you overcome those mental obstacles as you're preparing for your state competitions? Let's chat and manifest greatness...
Are you gearing up for your state or local competition? This episode is packed with current event, contentious questions to help get your mind going! Get after it, queen!
Kathryn Kueppers is no stranger to the Miss America Organization, one might even say it's in her blood. She began competing in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program at the age of fourteen before transitioning into Miss. Using the job of Miss Minnesota, Kathryn has promoted her initiative, "The Invisible Crown: The Legacy of Miss America" while traveling the state, networking and serving as a spokeswoman for the program at large.
Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Emily Tinsman earned a degree in Music Education from Drake University. Shortly after graduating, she won the job of Miss Iowa on her third attempt with a goal to advocate for the arts, but she had no idea what lied ahead of her. Organizational changes, a two-year reign and a drastic shift in appearances amidst a pandemic - she's made the most of an unforgettable experience!
Getting ready for state? Here's the ongoing list I created after years competing at Miss Wisconsin along with all the must-haves, tricks and tips I learned along the way.
Branding of your self, message, initiative or product is so much more than a logo or consistently colored graphics. It's a feeling, an emotion provoking visual and strong sense of self at the core. Give Episode 41 a listen to learn more and start defining your brand.
You asked and you shall receive! Here's the first of a series of mock interview episodes designed to help you prep for interview while on the go. Whether you're driving home from school, you're on your way to work or en route to the gym, my hope is that these Q&A episodes help to get you thinking and consciously refining your speaking skills.
How can you leverage your social media impact while consciously promoting your initiative, brand and organization? I've got 5 easy tips for you in this week's episode!
How do you adequately prepare for your state competition with the mindset that you won't be coming back? It's scary to be authentically open with your boss, but honesty is the best policy!
I'm back! Are you a local titleholder diligently working to prepare for state? I've taken your Instagram Q&A questions and answered them on this week's episode - listen and learn all the tips and tricks for stage presence, paperwork, talent prep, channeling nerves into positive energy and SO much more.
Just how important is a first impression? How crucial are our non-verbal communication cues when it comes to setting the tone for a conversation or a relationship? Let's just say, it's a matter of seconds that decide your fate...
I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. In fact, statistically, 80 percent of them fail before February. Instead, the past few years I've chosen a 'Word of the Year' as a guiding point, a source of motivation and a constant centering point.
Born and raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Kayla Repasky was a member of a dance company for 10 years. In June 2018, she won the job of Miss Pennsylvania, speaking to more than 20,00 students during her year.
With a degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama, she started her career in nursing in March on the cusp of the pandemic. She recently resigned from her position and accepted a new position as a traveling nurse.
How do you organize your accomplishments, talents, initiative and brand information in order to consciously set goals for 2021? For social media? Give Episode 33 a listen to learn more and kick-star the week on a motivational note!
Callie Walker was crowned Miss Alabama 2018 where she traveled the state promoting and educating youth on the importance of the Three Rs of Sustainability. After
finishing her year of service, Callie returned to The University of Alabama where she recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre.
How do you improve your speaking skills for interview and on-stage question? How do you consciously remove crutch words - AKA, "like" and "um" from your speech? Apply these simple steps and actions to your pageant prep to consciously amplify your speaking abilities!
A 2018 graduate of Clemson University, Laura Matrazzo served as Miss North Carolina2018. During her year, she worked to promote her initiative, “Money Talks: Student-Focused Principles of Financial Management, making nearly 300 appearances! She enjoys dancing, performing, and most importantly, college football. Laura currently works at her Alma Mater, Clemson University.
After an extended reign and a trying year, the New Year is FINALLY upon us and it's time to dive back into prep for your state competition. Whether you've held your title for less than a year or over a year, I hope you took some time to avoid burnout, hit the pause button and relax. Now, it's go time, but how do you jump back into prep? I've got you!
Miss North Dakota 2018, Katie Olson is working through her senior year at North Dakota State University, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Continuing to share her talent, she currently works as a dance teacher in Fargo, North Dakota. Listen to learn more about her year, how she overcame compassion and how the "biggest road blocks are put in your path when you're on your way to success."
Davia is a graduate from the University of South Carolina, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science with a double minor in Public Relations and Russian. She served as Miss South Carolina 2018, earning a total of $50,000 in scholarship dollars.
Currently, Davia is the Account Executive at Speak Strategic, a political PR firm in Charleston South Carolina. As the current Miss Upstate USA Davia is working towards her goals of slaying the Miss USA Stage.
Jamie Gialloreto started her journey in the Miss America Organization as a teen, after a former Miss NJ encouraged her to compete. While she didn't place in the Top 5 EITHER of her years at state as a teen, she kept pursuing those goals - defying others' perceptions and expectations, she won her state title on her second attempt! Her year as Miss New Jersey not only left her with countless memories and friendships, but helped define her career path. Give Episode 26 a listen to learn more!
Thinking about starting your own podcast? Ahh, where do you begin? Will people even want to listen? Stop fretting! I talk you through how I planned and launched The Grit Behind the Glitz and let me tell you, if you have an overwhelming urge to share voice and a message you can't stop thinking about - this is a great medium for you!
Feeling burnt out can come in a variety of capacities - a job, a personal relationship, a romantic relationship, tendencies or pure exhaustion of being stuck at home amidst COVID-19. How do you navigate this? As a titleholder, how do you persevere through an extended tenure? Let's talk about it!
After graduating from Portland State University with her bachelors degree in communications, this Oregon native earned her dream job as Miss Oregon 2018. Taylor Ballard served her year working with her platform Confidence Under Construction. After the crown she has been very busy moving into her new home and preparing to go from Miss to Mrs this August! She loves spending time with her fiancé and two chiweenies, soaking in the sun and hiking in the great Pacific Northwest!
After graduating from Gonzaga University with her degree in broadcast journalism Danamarie McNicholl gained her dream job of serving as Miss Washington 2018a advocating for adaptive sports for kids and adults with disabilities. One year out of being a titleholder Dana lives in Spokane working as a morning news anchor for KREM 2 and is still involved with her social impact initiative. Although a born and raised CA girl she loves exploring the pacific northwest hiking, playing golf and spending time on the many beautiful lakes!
Trying to land that first job out of college? Or are you competing in a local or state Miss America Organization competition and working on perfecting that resume to ensure all your best qualities, accomplishments and volunteer work stand out. I've got you covered! I've compiled some of the key aspects to building a standout, kickass resume just for you to listen and learn from...you're welcome.
Adrianna David leads her life with a servants heart. She started her non-profit, Charities Angels in 2012 in collaboration with her mother and friends with a mission to support other fundraising needs and non-profits all while 'partying for a purpose.' She served as Miss Maryland 2017 within the Miss USA program and then, Miss Maryland 2018 within the Miss America Organization.
To date, her efforts with Charities Angels, along with their board members and volunteers have raised more than $1.2 million dollars - $800,000 of that for #TheKidneyProject. Listen to hear more about her motivation, her cousin Juliana and her journey with dialysis and how YOU can support the cause by purchasing a sweatshirt.
When it comes to networking, resume building and connecting with people in a professional manner, LinkedIn is the place to be. It's not just about searching for employment, a stereotype that many people have in mind. Rather, LinkedIn serves as a space to promote your personal brand, to engage with others and showcase your products, goods, services and accomplishments.
Grace is the Owner and Founder of Letcha Light Shine, a personal + creative business development brand with a mission to create community and empowered female entrepreneurs. She has been in the business world since the age of 15 when she decided to start up a summer camp for kids, and she hasn’t looked back since. Grace is obsessed with all things social media, branding, and building systems for small businesses.
Asya Branch won the job of Miss Mississippi 2018 within the Miss America Org on her third attempt. During her year, she advocated for Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents - a mission that stems from her own experiences. Upon giving up her title, she launched her own beauty company, Branch Beauty and dedicated her time and energy to her educational pursuits in Marketing, Communications and Public Relations.
Then, last fall, she vied for and WON the role of Miss Mississippi USA on her first attempt. BACK TO BACK Miss Mississippi in both large, well-known systems. The queen herself...America’s sweetheart and your next Miss USA…
You asked, I'm ready to answer! I sat down to bring you 10 key tips for a stellar interview. From studying, to watching your own mannerisms to removing "filler words" from your vocabulary. Whether you're prepping for a pageant interview or a job interview, give Episode 16 a listen to bring your capabilities to the next level.
Joanna Wicks holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications, with a double minor in Women’s Studies and Domestic Violence Prevention Services. Her studies provided a motivational foundation for her to promote an initiative of Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness during her time within the Miss America Organization. Last year, she served as Miss Delaware 2018 after winning on her first attempt. Currently, she lives in Delaware with her husband, Steven and their puppy, Chief.
After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Business Administration, Kim Verheyden decided to leave her corporate position in order to follow her passion. In April, 2015 she opened Apricot Lane Boutique in Green Bay, later opening two more locations in Appleton and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Hear all about Kim's pursuits, her social media tips for pushing out content and the trendy clothing available in her stores and online.
At the age of 13, Annie Jorgensen began competing in pageantry, winning the title of Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen 2011 on her first attempt. She went on to serve as Miss High School America 2013 before attending the University of Georgia for school where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communication. On her third attempt, she won the job of Miss Georgia 2018 before moving to NYC where she currently lives and works in the digital marketing spectrum for Small Girls PR.
At the recommendation of a family friend, Emili McPhail began competing in pageants, going on to win the title of Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen on her third attempt and later serving as Miss Virginia 2018. Currently, she's working in Global Communications at The Estee Lauder Companies in New York City.
Joelle is a boudoir and branding photographer based in Indianapolis. She also coaches women entrepreneurs on all things marketing and sales strategies. When she's not working, you'll probably find her reading a new book, cuddling with her hubs, or soaking up some sunshine. Follow along with her on Instagram @joelleelizabethphoto!
Holli’ Conway is a 25 year old actress living in New York City. Born and raised in Louisiana, she spent a year and a half traveling the seas as a Carnival Cruise lines performer before winning the title of Miss Louisiana with which she promoted her personal platform InspHIGHER and went on to win the talent preliminary award and finish 2nd Runner-Up at Miss America 2019. She is now an Ikette in the Original Broadway Production of Tina the Tina Turner Musical and hopes to continue to inspire others with her journey!
"Let go and let God." Madison Fuller finds comfort and faith in His greater timing for her life. Her journey within the Miss America Organization began in 2005 when she first watched her older sister, Morgan compete. The following year, she was a Lonestar Princess and her infatuation with the program and the opportunity to serve the state of Texas only grew from that moment on. Hear about her journey to Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen and Miss Texas along with our shared fear of snakes, wedding planning and so much more!
Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw talks about the importance of believing in yourself and trusting in your preparations when pursuing any goal in life - whether it's in pageantry or the grander scheme of life. After not placing at Miss Iowa 2017, her first time at state, she came back in 2018 and won the title of Miss Iowa 2018. Currently, she's a student at The University of Iowa, pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalist and Communications while she continues to give back and spread hope.
Originally from Reedsburg, Wisconsin - right outside of the Wisconsin Dells, Liv Mercer currently resides in Bloomington, Indiana where she works as a Mental Health Counselor at Indiana University. As an effective motivator and communicator with experience in leadership and team collaboration, Liv leads with compassion, empathy and solution-focused licensed counseling. Outside of her profession, she enjoys traveling, reading, is a HUGE college basketball and football fan - GO PACK GO and loves spending time with her boyfriend, family, friends and pup, Benji. Follow her on Instagram at @Liv_Mercer for uplifting posts, 'real talk' moments and mental health advice.
Do you know a veteran or active military member? Perhaps it's your spouse, parent, grandparent or friend. Originally from Door County, Wisconsin, Susan Fochs founded her national non-profit, Operation Not Alone (ONA) out of her dorm room during college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Today, she cultivates and sends care and cheer packages out to the men and women who fought and are currently fighting for our freedoms. Listen to find out how she built her non-profit from the ground up!
BONUS EPISODE! Julia Crane, former Miss Vermont 2018 who holds a Master's Degree in Public Health, left for a vacation to Bali, Indonesia on March 4th, just as COVID-19 started to rapidly progress. After a 9 day trip, she's in the finally stretch of a mandated quarantine by the Vermont Health Department. Listen to learn more about protocol during this unprecedented time, health tips and mental health recommendations during this pandemic.
Her journey within the Miss America Organization first began in 2012 with the teen program, after taking a break and coming back to the Miss competition, she competed FIVE times - every year placing in the Top 5 before winning the title of Miss Vermont 2018. That’s right, we’re chatting with Julia Crane. During her time competing in MAO, she actively promoted her initiative, "Be a Hero, Be an Organ Donor." Not to mention, she won the Miss Congeniality award at Miss America 2019 (yes, she's that awesome and so lovable). Julia holds a Master’s of Public Health Degree and currently works for The Howard Center, which that focuses on developmental services, substance abuse and mental health. In her position, she actively I works in a group home with low functioning adults who have Schizophrenia and other extreme mental illnesses.
In her spare time, Lydia Tremaine plays dress up as a real-life princess with Your Party Princess LTD. She's currently a student at Trine University, pursuing a degree in Psychology and Music. Last year, she served as Miss Indiana 2018 after overcoming a trying journey in achieving her state title. In this episode, Lydia talks about embracing your authentic self, her advocacy for the arts and unapologetically being true to YOU.
She grew up watching the iconic Miss America competition on television, wanting to compete on that stage someday. In June, 2016 that vision became a reality when she won the job of Miss Wisconsin 2016. That opportunity provided her with the chance to advance to the national stage that fall, but the crowns didn't come without their fair share of setbacks and above all else, courage.
Hi there! Welcome to the Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast, episode numero uno! My desire to create this podcast stems from wanting to apply my broadcast skills through sharing stories of real women who have faced real struggles - both in pageantry and in the grander scheme of life. My hope? That their trials and tribulations empower you to refine your own skill sets, to set goals a little higher and to work a little harder. Let's face it, we all must work through some form of grit in order to truly achieve glitz.
I wanted to take this initial episode to provide you with a little more background about me, your host, Tianna Vanderhei. Why did I initially start competing in the Miss America Organization? What did my MAO journey look like? Listen to find out more!