Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast

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The Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast aims to share real stories of real women in hopes that their tenacity, through trials and tribulations helps to inspire others to refine their own skill sets, set their goals a little higher and to work a little harder. Let's face it, no matter the personal or professional pursuits - whether it be pageantry or in the grander scheme of life, we all need to work through grit to achieve glitz.

Tianna Vanderhei


    • Jun 13, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES

    5 from 43 ratings Listeners of Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast that love the show mention: pageant, take a listen, goals, encouraging, woman, inspiration, women, journey, inspiring, wonderful, amazing, life, definitely, like, listening, tianna, miss wisconsin.



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    Latest episodes from Grit Behind the Glitz Podcast

    The Hunger to Win and the Humility to Not with Miss Wisconsin 2018, Tianna Goldberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 24:07


    Amidst state competition season, it's important to realize that you're not perfect. Yup, I said it. No one is perfect. In fact, perfection is rather boring - the panelists aren't looking for a perfect person. But rather, they're seeking someone that's authentically themselves and is energized and prepared for a time such as this...Go show 'em what you've got, queen!

    Mock Interview with Tianna Goldberg - Twitter, NATO, Your Legacy & SO Much More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2022 14:18


    It's time for another mock interview episode with a mix of current event and resume-based questions! Let's do this...

    Discovering Your Belonging & Believing in Yourself with Maura Spence, Miss Colorado 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 61:21


    Maura Spence Carroll began competing in the Miss America Organization within the teen program just after her 13th birthday. A director approached her and asked if she had heard about MAO Teen and told her that she thought she would make it to Miss America one day, and that very conversation started her journey in MAO.As a Soldier in the United States Army Reserves, she advocates for, “22 Too Many: Ending the Epidemic of Military and Veteran Suicide”. She got involved after her own experiences with behavioral health in the military. The more she researched, the more she realized the need for preventative measures and risk mitigation in addition to crisis intervention. Listen to learn more!

    Keeping it Real with Jaelyn Wratchford, Miss West Virginia 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 59:31


    Jaelyn Wratchford began her involvement in the Miss America Organization within the teen program, after discovering MAOTeen when searching for scholarship opportunities online. Now she serves Miss West Virginia 2021 and advocates for Investing in Our Future: The Impact of Youth Empowerment.Jaelyn strives to keep it natural, living her authentic self while openly sharing her struggles with mental health as she inspires others to advocate for themselves, take mental and emotional breaks and to remain present and humble through life's big moments.

    Using Your Influence for Impact with Tianna Goldberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 20:23


    Think about this statement for a minute, "I want to use my influence to ___________ because I believe __________________. What's your why? What's your motivation and inspiration behind competing in the first place and how has it evolved over your time competing? 

    Expanding Your True Potential with Elle Mark, Miss Minnesota 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 64:41


    An honors graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Elle Mark had a unique journey to becoming a state titleholder - but she wouldn't have it any other way! She's a mental and emotional health advocate, vocalist, scholar, podcaster and research professional at the University of Minnesota. 

    Chasing Opportunities and Creating Inclusivity with Callie Cox, Miss Missouri 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 46:34


    Callie Cox is currently serving as Miss Missouri 2021. She is a senior at the University of Missouri where she's applying the nearly $20,000 in scholarships she's earned to finish her degree in communication and psychology. Her hope? To further her mission of creating a more inclusive culture for people of all abilities!

    Taking Control of Diabetes & Your Story with Jennifer Schmidt, Miss Wisconsin 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 56:14


    Jennifer Schmidt's journey to becoming Miss Wisconsin spanned a 10 year timeframe, throughout the MAOT and Miss competitions. She advocates for "Diabetes, YOU Have the Control" and as a first-generation college student, knows the importance of pushing through adversity in order to achieve success! 

    Tenacity and Teaching Inclusivity with Alyssa Bohm, Miss Wisconsin 2019 & 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 47:05


    Alyssa Bohm started her Miss America journey in 2013 and ended up competing in a total of 23 locals over the course of her 7 year journey to becoming Miss Wisconsin. She currently works as a High School Special Education Teacher and promoted her SII, “Embracing Special Needs, Building Inclusive Communities" throughout her involvement in MAO.

    Mock Interview with Tianna Goldberg - Ukraine, Vaccinations and Transgender Athletes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 25:06


    Let's dive in to a current event, contentious topic mock interview...shall we? 

    5 Months Out - 5 Ways to Proactively Prep for State with Host, Tianna Goldberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 34:01


    State competitions are just around the corner and whether you're in full prep mode with a local title or you're still working on winning a local competition in hopes of making it back to state, here are 5 ways you can take charge of your destiny and actively prepare right now!

    Suicide Prevention and Awareness with Mallory Fuller, Miss Texas 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 29:55


    Mallory Fuller is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree at Baylor University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Mallory placed as a Top 10 Finalist at the Miss America competition, advocates for suicide prevention and is a Children's Book Author of two books aimed at mental health awareness. Join us as we talk about suicide myths, signs and prevention.

    Manifesting the Title and Having Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 23:05


    We are our own harshest critics. More times than not, we self sabotage our opportunities before we even have a chance to work towards achieving the goal at hand. How do you overcome those mental obstacles as you're preparing for your state competitions? Let's chat and manifest greatness...

    Mock Interview - Current Events Focused

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 12:52


    Are you gearing up for your state or local competition? This episode is packed with current event, contentious questions to help get your mind going! Get after it, queen!

    Cooking Up a Legacy with Kathryn Kueppers, Miss Minnesota 2019/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 48:39


    Kathryn Kueppers is no stranger to the Miss America Organization, one might even say it's in her blood. She began competing in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program at the age of fourteen before transitioning into Miss. Using the job of Miss Minnesota, Kathryn has promoted her initiative, "The Invisible Crown: The Legacy of Miss America" while traveling the state, networking and serving as a spokeswoman for the program at large.

    The Arts and Virtual Appearances with Emily Tinsman, Miss Iowa 2019/2020

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 54:29


    Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Emily Tinsman earned a degree in Music Education from Drake University. Shortly after graduating, she won the job of Miss Iowa on her third attempt with a goal to advocate for the arts, but she had no idea what lied ahead of her. Organizational changes, a two-year reign and a drastic shift in appearances amidst a pandemic - she's made the most of an unforgettable experience!

    Packing Tips and Tricks for Your State Competition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 29:19


    Getting ready for state? Here's the ongoing list I created after years competing at Miss Wisconsin along with all the must-haves, tricks and tips I learned along the way.

    Branding, What...Like It's Hard?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 20:55


    Branding of your self, message, initiative or product is so much more than a logo or consistently colored graphics. It's a feeling, an emotion provoking visual and strong sense of self at the core. Give Episode 41 a listen to learn more and start defining your brand.

    Mock Interview - Resume Focused

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 11:36


    You asked and you shall receive! Here's the first of a series of mock interview episodes designed to help you prep for interview while on the go. Whether you're driving home from school, you're on your way to work or en route to the gym, my hope is that these Q&A episodes help to get you thinking and consciously refining your speaking skills.

    Posting with Purpose - Navigating Social Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 17:41


    How can you leverage your social media impact while consciously promoting your initiative, brand and organization? I've got 5 easy tips for you in this week's episode!

    How to Tell Your Boss You MIGHT Not Be Coming Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 21:21


    How do you adequately prepare for your state competition with the mindset that you won't be coming back? It's scary to be authentically open with your boss, but honesty is the best policy!

    Q&A Session with Host, Tianna Vanderhei

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 37:34


    I'm back! Are you a local titleholder diligently working to prepare for state? I've taken your Instagram Q&A questions and answered them on this week's episode - listen and learn all the tips and tricks for stage presence, paperwork, talent prep, channeling nerves into positive energy and SO much more.

    The Power of Communication - Nonverbals + First Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 19:28


    Just how important is a first impression? How crucial are our non-verbal communication cues when it comes to setting the tone for a conversation or a relationship? Let's just say, it's a matter of seconds that decide your fate...

    What's Your 2021 Word of the Year?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 13:33


    I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. In fact, statistically, 80 percent of them fail before February. Instead, the past few years I've chosen a 'Word of the Year' as a guiding point, a source of motivation and a constant centering point.

    THINK Kindness with Kayla Repasky, Miss Pennsylvania 2018

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 45:43


    Born and raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Kayla Repasky was a member of a dance company for 10 years. In June 2018, she won the job of Miss Pennsylvania, speaking to more than 20,00 students during her year.With a degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama, she started her career in nursing in March on the cusp of the pandemic. She recently resigned from her position and accepted a new position as a traveling nurse.

    Mapping Out Goals for 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 15:39


    How do you organize your accomplishments, talents, initiative and brand information in order to consciously set goals for 2021? For social media? Give Episode 33 a listen to learn more and kick-star the week on a motivational note!

    Talking Trash and Theatre with Callie Walker, Miss Alabama 2018

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 55:58


    Callie Walker was crowned Miss Alabama 2018 where she traveled the state promoting and educating youth on the importance of the Three Rs of Sustainability. Afterfinishing her year of service, Callie returned to The University of Alabama where she recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre.

    Amplifying Your Speaking Abilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 11:39


    How do you improve your speaking skills for interview and on-stage question? How do you consciously remove crutch words - AKA, "like" and "um" from your speech? Apply these simple steps and actions to your pageant prep to consciously amplify your speaking abilities!

    Financial Management and Football with Laura Matrazzo, Miss North Carolina 2018

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 59:41


    A 2018 graduate of Clemson University, Laura Matrazzo served as Miss North Carolina2018. During her year, she worked to promote her initiative, “Money Talks: Student-Focused Principles of Financial Management, making nearly 300 appearances! She enjoys dancing, performing, and most importantly, college football. Laura currently works at her Alma Mater, Clemson University.

    How to Jump Back into Pageant Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2020 38:12


    After an extended reign and a trying year, the New Year is FINALLY upon us and it's time to dive back into prep for your state competition. Whether you've held your title for less than a year or over a year, I hope you took some time to avoid burnout, hit the pause button and relax. Now, it's go time, but how do you jump back into prep? I've got you!

    Overcoming Comparison with Miss North Dakota 2018, Katie Olson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 56:27


    Miss North Dakota 2018, Katie Olson is working through her senior year at North Dakota State University, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Continuing to share her talent, she currently works as a dance teacher in Fargo, North Dakota. Listen to learn more about her year, how she overcame compassion and how the "biggest road blocks are put in your path when you're on your way to success."

    Slaying the Stage with Davia Bunch, Miss South Carolina 2018 + Miss Upstate USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 61:01


    Davia is a graduate from the University of South Carolina, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science with a double minor in Public Relations and Russian. She served as Miss South Carolina 2018, earning a total of $50,000 in scholarship dollars.Currently, Davia is the Account Executive at Speak Strategic, a political PR firm in Charleston South Carolina. As the current Miss Upstate USA Davia is working towards her goals of slaying the Miss USA Stage.

    Accepting and Adapting with Miss New Jersey 2018, Jamie Gialloreto

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 47:39


    Jamie Gialloreto started her journey in the Miss America Organization as a teen, after a former Miss NJ encouraged her to compete. While she didn't place in the Top 5 EITHER of her years at state as a teen, she kept pursuing those goals - defying others' perceptions and expectations, she won her state title on her second attempt! Her year as Miss New Jersey not only left her with countless memories and friendships, but helped define her career path. Give Episode 26 a listen to learn more!

    Planning Your Own Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 22:13


    Thinking about starting your own podcast? Ahh, where do you begin? Will people even want to listen? Stop fretting! I talk you through how I planned and launched The Grit Behind the Glitz and let me tell you, if you have an overwhelming urge to share voice and a message you can't stop thinking about - this is a great medium for you!

    Let's Talk about BURNOUT

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 29:57


    Feeling burnt out can come in a variety of capacities - a job, a personal relationship, a romantic relationship, tendencies or pure exhaustion of being stuck at home amidst COVID-19. How do you navigate this? As a titleholder, how do you persevere through an extended tenure? Let's talk about it!

    Confidence Under Construction with Miss Oregon 2018, Taylor Ballard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 68:58


    After graduating from Portland State University with her bachelors degree in communications, this Oregon native earned her dream job as Miss Oregon 2018. Taylor Ballard served her year working with her platform Confidence Under Construction. After the crown she has been very busy moving into her new home and preparing to go from Miss to Mrs this August! She loves spending time with her fiancé and two chiweenies, soaking in the sun and hiking in the great Pacific Northwest!

    Reporting Live with Danamarie McNicholl, Miss Washington 2018

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 61:19


    After graduating from Gonzaga University with her degree in broadcast journalism Danamarie McNicholl gained her dream job of serving as Miss Washington 2018a advocating for adaptive sports for kids and adults with disabilities. One year out of being a titleholder Dana lives in Spokane working as a morning news anchor for KREM 2 and is still involved with her social impact initiative. Although a born and raised CA girl she loves exploring the pacific northwest hiking, playing golf and spending time on the many beautiful lakes!

    How to Build a Stellar Resume

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 26:36


    Trying to land that first job out of college? Or are you competing in a local or state Miss America Organization competition and working on perfecting that resume to ensure all your best qualities, accomplishments and volunteer work stand out. I've got you covered! I've compiled some of the key aspects to building a standout, kickass resume just for you to listen and learn from...you're welcome.

    Supporting The Kidney Project + #JulianasHope with Adrianna David

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 36:53


    Adrianna David leads her life with a servants heart. She started her non-profit, Charities Angels in 2012 in collaboration with her mother and friends with a mission to support other fundraising needs and non-profits all while 'partying for a purpose.' She served as Miss Maryland 2017 within the Miss USA program and then, Miss Maryland 2018 within the Miss America Organization.To date, her efforts with Charities Angels, along with their board members and volunteers have raised more than $1.2 million dollars - $800,000 of that for #TheKidneyProject. Listen to hear more about her motivation, her cousin Juliana and her journey with dialysis and how YOU can support the cause by purchasing a sweatshirt.

    Enhance Your LinkedIn with These 10 Steps

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 26:11


    When it comes to networking, resume building and connecting with people in a professional manner, LinkedIn is the place to be. It's not just about searching for employment, a stereotype that many people have in mind. Rather, LinkedIn serves as a space to promote your personal brand, to engage with others and showcase your products, goods, services and accomplishments.

    Letcha Light Shine with Owner and Founder, Grace McGohan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 36:06


    Grace is the Owner and Founder of Letcha Light Shine, a personal + creative business development brand with a mission to create community and empowered female entrepreneurs. She has been in the business world since the age of 15 when she decided to start up a summer camp for kids, and she hasn’t looked back since. Grace is obsessed with all things social media, branding, and building systems for small businesses.

    Back to Back Miss Mississippi Titles with Asya Branch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 60:23


    Asya Branch won the job of Miss Mississippi 2018 within the Miss America Org on her third attempt. During her year, she advocated for Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents - a mission that stems from her own experiences. Upon giving up her title, she launched her own beauty company, Branch Beauty and dedicated her time and energy to her educational pursuits in Marketing, Communications and Public Relations.Then, last fall, she vied for and WON the role of Miss Mississippi USA on her first attempt. BACK TO BACK Miss Mississippi in both large, well-known systems. The queen herself...America’s sweetheart and your next Miss USA…

    10 Tips to Improving Your Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2020 35:51


    You asked, I'm ready to answer! I sat down to bring you 10 key tips for a stellar interview. From studying, to watching your own mannerisms to removing "filler words" from your vocabulary. Whether you're prepping for a pageant interview or a job interview, give Episode 16 a listen to bring your capabilities to the next level.

    Arts and Adulting with Miss Delaware 2018, Joanna Wicks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 68:06


    Joanna Wicks holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications, with a double minor in Women’s Studies and Domestic Violence Prevention Services. Her studies provided a motivational foundation for her to promote an initiative of Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness during her time within the Miss America Organization. Last year, she served as Miss Delaware 2018 after winning on her first attempt. Currently, she lives in Delaware with her husband, Steven and their puppy, Chief.

    Starting a Boutique and Supporting Local with Kim Verheyden

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 30:51


    After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Business Administration, Kim Verheyden decided to leave her corporate position in order to follow her passion. In April, 2015 she opened Apricot Lane Boutique in Green Bay, later opening two more locations in Appleton and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Hear all about Kim's pursuits, her social media tips for pushing out content and the trendy clothing available in her stores and online.

    #IGotThis with Miss Georgia 2018, Annie Jorgensen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 71:21


    At the age of 13, Annie Jorgensen began competing in pageantry, winning the title of Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen 2011 on her first attempt. She went on to serve as Miss High School America 2013 before attending the University of Georgia for school where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communication. On her third attempt, she won the job of Miss Georgia 2018 before moving to NYC where she currently lives and works in the digital marketing spectrum for Small Girls PR.

    Communication and Competition Changes with Miss Virginia 2018, Emili McPhail

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 47:32


    At the recommendation of a family friend, Emili McPhail began competing in pageants, going on to win the title of Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen on her third attempt and later serving as Miss Virginia 2018. Currently, she's working in Global Communications at The Estee Lauder Companies in New York City.

    Marketing, Branding and Social Media Tips with Joelle Elizabeth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 44:26


    Joelle is a boudoir and branding photographer based in Indianapolis. She also coaches women entrepreneurs on all things marketing and sales strategies. When she's not working, you'll probably find her reading a new book, cuddling with her hubs, or soaking up some sunshine. Follow along with her on Instagram @joelleelizabethphoto!

    From Boardwalk Hall to Broadway with Miss Louisiana 2018, Holli' Conway

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 63:49


    Holli’ Conway is a 25 year old actress living in New York City. Born and raised in Louisiana, she spent a year and a half traveling the seas as a Carnival Cruise lines performer before winning the title of Miss Louisiana with which she promoted her personal platform InspHIGHER and went on to win the talent preliminary award and finish 2nd Runner-Up at Miss America 2019. She is now an Ikette in the Original Broadway Production of Tina the Tina Turner Musical and hopes to continue to inspire others with her journey!

    Life After the Crown with Miss Texas 2018, Madison Fuller

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 55:57


    "Let go and let God." Madison Fuller finds comfort and faith in His greater timing for her life. Her journey within the Miss America Organization began in 2005 when she first watched her older sister, Morgan compete. The following year, she was a Lonestar Princess and her infatuation with the program and the opportunity to serve the state of Texas only grew from that moment on. Hear about her journey to Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen and Miss Texas along with our shared fear of snakes, wedding planning and so much more!

    Unleashing Your Potential with Miss Iowa 2018, Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 57:37


    Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw talks about the importance of believing in yourself and trusting in your preparations when pursuing any goal in life - whether it's in pageantry or the grander scheme of life. After not placing at Miss Iowa 2017, her first time at state, she came back in 2018 and won the title of Miss Iowa 2018. Currently, she's a student at The University of Iowa, pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalist and Communications while she continues to give back and spread hope.

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