Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols

Brooklyn Quintana is the author of the book, “Fynneas Fog: Nine of Swords.” Her journey to becoming an author was not always so simple, Brooklyn pivoted many times in her life and ultimately has found her calling through writing and inspiring others. She is the founder of a publishing group called Morpheus Media, LLC an alternative to the traditional publishing houses.

Mark Hulsewé is an actor, activist and former victim of bullying. His motivation for joining the entertainment industry is simple - to make a positive impact and using his influence to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams. He sits on the board for AMRAK, a charity focusing on preventing bullying. Mark hopes to continue to bring light to the world and raise the global consciousness of humanity.

Laura Sharpe turned a tragic event into a life-affirming mission. After a tragic helicopter crash in 2008 which left her with significant, life altering injuries, Laura discovered the power of art in healing. It was through her lengthy rehabilitation process from her near-fatal wounds, Laura found her mission in life. She is the founder and CEO of the non-profit Artists for Trauma (AFT) aims to expedite recovery through artistic expression and human connection by pairing civilian and military trauma survivors with established artists.

Taylor McVeigh is a 14-year-old model, actress and social media influencer on a mission. She wants to promote kindness, positive body image and encourage people to take a stance against bullying. Today she opens up about what it means to be a “influencer” and more importantly how to be your own role model.

Dai Time is a social media influencer, founder of Dai Time Magazine and a young entrepreneur. She has been inspiring youth and adults alike since she was only 15 years old. Today, we discuss what it means to be a female entrepreneur and how to lead by example.

Lisa Jason is a singer, songwriter and performer. She wrote an original show called "Bullied to Beautiful" that highlights her own experiences of bullying and how she was able to push through the darkness. Lisa is now a Dance Movement Therapist and holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance Movement Therapy. She hopes to change to prevent bullying and encourage others to use their voice.

Oscar Castan is a host, actor and influencer best known for his Young Artist Academy nominated role as host of the "Gen Z Buzz." Oscar is a series regular host for the new children's streaming show "Next Gen News." He opens up his experiences with bullying, social media and the pressures young people face. 

Lacey Caroline is an actress, singer, dancer and host. She’s best known for her role as Mariah in the 2019 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Christmas Love Story. She’s also worked with NASCAR on NBC as a Kid Reporter and the Monster Energy Supercross series. Check out her take on women in sports, growing up quickly and how she plans to make an impact on the entertainment industry.

Gabe Silva is an actor, podcast host and magazine publisher. He has shared the big screen with some of Hollywood’s top a listers and has appeared in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.” He started his own podcast called, "Just Talk with Gabe" that is downloaded in six different countries. "JTWG" was the natural offshoot of his entrepreneurial spirit taking action against the social injustices of bullying.

Patrick Oliver Jones is an actor and singer who has been performing for more than 25 years. He was an original cast member of “First Wives Club” in Chicago as well as performing in two National Tours of “The Adams Family” and “Evita.” Now he hosts his own podcast called “Why I’ll Never Make It,” which explores the reasons why actors and creative professionals don't succeed while delving into what it really means to "make it" in this industry. Today he opens up about his determination to succeed in all he does. 

Neil D’Monte is a director, producer, storyboard artist and musician. Neil is best known for his work on Jurassic World, Batman Vs. Superman, Palm Springs, Unbreakable boy, Rambo: Last Blood and Midnight Sun. He is also a producer with Robots of Awesome on Sony pictures lot. We discuss what led Neil to Hollywood, his journey of sobriety and how he avoids burnouts.

Connor Dean is an actor, writer, athlete, and meme king. Connor has appeared on Fox’s hit drama 9-1-1 and played Butch the Bully in the Cool Cat movies. Despite his role, he knows what it’s like to be the target of bullying. Connor opens up about the ups and downs of growing up in Hollywood, his charitable work and how he conquered bullying.

Jillian Curwin is a blogger, advocate for accessible fashion and part of the little person community. Using her blog, Always Looking Up, as her platform, she writes about trying to fit into a world that was not designed for people like her, demonstrating that height is just a number, not a limit.

Sarah Hamel-Smith aka @thecurvytrini is a New York based TEDx presenter, plus sized model, storyteller and digital influencer represented by TRUE Model Management. She’s also the co-Founder of Plus Amplified, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering those who live in plus-size bodies and serves as a catalyst for cultural and internal shifts towards size equity. After being body shamed for many years she decided to be one of the people who changes the way beauty is defined in society.

Tricia Campbell is a plus-size supermodel and life coach. Today she gets Blatantly Honest about her former struggle with body image and her journey to become a confident queen. Makaila and Tricia also chat about Black History Month and where she gets her entrepreneurial spirit.

Cavanaugh is the Chief Positivity Creator and founder of a non-profit called Cool and Dope. His organization helps combat bullying. At just eight years old, his work has been recognized on a local, state, and national level even President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have heard of this impressive young man. His dream is to end bullying by his 18th birthday in 2030. 

On this episode of "Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols" is Will LeGate. He's a young entrepreneur who thought himself to code when he was just 13 from online Stanford classes and is now the CEO of one of the top cryptocurrency platforms in America. Despite his success, he was bullied in school for coding during recess. Today he opens up about his own experiences and more importantly how to tune out the haters.

On this episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Lexi Rabe. She’s an actress who’s appeared in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, as Morgan Stark in Avengers: End Game, and her most recent film Silk Road. Despite her success, Lexi reveals how she has experienced bullying. Now, she hopes to spread kindness wherever she goes and to be a role model for others.

On today’s episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Kevin Hines, an award-winning global speaker, best-selling author, documentary filmmaker, suicide prevention and mental health advocate who has reached millions with his story. He is the 26th out of 34 people to survive jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, Kevin and I discuss the reasons why he jumped including childhood bullying, eating disorders, anxiety, and a struggle with his bi-polar disorder. Not only does Kevin want to prevent suicide by sharing his story but he also wants to help change the stigma associated with men and eating disorders.

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Patti Negri. She’s Hollywood’s go-to psychic-medium and “Good Witch.” Patti has a recurring role on Ghost Adventures, appeared on other shows including Master Chef, America’s Got Talent and Flipping Out. She’s the best-selling author of “Old World Magick for the Modern World” and now has a weekly podcast called “The Witching Hour.” Patti has graced numerous magazine covers, contributed to over 20 books and conducted seances on radio, film, and TV working with such legends as Emma Stone, Jon Voight, Josh Duhamel, Martin Sheen and Gregory Hines. 

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Jeremiah Josey. At just 21, he’s quickly becoming the face of autistic young adulthood. Jeremiah is a baker, model, author and speaker. He’s been featured in both Tommy Hilfiger and Kohls adaptive lines, cooked on the Steve Harvey show and is a current student at the Culinary Institute of America. He advocates for other autistic youth and hopes to encourage others to go after their dreams.   

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Matt Newman. He’s the best-selling author of “Starting at a Finish Line” a book centered around Matt’s struggle with brain cancer. He’s a keynote speaker and hopes to inspire others to live life in the present. 

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Tessa Stuckey. She’s a mom on a mission. Tessa is a therapist, speaker and author of the book, “For the Sake of Our Youth.” Today we discuss the growing rate of teen suicide and why the younger generation is lacking proper coping skills. 

On this episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Corey Hicks, former three-time NCAA All American Decathlete in the sport of Track and Field, former 1996 Olympic Hopeful, A two-time Author, Coach & Motivational Speaker Corey Hicks. Who opens up about his career-ending injury but shares the silver lining he next expected.

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Brittni Schroeder. She’s a business coach, marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs and former photographer who’s been featured in WSJ, GMA and other publications. In May of 2017 Brittni lost her 14-year-old son, Gage in a tragic accident. In efforts to help his friends and others heal she founded her own non-profit called, “The Compassion Club.”

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Minda Parker, former air-force veteran, mom of two and brain aneurysm survivor. At just 35, Minda almost lost her life to something she had no idea was inside her. Minda hopes to spread awareness for AVM and is grateful to be alive. She started a clothing line called “God is my Glowup” to help cover her medical bills.

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is fashion model, Brandon Cole Bailey or @itsreallyken. Despite his Ken Doll image, he faced harsh criticism for being openly gay as a model, was bullied, sexually assaulted and struggled with substance abuse. Now, Brandon is changing the stigmas that once followed him with his new book “It’s Not Really Ken” out soon!

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is makeup legend Kristofer Buckle. He has his own makeup line and works with the likes of Madonna, Mariah Carey, Blake Lively and other household names. Before his glow up, Kristofer dealt with severe bullying and self-esteem issues. But today, he celebrates himself and is a role model for every diamond in the rough.

Adam Comer is an upcoming R&B pop artist. He was a contestant on Season 4 of “The Voice.” He was cosigned by many artists such as NEYO, Lance Bass from NSYNC, Mya, Soulja boy, Lil Scrappy and also has cosigner's in Tomi Lauhren, Real Housewives Gretchen Rossi, blogger Perez Hilton and more. Adam shares his passion for music in hopes of becoming one of music’s top influencers in the coming months after he overcame alcohol addiction.

On this episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Jethro Jones. He’s a former principal at all K-12 levels, host of the podcast series Transformative Principal and author of the book “SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves.” Jethro discusses various issues that impact students, teachers and schools across the nation.

On this episode of  “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is Arianna Peralta. At just 13 years old she’s a singer, actress, dancer and writer. Arianna has just recently recorded her first single which is called “On Your Way “which is meant to empower teens. She’s also writing a television pilot about growing up in this modern time. When she’s not juggling school and work, she’s an advocate for others.  

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” I caught up with Brandi Benson. She’s a true warrior. At just 24 she joined the army and was deployed to Iraq. Brandi soon learned that she had a deadly form of cancer called Ewing Sarcoma and was told she would not survive. But Brandi proved everyone wrong. Today, she’s a motivational speaker and author of the book “The Enemy Inside.”

Today on “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” I sat down with Thais Lopez Vogel! She’s a powerhouse for change. Thais is one of the co-founders and trustees, of the VoLo Foundation, a private family foundation that exists to educate the public to create a sustainable and secure planet for generations to come.

Nancy Conrad has become a recognized leader in transformative education & named one of the top 100 leaders in STEM education. She has presented across the globe. Nancy founded the Conrad Foundation after the loss of her husband, Pete Conrad, who during the Apollo 12 mission became the third man to walk on the Moon.

Today on "Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols" I spoke with Randy Haveson. He has overcome so much adversity in his life. He’s a former drug addict and alcoholic but has been sober now for over 36 years. Today, Randy is an author, speaker, life coach, father and husband. He's living proof that you can overcome any obstacle if you believe in yourself. 

On today’s episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is a fashion model, Aly Rae. She refers to herself as the one boob bada** because at 20 she underwent a double mastectomy to eliminate her risk of breast cancer. She was dropped by her former agency because she wasn’t viewed as beautiful anymore. Aly was featured as the first woman with only one breast to appear in a swimsuit in both Glamour UK and Vanity Fair UK. Now, she advocates for representation for all men and women.

On today’s episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” is guest Shenea Booth. She was the first-ever African American female soloist to play a lead character in a Cirque Du Soleil production and was featured in RAINN’s “Don’t Stay Quiet” Campaign. She's a survivor of sexual abuse from both her performance partner and her former acrobatics gymnastics coach, David Reiakvam. Shenea's part of a new wave of the #Metoo movement within the Circus Arts world and is advocating for change.

Heather Drevna is the VP of communications at RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN has a hotline for victims of sexual assault to call: 1-800-656-4673. Heather discusses what goes on at RAINN and how victims can get the help they need, even during a pandemic.

On today’s episode of Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols, I sat down with Hillary Husband. She’s a three-time cancer survivor and former patient at St. Jude. Today, we discuss the stigmas associated with cancer, bullying and other hurdles. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month so be sure to stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear how you can help cure childhood cancer.

Kechi is a burn survivor, musical artist, and advocate. She was a passenger on the plane when it fatally crashed taking the lives of 107 people along with it. Kechi claims that her passion for music, her faith and her family helped her get through her burn treatments and daily life. Years later Kechi was a finalist on Americas Got Talent and Simon Cowell gave her the golden buzzer. Aside from creating music, she is a motivational speaker and soon to be author.

Allen “ATown” Sherrod began his career in 2014 as a celebrity entertainer & social media star. He's been recognized by Snoop Dogg, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, The Kardashian’s & other stars. ATown’s been featured on Baller Alert, World Star with his music and Shaderoom! Despite his fame, he has bullied since he was a little kid. He hopes to inspire others to not the haters get in the way.

On today’s episode of Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols, we are talking about everything mental health. We have two guests: Mrs. Collier County, Janet Dillion and Mrs. South Florida, Vida Hargrett. Our first guest is Janet. She was diagnosed with bipolar two disorder and was dependent on opioids. Once she recovered, she decided to use her voice and her platform to advocate for Victoria’s Voice Foundation. Now she shares her music with the world and hopes to inspire people to get over all of life’s hurdles. Our second guest is Vida Hargrett, Mrs. South Florida. She’s a certified mental health therapist. Vida is also the national spokesperson for the MESO Foundation and an advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Bubba Almony is a celebrity bodyguard. When he’s not guarding people and crowds, he is passionate about sharing his life experiences. He started his own podcast series called, “Bubba’s Bodyguard Podcast” where he shares stories about his life in the field and those he has helped. Bubba is also an ambassador for “Bodyguards Against Bullying” where he inspires kids to take care of one another.  

Mrs. Melbourne, Christina Grainger never thought she’d become a nurse but on September 11, 2001, her mind changed immediately. Aside from working grueling hours, Christina loves to lend a helping hand. She volunteers at the Genesis House, a non-profit organization in Melbourne, FL that helps women and children in transition. Christina wrote a book called “The Teddy Bear with the Red Backpack” to inspire others to get involved in volunteer work. On September 5 she will compete for Mrs. Florida for America.

On this episode of “Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols” I caught up with Cameron Gellman. You may know him as Hourman on DC’s Stargirl. At 21, Cameron is a superhero both on and off-screen. He’s an ambassador for the juvenile diabetes foundation because he too was diagnosed with type one diabetes. Cameron hopes to be able to use his new platform to inspire kids.  

Karen Noseff Aldridge is a successful businesswoman and anti-bullying advocate. She has made a name for herself in the cheerleading and athletic industry by building a multi-million-dollar company with a purpose. Karen has chosen to create an anti-bullying line within her company called “Rebel Against Bullying.” On today’s episode, she opens up about her own experiences with bullying and how she hopes to inspire the youth to be kind to one another.

Harrison Houde is a 24-year-old actor, writer/director, comedian, and music producer. He’s also an early YouTube creator and musician. We dive into the conversation of body image and how double standards can impact men just as much as women. Harrison’s confidence radiates but he says he adopted such a personality to mask what he once thought were insecurities. Harrison hopes to inspire others to love themselves and be confident always.

Today on Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols, I spoke with John Spencer. He’s a space architect that has worked on designs for the International Space Station, SpaceHab and he’s designing an original concept for an orbital superyacht. He’s been quoted and appeared in over 200 media outlets covering space tourism. Now he is designing a $2.6 billion complex called Mars World. John also advises entertainment companies who are filming space-related films and shows. He’s an anti-bullying advocate and serves as a space advisor for the Blatantly Honest Foundation.

Today on Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols, is Sarah Turney. Sarah's sister, Alissa, has been missing since 2001. Sarah is determined to get justice for Alissa and shed light on her life. Now she has a podcast called "Voices for Justice" that is climbing the charts all in the name of a sister's love and commitment to uncovering the truth. 

On this episode of Blatantly Honest with Makaila Nichols, I spoke with former Harlem Globetrotter, Jonte Hall. He was known as “Too Tall Hall” ironically enough he is just 5’2”. When he was young, he was told to quit pursuing his aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player but against all odds, he became the shortest player in Harlem Globetrotters history. Now he is a motivational speaker and visits schools nationwide to deliver his message of dreaming big, and never giving up, no matter the size of their obstacles. His mantra is, “as long as your heart stands tall, you’re not so small!”

Today I spoke with Anne Therese Gennari. She is a former fashion model, current entrepreneur and environmental advocate.  She is the co-founder of an ethical modeling agency called Role Model Management. She hopes to inspire brands, companies and people to use their following for good.