Take It From Toni

As a young girl, Toni was diagnosed with Scoliosis. Thanks to her Aunt, she had surgery to correct her spine and spent a year in a body cast. During that time, Toni decided she wanted to become a model.  With scars down her back and legs it was not an ideal job. Toni's drive, hard work and street smarts landed her a meeting with a Playboy photographer in Chicago. That turned into a contract as a Playboy model, then an invitation to visit Hugh Hefner at the Los Angeles Playboy Mansion. Which then turned into a 3 year stay at the mansion.  Hear what it was really like living there and her experience as a Playboy Model.  Have questions for the host Toni Sipka? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com Follow Toni on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sipkatoni/

This is the story of Justin, the crystal meth addict. Toni met Justin through one of her clients which was a big bank. Justin was 20 something years old, Southern, funny, gay, smart, talented and unfortunately addicted to drugs.  He lost his job at the big bank and Toni took him in and offered him a place to sleep and a job. At the time, Toni did not know about the drug problem and thought he could be an asset for her trade show modeling company.  You can probably guess that's not how this story goes. Justin turned into a lying, crystal meth addicted prostitute. How did Toni end up kicking him out? It took an illegal FedEx order and a climb up the fire escape. Have questions for the host Toni Sipka? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com Follow Toni on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sipkatoni/

This story starts at the NYC dog park where Toni met a woman named Michelle and her two dogs, Moo and Boo. Michelle was a quirky woman who was perpetually broke and a college student who was always working on her thesis. She would take Toni's mother Rosemary to doctors appointments, go for dog walks along the Westside Highway and come over for dinner. James Gandolfini lived in the same neighborhood as Toni and Michelle. Michelle became friendly with James and told him how Toni “wanted to have her way with him.” In a twist of fate, it happened.  Have questions for the host Toni Sipka? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com Follow Toni on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sipkatoni/

NYC is a dog friendly city. When Toni had her two Puli's, Shannon and Tori, they would frequent the dog park in the west village. That's where she met her friend Kathy and her dog Sweetheart. The woman wore white boots, diamonds and a British fox fur coat to the dog park. That's when Toni learned about Kathy's obsession with feeding the neighborhood pigeons. Find out how Kathy ended up on probation in this episode. Have questions for the host Toni Sipka? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com Follow Toni on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sipkatoni/ 

The life of a dog in NYC is atypical. The dogs pee and play on cement, not grass. You'll hear Toni's experience of raising dogs in Manhattan, how she met her dog walker and the epic dog party in her 300 square foot apartment.  This leads Toni to share what happened to the building community after 9/11. It was a time when New Yorkers came together and supported each other.  And lastly, Toni shares her admiration for Bethenny Frankel which began when she was on the Bravo TV show, The Real Housewives of NYC to her charity work today. Have questions for the host Toni Sipka? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com

Toni turns into a trip advisor this episode as she shares her favorite restaurants and bars to visit in the West Village.  Starting with the White Horse Tavern which is the second oldest bar in NYC which opened in1880. It's home to famous people like Dylan Thomas, who's said to haunt the place, Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison.  The Monster Bar, back in the day, you would have seen Andy Warhol, Ru Paul, and even Toni. After 5pm it's where you'll find the Wall Street crowd at their piano Bar. Then head down the famous mirrored stairwell for dancing all night long.  Lips Drag Bar is a drag queen restaurant and bar with good food and better entertainment.  Sevilla Restaurant is the one restaurant Toni must eat at when she visits. And Central Park is best explored during the day.  Have questions for Toni? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com

If you've ever wondered what it's like to have your neighbor die in their NYC apartment building where you also live, look no further than Law Order the TV show. Their depictions are pretty accurate, except these stories are about death from natural causes.  Toni shares the stories of her very different neighbors, Richard and Amy who died very differently.  Everyone in the building on Bethune Street said Richard was crazy. He would bang on doors with a baseball bat. Until one day he got a cat and there was less yelling and less strange behavior. You'll hear how he died and why the cops always smoke a cigar when they come to remove the body.  Now Amy was a well respected theater actress who was much older. Her whole apartment was decorated with old set designs and theater posters. Amy loved dachshunds and named every dog she had the same name, Amy Dog. You'll hear how her death was different from Richard's.  Have questions for Toni? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com

Welcome back to the podcast formerly known as “Take it From Toni.” The name never felt right to the host, Toni Sipka, and it's now called “New York Stories & More.” Toni considers Manhattan home after living there for 30 years and even though she now lives in Maine. New York is the place Toni ate the best tasting $2.50 apple of her life. This episode, Toni talks about the community inside the building she lived on Bethune Street in the West Village. She lived on the 5th floor of a walk up building. Her neighbor George lived in a studio apartment down the hall which also housed a grand piano. On another floor lived Andrea who's kitten became friends with Toni's dog Shannon and they would hang out in the hallway.  When Toni left New York, her 2 studio apartments were bought by actress Julianne Moore, and the co-op board didn't make it any easier for her because of her status. You'll hear throughout this episode that the people of Manhattan are not what you think... Have questions for Toni? Submit them on the contact form at www.ToniSipka.com

April Crawford and I have been friends for close to 40 years. We met in the trade show world and became friends along the way. April worked for me as a model and spokeswoman when I had my talent agency and told me when my business partner was scamming me out of money. April is a full body open deep trance channel medium and a best selling author. Toni hosts April's weekly radio show, “Inner Whispers” which is syndicated on iHeart Radio. Listen to the radio show HERE Learn more about April HERE To schedule a reading e-mail AprilReadings@aol.com Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

Robert Patrick and I have been friends for 46 years. We met in Chicago in the 70s when we worked at a restaurant called Arnie's. You'll hear stories from our time together, life at the gay bars and what it felt like being a gay man during the sexual revolution. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

You've heard a lot about my mother Rosemary over the course of this show and I have a few more stories to share. She married my father, George, 3 times and had one child, me. She never loved me and she never liked me, and I still took care of her. You'll hear how she almost killed me as a child, how my dog Madison saved Rosemary from drowning and a few others. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

You've heard a little bit about my father George and mother Rosemary in previous episodes. This one focuses on George's life, his 9 wives, and the strong effect he had on those women throughout their lives. He married my mother Rosemary 3 times and was the only man she ever loved. I even took Rosemary to visit George and his then 8th wife Gladys all together! You cannot make this up. It all happened and George always did it his way. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

*Warning* If you are a prude or a child, this episode is not for you. Ever wish you could be a voyeur and listen to total strangers talk about their deepest secrets? Enter the Strictly Anonymous Podcast hosted by a woman named Kathi. Kathi is on the show to talk about her podcast, her unprofessional advice and how the show is helping people. We met when I was a guest on Strictly Anonymous, which you can listen to here. If you want to be Strictly Anonymous email Kathi at strictlyanonymouspodcast@gmail.com or call the hotline at 347-420-3579. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

In this episode I needed to vent. Ever felt that way? I vent about the stupid news headlines like why Whoopi Goldberg is unhappy with her salary, running a summer rental business, and the people I encounter at the dog park. Plus, I share the Shakespearian like story of my mother Rosemary's death. And remember, don't take life too seriously. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

Have you ever heard of a standardized medical patient? In layman's terms, it's an actor portraying a medical patient with an illness to allow doctors to practice being a doctor. Officially it's a program that hospitals and medical schools use to help teach and evaluate medical professionals on physical examinations, counseling, interviewing, history-taking, communication skills, and personal interaction with patients. I have been working as a standardized patient for many years at Maine Medical Center and have played the role of many patients with varying illnesses and have helped many medical professionals what it's like from the patient's perspective. I'm given a script with medical history, fake name and symptoms to act out for the medical students who must treat and diagnose me in 20 minutes. It's an invaluable experience for the medical professionals. Christine Mallar, the Standardized Patient program coordinator at Maine Medical Center, shares more about the importance of this program, how it's standardized across the nation, how it advances patient safety and transforms health care education which creates better medical care for all. To learn more about work as a standardized patient, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions document Email: splab@mmc.org Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

Do you look in the mirror and think why is my neck so droopy and my face full of lines? I thought about those things and I have done something about it with advanced non-invasive treatments. New technology offers more options to lift and tighten your skin without having to go under the knife. I have found the best licensed medical aesthetician around, Michelle Correia. She's the owner of Purely Skin where she specializes in anti-aging treatments, including Ultherapy, photo-facials, scar revision, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser hair removal. Rosacea and acne treatments are also part of her repertoire. Michelle has a keen ability to consult and design a skin care regimen to fit individual patient needs. You'll hear about the latest treatments available to prevent aging, improve your skin, and build your self-confidence. Learn more about Michelle: https://www.purelyskin4me.com/ Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

If you've been listening to the podcast, you may know a little about me, Toni Sipka. Though I felt I should tell you more about my life as an actress, model, and business owner. I was born in the summer of 1953 in the steel mill town of Gary, Indiana and at 10 years old I was diagnosed with scoliosis and lived in a body cast for two years after surgery. When I was told I'd never walk again that became my motivation to walk and prove everyone wrong and start my career as a model and actress. A few highlights included being a Playboy Model, living at the Hollywood Playboy Mansion, traveling the country as Spider woman, witnessing a real life Haitian voodoo ceremony, being gifted an oil well in Wyoming, and many more experiences. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

Medium and spiritual minister Gloria Nye Warner joins the show again, this time to discuss marriage and relationships. Gloria is married to a man several years younger than her and shares what makes her relationship work. Plus she shares how to attract the right relationship for you and more. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

How do you balance it all? It's a question we're all trying to answer between having a career, family and friends, it's not easy. That all also comes with stress and anxiety. Though It is possible to be successful through the power of empathy and self-understanding according to Arthur P. Ciaramicoli, Ed.D., Ph.D. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been treating clients for more than 30 years. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Ciaramicoli is the author of several books, lectures at numerous colleges and institutions, consults with ma­jor corporations and appears on media outlets including CNN, Good Morning America Weekend, and others. For more on Dr. Ciaramicoli visit his website:www.BalanceYourSuccess.com You can follow his daily insights on Twitter www.twitter.com/docapc Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email: Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/sipkatoni

Neil Goetz and I have known each other for close to 40 years. I refer to him as Baby Boy and am very proud of him. Neil being the son of a Rabbi, and me a gentile, the laughter never stops nor does the advice which includes not eating pork. He has worked for high end advertising agencies in Chicago and Los Angeles as well as Sony Pictures and Disney. You'll hear about us living in the same building in Chicago, what it was like for him to come out as gay, and what it's like producing movies in Hollywood. Buy the book Audience-ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

Kids can be brutally honest. They don't know much else, especially at the age of 8. This is why I wanted to interview my dear friend Annie's daughter, Chloe. Chloe is a unique child who shares her opinions on school, summers in Maine, and advice to stop bullies. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

Helena Queally was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at a young age and given a life expectancy of 20 years. Helena never liked being told what to do and so she lived to the age of 30. A double lung transplant extended her life which she lived her way and on her terms. I considered Helena my niece though we were not blood relatives and this is her story. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

Stories of strong women is a theme on my podcast. The guest this week was one of them, author Anita Shreve. I spoke to her several years ago before her death. Anita was chiefly known for her novels with her 19th and final novel being, “The Stars Are Fire.” She not only writes about resilient women in her books but she also is one. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com For more on Anita Shreve and her books https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/28236/anita-shreve/

This week is the story of a woman named Emma Dowd. Emma was born a male named Jason and is now a transgender woman. She openly shares her experience, her choices, and reactions from her loved ones. Emma is now a podcaster, entrepreneur and model. She is a positive light in this world and I hope our conversation inspires strength in you to live your truest life. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com For more on Emma Dowd Park Lane: https://parklanejewelry.com/rep/emmas... Gladdy's Goodies: https://gladdysgoodies.com Savvi Clothing: https://savvi.com/emma21/shop AMFM247 Broadcasting: https://amfm247.com

You may have heard of Feng Shui before, but do you know what it is? The philosophy of Feng Shui is a practice of arranging the pieces in living spaces in order to create balance with the natural world. The goal is to harness energy forces and establish harmony between an individual and their environment. My guest, Gloria Warner, explains how to apply it to your home or apartment. She is my friend and also a psychic medium. Gloria shares some of the basic principles of Feng Shui and gives practical examples of how to apply this philosophy to your home. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

If you are a fan of the movie “CaddyShack” and loved the Gopher, then you'll love this episode. Pat Brymer is my guest and he built the Gopher and was the puppeteer. I interviewed him a few years ago before he passed away in 2020. His memory and work lives on today as he's the Father of Lamb Chop and worked with Sheri Lewis for over 20 years until she passed away. Pat's work can be seen in many movies including “My Mother Is an Alien,” he created Paula Abdul's “Scat the Cat'' and many more. The most important thing is Pat and I were friends for 40 years. Let me tell you, cooking in the kitchen with Pat was an adventure. He would make all the pots and pans talk! Enjoy the show! Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

How did a pre-teen girl who spent two years in a body cast become a Playboy Model, Spider-Woman, and create a successful Nationwide Talent Agency? Toni did it with street smarts and love from her gay family. The boys champion her loyalty, humor, and “Sparkle” in the way only a gay man can provide to a straight woman. Each week Toni will discuss topics that piss her off, share true funny stories and conduct honest conversations with compelling guests—while sharing her knowledge on the entertainment industry having worked both sides of the camera. Toni is a true New Yorker, who knows what will come out of her mouth! Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Send her an email Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her upcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

When I was I kid, I got hit by a car on my way to meet the Cisco Kid. But really I tripped in front of the car and I did end up getting to meet the Cisco Kid which is this story. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

My story continues with Rosemary and George my parents. I really am Rosemary's baby. You'll hear about my scoliosis back surgery, the year I spent in a body cast because of it and my angel Anne who kept me alive in the hospital during that time. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

As it turns out, I have stolen a dog or two in my life in order to give that dog a better life. I myself have 2 dogs and have had many pets all my life. Growing up in truck stop diner in Gary, Indiana truckers were always bringing me animals they found on their travels. This is a story about one of those times. Have Questions for Toni? Want life advice? Email her at Takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on her forthcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com

This is the story of how host Toni Sipka stole a dog named Guinness. He was stolen from his owner because she was bad dog mom. Toni believed Guinness, a mutt, deserved a better life and he got one. The tale begins in Maine, there's a lost dog search, a few white lies, and ends with a long journey to Los Angeles California. It's all true! Have questions for Toni? Want to discuss a specific topic? E-mail her at takeitfromtoni@gmail.com For more on Toni and her upcoming book visit www.ToniSipka.com