Living The Authentic Life

In this heartfelt and stylish episode, the Contessa sits down with her one of her dearest longtime friends in Houston's fashion industry, Katherine Le, for a conversation that spans decades of friendship, fashion, and life's biggest blessings.

Step into the world of Chic Boutique, where fashion meets philanthropy in the most stylish way! In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Jarrell, Chic Boutique Gold Chair for the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary "Reflections on Style" event, to discuss the upcoming pop-up shopping experience that's truly one of Houston's best-kept secrets.

Ep. #136: Style Secrets with Brittany Rose Wetterer of @StyleItWithBrit – Closet Must-Haves, Smart Shopping & Game-Changing Fashion Tips! On this episode of Living the Authentic Life, the Contessa sits down with stylist Brittany Rose Wetterer from @StyleItWithBrit to uncover the real secrets to mastering personal style. From the two essentials most people are missing in their closets (spoiler: the right undergarments and jeans!) to pro tips on styling for body-conscious areas and using the "third piece" to take any outfit from wearing to wow, this conversation is full of must-know fashion advice. Britt also shares her best tips for transitional dressing—perfect for those destination getaways from the big city to a big resort—and how to make smarter shopping decisions so you build a wardrobe that truly works for you. Whether you're looking to elevate your everyday look or refine your personal style, this episode is packed with insights to help you dress with confidence!

Yoga is more than just movement—it's a path to healing, balance, and spiritual connection. In this episode, we sit down with Charla Anderson, a Lead Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapist, and Master Trainer, to explore the transformative power of yoga. Charla shares how yoga creates space for deep emotional release, self-discovery, and connection to your highest, God-given self. We discuss the impact of trauma-sensitive yoga, the mind-body connection, and the power of breathwork—not just in class, but in everyday life. From overcoming challenges on the mat to facing life's hardest moments with strength and grace, this conversation will inspire you to embrace yoga as more than a workout—it's a way to live with intention, purpose, and spiritual alignment.

What if your makeup routine could give you an instant lift—without a single needle or scalpel?

Men's style is more than just clothing—it's confidence, perception, and the ultimate power move. This week, we're sitting down with Steve Springer, custom menswear expert and founder of BLU Fine Menswear, to dive into the world of tailored suits, luxury fashion, and how the right wardrobe can change everything.

Episode #132 with Jewelry Designer Christina Greene McAllen This week on Living the Authentic Life, we sit down with Christina Greene McAllen, the powerhouse behind Christina Greene Jewelry—the brand known for its stunning turquoise and gold designs that blend Western charm with timeless elegance. Christina shares how her jewelry journey began in thrift stores and craft projects as a young girl, eventually leading her to Parsons School of Design in NYC and back home to Houston, where she turned her passion into a thriving business. From the long hours hustling at markets and trade shows, she takes us through the grit, glamour, and behind-the-scenes magic of bringing her designs to life. We also chat about:


Ep# 131 The Art of Connection with Jeannie & Rob Chandler of Chandler Art Gallery

Episode #130: Taking the Leap: PR, Philanthropy & Power Moves with Whitney Kuhn Lawson In this episode of Living the Authentic Life, the Contessa sits down with PR powerhouse Whitney Kuhn Lawson, founder of Whitney Kuhn Lawson Public Relations. From working in the high-stakes world of network news to launching her own agency, Whitney shares how she built a career alongside some of the biggest names in media and business—including legends like Fred Smith (founder of FedEx) and Susan Zirinsky (the inspiration for Broadcast News). Whitney opens up about: ✨ Taking the leap from corporate PR to running her own agency ✨ The power of staying connected and nurturing relationships ✨ Her whirlwind love story that led her back to Texas ✨ The changing media landscape and what it means for PR today ✨ Her deeply personal journey with surrogacy and motherhood Whitney and the Contessa also bond over their shared love of fashion, philanthropy, Cavalier King Charles pups, and the art of bringing fascinating people together (looking at you, Drake's Houston!). Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, wit, and plenty of over-prepared PR pro tips! Stay Connected: Don't miss out on any updates or exclusive offers. Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Thank you for visiting The Vintage Contessa & Times Past. Subscribe to our channel for a glimpse into the world of luxury living, insights into the authenticity process, and much more. Embrace the luxury of the past and present with The Vintage Contessa & Times Past.

Join us for Episode 129 of Living the Authentic Life: A Conversation with Sachin Ahluwalia, Co-Creator of Sachin & Babi. This week we take you on a fashion journey through time talking with Sachin, the creative mind behind the brand Sachin & Babi. We discussed how the brand challenges traditional ways of approaching fashion by creating new rules. They believe fashion isn't about following trends; it's about putting a personal twist on things and making them your own. Growing up, Sachin often saw his mother working diligently with garments and textiles. This environment of passion and craftsmanship in India planted the seed for his future in worldwide fashion. Both Sachin and his wife Babi who met and fell in love in college, share a loyalty to this tradition and commitment to creating beautifully tailored pieces from fit to form to fabric. Join us as he shares stories of starting their journey together by knocking on doors and presenting their designs to anyone willing to listen—until they landed on the doorsteps of Oscar de la Renta to Donna Karan and beyond. From honing their craft to pushing boundaries, you will be mesmerized with their passion for fashion, the people on their team, the vibrant Indian culture and the women who wear their designs.

In Episode 128 of the Living the Authentic Life Podcast, we welcome a truly extraordinary guest: Scarlett James, my Godchild and co-founder of The Scarlett Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center(MSK). In 2014, at just 6 years old, Scarlett was diagnosed with stage 4 T-cell lymphoma and underwent over 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Her journey, however, didn't stop with her survival. Instead, Scarlett has turned her personal battle into a mission to help other children facing cancer. According to Dr. Neal Shukla at MSK, “With the help of her family and her community, Scarlett has inspired a philanthropic movement that has raised more than $4.5M for cancer research at MSK Kids, the pediatric cancer program at MSK. Thanks to The Scarlett Fund, every child who walks through the door gets their cancer analyzed at a level that almost no other institution in the world can match.” One of Scarlett's most touching initiatives is The Scarlett Fund Card Project. During her time in the hospital, friends and classmates sent her cards to show she was not alone in her battle. As Scarlett met other children in the hospital, she started writing cards of love and support, sharing how powerful and comforting it was to have those cards during her own months of treatment. The Scarlett Fund Card Project continues to grow and proudly distributes thousands of cards to children across the world battling cancer. Scarlett's dedication doesn't stop there—she also advocates on Capitol Hill, working to pass legislation to allow children with cancer to receive expanded access to therapies. By raising her voice in D.C., Scarlett is fighting for the best possible treatments for young cancer patients and ensuring that life-saving therapies are available to those who need them most. If that wasn't enough, Scarlett also interned at MSK, where she shadowed leading doctors like oncologist Dr. Diane Ready. Scarlett's story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning personal struggle into advocacy and change. She is not just a survivor—she is a leader, a fighter, and a voice for children everywhere facing the battle of their lives. Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear more about Scarlett's journey, her work, and her vision for a brighter future for children with cancer.

This Week on Living the Authentic Life Podcast: Dive into the world of clean-crafted spirits with Queen Bee Distillery's powerhouse co-owners, Kim Martin and Catharine Faulconer!

In this episode, we welcome the vivacious Paul-David Van Atta, a name synonymous with high-end events and heartfelt philanthropy. With a career spanning over thirty years, Paul-David has raised millions for charitable causes, bringing people together for a greater purpose. Paul-David shares the story behind his acclaimed initiatives like the “Women of Substance Luncheon,” supporting the Mission of Yahweh Homeless Shelter for Women and Children. Now in its 8th year, the Women of Substance event holds a special place in his heart, honoring remarkable women like this year's “Youth of Substance” honoree, Bella Chramosta. Paul-David reflects on his lifelong dedication to celebrating women of impact, saying, “When people ask, ‘How do I become a woman of substance?' I say, ‘Just be one.'” With unwavering determination and a voice that resonates, he has always found a way to turn passion into purpose. Tune in to be inspired by Paul-David's wisdom: “We all get 24 hours a day—how you spend it is up to you.”

In this inspiring episode of the Living the Authentic Life Podcast, we sit down with writer and podcast strategist Julie Lauren, the creative force behind the movement #nofilter , now evolved into #unscripted . Join us as Julie shares her journey of using writing as a tool for authenticity and explores how embracing chaos can lead to deeper connections. We dive into the power of vulnerability in forging meaningful relationships and discuss the vital role of empathy in both personal and professional realms. Julie emphasizes that real growth often occurs when we face challenges head-on and reminds us that what we focus on shapes our reality. As a seasoned professional in podcast marketing strategy, Julie also sheds light on the saturated podcasting landscape, urging creators to prioritize passion over profit. She inspires listeners to commit to the work of self-reflection and connection, reinforcing that true fulfillment comes from within. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will motivate you to embrace your authentic self and cultivate deeper connections in your life! Stay Connected: Don't miss out on any updates or exclusive offers. Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Thank you for visiting The Vintage Contessa & Times Past. Subscribe to our channel for a glimpse into the world of luxury living, insights into the authenticity process, and much more. Embrace the luxury of the past and present with The Vintage Contessa & Times Past.

Join us as we host Houston Stylist Ellecia Knolle who believes you can look like a million dollars without spending it. When asked to explain what she does, Ellecia said she feels like she is a ”puzzle solver”. She goes into people's closets and solves puzzles by putting things together in a new and interesting way of mixing and matching. When it comes to adding to your closet, she believes if you chase trends your wardrobe is going to have a short shelf life. She suggests changing your mindset to “collecting” vs consuming to be more discerning on what we buy. Personally she focuses on collecting small designers and recommends "strategic acquisitions" when purchasing new pieces to add to her wardrobe. Another styling strategy she suggests is helping clients create a space where they can see their pieces because she believes if you see it, you will use it. If you're looking for timeless styling and editing tips, this is the episode for you.

Mason Clark Sadeghi is the owner of the oh-so-chic cocktail bar, Clarkwood. Nestled in the heart of Houston, this cozy spot invites you to indulge in a taste of Mason's divine style. With sultry lighting and an unbeatable playlist, Clarkwood is where you feel seen and guaranteed an unforgettable night. Mason's flair for fashion and love for the finer things in life make her relatable and inspiring. She shares her killer finds, lifestyle hacks, and tips on beauty, fashion, and food with her followers. To Mason, fashion is all about self-expression—no matter the price tag! Passionate about wellness, she believes that to live well, you first have to be well. Her mantra? Find your "namaste" amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. As she continues to expand her influence in hospitality, fashion, and wellness, one thing's for sure: her next move will be fabulous and uniquely her own. Get ready for a sprinkle of magic and a dash of style! Check out our Instagram for an exciting giveaway launching 9/26/24 @thevintagecontessa and @masonxo

We are excited to reunite with Houston culture shifter and former podcast guest Monica Fulton. "You can't save everyone but you can save one" is a quote that embodies the powerful force that is Monica. This inspiring woman is tirelessly moving forward to make changes in the community one person at a time. We are back together to talk about The Women's Fund and empowering girls to make the right choices. My daughter Bella and I are thrilled to work with Monica and co-chair the annual Rockin' Resiliency Luncheon benefitting The Women's Fund on November 3rd. This luncheon celebrates the strength and resilience of women and provides essential programs that empower females to advocate for their health in our community. We invite you to join us in this mission, check out thewomensfund.org for more info.

If you care about your health and the health of those around you, you will want to find the time to listen to our life changing podcast with lawyer extraordinaire Jessica Rossman and dedicated Hope Biosciences Research Foundation CEO Donna Chang. I have shared that our daughter Bella has experienced medical challenges

We are thrilled to kick off our fall podcast series with special guests and friends @OperationSmileHouston co-chair @aalsadd & @SnehaMerchant, co-chair of the annual @OperationSmileHouston Gala since 2016, raising more than 2 million dollars, for cleft lip and pallet surgery. Join us as we talk about their passion and commitment to provide smiles to children with cleft pallets for just $240 a surgery. They share the incredible journey dental surgeons take around the world volunteering to forever change a life and a family by giving them the gift of a smile. Although we love our handbags and watches we know the best accessory is the smile God gave us or the new one given by @operationsmile Please considering joining us at the Operation Smile Gala on September 14th at @RoyalSonestaHou by purchasing a table or donating an auction item.

Natalie Steen is the founder of the ultra stylish fashion newsletter The Nat Note. As a former lawyer with a good creative bug and a bad online shopping habit, she was able to take a passion for fashion and shopping and turn a project into a full-time career. Join us as Nat shares her journey from a Miami, Florida native to attending UVA & Penn Law School to moving to Houston, TX and delivering ready-to-shop style suggestions for women, kids, and home through The Nat Note. Shopping addicts, be sure to sign up for a weekly dose of her fashion expertise at thenatnote.com! Stay Connected: Don't miss out on any updates or exclusive offers. Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Thank you for visiting The Vintage Contessa & Times Past. Subscribe to our channel for a glimpse into the world of luxury living, insights into the authenticity process, and much more. Embrace the luxury of the past and present with The Vintage Contessa & Times Past.

If you ever struggle deciding what to pack for a trip—this podcast is for you. Join us as we dive into vacation style with stylist Paulina Padilla. We talk packing strategies for adventures from the mountains to beaches to big cities to Europe. We share a love for a great blazer, starting with our unplanned twinning Christy Lynn Collection blazer that we personalized with our own authentic style. You won't want to miss our picks for the best designer summer bags from brands & styles to colors, shapes & sizes. We give packing strategies for shoes, jewelry, accessories and beyond. If you are going anywhere this summer you'll definitely learn a trick or two to help you pack the most incredible items to make you look and feel absolutely amazing. We sell authenticated luxury products independently and we are not affiliated, associated or connected with any brands or companies of such products. 100% authenticity guaranteed or money back. Stay Connected: Don't miss out on any updates or exclusive offers. Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook Instagram Pinterest Thank you for visiting The Vintage Contessa & Times Past. Subscribe to our channel for a glimpse into the world of luxury living, insights into the authenticity process, and much more. Embrace the luxury of the past and present with The Vintage Contessa & Times Past.

We are thrilled to have two talented transcontinental women on the podcast this week: renowned artist Elizabeth Waggett and fashion designer Max Trowbridge. Max Trowbridge shares her story from beginning her career as a fashion designer in London to launching the conscious woman's ready-to-wear brand Eve & Max in Dallas, TX and Elizabeth Waggett is back on the podcast to talk about feminine strength, resilience & her new art collection. Both originally from England and currently residing in Texas, join us as we talk about our shared loves of fashion, art and sustainability.

Rob Chramosta films on location at the Monaco Legends Watch Auctions in Monte Carlo, Monaco with Davide Parmegiani and Adam Victor of Monaco Legend Group. First he is joined by Davide Parmegiani, chairman of Monaco Legend Group, one of the watch industry's most prominent experts and dealers. They speak in depth about the extraordinary Patek Philippe chronograph watch Chramosta brought from the shadows of history to the cover of the Exclusive Timepieces Monaco Legend Auctions catalogue cover. This rare cushion-shaped, single-button design owned/worn by Sir Henry Seagrave, Harry Gordon Selfridge, and Amelia Earhart spent over 50 years with a US collector and his family. When Rob Chramosta came on as a partner he leveraged his expertise, global contact database and guidance to help substantiate the prior ownership. Rob then speaks with Adam Victor of Monaco Legends Group Watch Department about the most rare and outstanding pieces within the auction. They share stories of what they saw as the most interesting trends in world market, the most surprising prices paid, the “deals” from the auction and list a few of their favorite pieces. Rob shares, “I have been buying and selling watches since I was 13 years old and this Patek Philippe is by far the rarest piece I've ever sold. Selling such a historic watch with a racing heritage in Monaco for over $1.8 million dollars is the dream of a lifetime. This has been the most exciting sale of my career. I've spent years studying vintage pieces and curating collections for myself and my clients. It means so much to me to be entrusted with selling such a rare timepiece with its history. I get to travel the world and make a living doing what I love. It's the greatest gift.”

Our Special guest is Courtney Zavala- beloved Houston media star and skin care creator of “The Courtney Mask” This week we sat down and talked about the newest chapter of Courtney's life which may very well be her best yet. She shares intimate stories of her journey from TV reporter to morning news anchor to talk show host. She is glowing from the inside out, living her best life as a beauty mask creator, social media content creator, emcee, community advocate, wife and mom. We discuss the ever changing real world of balancing priorities, connecting with people we meet in a meaningful way and identifying what brings you the most joy.

Varda Fields is a fashionable yet complex woman with a purpose who is head of special projects and development at Rosewood Funeral Home in Houston, TX. The fashionably international Varda Fields is a woman who has worn many hats throughout her life. From her position in the Air Force to intelligence officer to police officer to mother working in fashion industry to finally landing in the roll of head of special projects and development at Rosewood Funeral Home in Houston, she is a complex woman with a purpose. Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel, Varda moved to the United States and eventually landed in Houston 35 years ago. Join us as we discuss her journey from days filled with darkness to a life filled with life and love. She talks about the similarities between Israelis and Texans. She pointed out we both have pride in our countries, traditions and love of the people who live in our community. She believes when we talk through our differences and find common ground, we can all better understand one another's journeys and feel compassion for each other, even when we've lived seemingly different lives.

Join Rob & Donae with special guests, as they take you on a fascinating journey of luxury live from the Miami Beach Antique Show. It's a must see for anyone serious about buying and selling preowned luxury collectors pieces. The magnitude of brands including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes, Chanel are equal parts eye candy and history lesson. We talk you through our guide to curating an exceptional collection of vintage and estate luxury watches, jewelry and handbags. The Vintage Contessa & Times Past is an independent reseller of authenticated luxury products. We are not affiliated, associated, endorsed by, or in any way connected with any brands, companies, or agencies of the resale products we offer. All brands, product names and logos are trademarks or service marks of their respective holders, and all copyrights are reserved by the original owners of the brands.

Hilary Magner, Co-Owner of Squash Blossom, Vail's Prominent Jewelry Store since 1973 is this week's podcast guest is former Houstonian turned Vail-local, Hilary Magner, co-owner of Vail's 50 plus year old Squash Blossom jewelry store. Many people dream of leaving the big city to raise a family in a smaller vacation town but few actually have the dedication to live it out. After over 10 years in the energy business traveling weekly, Magner and her husband Kevin decided to make a big change and moved their young family to the Vail Valley. Hilary's husband, Kevin, whose father who was a jeweler, grew up working with watches and jewelry as part of his DNA. This husband and wife team took their combined retail experience working together at Neiman Marcus Austin and their passion for jewelry to the heart of Vail Village. Join us as we talk about watches, jewelry, working with your spouse, and running a 50 year old business open 7 days a week while raising two young boys.

Gracie Cavnar is a go-getter who is changing the way Houston's children eat their food. Instead of focusing on a problem, Gracie brainstorms solutions and works tirelessly to create radical change, which is why we call her the original disruptor. In 2005, she and her husband Bob Cavnar founded the Recipe for Success Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit which is dedicated to changing the way children understand, appreciate and eat their food, and helping the community provide healthier diets for them. Join us as Gracie shares her fascinating story from starting modeling as a young child to pioneering a mission to remove soft drinks from vending machines in schools, to creating Hope Farms, a 7-acre urban farm in view of downtown skyscrapers with programs to teach, empower and inspire healthy eating. Visit Recipe4Success.org to learn more about her annual Fashion in the Fields brunch benefiting the Recipe for Success Foundation coming up on April 21, 2024 at Hope Farms.

This week's Living the Authentic Life podcast guest is the impeccable model, stylist, fashion runway producer behind Houston's most memorable fashion show moments, Tamara Klosz Bonar. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary celebration of her and her partner, Lenny Matuszewski's collaboration with the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon, Runway Show and Chic Boutique. Each year Houston's most stylish women donate pieces of clothing and accessories from their personal collections to be featured in a runway show at River Oaks Country Club then sold at the Chic Boutique. Tamara and Lenny select & style the most interesting pieces in such a fresh modern way, sometimes women are even known to buy back their own donations. This year's theme is “Girls with Pearls” and the event benefits local underserved children and families in the Greater Houston area. If you are passionate about fashion and making a difference in your community—you will be enthralled by her story combining fashion production with helping those in need.

Amir Taghi is a Texas born, New York based, women's luxury clothing designer. Amir's work and tenacity speaks for itself—the native Houstonian showed a collection at New York Fashion Week and graced the pages of Vogue—all before he graduated high school. Over the past decade Amir's designs and craftsmanship have continued to evolve with each new collection making a name for himself with sophisticated designs, a unique connection to his clients, and a fresh point of view. Drawing from a line of influences from his Persian culture and Texas upbringing, Amir Taghi is an artist of his craft - creating feminine shapes, draping and custom prints. Join us as we talk about his journey from a 15-year-old wunderkind to an established name and coveted designer.

Vibrant wardrobe stylist Valerie Dittner joins us as this week's podcast guest, sharing her love of preowned, vintage, sustainable fashion. She and I launched our fashion careers at similar times and have grown our businesses in parallel ways through a combination of shared passions and collaboration with like minded people. We dive in depth quickly, talking about the impact the world of dance had on both of us gowning up with a “costume outlook” on dressing. We both continue to be influenced by vintage styles as we approach each day's wardrobe choice as a way to express ourselves to the world while actually being active working modern women. Her signature dark locks and classic bright red lip are reminiscent of classic old Hollywood Movistar glamour mixed with a big dose of modern day chic. As a busy working mom of 2, she really is a woman who does it all and looks fabulous while doing it and helping her clients do it too‼️ Watching her Instagram inspires me to be more courageous, mixing classic styles with mixed patterns, adding both high and low designers and choosing both casual and dressy looks to create signature “Valerie Dittner” looks. We both agree, when we look our best, we actually begin to feel our best, so why not do it every day?

Our first episode of 2024 is with the world-renowned Dr. Viviana Coles, Relationship & Sex Therapist and Licensed Psychotherapist. Dr. Viviana was featured as an expert on seasons 9-14 of hit show “Married at First Sight” and is currently Fox Houston's Intimacy Expert. Bringing her incredible expertise, Rob and Donae sit down with her to talk about navigating common relationship issues and why intimacy is so crucial to a successful marriage. Join us as she shares her story from being born in Houston to finding her passion for helping people to becoming a nationally recognized marriage and sex therapist, author and speaker.

Our Special guest today is Claudine Boutros who is a former image consultant to the stars and an influencer stylist before they even existed. As one of Donae's most cherished mentors, Claudine gives us her tools for living your best life and coming alive. Join us as we talk about our greatest joys, biggest struggles and how to make sense of it all.

We discuss our shared loves of travel, food and shopping around the world with Marcela White, owner of Tavaero Jet Charter. Marcela started in the charter business in 1986 where she went on to earn her private pilot license in order to understand the unique insight to working with pilots. She eventually met her husband who was also in the aviation industry and together they have worked in this business for over 30 years elevating their clients' travel experience with the most magical personalized approach to luxury travel. "Some day" doesn't always come, we have to make the moments count - so grab the family and take the trip!

Matthew Massey is the Founder and Owner of Champagne Madame Zéro, "Good days or bad days, should always be finished with a glass of champagne in hand." Matthew Massey is the first Texan, never mind Houstonian, to launch a for-real French champagne brand of his own…and he did it in his 30's! The wine is Madame Zéro. If you know us you know the only thing we love almost as much as fashion is champagne and Champagne Madame Zero is truly exceptional. I mean a bottle of bubbles with an ultra low sugar content, say less! After falling in love with this champagne 2 years ago, today we finally got to hear Matthew's fascinating backstory. It all started with Sandra Bullock and a Bentley Tune in to hear the rest!

Our Special Guest is mental health expert Vaughan Gilmore, We shine a spotlight on suicide as a public health issue and work to ensure that people have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention & seek treatment when needed. After suffering the tremendous loss of a vibrant, beautiful individual in our community, many of us have been searching for answers with a mixture of emotion from shock, confusion, to despair. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for adults, but suicide's impacts aren't measured in deaths alone. People who lose loved ones to suicide face their own mental health impacts, including trauma, grief, or even shame. Suicide is a public health problem with major impacts, We dive in with Vaughan to discuss the difference between warning signs & risk factors and the resources to navigate through the uncertainty & begin the healing process.

Beth Muecke has been a Houston Ballet board member for 23 years, she took her passion as a dancer and translated into fundraising as Chair of the Ballet Ball and an active Capital Campaign Committee member. Beth shares her journey from being a ballerina to raising children to becoming an empty nester and creating a whole new career as a fashion blogger. Through her BethieLife blog, she shares insights on fashion, beauty, personal style, and the best things the city of Houston has to offer. Her light hearted candor and unique perspective gives you a glimpse into her journey to live a life that makes her come alive!

We sit down with Houston's favorite meteorologist, Chita Craft. Chita—pronounced Cheetah—is a family name. In fact, there are five generations of mother-daughter Chita's in her family, including her daughter, who is also a "Chita." Chita shares her journey being born in Knoxville, TN to growing up in southern California to becoming a crucial part of the Houston news scene 12 years ago. From forecasting us through our most severe events like Hurricane Harvey and the Texas Freeze to being recognized as one of 'Top 30 Influential Women of Houston' for her work as a meteorologist and her support of the community, Chita is a true Houston legend.

We are live at SheSpace in Houston Texas (@shespacehtx) to celebrate our 100th recording!! We're joined by special guests Stephanie Tsuru and Rachel Regan who share their insights from the 2023 Forbes Women's Summit in NYC. We reminisce and share stories from the incredibly powerful speakers ranging in age from 18 to 73. As much as these powerhouse women's journeys inspired us, our biggest inspirations were actually found in the conversations with the incredible women who were also guests. Realizing and discussing the special opportunity to come together as a global community, we also took time to give our perspective on what makes Houston so special to each of us. We talk about how Houstonians come together to build stronger families, businesses, and community through our philanthropy and friendships

This week we present a live podcast fireside chat with special guests Amy Pierce and Dr. Sippi Khurana at Turners. As pillars of our community, giving daily, and actively “living the authentic life”, these two women have chosen UNICEF as one of the primary charitable organization. Join us as we discuss the exceptional work UNICEF conducts in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is committed to never giving up because they believe every child has the right to grow up in a safe and inclusive environment. Tune in to find out how we can come together to make a difference by committing to doing the work, promoting inclusive policies and expanding access to services that protect all children. Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA https://www.unicefusa.org/

Special Guest Mely Cruz is @allthingsmely…an entrepreneur, writer, content creator, influencer, model, philanthropist, breast cancer advocate, mom, wife and heartfelt friend. Mely shares her courageous journey as an immigrant leaving her business, family and comforts of her home country to build a new life in the United States with her husband. As an inspiring business woman balancing motherhood and her brand, she utilizes her passions for writing, beauty, fashion, travel and motherhood to inspire each of us to keep living our best life. The vulnerability of publicly sharing her breast cancer journey enabled her followers to see even deeper into her beautiful soul, which shines even brighter amidst the challenges of overcoming such adversity. Her loving heart brings me to tears almost every time we share with one another. Tune in to see why she stands out as such a positive influence for so many and why we have come to love her so deeply.

Melissa is the founder of Melissa Sugulas Style, a premiere fashion consultancy with concierge-level personal styling services for women & men. Melissa has an incredible eye for fashion with a goal to inspire women everywhere to make every day an occasion. We talk about all our favorite classic styles & current trends from women wearing men's sport watches to dressing yourself out of your mood to the best fall basics & where to get them.

Our fabulous guest is Cherise Esparza who is a Cyber Security Expert and Co-Founder of SecurityGate.io. We talk through our shared loves of fashion, family, cars and rediscovering our purpose. Cherise shares her incredible journey from finding her career path early developing software for publicly traded companies as a teenager, to developing the platform used by risk managers & executives at the world's largest critical infrastructure organizations, to being listed on the Forbes Next 1000 list.

This week we're kicking off the Fall 2023 Living The Authentic Life Podcast Series with special guest, the honorable Jacquie Baly. Jacquie is a former Greater Houston Partnership vice president who now works in public & media relations—in addition to serving as adjunct professor at the University of Houston and advising Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on higher education initiatives. Jacquie's community service only augments her accomplishments. One of her favorite community endeavors includes chairing the American Cancer Society's 2023 Cattle Baron's Ball with former podcast guest, Lara Bell. Join us in celebrating Houston power women who are out there making a difference in our community and beyond.

Earlene joins us to share her journey as a philanthropist, author, world-traveler and her most cherished roles-as a wife and mother. With an upcoming 30 year wedding anniversary, we dive in on common relationship issues in today's society and how she overcame them. Earlene said it best, "You can have a 1000 reasons to leave, but you only need one reason to stay."

Stephanie von Stein is The Innovative Luxury Consultant & CEO of von Fab Group With over 20 years of experience in luxury retail and business, Stephanie has established herself as a trusted advisor with an incredible eye for luxury. Stephanie shares her incredible story from her years working in luxury retail with Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue to launching her own luxury consulting business, von Fab Group, at 50. With a heart for creating meaningful change in our community & a passion for advocating for domestic violence survivors through her work with AVDA, Stephanie's light shines through all she does.

Deejay's mission is to create a safe space for people to enjoy dance and the Contessa has been having an absolute blast training with him as her partner for Houston's upcoming APAHA Dancing with the Stars event. Join us for a fabulous episode as Deejay shares his journey following a dream of professional dance from Virginia to NYC to LA and around the world, finally landing in Houston. From dancing as a performer on a cruise ship to dancing through a health scare while stuck in a hospital in Ibiza, Deejay's positive energy and exceptional commitment to his craft is truly special.

Ashley shares her story as a pioneer of fashion blogging as we connect on how fashion brings people together and get Ashley's expert packing tips for fashionistas. We discuss it all—from her difficult health battle with arthritis to becoming a mother and expanding her brand.

Khara Breeden, founder & CEO of Texas Forensic Nurses joins us and shares her incredible story of identifying and following her purpose, becoming a nurse, forming The Forensic Center, now in its fourth year. We discuss living out her dream, earning her doctorate and opening a completely new set of health services for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. She shares the eye-opening experiences treating victims 24/7 in their community-based victim service center that provides confidential & free medical forensic exams, adult forensic interviews, legal support, counseling & advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse and elder maltreatment.

Ryan Jay, Neiman Marcus VP Market Manager of the South Texas region including Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Join us for an episode all about fashion and the future of luxury retail as Ryan shares his journey over 15 years in luxury retail around the country, most recently transitioning from Saks Fifth Avenue finding a home ultimately with Texas based, Neiman Marcus. We swap heartfelt stories from the over the top Christmas Catalog, to the famed Houston's Best Dressed List to the special Breakfasts with Santa during the holidays that are sure to spark your favorite shopping memories too.

President and CEO of Hope Biosciences shares her focus on a mission to revolutionize the field of cell therapy. Her passion is leading their entire team to find solutions to current limitations by delivering approved therapies to the market - quickly. Hope Bio's groundbreaking patented core cell culture technology is utilized in over 30 FDA authorized protocols in the United States. Join us as we share their journey of bringing these therapies to market in the very near future.