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Welcome to the "Fearlessly Authentic: Sash & Soul Podcast," the show that goes beyond the stage to prioritize mindset, wellbeing, and triumphs in the pageant journey. Each episode explores the power of embracing authenticity, sharing mindset tips, self-care strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you navigate the pageant world with confidence and resilience.
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Send us a text This episode is a real, unfiltered look at resilience and authenticity... the kind that's forged through life's hardest seasons. In the past year, I've walked through grief, pregnancy loss, medical emergencies, and stepping into the role of caregiver after my dad's stroke. Those moments completely shifted my perspective, not just on pageantry, but on life as a whole. Stepping back forced me to ask myself why this work matters and what makes it meaningful. And through hundreds o...
Send us a text Kira Dixon (Kazantsev), Miss America 2015, is a host and reporter for Golf Channel and NBC Sports. She primarily covers news on the PGA TOUR and recently returned from her trip to Paris after her debut as a Sports Desk reporter at the 2024 Olympics. In this episode with Kira, we discuss her beginnings in pageantry and how her Miss America journey started as a lighthearted, extracurricular activity with her mom, buying dresses off eBay and doing her own makeup. Her life t...
Send us a text Join us in celebrating an exciting milestone as Lila officially joins the Fearlessly Authentic team as a full-time Communications, Mindset & Media Literacy coach! We reflect on Lila's journey from competing on stage for over a decade, to mentoring behind the scenes, as she dives into the pivotal role of mentoring and coaching. Together, we explore the unique, ever-evolving approach of Fearlessly Authentic Coaching, highlighting our commitment to empowering women beyond th...
Send us a text On this week's episode of Sash and Soul, we're delving into what you need to know for pageant interviews. Learn how to shift from feeling intimidated by a panel of judges to genuinely enjoying the process, and find out why the right mindset can be a game-changer in any interview scenario. These are our basic do's and don'ts of any interview to get you ready for your next competition, internship, job interview, or even college interview. We emphasize how embracing ...
Send us a text Annie Jorgensen, former Miss Georgia and Miss High School America, joins us with candid conversation from navigating the pageant world to influencer marketing in New York City. Hear about her pageant journey and Miss Georgia reign during a notable time for the Miss America organization. She also shares how she coped with pressure while still making an impact on young women through her service. Her story is an example of how the skills of pageant life translates into the entrepr...
Send us a text This episode of Sash and Soul is a do's and don'ts guide for supporters through the highs and lows of competition week, preparing for competition, and life as a titleholder. We unravel the rollercoaster of emotions during competition week, from preliminaries to post-final show. The need for a comforting support system is crucial. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to support a competitor and for competitors themselves looking to help guide their suppo...
Send us a text This episode centers around conflict resolution, boundary setting, and collaboration. We talk about the essential skills for success in high-pressure situations, whether on stage or in everyday life. We say often that this journey isn't solely about pageants; it's a guide to genuine connections and networking in life. We discuss the importance of emotional regulation and clear communication, especially in challenging circumstances. In relationship building, authenticit...
Send us a text In this episode, we discuss the difference between mental health and mindset. Most importantly, distinguishing between a healthy mindset and the need for mental health care. Both are crucial when one can't reach its full potential without the other. Topics include: life after pageants, facing identity shifts and financial challenges. We highlight the role of therapy and coaching in personal growth to overcome shame and seek help. Mindset is the balance between pursu...
Send us a text Money -- a topic often at the forefront of competition, pageantry and life, yet often uncomfortable to discuss or confront. In this episode, we talk all things mindset when it comes to investing in yourself, your experiences, your passions, and how they can profoundly impact personal development and success. We discuss the financial and emotional support from families and how these experiences can be growing moments. Resourcefulness matters more than resource...
Send us a text Sometimes you can pour your heart into a passion, only to feel the sting of criticism from those who just don't get it. In this episode we tackle the haters and the empowerment behind owning your reactions. We're getting real about the impact of opinions and how they can challenge our core values. But here’s the clincher: we’ve got strategies to help you stay centered, even when negativity throws you off. In the noisy world of feedback—where well-meaning comments can easily be...
Send us a text From active duty Air Force Officer, to Harvard Graduate student, to pancreatic cancer advocate, to Miss Colorado to Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh shares the grit and behind the scenes of successful leadership and personal growth. She opens up about her advocacy for her mother's legacy, her time in the Air Force Academy, navigating a relationship, the journey through pageantry, and life now as Miss America. Her story offers a reminder of living with purpose while navig...
Send us a text Trials of life and life in pageantry often guide us on the path to self-discovery. This episode of Sash and Soul showcases co-hosts Lila Szyryj and Raeanna Johnson's personal revelations and stories that celebrate the grit behind the glamour. They peel back the curtain on our pageant journeys, emphasizing that the true victory often lies beyond the crown and that the 'wins' lie in the process. Our conversation touches on Lila's journey as the first Chinese Miss Wisconsi...
Send us a text Lila Szyryj shares her journey competing at Miss America with co-host Raeanna Johnson, delving into the emotional rollercoaster behind the glitz and glamour. Lila's personal stories offer a glimpse into the unseen aspects of Miss America, from sponsored events to weathering storms. Their conversation dives into the importance of mental resilience amidst the intense competition, emphasizing the highs and lows of the journey. This episode goes beyond the surface of pageantry, exp...
Send us a text Join Lila Szyryj and Raeanna Johnson on an insightful journey into the world of pageantry. Gain valuable insights on setting priorities, wardrobe essentials, and self-care routines tailored to your strengths. Discover the art of authentic self-presentation and effective communication, including mastering nonverbal cues and extemporaneous speaking. Drawing from our own experiences, we share strategies for resilience and confidence, ensuring every gesture and word reflects intent...
Send us a text Embarking on a journey through the world of pageantry might seem like a pursuit of perfection, but for us, Lila Szyryj and Raeanna Johnson, it's been a path of profound self-discovery and authenticity. Join us as we peel back the curtain on our experiences as former Miss Wisconsin titleholders, and dive into how staying true to ourselves became our superpower in the competitive glitz of pageants. From the crucial shifts in mindset during interviews to the power of walking into ...
Send us a text In this week's episode, I'm breaking down the recent Miss Universe controversy and the bigger conversation it sparks about conflict, mistreatment, and emotional maturity in pageant culture. I'm sharing my own experiences as a former titleholder, the lessons I learned the hard way, and what Miss Mexico's response can teach all of us about grace under pressure. Whether you're a new competitor, a seasoned titleholder, or someone who supports the industry, this episode offers a rea...
Send us a text Alayna Wilson, recently crowned Miss Kansas Volunteer 2026, joins me for a real, heart-forward conversation about service, healing, and growth. We trace her journey from small-town Nebraska to PhD student and state titleholder, unpacking the story behind her initiative "Love & Light: Giving Back, Moving Forward," and how grief, family addiction, and losing a friend to childhood cancer shaped her purpose. We talk confidence through action (not perfection), leaving the "runne...
Send us a text AI in pageants? Yep, we're going there. Before you picture robots on stage or chatbots writing your paperwork, take a breath, because this conversation is all about authenticity meets innovation. In this episode, we're diving into how you can use tools like ChatGPT to actually enhance your prep, not replace it. From organizing your thoughts for paperwork and brainstorming interview questions, to refining your speaking points and saving time on research, AI can be a huge asset w...
Send us a text Competition week doesn't come with a pause button... School, work, family, and life keep going, even when you’re trying to feel prepared and confident. In this episode, Raeanna gets real about what it's like to handle time pressure when your schedule is overflowing and your brain is running on adrenaline. She breaks down why your body reacts to time stress like a survival threat (yes, your nervous system thinks your to-do list is a bear), and how to turn that energy into focuse...
Send us a text This week on Sash and Soul, Raeanna dives deep into one of the most universal parts of competition: nerves. Whether it's your heart racing before interview or your stomach flipping before walking on stage, that anxious energy isn't a sign of weakness... it's your body's way of saying, this matters to you. Raeanna breaks down the science behind the fight-or-flight response, shares her favorite mindset reframes, and offers practical tools to turn that adrenaline into focus and fl...
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