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I WAS THAT STORY. THE ONE, THAT NEEDED A SAFE SPACE.
SO I CREATED IT.
Whitney Reynolds believes in more seats at the table, inspiration in the hard moments and hope for all. This mindset for unique programming originally bucked the trend when The Whitney Reynolds Show launched in 2012 on PBS. The show's inspirational mission developed from Whit's firsthand experience with a challenging childhood. She had her story, the gift to gab & combined that to create a program that flips the script. One that invites the viewers to switch seats and feel seen for exactly who they are and where they’ve been.
She is the Executive Producer, Host and the "Chief Inspo Officer" of the Telly Award winning and two-time Emmy® Nominated Whitney Reynolds Show. The program is dedicated to being a safe space for difficult stories. The show is taped in Chicago at CineCity Studios and is nationally syndicated on PBS via NETA. She airs around the nation at the same time via PBS' World Channel and streams on Tubi, Prime, PBS app & beyond.
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Prior to launching her nationally syndicated program, she worked in news for NBC and went on to launch her first talk show on that network. During college at Baylor University she interned for Good Morning America and fell in love with the national stage and its potential reach. When Whitney was just 25 years old she stepped into owning her show and launching Whitney Reynolds Media. Not being owned by the network truly jump started her mission centric mindset and entrepreneurial creativity. In 2023 Whitney was named Crain’s 40 Under 40 and won a Stevie Award for “Equality In Pay for Women.” Having the knowledge to create a show from the ground up, her media company has also launched Whitney’s Wish List a holiday special that introduces consumers to products and businesses that give-back. This show tapes with a live audience, airs on WGN TV & opens a pop-up store.
Whitney’s a storyteller in all forms of media. Since 2013 she’s hosted a motivational “give-back” segment on iHeart Radio. She has also helped backend produce and launch a number of podcast including her own, the Whitney WRap. You’ll also spot her in several magazines as a regular contributor. No matter the platform or post, inspiration is always her key ingredient . Whit did her first TedX talk at Wrigley Field and used this stage to go viral with why “hope filled” stories matter.
Being a recipient of several scholarships and grants in her childhood, Whitney understands firsthand the impact philanthropy has in changing lives. Every year she donates her time + talent to create a PSA that generates awareness for a nonprofit close to heart. Over the years this “love project” as she calls it, has earned an Emmy® Nomination & national recognition. Since creating her program she has assisted in fundraising over 5 million dollars for local and global charities through her media work. She currently sits on the Board of Managers for The Service Club of Chicago and is a member of the Economic Club Of Chicago.
Born and raised in southern Oklahoma, Whitney’s learned to combine southern charm with big city hustle. Her motto is: “If the door closes, find the darn window.” Whitney resides in Chicago in the Roscoe Village neighborhood with her husband (Dave), eight year old twins (Marlowe + Acher) and shih tzu (Sir Crouton). When she's not on camera, it's guaranteed you will still find her talking, she simply loves people and their stories.
awards and honors
Emmy® Nomination, Executive Producer/ Whitney Reynolds
Crain’s, 40 Under 40 2023
Member, Economic Club Of Chicago
Emmy® Nomination, The Whitney Reynolds Show
Telly® Gold Winner, “People’s Choice 2022”
Telly® Bronze Winner, “National Programming 2022”
I Am Woman Award, “Endure Charities, Chicago Bulls 2022
Telly® Bronze Winner, “Overcoming Racism, 2020”
Stevie Award Winner, “Video Of The Year”
Board of Managers, The Service Club of Chicago
Racial Justice League Member, YWCA