Pageant Junkies | Hopelessly Addicted to the Miss America Program

Don't worry - The Pageant Junkies Podcast isn't going anywhere... However, Founding Junkie Carrie Cox is starting a brand new movement - And we thought you might wanna know about it! At Feminine Revolutionz, we believe your life works best when you lean into exactly what you want. Further – we believe smart, capable women can still be lovely, and dare I say, attractive. In fact, we believe your life comes into greater alignment when you pursue both! You don’t have to settle – and you certainly don’t have to choose between being known as someone with brains, or someone with beauty. We also believe personal development is the springboard to professional success – and that leadership is about serving others who are brilliant in their own right. That reframing your life, gives you the opportunity to re-claim your life, and so much more… Join our social media pages to learn more... @FeminineRevolutionz on Facebook Twitter and Instagram. With Revolutionary Love, Carrie Cox  

Wanna know the REAL inside scoop as to what happens during the National Sweetheart Pageant? Today, the reigning Miss National Sweetheart Victoria Humphrey, gives you the FULL rundown - From casseroles and carnival rides... to Chick-Fil-A. Oh - And there's a pageant that takes place too - lol! Enjoy this special "resurrection edition" of the Pageant Junkies Podcast with Victoria Humphrey :)

Miss Florida 2012 Laura Rutledge, will be sitting alongside the likes of Tim Tebow when college football season rolls around next Fall... As the new host of SEC Nation, Laura is certainly a rising star within the ranks of ESPN - Which is why we were THRILLED to snag this interview with her two and a half years ago! Laura is humble and super authentic - Plus, she offers some simple, practical advice for ladies getting ready to compete at their state pageants in a matter of weeks! Don't miss this special re-post of the Pageant Junkies Podcast with Laura Rutledge! When I grow up, I wanna be Laura Rutledge!  Smart, funny and utterly genuine, Miss Florida 2012, Laura McKeeman Rutledge had us laughing throughout this entire interview!  Did she actually call herself a Grandma?  LOL!  Listen in for yourself – It’s all on today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast.

If you think Meridith Gould's recent success at Miss USA was an over-night phenomenon, you should hear about all the years of hard work she put in, starting in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program! Meridith's pageant journey is incredible - and in honor of her 2nd Runner Up finish at Miss USA this past weekend, we're thrilled to re-post her interview recorded back in June of 2015!  Meridith Gould, had a hard time winning her Outstanding Teen title – and a not-so-hard time winning her Miss Title!  It’s a fascinating story, and Meridith openly shares her triumphs and her struggles in regards to both situations.  Plus, Junkies get the low-down on Meridith’s awesome goat impersonation – and how it came up in her Miss America interview!  It’s all on today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast…

  She finished as a Preliminary Talent winner and a Top 10 finalist at Miss America - And now this former Miss Ohio is headed down to the shores of sunny south Florida, pursuing her passion and following her dreams of becoming a full-time meteorologist! Enjoy this interview from 2014 with Mackenzie Bart, Miss Ohio 2014! If we could dub anyone as “Spunk Personified” – it’s Miss Ohio 2014, Mackenzie Bart!  In today’s podcast, you’ll learn about Mackenzie’s incredible work ethic and how she gathered the confidence to perform a non-traditional talent on the Miss Ohio/Miss America stage.  Plus – you never know if her puppet Roxy will crash the Pageant Junkies Podcast party – Listen in to find out!

Nobody can deny her talent - But Miss Mississippi 2014 Jasmine Murray, also has an undeniable faith!  We asked Jasmine about her faith during one of the first podcasts we ever recorded way back in 2014 - And now, her first single called "Fearless" is currently climbing the Christian music charts! I suspect this isn't the last we'll hear from Jasmine, which is exactly why we thought we'd re-post this podcast! Enjoy!  

  And now... After 3 months and 12 amazing podcasts - The most popular podcast in Pageant Junkies history belongs to... Ali Rogers, 1st Runner Up at Miss America and Miss South Carolina 2012! Ali's stunning beauty is only surpassed by her magnetic personality - Which is exactly why nearly 2000 Junkies have downloaded this interview! It's one of the best - ENJOY!!! She was near perfection on the pageant stage - but believe it or not, Miss South Carolina 2012 Ali Rogers, never thought of herself as a pageant girl! Plus - discover what made her more nervous than being at Miss America, all on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

  After listening to this interview again, I'm reminded that a successful pageant career is all about the right perspective. Oh - and it helps to have a meddling brother too :)  Enjoy the "1st RU Podcast" - aka, the 2nd most popular podcast in Pageant Junkies history - from none other than Betty Thompson, Miss Oklahoma 2011... She’s short, she has an unusual platform and a non-traditional talent. And despite all of this – Miss Oklahoma 2011, Betty Thompson went on to finish as the 1st Runner Up at Miss America 2012! And in today’s podcast, you’ll hear what she told Laura Kaeppeler when they were the last two ladies holding hands, standing on-stage… Plus, Betty talks about what she wishes she would’ve known before starting her own pageant journey on today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast…

Even though she was Miss America 2011, she’s STILL under the age limit to compete today! And during today’s podcast, Teresa Scanlan opens up about her age – and the significant challenges she faced as a 17 year old Miss America – on the 3rd most popular podcast in Pageant Junkies History… Today – We chat with none other than Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan!!! Teresa generously shares her whole pageant story… The good, the bad, and the ugly! But besides her amazing journey to the crown, Teresa also offers some excellent advice to pageant contestants today – the kind of advice that could change the entire Miss America Organization – if we let it. We hope you love this special edition of the Pageant Junkies Podcast! PS - Because we are re-airing this episode, I'm afraid we couldn't remove the message at the beginning of the interview - which is no longer available... My apologies Junkies!

Honestly, I can't begin to describe today's podcast - It simply has to be heard. Enjoy our "3rd Runner Up" interview (the 4th most popular podcast of all time), from Taylor Wiebers, Miss Iowa 2015. She’s the first Double Preliminary Winner at Miss America in 15 years (FIFTEEN YEARS SHE SCREAMS!!!)… And today, Miss Iowa 2015, Taylor Wiebers, shares her whole pageant story – including the moment when she realized she wasn’t advancing to the Top 10. Every Junkie on the planet should hear this interview – Taylor is a class act and a wonderful example for all pageant contestants to follow – win or lose!!!  

Honestly, I can't begin to describe today's podcast - It simply has to be heard. Enjoy our "3rd Runner Up" interview (the 4th most popular podcast of all time), from Taylor Wiebers, Miss Iowa 2015. She’s the first Double Preliminary Winner at Miss America in 15 years (FIFTEEN YEARS SHE SCREAMS!!!)… And today, Miss Iowa 2015, Taylor Wiebers, shares her whole pageant story – including the moment when she realized she wasn’t advancing to the Top 10. Every Junkie on the planet should hear this interview – Taylor is a class act and a wonderful example for all pageant contestants to follow – win or lose!!!

Here we are! It's time to name our Top 5 Most Popular Pageant Junkies Podcasts!!! Coming in as the "4th Runner Up" is none other than the amazing Hannah Robison, Miss Tennessee 2015... Hannah Robison is a walking example of how being yourself is truly “enough”. She’s the first Miss TN in 7 years who wasn't blonde – and the first Miss TN in 14 years who wasn't a vocalist! How did she stick to her guns and refuse to change who she was, with so much going against her? Trust me - There's great wisdom in today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

I find it absolutely fitting that on Election Day, our 6th most popular podcast belongs to Meg McGuffin, Miss Alabama 2015! Fitting, because you may remember a little comment she made about Donald Trump during her on-stage questions at Miss America... But just for the record - Today's interview isn't about politics at all... Talk about ups and downs… Meg McGuffin quickly became Miss AL’s Outstanding Teen, but then it took her THREE YEARS just to win a local pageant, in order to compete at Miss Alabama! In today’s podcast, Meg shares the good, the bad, and the crazy when it comes to her pageant journey – And it’s worth every minute! Enjoy!

She just gave birth to her 3rd child last night (not kidding) - Which means it's perfect timing to re-release her interview as the 7th most listened-to podcast in Junkie history! Miss America 2009, Katie Stam will always be one of our favorites because she is so darn authentic... We hope you enjoy this interview while Katie enjoys being a mom to her new baby boy... (Congrats Katie!) For our 100th podcast, we’re crazy, over-the-moon excited to talk to Katie Stam Irk, Miss America 2009!!! In today’s special episode, learn why Katie has never even seen her own Miss America preliminary performance – and discover how she felt being on the judge’s panel that selected Mallory Hagan! Katie is the real deal… And the perfect pick for a centennial celebration of the Pageant Junkies 100th podcast! ENJOY!

One of our first podcasts released in 2016, Megan Ervin's interview comes in at #8 on our Top 12 Podcasts of All Time... It's almost a mini-tutorial of how to win your state title - Which is exactly why it's been so popular! Enjoy! If you need a little motivation to kick yourself into gear for 2016, look no further than today’s interview with Megan Ervin, Miss Illinois 2012! This lady is DRIVEN – and Megan offers several tips and tools to help any young woman interested in competing on the Miss America stage. Plus – Learn all about Megan’s 41 pound evening gown named, “Big Red” on today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast…

You might be surprised to see Autumn Simunek's podcast at #9 on our all-time best list, but we're not! Autumn's reminder to "Own your story" is HUGE - And this interview from February 2nd, 2016 will encourage you more than you know... Five times competing at Miss South Dakota. Getting honest about her past. Discovering a new angle which brought new life to her platform. Trust me, if you’re competing in pageantry, you will be inspired by what Miss South Dakota 2015, Autumn Simunek had to overcome in order to make it to the Miss America stage. It’s all on today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast… #Strong

Coming in at #10 on our list of the Pageant Junkies "Top 12 Podcasts of All Time" is Miss South Carolina 2011, Bree Boyce! Originally released on July 7th, 2015, Bree's interview is super eye-opening, and her Top 12 finish at Miss America is something Junkies will never forget... Today, Bree Boyce is known as “that pageant queen” who lost 112 pounds on her way to Miss America. But what’s not well-known, is that Bree also suffered from anorexia during her year as Miss South Carolina 2011. How did she go from obese to anorexic? And how did her life turn into a media-frenzy, literally overnight? Those answers and much more regarding Bree’s full story, can all be heard on today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast.  

Today we continue our "Pageant Junkies Top 12 Podcasts of All Time" - Coming in at #11, and originally published on February 26th, 2015 - it's Miss Arkansas 2014 and 2nd Runner Up at Miss America - Ashton Campbell! She tells us she hasn’t even seen her own Miss America interview yet – but in today’s Pageant Junkies Podcast, it’s easy to see why Ashton Campbell, Miss Arkansas 2014 was named the 2nd Runner Up at Miss America. We see “Purpose” and “Gratitude” all over her – and those 2 characteristics make a winner every time. Enjoy!

Between now and the end of the year, we're posting our Top 12 most downloaded podcasts of all time! It's a great way to listen for the first time - or catch an awesome interview you may have missed (plus, it's kind of funny to hear how the podcast has evolved over the last 2 years)! Today, we're kicking things off with podcast #12... Originally released on May 7th, 2015, it's Leighton Jordan, Miss Georgia 2012! “I’m ready to stop living ashamed. I’m ready to stop living in this dark circle where everyone on the outside thinks that I’m perfect…” Today’s interview with Leighton Jordan is incredible. All because Leighton shares what it was like serving as Miss Georgia while recovering from an eating disorder. We were blown away by her candor and her grace… and I know you will be too. She’s simply amazing.

Whew! Thanks for your patience - Here's our full summary of our experience from Miss America 2017! Inside today's episode you'll hear LOTS of name dropping taking place - and there's also a special announcement at the end for all of you die-hard Junkies out there... :)

Today's interview with Miss Florida 2015 Mary Katherine Fechtel, is the perfect way to kick off Miss America week... Mary Katherine talks about fighting to keep her non-traditional platform, having a sister who's also successful in pageants, and how a trip to Germany helped her prepare for the title of Miss Florida! Plus, we finally put the whole "sharpie thief" thing to bed... In today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

After Kaile's first pageant, her father actually said to her, "I don't ever want you to do this again." Well - Thank goodness he came around! Kalie was able to pay for college, compete on the Miss America stage and earn a Non-Finalist Talent Award, and be named the winner of the National Sweetheart Pageant! Today's interview with Kalie is the perfect backdrop for the National Sweetheart Pageant coming up this weekend - and will definitely put you in the mood for the massive amount of Miss America pageantry coming at us over the next 2 weeks! Enjoy!

Kelley Johnson, Miss Colorado 2015, had a life-changing moment on the Miss America stage. In an instant, she became the face of nurses everywhere - Thanks to the fact that she was "not just a nurse"... And if you ever wanted to hear the real story regarding Kelley's talent, the answer to her on-stage question, or that whole blow-up with The View, today is your day. I realize I'm not supposed to have favorites - But honestly, we think this podcast ranks right up there with some of our best interviews to date. #BigJunkieThanks to Nurse Kelley... Enjoy! :)

Kate Peacock is one of those ladies who lived her life with purpose and direction - And just so happened to win the title of Miss North Carolina along the way!  She certainly understands what it's like to overcome serious challenges, and then make the commitment to "give back" to those in need... We can absolutely see why Kate was such a popular Miss North Carolina - and after today's podcast, you will as well! (PS - This interview was recorded back in June while Kate was still serving as Miss NC, before our Outstanding Teen Series began).

Today, Carrie Lakey recounts her time at Miss America's Outstanding Teen in Orlando! In fact, she gives you the full "play by play" of what took place at MAOTeen this year, including meeting several Miss America contestants, enjoying the incredible competition, and making hilarious and awesome memories with new friends :) We're also excited to extend Big Junkie Congrats to Nicole Jia, the new Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2017! Enjoy!

Ladies like Georgia Frazier, are what make the Miss America program so amazing. Georgia is personable, smart, and completely comfortable with herself - which is probably why she finished in the Top 10 at Miss America 2016! In fact, Georgia knows herself so well - that when she was told she was about to make "one of the worst decisions" - she stuck to her guns and still chose what her heart wanted. She shares that story and much more, on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

With Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2017 taking place next week - We're SO EXCITED to conclude our MAOTeen Podcast series with MAOTeen 2016, Allie Nault! Allie is bright, well-spoken, and a no-nonesense kind of go-getter... The way she has raised the bar for future MAOTeen winners is absolutely incredible - And we know you'll be blown away by her personality and poise! Btw - Don't miss the part where she talks about what was going through her mind, when she was called into the Top 10! Enjoy!

Audrey Ferguson is the ultimate example of how hard work and perseverance gets rewarded. After finishing in the Top 5 four different times at Miss IN OT, Audrey was finally able to win her state - And then go on to finish as the 2nd Runner up at MAOTeen! How was she able to keep going? Well - according to Audrey, "It's ok to dive into the things that have been challenging in your life - and seek joy." If you think that's good - There's a whole lot more where that came from on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

"I knew I would gain sisters, but I didn't know I was going to gain a family..." That's how Alisa Vasquez described her year as Miss New York's Outstanding Teen. Alisa was the non-finalist interview award winner at MAOTeen - And when you hear today's podcast, you'll absolutely understand why! Her wisdom, energy and communication skills, rival that of many "Miss" contestants - Which is why she's a fabulous choice for today's Pageant Junkies Podcast. :)

When you're in the middle of a pageant, and things don't go the way you planned, what do you do? Addy Jackson can certainly answer that question! And as we kick off today's special MAOTeen Podcast Series, Addy talks about how she kept going despite some crazy circumstances. Plus, she also talks to Teen contestants about the specific things she worked on in order to become the 1st RU at MAOTeen - All on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

[caption id="attachment_7100" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Photo from MissUtahPageant.com[/caption] Doctors told her parents that she would never walk. But Krissia Beatty proved them wrong - she not only learned how to walk, she became a championship swimmer, she ran track, and she strutted her stuff on the Miss America stage! Further, we'd describe Krissia's pageant journey as "uplifting" - and a wonderful reminder that pageants can serve a purpose greater than ourselves, if we let them... All on today's inspiring Pageant Junkies Podcast...

Moms, Makeup and Social Media... Alexa Rogers, Miss Arizona 2014, does a marvelous job breaking down each of these topics and graciously shares from her heart. In fact, Arizona has won the Miss America social media award two years running now - and Alexa's involvement in the Miss Arizona program is a big reason why! Find out her tips and secrets - Along with how her "feminist" mom became a big supporter of the Miss America program, in today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

Tapping and Twirling on the Miss America stage? At the same time??? It's true - And not only did it earn Brooke Mitchell, Miss Delaware 2015, a Non-Finalist Talent Award at Miss America, people also encouraged her to tap and twirl several years BEFORE she even won Miss DE! Hear Brooke's whole story - including something else she 'stumbled on to' for Miss America, on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

You know you're making an impact when even a die-hard feminist looks at your pageant journey and says, "Meagan - You're changing the paradigm... in regards to what female leadership looks like." We couldn't agree more. Which is why we know you're going to LOVE today's Pageant Junkies Podcast, featuring the ever efficient and scholastically empowered, Meagan Fuller, Miss Massachusetts 2015.  

At her first local, Miss Kansas 2015 Hannah Marie Wagner didn't even know what the 4 points of the crown represented - but less than a year later, she walked on the Miss America stage! Given that experience, you can bet she was emotional when she realized the enormous opportunity she'd been given! But today's interview is far from emo... In fact, you'll never guess what dance move Hannah performed in the middle of her Miss America interview - (No seriously - You'll NEVER GUESS!)... All on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...

Reina Almon and the late Cara McCollum were roommates at Miss America 2014. "We were up all night, every night - talking about anything and everything..."  In today's interview, Reina also talks about her year as Miss Washington 2013, gives some great advice for titleholders, and tells us what Cara's passing has taught her, all on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...   If you'd like to hear more Pageant Junkies Podcasts, just click here... [caption id="attachment_4780" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Jenn Cady Photography[/caption] Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America… So are 15,000 of her closest friends. As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago. Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans known as “Pageant Junkies”. Learn more about the Junkie Nation by clicking here.

"You've got to do the things that scare you."  Alexandra Curtis, Miss Rhode Island 2015, would know... From becoming Student Body President at Syracuse, to getting her Masters in Public Affairs from Brown, to running a political campaign for a former state titleholder, Alexandra is quickly becoming an expert in self-growth and conquering her fears one by one...   If you’d like to hear more Pageant Junkies Podcasts, just click here… [caption id="attachment_4780" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Jenn Cady Photography[/caption] Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America… So are 15,000 of her closest friends. As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago. Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans known as “Pageant Junkies”. Learn more about the Junkie Nation by clicking here.

Bree Morse, Miss California 2015, is an energetic bundle of positivity - Her personality shines as bright as the California sun! And while talent and interview practice may be good preparation for your state pageant, Bree believes those things aren't NEARLY as important as this essential quality.  What is it?  Find out on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...   If you'd like to hear more Pageant Junkies Podcasts, just click here... [caption id="attachment_4780" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Jenn Cady Photography[/caption] Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America… So are 15,000 of her closest friends. As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago. Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans known as “Pageant Junkies”. Learn more about the Junkie Nation by clicking here.

It's so easy to doubt yourself when you're a pageant contestant... To second guess your decisions and choices going into a major competition.  Miss Iowa 2012, Mariah Cary understands that exact feeling - and offers a great solution for anyone who struggles with self-confidence. And if it worked for the 4th Runner Up to Miss America - It's bound to work for you too!  All on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...   If you’d like to hear more Pageant Junkies Podcasts, just click here… [caption id="attachment_4780" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Jenn Cady Photography[/caption] Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America… So are 15,000 of her closest friends. As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago. Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans known as “Pageant Junkies”. Learn more about the Junkie Nation by clicking here.

Holly Blanchard competed for ELEVEN years before she won a state title... Which is pretty incredible when you hear how genuine and personable she is! Holly gives some brilliant insight about transitioning from Outstanding Teen to Miss, and what it's like to spend some of your most formative years on the pageant stage.  Plus, it's the 70th Anniversary of Miss New Hampshire this weekend! All on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...   If you’d like to hear more Pageant Junkies Podcasts, just click here… [caption id="attachment_4780" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Jenn Cady Photography[/caption] Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America… So are 15,000 of her closest friends. As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago. Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans known as “Pageant Junkies”. Learn more about the Junkie Nation by clicking here.

"My goal, when I meet someone, is to find their inner beauty and to find their heart..." If you've had the good fortune to work with Jenn Cady, then YOU KNOW how true those words are! As someone who credits her amazing success to the skills she gained through the Miss America program, Jenn proves that pageantry prepares you for life! Get ready to soak in every single word of today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...   If you’d like to hear more Pageant Junkies Podcasts, just click here… [caption id="attachment_4780" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo by Jenn Cady Photography[/caption] Carrie Lakey is kind of obsessed with Miss America… So are 15,000 of her closest friends. As an avid fan of the Miss America Organization, Carrie began publicly predicting pageant winners over 10 years ago. Now, she’s galvanizing an online movement of fans known as “Pageant Junkies”. Learn more about the Junkie Nation by clicking here.

  Think you're too young to win your state title?  Savannah Lane, Miss Virginia 2015 says, "Whether you are 18 or 23... If you have the ability, you can do it."  Savannah might've been one of the younger contestants, but because she focused on something super important, she won her state title, and then went on to make the Top 15 at Miss America!  What was it?  Find out... on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...  

Talk about ups and downs... Meg McGuffin became Miss AL's Outstanding Teen, but then it took her THREE YEARS just to win a local pageant in order to compete at Miss Alabama!  In today's podcast, Meg shares the good, the bad, and the crazy when it comes to her pageant journey - And it's worth every minute! Enjoy!  

Growing up, Rachel Latuff almost felt the need to hide who she really was, because she was so artistically inclined... Now, this 'artistic girl' turned Art Teacher, is inspiring and encouraging children to lean into their own creative tendencies!  Plus, Rachel has some incredible advice for anyone who's given everything they had to reach a goal, only to fall short... It's all on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast. :)  

The state of Texas has a killer track-record.  Over the last 40 years, Miss Texas has made the cut at Miss America 75% of the time (not kidding - it's true!).  As a Top 10 finalist, Miss Texas 2015, Shannon Sanderford was no exception.  And in today's podcast, Shannon talks about her journey from barely winning a local, to the specific strategy behind her song choice at Miss America... Plus, she also shares the one thing you need to know in order to win your state pageant, on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...  

We LOVE it when little girls who show cattle, grow up to be women who walk on the Miss America stage!  That's the story of Miss Arkansas 2015 Loren McDaniel - But that's not the only inspiration she offers on today's podcast!  Learn why it's necessary to fully integrate your "pageant life" into your "real life" and much more, on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast. :)

Hannah Robison is a walking example of how being yourself is truly "enough".  She's the first Miss TN in 7 years who isn't blond - and the first Miss TN in 14 years who isn't a vocalist!  How did she stick to her guns and refuse to change who she was with so much going against her?  Listen in - You're gonna love today's podcast!

  Paula Mae Kuiper was only 19 when she became Miss Wisconsin 2013.  And while that didn't stop her from making the Top 12 at Miss America - She says she learned A LOT during her year (like how brutally honest your siblings can be!).  Hear the whole story, and her encouraging words for those who are competing in pageantry today, on the Pageant Junkies Podcast...

On one hand - The Hunger Games. On the other hand - Miss America. Miss Missouri 2015, McKensie Garber thinks they might have a thing or 2 in common... And in today's podcast, McKensie shares her pageant journey, some killer advice for contestants, and an awesome story about the day she met Betty Cantrell. :)

It's incredibly rare.  As a Triple Crown winner, Alexis Duprey served as Miss New Mexico, Miss New Mexico USA, Miss New Mexico Teen USA - AND she was the 1st Runner up at Miss New Mexico's Outstanding Teen!  As far as we know, she's the closest anyone has ever come to winning these 4 state titles - which is especially crazy when you hear what happened at her very first pageant ever!  Listen here...  

She's short, she has an unusual platform and a non-traditional talent.  And despite all of this - Miss Oklahoma 2011, Betty Thompson went on to finish as the 1st Runner Up at Miss America 2012. And in today's podcast, you'll hear what she told Laura Kaeppeler when they were the last two ladies holding hands, standing on-stage...  Plus, Betty talks about what she wishes she would've known before starting her own pageant journey on today's Pageant Junkies Podcast...