World Kindness Day
If you follow Whitney on social media you know she loves the word- KINDNESS! In fact one of her favorite quotes is: “In A World Where You Can be Anything, BE KIND!” So this week when Whitney had a chance to watch “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” she was pumped to discover “WORLD KINDESS DAY” was approaching.
On Wednesday 11/13 the world shared KINDESS! As you can see below, this came at just the perfect moment for Whit.
In case you need an extra dose, GO WATCH THE MOVIE based on fellow Public TV star Mister Rogers.
NEW SEASON IS HERE!
The season premiere is here and we kicked things off with an amazing story of two men’s journey to finding peace. See how a former racist skinhead and a man impacted by a hate crime have joined forces to talk peace and hope. Watch below
Season 10, Here We Come
THROW THE CONFETTI AND CELEBRATE! The Whitney Reynolds Show is gearing up for Season 10. This week we caught up with Suits Star- Gina Torres and taped a segment for our new season. Make sure to check HERE on Monday for some BIG SHOW NEWS!
Blazing the Trail, by Horse! THIS WEEK
Choosing to leave fear behind and following hope! Meet a woman who is blazing the trail by Equine Therapy. Full interview this week on the show!
Fall Season Premiere MONDAY 10/15
The Whitney Reynolds Show’s fall season is here! Chicagoland get ready for our premiere 10/15 at 6:30 PM on Lakeshore PBS! Then make sure to catch us on our NEW MARKET, WTVP at 10 PM on 10/16 and 10/18 on WQPT at 7:30 PM.
Taking Center Court For A Cause
I recently danced outside of my comfort zone to raise awareness for gun violence in our city. I AM WOMAN, an event where 500+ ladies united for a powerful cause. Here's how the dance went:
For ways to give involved and join the mission to end gun violence in Chicago CLICK HERE!
A Life Story- Black Lives Matter
Meet Dr. Reverend Wayne Gordon. This outstanding man and his wife have exchanged comfort for making their mark in a community that desperately needs help. Their amazing journey to helping thousands in a dangerous neighborhood in Chicago started years ago and it's not over yet. Watch as we talk through why black lives matter, gun violence and the desperate need for change. He's one that's not sitting on the sidelines and just weighing in on these tough issues, he's actually in the thick of it. He is a true example of, "Being the change you want to see."
His story is one that leave you motivated and ready for change. Chicagoland make sure to tune in Monday May 16th at 6:30 PM to Lakeshore PBS.
As you know if you've followed our show over the seasons, we are dedicated to tough topics. All the issues we feature are real life stories that must be heard. If you have show idea or topic close to heart let us know by clicking the "Contact Us Page."
Kicking Off Season 6 with Sex Trafficking
It is such an honor to be entering another season. It's hard to believe this is our 6th season on PBS. We start airing here in Chicago, Monday April 25th on Lakeshore PBS at 6:30 PM and in our second market on WQPT, The Quad Cities in June.
Since we launched on PBS back in 2013 we have been a show dedicated to provoking positive change through tough topics. We want to talk about issues that other programs don't talk about or stay away from. The truth is each topic we present is a real issue that you or someone you know has or will go through. Even though it can be tough to hear, we always leave the viewers with hope and solutions.
With that being said, we are kicking off Season 6 with "Sex Trafficking." This topic might seem out there for you, but what would you think if I told you, this could be happening in your own backyard. The truth is- Sex Trafficking is happening everywhere and it's time you know the facts.
Commander William Leen with The Cook County Sheriff's Police Department (picture above) explains the different forms it comes in. He also informs us on how social media is changing the scope of this crime.
Our lineup includes Pilar Dunning with "The Salvation Army's Stop It" Program, Caleb Probst with CAASE and Chris Baker from Ink 180. Every guests has a unique story that I can't wait for you to hear. Sex Trafficking comes in many forms and it's time we know how we can help stop this issue.
If you or someone you know is dealing with this issue CLICK THE CONTACT US PAGE and we will connect you with people to help.
Don't forget to watch EVERY Monday night on Lakeshore PBS at 6:30. Our season includes-
- Sex Trafficking
- Life and Laughter
- Women Entrepreneurs
- Open Adoption
- Coaching Off The Court
- Following You Intuition
Giving Our Four-Legged Friends A Voice
Earlier this year, my sweet Puffy Doo-Little had a back injury that almost took her life. This would have never been a near death experience if she could have told me what was wrong. During her recovery I got to thinking about the challenges our four-legged friends go through and that's when Cari Meyers came to mind and I knew we must have her on a show.
Cari Meyers is that voice for animals and founded the Puppy Mill Project (PMP). For those of you who haven’t heard, the Puppy Mill Project educates the public by spreading the message about puppy mill cruelty and providing age-based interactive lectures and presentations. According to the PMP, Ninety Nine percent (99%) of all pet store puppies are puppy mill puppies. Most people are unaware of this and the Puppy Mill Project is changing that fact. She has worked with legislation and Chicago celebrities to help spread the word. Cari is currently working on "The Puppy Mill Project" book, where she is having celebrities and their pets take pictures. This book will be sold to raise funds for her cause and create more awareness. (YES, Puffy and I will be in the book). There are many ways for our viewers to get involved including several events throughout the year.
We will also be speaking with Chicago City Clerk Susanna Mendoza, who is a proud supporter of the Puppy Mill Project. Susanna and Cari have been working hard to pass legislation to help our four-legged friends here in Chicago. For more information on their journey check out this article- (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-03-05/features/ct-remarkable-cari-meyers-20140305_1_city-pet-stores-pet-lemon-law-animal-cruelty)
Chicago City Clerk Susanna Mendoza
We have doctors in the studio too from Veterinary Specialty Center. Dr. Melissa Pales and Dr. Brett Grossman, will be speaking with us about the dangers of buying dogs from puppy mills. From long term health issues to common illnesses, they’ll show us why buying a puppy mill dog can lead to heartbreak no pet owner should be forced to deal with.
Finally I just have to say, one word: Adoption! Adoption, adoption, adoption. There are so many furry friends stuck in shelters every single day that have been abandoned by or taken from their owners. And guess what? You can help them! Just because a dog isn’t a puppy doesn’t mean they’ll love you any less. All they want is a home to call their own with a loving family.
Big thanks to everyone who came on the show and who speak up for our friends/family who don't have a voice! Remember to tune in Monday nights at 6:30 PM and Sunday morning at 10:30 to Lakeshore PBS [Comcast 239/ RCN 4/ Dish, Direct, AT&T 56]. Have a great week y'all!
Surviving a Hurricane, Cancer and Homelessness
It’s been another incredible week at the Whitney Reynold’s show! On our last show we spoke with some amazing individuals who taught us that you can be the change this world needs if you just step up and try! Don’t forget: If you missed the episode you can catch it again on Sundays at 10:30 AM.
Our first guest on our show Survivor is Jaspen Boothe. She's a woman who, throughout all adversity, has remained strong. She survived Hurricane Katerina along with a vicious bout with cancer. As the creator of The Final Salute she has dedicated her life to helping veterans such as herself to find proper housing and employment after service.
Survival expert and professional stunt person, Ky Furneaux, will be telling us all about her thrilling career of performing stunts and may even give us some useful survival tips! Ky has appeared in over 80 films and tv productions including: The Avengers, Thor, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Talk about girl power! This survivor found her passions after almost completely loosing her mobility due to an injury she sustained from a horrible car crash. After a year of intense physical therapy she was back up and moving better than ever. She decided nothing was going to keep her from doing what she loved.
For all of you Survivor fans Ethan Zohn will be joining us! This man was the winner of the Survivor: Africa season. He’s also been seen on Survivor: All-stars and The Amazing Race. Ethan was previously a professional American soccer player and used his prize money to cofound an incredible charity called Grassroot Soccer. This charity uses soccer to educate and mobilize communities in order to fight the spread of HIV. Not only did Ethan survive in the wilderness he is also a cancer survivor! His story is one you won’t want to miss.
See you this Monday for a powerful episode filled with amazing stories of survival and inspirational guests!
Season Premier- Veterans
Hello and welcome to our season premier blog! I want to give you a little background on our guests for Monday’s show. We will have some familiar faces like Senator Richard Durban and Son's Of Anarchy Star, Theo Rossi on set, yet we will also introduce you to a new wave of Veterans that are dedicated to making an impact here at home.
First up in the studio we have Todd Connor who created the organization known as The Bunker. The Bunker is a start-up company that works to help veterans turn their experience and skills into entrepreneurship. They’ve already helped launch 19 companies! Todd's interview is full of "outside the box" ideas and packed with info for the entrepreneur in us all.
SSgt. Johnny Joey Jones and Meghan McDermott will be speaking to us about The Boot Campaign and Camp Southern Ground. The Boot Campaign is an organization that raises money for wounded soldiers and those returning with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). They provide assistance to military personal, past and present along, with their families. One of the ways they raise funds and awareness for the campaign is by selling combat boots. The Boot Campaign is known for having celebrities, athletes and more, lace up boots and show their support. Even I strapped some on-
SSgt. Johnny Joey Jones not only informs us about the campaign but his interview is a must see. The impact he made overseas and here at home is huge and I am super excited for you to learn more about his courageous journey!
Let’s talk BBQ. Have you tried Johnny Van Smoke House yet? If not, you’re definitely missing out! Johnny Van and his wife, BK, started Johnny Van Smokehouse back in 2012 when they decided to share their love for barbecue with as many people as they can reach. And get this: Johnny Van is a veteran himself! On the show he shares how his military journey and passion for food collided to create a business that is now helping vets here at home. Johnny Van Smoke House has been kind enough to share a recipe with all of us. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
Does that not sound incredible?! That recipe has taken Johnny Van to the semi-finals of the World Championship of Food! Not only is it insanely delicious it’s a great recipe when you’re in a pinch. Just place the rolled up meat in a shallow baking pan and pop it in the oven.
Thank you for reading! I hope this little preview has made you all as excited about the upcoming episode as I am. Remember: the show has moved its time slot! Be sure to tune in Monday at 6:30 PM on Lakeshore Public Media (WYIN)
Channels
- Chicago| COMCAST 329 | RCN 4 | DISH/DIRECT/ATT 56
- The Quad Cities | WQPT CHANNEL 24
Season Preview
Ready. Set. It's Preview Time! Season 4 of The Whitney Reynolds Show is coming out soon. This season the topics are tough: Veterans, A Life Story (Holocaust Survivor), Be The Change, Fears, Puppy Mills and Survivor . We dive into issues that matter and have stacked each show with the best of the best. Here's a sneak peek at what's to come.