Confessions of a Pageant King

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe--👑 About AudreyAudrey Whisman was crowned Miss Pennsylvania Volunteer back in October, and has been living her dream life ever since! She has already travelled over 17,500 miles and attended over 50 appearances, and is still just getting started! Join as she discusses her year so far, her experiences overcoming Selective Mutism which led to the creation of her SERVE Initiative: Beyond the Silence, and much more! She’s currently preparing to represent Pennsylvania at the Miss Volunteer America national competition this June, and is launching National Drop-Off Day in collaboration with The Salvation Army to inspire service nationwide. Audrey believes your biggest struggle can become your greatest strength, and she’s living proof.👉 Follow Audrey:https://www.instagram.com/misspavol/https://www.instagram.com/audreywhismanofficial/--Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe--Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project.Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOUR CO-HOSTS:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/* https://www.instagram.com/missgavol/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 info@thepageantproject.com--Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm ET. Sign up at:👉 pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. Sign up at:👉 pageantmock.com--Let me break pageant interview into three levels.Interview 101: Can you walk into the room and speak in coherent sentences without falling apart?For most of you, that doesn’t take long to master.Then comes:Interview 201: Talking points. Stories. Structure. Keeping your answers tight. Sounding polished.That’s where almost everyone stops.* You improve.* You feel sharper.* You stop rambling.And then you plateau.Because there’s a third level.Interview 301: Persuasion. Influence. Reading the room.Not just answering questions, but moving people.Most pageant contestants are practicing Interview 201 skills over and over again, then wondering why they are not breaking through.If you’ve felt stuck, this might be why.In this week’s video, I explain what Interview 301 actually looks like and how to start building it.Because good answers do not win pageant interviews.Influence does.Adrian.--I offer a limited number of private coaching sessions for contestants who are serious about taking home the crown. Find out more:👉 thepageantproject.com/coaching This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOUR CO-HOSTS:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/* https://www.instagram.com/missgavol/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 info@thepageantproject.com--High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. Sign up at:👉 pageantmock.com-Most of you are getting better at interview.* Your answers are clearer.* More structured.* Less filler.* More polished.And you’re still not winning.Here’s why.You’re practicing answers. But judges (and humans in general) make decisions emotionally.By the time you sit down, they already have a feeling about you.* Confident or unsure* Magnetic or flat* Titleholder material or notAnd then your answers either confirm that feeling… or struggle to overcome it.Interview isn’t a memorization contest.It’s persuasion.It’s presence.* It’s how you walk in.* How you sit.* How you make eye contact.* How you make them feel.Logic matters.But emotion comes first.In this week’s video, I break down:* Why 80% of the decision happens before you even open your mouth* The soft skills most contestants never train and never know about* And how to start working on the part of interview that actually winsWatch it with one question in mind:When I walk out of the room, will the judges think of me as the best and only logical decision to be their next titleholder?That’s where interview is won. Or lost.Until next week.Adrian.-I offer a limited number of private coaching sessions for contestants who are serious about taking home the crown. Find out more:👉 thepageantproject.com/coaching This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:http://thepageantproject.com/subscribe-👑 About AmandaAmanda Higginbotham, a born and raised Texan reigning as Miss Texas Volunteer, has a passport full of stamps and a heart full for service. A summa cum laude graduate with dual degrees in Aeronautical Science and International Studies and language certificates in Chinese and French, Amanda currently works as a DFW-based airline pilot and a part-time model. Also, with almost 5,000 lifetime volunteer service hours, she's the founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Reach Out to Outreaches Inc., which has partnered with charities such as American Cancer Society, Civil Air Patrol, Angel Flight South Central, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, MPowered performance troupe, and more.If she's not landing–or strutting–on a runway, Amanda loves to inspire others through her S.E.R.V.E initiative, "The Spark Initiative - Igniting Curiosity to Spark Empowerment". She is a self-described movie critic, sushi eater, country dancer, and just another coffee lover. With a passion for life and a heart for others, Amanda wants to prove that courage, commitment, and a LOT of caffeine can take you anywhere!👉 Follow Amanda:https://www.instagram.com/anhiggi/https://www.instagram.com/misstxvolunteer/-Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. Sign up at pageantmock.com: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOur co-hosts:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeSPECIAL GUEST CO-HOST* https://www.instagram.com/daviaesther/For all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 info@thepageantproject.comHigh-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:http://thepageantproject.com/subscribe-Let me ask you a question.Over the last year, a lot of you have joined The Pageant Project. Many of you are new here, and I realized I haven’t properly reintroduced myself or asked what you actually want to know.So let me ask you directly.What do you want to know about pageants?* A question you’ve always had, but never felt comfortable asking* Something about contracts, judging, or industry politics* An issue you think gets ignored or sugar-coated* A situation you’re dealing with and want an honest perspective onReply to this email, send me a DM, or submit anonymously at pageantpod.com.If you want to stay anonymous, just say so. I’ll respect that.BestAdrian.-Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. To sign up, go to:https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOur co-hosts:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 info@thepageantproject.comHigh-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:http://thepageantproject.com/subscribe-Have you ever noticed that the likelihood of a fanbase getting irrationally angry is directly proportional to how passionate they are?Whether they’re Trekkies, Swifties, or Flat Earthers, there’s no point trying to convince them they’re wrong - you are.The exact same rule applies to pageants. The industry may not be as big as it once was, but in many ways, that means the remaining people are even more passionate on average. And, make no mistake, they’re passionate about many things:* Which pageant is the best* Which pageant coach is the best* Who the favorites/hotpicks are for any given pageant* Who’s got the prettiest dress* Who spoke the most eloquentlyBut here’s the question. Should you listen to any of it?Forget pageant fans for a second. If you take on a well-known pageant coach, and they tell you that you entered the wrong pageant, would you take their advice?What about if they told you your talent or platform was wrong, or they made you question things such as your food choices or your religious or political beliefs?Unfortunately, pageantry is FULL of characters like that. There are far too many people with opinions, and far too few with the reasoning, experience, or critical thought to back them up.All this to say - never let anyone tell you that your reasons are “wrong”, whether that’s your reasons for competing in a pageant, the career path your choose to take, or the life partner you choose to spend the rest of your life with.And never let anyone tell you you’re a moron either… but you’ll have to watch or listen to this week’s episode to get the BTS on that one!Adrian.-Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. To sign up, go to:https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOur co-hosts:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeSpecial guest co-host:Geanna Koulouris:* https://www.instagram.com/geannakoulouris/For all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 info@thepageantproject.comHigh-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:👉 https://thepageantproject.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Our next mock interview is on Thursday 29th January at 8pm EST. If you’re serious about winning your next pageant interview, visit pageantmock.com (3 spots left).Never ever enter a pageant purely to win.I get it, I’m competitive too, but let’s be real. Pageant judging can be an absolute farce, and it’s often when you least expect it.Are you honestly telling me you’re prepared to put in all the hard work, only to have it thrown away simply because a clueless judge picked the pretty girl who smiled at him?I didn’t think so.In my opinion, there are only 3 reasons you should be entering a pageant in 2026. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want to win, or that you won’t win, it simply means that the win would be the proverbial icing on the cake.If I had only one wish for you heading into 2026, it would be that you set up the game of pageantry in such a way that you walk away as a better person at the end of it, regardless of the result, and that you viewed the whole experience as ‘worth it’.Watch this week’s video or listen to the episode and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.Do you agree with my 3 reasons? Or would you make some changes?BestAdrian.Got a question or issue that needs to be discussed about the pageant industry? Visit pageantpod.com. Questions can be submitted anonymously. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Pageants & Tangents is an irreverential and honest take on modern-day pageantry, hosted by Adrian Kwan, Founder of The Pageant Project (https://thepageantproject.com).Got a pageant issue or question you want us to discuss? Submit it here:👉 https://pageantpod.comOur co-hosts:Morgan Morgan:* https://www.instagram.com/morganmorganbonafide/* https://www.morganmorganfitness.com/Peyton Christen:* https://www.instagram.com/peytonkaynec/Haley Poe:* https://www.instagram.com/haleygracepoe/* https://www.youtube.com/@haleygracepoeFor all media and sponsorship enquiries:👉 info@thepageantproject.comHigh-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

High-performance pageant coaching, shared weekly. Trusted by 350+ titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and beyond. This isn’t theory. It’s what works. Start your journey for free:http://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 About MadalainaAn engineer and STEM advocate who believes confidence matters just as much as credentials. As the founder of EmpowHER in STEM, she focuses on building community and sharing resources that support girls and young women as they navigate STEM, leadership, and spaces where they may not always feel represented.👉 Follow Madalaina:https://www.instagram.com/_m.hlava_/https://www.instagram.com/official_madalainahlava/Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. Sign up at: pageantmock.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Got a question or issue that needs to be discussed about the pageant industry? Visit pageantpod.com. Questions can be submitted anonymously.-There's a post pinned to the top of my Instagram right now. It’s been one of my most viral posts to date, scoring close enough to 10,000 likes, and over 1,000 saves and shares.Here’s a little BTS insight - when I create posts such as these, I view it almost as a test to see how well I have my finger on the pulse of the pageant industry* Do I still understand what contestants such as you really want?* What obstacles you’re struggling to overcome?* And what issues you want to see discussed?When a post lands (i.e. performs well), I take it as a sign that it’s spoken to some element of truth within the pageant industry. When it doesn’t, perhaps not (although the algorithm can play a role in that too).But whenever a post does do well, there’s almost always a comment from someone who bites back at it. Recently I had one well-known US pageant queen comment:“What do men know about pageants. This irks me so bad.”This time around however, the comment was more nuanced.Here’s the thing - I actually agree with this comment. “Being real” is no guarantee of winning a pageant, or anything else for that matter.But here’s the question - what does “winning” mean to you?And is it possible for you to change the pageant game in such a way that you ALWAYS walk away a winner?I believe so. And that’s what we’re discussing in this week’s episode.BestAdrianOur next mock interview for 2026 is on Thursday 22nd January at 8pm EST. Click the button below to sign up or visit pageantmock.com (6 spots left). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works. Subscribe for free at:https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 About ArianaAriana Leigh Scott, Miss New Jersey Teen Volunteer, is a dedicated high school student and the proud founder of Hand 2 Hand Heroes, an initiative focused on uplifting those in need through compassion and connection. Passionate about service, Ariana devotes her time to creating meaningful change in her community, inspiring others to lead with kindness, purpose, and heart.👉 Follow Ariana:https://www.instagram.com/missnjteenvol/https://www.instagram.com/hand2handheroes/-Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. To sign up, go to:https://pageantmock.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Got a question or issue that needs to be discussed about the pageant industry? Visit pageantpod.com. Questions can be submitted anonymously.I got asked a question last week by one of our VIPs. She was asking whether it was possible to negotiate her pageant contract. My answer was pretty straightforward:* Yes you absolutely CAN.* Whether you SHOULD or not is a judgment call.In this week’s episode I talk about one of my experiences helping an international titleholder navigate a particularly treacherous contract. While her qualms surrounded financial arrangements and percentages, I’ve also consulted with contestants who wanted to bring a class action against a pageant system for breach of contract, as well as one titleholder who managed to b*tch slap her director so hard (figuratively) that she ended up becoming the NEW director.The moral of the story, however, is always pretty simple.Know your worth.And if that means you step away from a title or a pageant, then so be it.I know that you might think that’s easier said than done and I can certainly empathize with that, but the alternative is that you end up in what is basically indentured servitude for the rest of your life (or at least the rest of your pageant career).Until next time,Adrian.Our next mock interview for 2026 is on Thursday 15th January at 8pm EST. Sign up at pageantmock.com (5 spots left). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe-👑 About JessicaJessica is 26 years old and was born and raised in southern New Jersey. She currently works as a full-time paramedic and volunteers with her local fire department. Her S.E.R.V.E. initiative, Let’s Talk Diabetes, was inspired by her own experiences after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 11 years old and focuses on raising awareness about diabetes and advocating for those affected by the disease. She works with many volunteer organizations throughout the state of New Jersey and believes that giving back to her community is not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility.👉 Follow Jessica:https://www.instagram.com/jessiwriggins/https://www.instagram.com/missnjvol/-Looking to win your next pageant interview? We hold weekly mock interview sessions on Thursday evenings at 8pm EST. Sign up at pageantmock.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Our first mock interview for 2026 is on Thursday 8th January at 8pm EST. Sign up at: pageantmock.com (3 spots left).Am I the only one that got whiplash from pageantry in 2025?Here were my highlights:* Attending Miss Volunteer America in June in Tennessee* Publishing “The Beginner’s Guide to Pageantry” and having it hit the Top Ten on Amazon* Beginning the recording of a new pageant podcast “Pageants & Tangents”On the flipside, I felt that 2025 was the year I became quite disillusioned with the pageant coaching industry and some of the weirdly upside-down power structures that exist within the pageant industry in general:* Miss Universe was a debacle from start to finish* I encountered multiple cases of nepotism and conflicts of interest being swept under the carpet* Far too many coaches indulging in unethical business practices and abusing their positions of powerDespite all that, I actually remain quite hopeful about the state of pageantry in 2026 and beyond (at least in the USA). You can watch or listen to this week’s episode to get my thoughts on international pageantry (spoiler alert: they’re not positive).But if you’re someone who’s thinking of entering their first pageant, or re-entering after a long sabattical, maybe 2026 is the year to do it?How was your 2025? Hit REPLY and let me know!BestAdrianPS Happy New Year!I offer a limited number of private coaching sessions per month for women serious about elevating their pageant journey. Book yours at:https://www.thepageantproject.com/p/coachingPageantry is evolving—and you deserve coaching that’s more than surface-level. Book in if you’re ready to go beyond the crown. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe

Each week, I share no-fluff pageant coaching that helps you win. Both on stage and off. After coaching titleholders in Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss America, and 350+ pageant interviews, this isn’t theory. It’s what works.https://thepageantproject.com/subscribe👑 About JesseI am a small town girl from Provencal, Louisiana, for I represented Natchitoches, Louisiana at the Miss Louisiana Pageant. I competed in pageants from a very early age, in hopes to gain confidence and a passion. I achieved more than that.I have over 200+ volunteer hours just within this year. Our community calls, I answer. I am the founder of the Jesse Foshee Scholarship at Renee’s Dance Studio, raising money for girls who need the financial help to do what they love: dance. I have written a confidence building journal, Simply Me, for the City of Natchitoches and NSU. You may have seen me at every Northwestern State event, Special Olympics, our Lieutenant Governor’s office, and in every Louisiana Parish. I can’t wait to devote my time and efforts to Louisiana.Now preparing for Miss Volunteer America, I think of those who doubted me. I think of those from my hometown village who deserves better. I think of the young girls who have socioeconomic limitations. I wear the crown to teach women that they CAN.👉 Follow Jesse:https://www.instagram.com/misslavol/https://www.instagram.com/thejessefoshee/⏱️ Timestamps* 00:00 – Intro, pronunciation chaos, and becoming Miss Louisiana Volunteer* 04:30 – Louisiana identity: Katrina, unity, hospitality, and culture* 09:00 – Music, dance vs violin, and Louisiana creative roots* 13:30 – Food, holidays, pageant prep, and Natchitoches traditions* 19:00 – Changing majors, faith, bucket trucks, and reading “signs”* 26:30 – Entering pageants young, confidence building, early lessons* 33:30 – Volunteering, Salvation Army work, and service beyond the crown* 41:30 – Family sacrifice, paying for her own gown, crowning night emotions* 52:00 – What makes her tick: resilience, faith, hope, and humility* 1:07:00 – Perspective after winning, advice for young girls, closing reflectionsOur last mock interview for 2025 is on Thursday 18th December at 8pm EST. Click the button below to sign up or visit pageantmock.com (4 spots left). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepageantproject.com/subscribe