A Deeper Look

SummaryMarguerite Adzick, founder of Addison Bay, shares her journey as a female founder and entrepreneur. She discusses the origination of the idea for Addison Bay and how she went from idea to execution. Marguerite talks about the mission of Addison Bay to offer elevated activewear for the modern woman and the importance of dressing women for all parts of their day. She also shares her experience of starting the company while six months pregnant and the inspiration she found in becoming a mother. Marguerite emphasizes the importance of optimism, having a supportive partner, and enjoying the ride in the entrepreneurial journey. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and running a business. Marguerite shares her vision for the future of Addison Bay, including opening more stores and expanding the brand's reach.Sound Bites"She doesn't need to start a company someday, but she does need to know that she can do whatever she wants in this world.""I really have the blinders on. I focus on myself, my company, my vision.""I am glass full. Like there is not any room at the top. I am as full as full can be."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:05 Inspiration from Motherhood06:48 Being an Example for Her Children10:00 Balancing Wins and Losses13:17 Finding Balance in a Busy Life23:34 Supporting Female FoundersTakeawaysBelieve in yourself and your visionSurround yourself with supportive peopleMaintain optimism and a positive attitudeEnjoy the journey and find fulfillment in all aspects of lifeEmbrace the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurshipFocus on your own path and avoid comparisonPay it forward and support other women in their entrepreneurial journeysStrive for growth and expansion while staying true to your valuesKeywordsfemale founder, entrepreneur, Addison Bay, activewear, modern woman, motherhood, balance, optimism, support, brick and mortar stores, future vision

SummaryPaige Davis, the former host of Trading Spaces, shares her journey from being a dancer and actress to becoming the face of a home renovation show. She talks about the impact of Trading Spaces on the home renovation industry and how it launched HGTV and DIY approaches to home improvement. Paige discusses how she landed the role on Trading Spaces and the challenges she faced as a host without a background in interior design. She also emphasizes the importance of networking, advocating for oneself, and surrounding oneself with people who believe in you. In this conversation, Julia Rae and Paige Davis discuss Paige's experience with Trading Spaces, including the ups and downs of the show's success and her personal journey as a host. They also touch on Paige's career in theater, her husband Patrick Page, and her work with Volunteers of America. Paige shares advice for young creatives and the importance of being flexible and adaptable in the industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:48 The Impact of Trading Spaces08:46 Networking and Advocating for Oneself10:41 Surrounding Yourself with Believers32:14 The Phenomenon and Challenges of Trading Spaces36:01 Ups and Downs in Paige Davis' Career52:44 Paige Davis' Work with Volunteers of America56:35 Flexibility and Adaptability in the Entertainment Industry01:00:21 Advice for Young Creatives

SummaryIn this solo episode, Julia Rae shares her personal experience with cystic fibrosis, from childhood to adulthood. She discusses the impact of the disease on her life, the challenges she faced, and the hope she found. Julia also talks about the importance of mental health and the need for empathy and understanding for those with chronic illnesses.TakeawaysCystic fibrosis is a genetic chronic disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, and sinuses.Living with a chronic illness from childhood to adulthood presents unique challenges and requires resilience and hope.Mental health and emotional well-being are important aspects of managing a chronic illness and require open discussion and support.Empathy and understanding for individuals with chronic illnesses are essential for creating a supportive and inclusive environment.Keywordscystic fibrosis, chronic illness, personal experience, mental health, empathy, understanding

SummarySimone De La Rue, the founder of Body by Simone, shares her journey from being a Broadway dancer to becoming a fitness entrepreneur. She discusses her international upbringing, her transition to the fitness industry, and the challenges she faced in building her brand. Simone also talks about the importance of adapting her workouts to cater to women in perimenopause and menopause. She emphasizes the need for authenticity, creating an ego-free environment, and the power of movement as a form of therapy. Simone reflects on the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of being present in the moment. She also discusses the balancing act of being a single mother and a business owner. Simone shares her thoughts on what's next for her and the importance of having faith and doing the work.TakeawaysSimone De La Rue's journey from being a Broadway dancer to a fitness entrepreneur is a testament to following one's passion and taking control of one's destiny.Adapting workouts to cater to women in perimenopause and menopause is crucial for addressing their changing needs and promoting overall well-being.Creating an ego-free environment and fostering authenticity are key to building a safe and loving community in the fitness industry.Movement can be a powerful form of therapy, helping to release trauma and improve mental and physical health.Being present in the moment, having faith, and doing the work are essential for navigating challenges and finding fulfillment in life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:08 Transitioning to the Fitness Industry08:07 Building Body by Simone and the Impact of COVID-1913:11 Creating an Ego-Free Environment and the Power of Movement24:52 Balancing Motherhood and Business Ownership29:55 Finding Fulfillment in the Present Moment and What's Next

SummaryDeidre Rogan shares her journey of becoming a member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. From a young age, Deidre knew she wanted to dance for the company after seeing Alvin Ailey's iconic work, Revelations. She trained extensively in modern dance and auditioned for the Ailey summer intensives and the BFA program. After graduating, she joined Ailey Two and eventually auditioned for the main company, seven years in a row (!!!), finally getting hired in 2022. Deidre discusses the physical and emotional toll of being a professional dancer, the challenges of touring, and the importance of body image in the dance world. She also shares her aspirations for the future, including potentially pursuing Broadway and voiceover work. Deidre's story is one of resilience and never, ever giving up on her ultimate dream, a dream she made her reality. TakeawaysNever give up on your dreams, even if it takes multiple auditions or years of training.The dance world is shifting towards celebrating all body types and athleticism.Touring as a dancer can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging, but the love for performing keeps dancers going.Balancing personal life and touring can be difficult, but communication and understanding are key.It's important to take care of your body and prioritize your physical and mental well-being as a dancer.Timing is everything, and connections and perseverance can play a significant role in achieving your goals.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Early Dance Aspirations08:06 A Day in the Life of an Ailey Dancer26:07 The Physical Toll and Career Lifespan of a Dancer31:44 Body Image in the Dance World39:59 Balancing Personal Life and Touring

SummaryMJ Acosta Ruiz, the first Afro-Latina woman host for the NFL, shares her journey in the broadcast industry and the challenges she faced as a woman and minority. She talks about her passion for performance and how it led her to the broadcast space. MJ also discusses her experience as an NFL cheerleader and the rigorous audition process. She emphasizes the importance of mentors and the support she received from her colleagues. MJ reflects on the highs and lows of her career and the resilience required to succeed. She also discusses her exploration of acting and the joy of surrendering and being vulnerable in that space. Finally, MJ shares her plans for the future and the importance of embracing her true self outside of her job.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:20 Discovering the Broadcast Space07:49 Challenges and Stigmas in the Sports Industry16:23 The Importance of Fearlessness and Resolve32:30 Re-examining Identity and Embracing the Journey39:22 Advice for Younger Self and Embracing Authenticity

A Deeper Look at...Mallory Hagan, former Miss America and Congressional cadidate, shares her journey and experiences in the pageant and political worlds. She discusses the scholarship opportunities and the importance of being the best version of oneself in competition. Mallory also highlights the strong bonds and friendships formed among Miss America contestants. She talks about the challenges she faced as Miss America, including the archaic rules and the negative treatment from the organization's CEO. Mallory shares how she found strength in focusing outward and working towards creating change. She emphasizes the importance of not taking other people's actions personally and understanding that they are a reflection of their own issues. Mallory discusses the rewarding aspects of shifting gears and saying yes to new opportunities, such as running for Congress. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and using her platform to amplify issues in her community. Mallory also draws parallels between pageantry and politics, highlighting the external opinions and scrutiny faced in both fields. She shares her toolbox for navigating external validation and staying true to herself. Mallory focuses on Alabama politics on social media to address the lack of media coverage and inform the public about important legislation. She encourages content creators to use their platforms for smart political gain. Mallory discusses her personal life, finding love and becoming a parent. She hopes to raise her children to be advocates for others and their community while also taking care of themselves. Mallory reflects on her journey as Miss America and the internal struggles she faced, emphasizing the importance of grace and self-compassion.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:01 Dreaming of Becoming Miss America03:48 Support and Camaraderie Among Miss America Contestants06:14 The Significance of the Talent Portion08:12 Becoming Miss America and the Year-Long Experience11:08 Exposing the Misogyny within the Miss America Organization14:15 Finding Strength and Moving Forward20:06 Advice for Dealing with Bullying and Backstabbing22:32 Shifting Gears and Embracing New Opportunities24:31 Similarities Between Pageantry and Politics26:18 Navigating External Validation and Inner Voice28:23 Using Social Media Platform for Advocacy29:08 Future Political Aspirations30:02 Choosing What to Share on the Internet32:29 Focus on Young People and Voting37:08 Finding Happiness in Personal Life40:57 Parenting and Fierce Advocacy43:15 Dealing with Personal Turmoil and Shame

Cheval is not only an amazing fashion designer and entrepreneur, but she is the founder of the nonprofit A Girl You Might Know, dedicated to sharing powerful lessons for understanding and negotiating contracts in the workplace. Cheval is a fierce and resilient creative leader and she has so much insight to share as she has lived through a contract dispute in the age of social media that resulted in her being denied access to not only her personal Instagram, but to her own given name. In this episode, she emphasizes the importance of finding inner peace and protecting oneself while pursuing a creative career. Cheval encourages others to learn from her experiences and establish clear boundaries in contracts. She also discusses the importance of forgiveness, gratitude, and faith in overcoming challenges. Cheval’s story serves as inspiration for young entrepreneurs and creatives, reminding them to stay enthusiastic, hopeful and to believe in themselves.TakeawaysFind inner peace and protect yourself while pursuing a creative career.Establish clear boundaries and ask important questions when signing contracts.Learn from the experiences of others to avoid common mistakes.Stay enthusiastic and believe in yourself, even in the face of setbacks.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:10 Impact of Cheval's Story03:12 The Challenges of a Creative Career04:08 Finding Inner Peace05:48 Starting Over and Pursuing a New Venture06:24 The Decision to Sign a Contract08:39 Lessons Learned from Cheval's Experience09:37 Embracing the Good and the Bad11:51 Navigating the Landmines for Creatives14:58 Processing and Sharing the Journey16:27 Being Selective in Sharing on Social Media22:26 Current Situation and Legal Proceedings24:27 Starting a New Venture with Cheval27:30 Returning to Basics and Finding Inspiration29:58 The Importance of Not Underestimating Yourself30:34 Approaching Business with Clarity and Boundaries35:54 Leading with Grace, Love, and Gratitude39:20 Advice for Overcoming Roadblocks