Be A Light: Recent Episodes
Charlie
The mission of the “Be A Light” podcast is to shine a light on powerful individuals who are a light in their communities, and inspiring others to do the same. Each interview begins with one question: why? It’s easy to know what you do and how you do it, but knowing why you do something fuels you with passion to perform at 110%.
Today's guest is Erin Maroon, founder of Ashlie's Embrace. Ashlie's Embrace is a nonprofit that provides cooling units, called CuddleCots, to medical facilities throughout the U.S. to support families facing stillbirth and infant loss. Listen as Erin shares Ashlie's story, the impact and mission of Ashlie's Embrace, insight on grief, the value of a strong support system, and finding purpose in life's most painful moments.
Today, Kitty is back on the podcast! Listen as we recap our 2023, everything from Dollywood to American Idol Season 22! We also dive into the value of letting go of what we can't control, overcoming worry, leadership, MEETING DOLLY PARTON, Kitty's time with Norwegian Cruises, stories from Miss Georgia week, and so much more! You don't want to miss this one!
Today's guest is Emma Gibney, Miss Massachusetts' Teen! Her Community service initiative is S.T.A.Y: Start the Awareness Young, Suicide Prevention. September is Suicide Prevention Month, so there is no other guest for today than Emma. Listen as we discuss her why, her story, signs of someone struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts, how to reach out to someone in a dark place, being proud of who God made you in every season of life, encouraging each other rather than comparing yourself to everyone, learning to just be in every moment of life, and more.
Today I am joined by Kristen Berset-Harris. She is a former Miss Florida and competed at Miss USA in 2004. She is the host of "Great Day Washington" on CBS in Washington DC. Prior to that, she was a sports anchor/reporter at that CBS station, a sports anchor/reporter for a Baltimore FOX affiliate, a news anchor at an NBC affiliate, and hosted the "Ravens Report" for the Baltimore Ravens. She is a two time breast cancer survivor, and her story will move you to want to see life with a silver lining. Listen as we discuss the power of lifting others up, the impact pageantry had on her life, her journey in the journalism industry, watching the dots of your life connect through hindsight, the purpose of every life season, seeing obstacles as motivators, the power of listening to the unique stories of others, women in the sports industry, the importance of authenticity, and so much more. Her story speaks for itself, so don't miss this one!
Today I am joined by Elaina Burt, Miss Alabama's Teen 2023! She radiates the joy of Christ in everything she does. Listen as we discuss what it means to invest in others, to plant seeds, not letting fear and anxiety keep you from stepping into your calling, finding peace, her journey through the Miss America Opportunity and the impact it's had on her life, letting go of control to receive gifts from God, not being afraid of your own potential and value, living boldly for Christ and who He made you to be, and so much more.
In this episode I am joined by Katie Griswold, Miss South Central Georgia's Teen. Listen as we discuss Katie's community service initiative, Autism Acceptance, her personal journey with autism, letting go of things that aren't the right fit for you, how Miss Georgia has impacted her life, the influence her faith has on everything she does, learning to have more of Jesus and less of self, her experiences with dancing and singing, her LOVE for Elvis Presley, and more.
Today I am joined by my brother, Kannon Key, and former guest, Alexae Phillips. Listen as we discuss their stories from a recent mission trip to Sri Lanka, knowing God fully, God calling their stomachs, finding common ground in Christ despite cultural differences, the power of prayer even with language barriers, God's miracle working power, the importance of being a cultural learner, college advice for incoming freshmen, and so much more.
Today I am joined once again by Kelsey Hollis, our Miss Georgia! As she nears the end of her reign, listen as we discuss her growth through the past year, how to keep Christ at the center of all we do, her testimony, how to rebound when you hit rock bottom, her experience at Miss America, AMAZING stories of God's faithfulness, how to separate yourself from your jobs/accomplishments, not using accomplishments as your validation, finding peace amidst anxiety, overcoming performance nerves, no limitations to God's power moving through you, relationships that model the love of Christ and continue to grow His kingdom, temporary satisfactions vs. true fullness from God, and more. You do not want to miss this episode!
Today I am joined by Brilyn Hollyhand, 16 year-old Editor in Chief of The Truth Gazette. In this episode we discuss 1 Timothy 4:12, encouraging the youth of today to take action to improve our country and the world, where to find the courage to live boldly for what you are passionate about, making a seat for yourself at the table, the importance of community and mentors, learning to rest, the power of prayer, handing everything over to God, learning to be present, humility, his story of how he's gotten where he is, and more!
Today I am joined by my very own mom in honor of Mother's Day! Mama J is my wonder woman, and I wouldn't be who I am without her. Listen as we discuss her drive to make a difference, her ability to get back up when life knocks her down, her journey with cheer, nursing, performing at theme parks, postpartum, her testimony, Dolly Parton, the power of prayer, random parenting tactics, the Bachelor, the power of a little lipstick, and more.
Today I am joined by Katelyn Perry, the current Miss Biloxi, founder of Crowns for a Cause, marketing director for the World Youth Federation, the owner of Kate's Beauty Buys, Store Coordinator and personal assistant to the owner of Bridal and Formal Boutique, Children's Miracle Network advocate, and more. Listen as we discuss keeping our sights on why we do what we do, living life to the fullest to make a difference, her journey with the Miss America Organization, her advice to first-time competitors, chasing imperishable crowns rather than perishable, her work with CMNH, the mission and vision for Crowns for a Cause, being told you aren't enough and how to silence those voices, preventing burnout, and more.
Today I am joined by Ayanna Hensley, the current Miss Kansas. Listen to her incredible life story, her mission to love others well, forgiveness, peace in the middle of a storm, the image of a perfect Father, standing firm in your beliefs, fighting for your values, Miss America, prayer, her testimony, and more.
Today's guest is Tara Schipof, a former professional ballerina, employee at a power tool company, Miss Capital City, and the founder of #YesYOUcan. We cover a wide range of topics in this episode from her refusal to let failure define her, her story, life in professional ballet, the Miss America Organization, how to trust God with your life, believing in yourself, letting go of control, what defines success, standing firm in your values to battle comparison, to the importance of simply loving on your family and friends after facing loss during Christmas.
Today's guest is Ludwig Louizaire, Miss Cobb County. Listen as we dive into the importance of representation, empathy, boldness, fear of rejection, the impact your story can have, college applications, being a first generation college student/applicant, stress with school, her story with the Miss America Organization, and so much more. LuLu is a bright light in this world, and I know everyone will be touched by this conversation.
Today's guest is Lauren Bradford. Lauren was Miss Alabama 2021 and the first runner-up to Miss America. She is now a grad student at Vanderbilt University. Listen as we discuss her UNPLUG: Digital Dieting Plan, pros and cons to technology, putting down our phones long enough to experience true connection, how to deal with comparison, how to prioritize God when life gets busy, surrendering daily, relying on the sufficiency of Christ when we are insufficient, refraining from idolizing goals, and so much more. Lauren shares so much gold, so don't miss this one!
Today I am joined by Jamie Walker. You may recognize Jamie from her work with Rodan + Fields, or from a viral TikTok of her son Abraham receiving a birthday cake for the first time. Jamie believes we all have a story to share, and those stories are our superpowers. Listen as we discuss her story, her business with direct sales, serving your season, overcoming fear, leaning into uncomfortable situations, adopting James and Abraham from Sierra Leone, how they have changed her life, what she’s learned from her kids, her and her husband’s story as Highschool sweethearts, and so much more.
In this episode I am joined by A'Leah Burrell. A'Leah is the owner of Lea Bee Boutique, the current Miss Gwinett County, the founder of There She Owns, singer, dance teacher, and so much more. Listen as we discuss her why, being a woman business-owner, overcoming fear of taking risks, her work with There She Owns, learning when to say no, the Miss America Organization, self worth, eating disorders, and more. A'Leah shares incredible pieces of advice and wisdom. She truly has a heart for God and His people, and she shines so bright!
Today I chat with Nikki Gal, the host of Raw Talk with Nikki Gal, a former model, and the artist behind See Thru Nikki. Nikki and I discuss her why, her experience in the modeling world, body image, learning how to replant yourself and find that light within, the message she wants to leave with her listeners on Raw Talk, her passion for art, expressing yourself creatively to improve mental health, being able to relate to one another, practical tips to improve your mental health, comfort shows, and so much more. We need more Nikkis in this world!
Follow her on instagram: @rawtalkwithnikkigal @seethrunikki
Today I am joined by Jennifer Pearson. Mrs. Pearson is the author of Growing in God, a spiritual discipline planner and journal and she recently launched her platform "Joyfully His," where she posts blogs, devotions, scripture memory challenges, and more. Listen as we talk about waiting on God's timing, growing during waiting seasons, Growing in God, what "Joyfully His" is and how it came to be, becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, overcoming self-doubt to pursue what God has in store, discernment, how she has overcome her fear of public speaking, her family's adoption story, perfectionism, true satisfaction and joy in the Lord, and more.
Today I am joined by Jessica Roberts, Miss Middle West Georgia. We discuss the importance of pausing for your mental health, the roles that animals can take in being emotional support, pausing from social media, the Miss America Organization, playing "Backyard Uno," what it was like attending a performing arts school, her experience at Wesleyan College (an all girls school), being a woman in today's society, learning when to say sorry, confidence, happiness from within, and more! You really don't want to miss out on this episode!!
In this episode I am joined by Taylor Burrell, Miss Rome. We discuss the importance of giving back, gratitude, her LINK initiative, how her dogs have been a refuge for her, her obsession with the Grinch, warning signs of child abuse, how to handle when God says no (because in life we get more no's than yes's), living an authentic life, her journey with the Miss America Organization, not overworking yourself, her family's business, and more!
Today I am joined by Sarah Jane Houston, Miss Albany. We discuss growing up in large families, her diverse family dynamic, the importance of representing differences in literature, her new children's book "Janeybug's Big Day," how she began competing in the Miss America Organization, mental health, signs someone may be dealing with suicidal thoughts, the importance of checking in on those you love, the power in saying no, and much more!
Today I am joined by Savannah Jo Stevens. Listen as we discuss hard work, her journey with the Miss America Organization, being diagnosed with dyslexia, how she wants to change the education system for students with dyslexia, songwriting, her album (Rebel I), her band, vulnerability as a strength, relationships, prayer, loving yourself and God first, and so much more!
In today's episode I speak with Alexae Phillips, who grew up as a missionary in Dubai. In this fun and wisdom filled episode we discuss pursuing the purpose God has given each of us, her family's non-profit ministry organization and the work they do, the importance of community, being open to new cultures, the difficulty of transitioning from living overseas to living in America, studying new languages, her mission work in India, miracles through prayer, how to have courage to step out of your comfort zone to pursue your purpose, her dream of starting orphanages in India for kids with special needs, true freedom in Christ, relationships, funny travel stories, and so much more!
In this episode I speak with Julia Langley, where we discuss her work with Cirque du Soleil, traveling, performing, overcoming tragic events of her life in the last couple years, getting back up when life knocks you down, the importance of using your voice and sharing your story, and so much more!
In today's episode I speak with Kelsey Hollis. Kelsey is an advocate for autism acceptance and is actively involved in the Miss America Organization. Listen as we discuss her story as an advocate, the beauty in being made different, the meaning of family, her journey with the Miss America Organization, the key to authenticity, where worth is found, being imperfect yet impactful, the importance of living out your faith, and so much more!
In today's episode, I welcome Marybeth Brown. Marybeth partners with Lifeline Children’s services to host a Stand For Orphans, a fundraiser with Lifeline where she sells homemade items. She also helps run the social media for Lifebeads, an organization giving sustainable jobs to women in Uganda. Listen as we discuss these organizations, her involvement in Leo Club, musical theater, soccer, travel, resting in the Lord, growing God’s kingdom, the enneagram, and the importance of being involved in your community.
Today, Miss Cherokee Rose, Carley Vogel, joins me on the podcast. We discuss her Love Your Liver, Love Yourself initiative, her journey with autoimmune hepatitis, seeing the silver lining in obstacles, the American Liver Foundation, what the Miss America Organization teaches young women, staying in your lane, being the best version of yourself, musical theater, meeting Kristen Chenoweth, and so much more!
In this episode, I welcome Rylee Ruegger, Miss Rome's Outstanding Teen. Rylee and I discuss the importance of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, how to overcome bullying, warning signs of cyberbullying, her Be Nice Program, learning to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself, how the Miss America Organization provides incredible opportunities for young women, time management, being who God made you to be, and allowing God to turn a burden in your life into a blessing.
In today's episode I welcome my very own sister, Kitty Key. We dive deep into living with a servant's heart, overcoming the obstacles she has faced, trusting God's plan for your life, taking leaps of faith, performing, her experience in the Miss America Organization, metal detecting and magnet fishing, moving far from home, loving consistently and with intention, learning from failures, and learning to be still and know that God is good even in hard circumstances.
In this episode I chat with Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Mary Wilhelmina Hodges. Listen as we talk about being successful despite coming from a small town, her Take Ten Initiative, Reach Out And Read, the mission of the Miss America Organization, interview and pageant tips, and accomplishing big goals despite being young.
In this episode, I am welcoming Shali King, Miss Georgia Teen 2019. We discuss focusing on who we are following rather than who is following us, the importance of sharing the Gospel, handling hateful opinions from society, having God-confidence, the sisterhood of the Miss America Organization, wisdom from Dolly Parton, our worth in Christ, and so much more!
In this episode, I am welcoming Addie Freeman, Miss Southeast Georgia’s Outstanding Teen. We discuss Addie’s journey with juvenile arthritis, her talents, living a life of priority, her faith, tips on where to start when it comes to prayer and reading the God’s Word, and the importance of family.
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Miss Troup County, Ansleigh Williams. Listen as they discuss shining a light to be a light, the End it Movement, Ansleigh’s Point of Grace Dance Studio, her journey with the Miss America Organization, overcoming comparison, and having an authentic faith.