Chicago Champion Award
We are honored to share that Whitney is being awarded the Chicago Community Champion Award!
You CAN SIT WITH US!
Our first annual WHITNEY’S WARRIORS taping was amazing. Everyone in our audience is a warrior for change and we honored them that evening. To nominate your warrior for fall 2020 NOMINATE HERE.
SEASON OPENER- Finding Forgiveness
Get ready for a powerful SEASON OPENER, “Finding Forgiveness.” On this episode we will walk you through one man’s journey to forgiving the people who killed his parents. He shares his open and honest path to finding forgiveness in his life.
Garrard McClendon- Sharing his story on forgiving the men who killed his parents.
Also on the show we have Kimberly Yates an actress from NYC who shares her twist to forgiveness… (Forgiving yourself).
And Forgiveness Coach Sedrik Newbern shares his experience with forgiveness and ways we can find freedom in letting go!
Kimberly Yates- Celebrities Care
Sedrik Newbern- Forgiveness Coach
This show hits Lakeshore PBS October 15th and other markets the same week! For a full list of our upcoming season and airing info CLICK HERE. LIVE IN CHICAGO? Come to our premier party! TICKETS- “Contact Us” page or WATCH the after show on FACEBOOK LIVE!
NEW BILLBOARDS up across Chicagoland
TV, RADIO, PRINT & NOW ON YOUR DRIVE!
Check out our new, first ever, show billboards! We have several popping up around Chicago and can't wait for you to see them. Thank you for the continue support and love. See you on the road!
Season Premier Party, FREE TICKETS
It's time to party! The Whitney Reynolds Show new fall series hits Chicagoland October 9th at 6:30 on Lakeshore PBS. and we want you to join us LIVE! Make sure to get your tickets HERE.
What's Your Story
Whitney Reynolds- Hello 6th PBS Season!
I’ve been very nostalgic recently here at the Whitney Reynolds Show and have gone through some of my past episodes. I wanted to highlight a few inspirational stories that I believe everybody could benefit from past seasons. ENJOY!
In our first PBS season we did a show "Second Chances." On this episode we sat down with we Danni Allen, Season 14 winner of the hit TV series "The Biggest Loser", about her second chance with her health. After witnessing her father struggle with his health, and almost lose his life, she decided that she needed to make a change. After auditioning for, and ultimately winning, the Biggest Loser she was given a second chance to live her life to the fullest. This episode taught us when life is generous enough to give us a second chance we need to take advantage of it!
UPDATE: We recently caught up with Danni and she still has the same mindset and even more excited about what's ahead!
Our "No Limits" episode focused on different individuals who didn’t let their circumstances get in the way of achieving their dreams. I was fortunate enough to sit down with an incredible young woman named Mary Kate Callahan. Mary Kate was paralyzed from the waist down at only 5 ½ months old. But she didn’t let that stop her from doing what she loved. As a high school swimmer the only thing in her way from the State Championships was the lack of a policy to include swimmers with disabilities. But once again she refused to give up. She teamed up with lawyers and fought the system until finally during her senior year of high school she was able to compete at the Illinois Swimming State Championship. This just goes to show you that no matter what roadblock is in your way you can’t let it stop you from being all that you can be.
In the show’s second season we talked about the Youth of Our Future. Violence amongst teens, especially in the Chicagoland area, is stealing the lives of the next generation. But this doesn’t mean we have to stand by and watch it happen. I spoke to David Diaz, WBC World Lightweight Champion, about his after-school program where he teaches kids how to box. Coming from a background of boxing he uses his talent to keep kids out of violence. Through boxing he is able to teach kids discipline and turning their aggression into positive energy. It’s people like David who are changing the lives of everyone around them by simply taking a stand for what they believe in.
Next I took a look at one of our recent episodes, "Be the Change." We live in a world where corruption is stealing away the joy and love throughout the world. But we don’t have to just sit by and let it happen. We can be courageous and take a stand for what we believe is right. Our social sizzle for this episode was the founders of the Kind Campaign: Molly Thompson and Lauren Paul. Through witnessing and experiencing girl on girl crime they took it upon themselves to educate young girls across the US and Canada about the harmful effects of girl on girl crime. They have taught thousands of young girls that kindness is the only option.
Finally, in our Survivor episode I was able to sit down with Jaspen Boothe. Her story was one of the most inspiring of them all. Jaspen is a Veteran who not only survived Hurricane Katrina but also cancer. However, this is not even the most incredible part about her. After bad treatment by the VA she decided that she wasn’t going to allow future veterans to be treated the way she was. She started an organization called Final Salute that provides homeless women veterans and their families with safe and suitable housing. Her organization has now raised over $650,000 for female veterans. After hearing this story I never want to complain about my life being hard ever again! But it also has showed me that with the right mindset, strong will, and faith you can survive anything.
Going through these episodes have me feeling so inspired and empowered! I love hearing all of your stories. So I want to encourage all of you, my incredible viewers, to write the show and tell me about your journey. You never know how something that changed your life, could help others! Go to our contact page now and get to typing! <3
One Exciting Memorial Day Weekend
Thank you to everyone who has served for our freedom. #USA
Well hello summer and long weekend! I want to kick things off with a shout out to all of our military... THANK YOU for serving & HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
This season we’ve talked about conquering fear. And so I thought it would be fun to give you all a little challenge. This will get you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to break through your fears! Below I’ve compiled a list of 5 exhilarating things to do this Memorial Day Weekend. You don’t have to try all of them of course, but think of how empowered you’d feel if you do! I say you pick the one that makes you the most scared and go for it.
1. Skydeck Chicago- Afraid of heights? You HAVE to try this out! Right in Downtown Chicago at the Willis Tower you have the ability to step out on a glass panel that’s 1,353 ft above the ground. When you visit the Skydeck you will be able to step outside the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. If that’s not facing your fear head-on I don’t know what is!
2. Preform your own slam poetry. Does public speaking scare you more than death itself? I have just the cure for you! Try out your own slam poetry up in front of a crowd at The Green Mill. On top of some incredible live jazz, there is a fun little contest for new comers and veterans alike. Try your hand at some slam poetry and you may even go home with a prize!
3. Chicago Flyboard- Have you ever thought about floating above water? Well with Flyboards you will have the opportunity to do just that. With a board strapped to your feet the water from Lake Michigan will be blasted through the bottom of the board at a speed so fast it causes you to float above water. Think jetpack with water. It’s a fun way to spend a day in the sun doing something you’ll never forget. You can make it a family day too by renting some Stand Up Paddle Boards or Canoes too!
4. Absolutely Chicago Segways- You’ve seen those strange contraptions that look like a scooter mixed with a pogo stick, now it’s time to try one! Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours will you show you this incredible city from standpoint you’ve never taken before. These tours are fun and easy to book. Try it out! You won’t be disappointed.
5. Trapeze School- Yes. You did read that right! Trapeze school! Try out flying through the sky for a day with nothing to hold on to but a trusted partner. Your childhood dreams of running away to a circus could finally come true. Not only will you conquer fear but you can learn to trust in not only other people but yourself! Give it a try!
Don’t forget to document your fearless feats by using the hashtag #fearlesswithwhitney! And make sure you tune in to the Whitney Reynolds show Sundays at 10:30 am and Mondays at 6:30 pm! Have a great holiday weekend! Xx
My Move To Weeknights
I am thrilled to announce we are moving to weeknights across Chicagoland! Starting April 6th our show is moving to Monday's at 6:30 PM CST on Lakeshore Public Television. (Comcast 239, RCN 4, Dish/Direct/AT&T 56).
This move comes with mixed emotions because my show has always played on the weekends. When we switched channels from NBC to PBS back in 2012 we became dedicated to tough topics. I decided to use our platform to shine light on subjects that sometimes get lost. Having a serious show air on Saturday afternoons was tough and we are extremely excited for our new night and time. The lineup on PBS that surrounds our show is amazing and we are thrilled to reach more viewers this season.
The switch to Monday nights did not happen overnight (No pun intended lol) in fact, it took some serious meetings and loyal viewers to make this change. I want to encourage you to have patience with your dreams yet work towards the end goal daily. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, but standing on this side of things, it is totally worth it.
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for believing in and watching our show. I want to thank Chicagoland by throwing a launch party! Tickets are free but there's limited space. Email tickets@thewhitneyreynoldsshow.com for a fun night of: show watching, food and drinks! Our friends from Action Booth will be taking pictures and my first magazine cover will be revealed. If you live in The Quad Cities (our 2nd market/ WQPT) you also are invited so RSVP & COME!
Remember to set your DVR before the party and get ready for a fabulous season of fresh topics!
Coming up this season: Veterans, Be The Change, Puppy Mills, Survivor, Fears and A Life Story: The Holocaust.
Excited to be back in your living rooms next month!
Xx -Whitney
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.
The Holistic Holiday
"Ask Aimee"
This week, we wanted to prepare our readers for the stress that comes with the season, by going holistic for the holidays. To give you some great tips on managing stress and finding some peace of mind this holiday, we talked to Aimee Orta of Balance Healing Center. She's been helping people heal holistically for the last twelve years and has some great insight on strategy for a natural approach to relieving the burden of stress.
In your years of observing clients, what do you think is the biggest stressor during the holidays? I think the biggest stress people have is the expectations of themselves and of others. From parties to families to relationships, people load it on all at once and it's too much.
That's very interesting. How do you feel people can combat those stressors? Get plenty of sleep. The more tired you are the less tolerant you'll be of your crazy great aunt Bernadette and the person who took your parking space at Marianos. It's amazing how refreshed and in control you feel on a full night of sleep.
Take a walk. Have a dance party. Meditate. Yes, it is harder to exercise when you have three parties on the same day or there's a wind chill of 5 below. But taking the time to get some fresh air or to be intentional about moving your body and quieting your mind is an important step to help melt stress.
People should be mindful in everything they do. From approaching food choices, how much they eat, or shopping, people should slow their mind and make conscious choices. That said, mindfulness can be a service like a massage or simply meditating before you go to bed at night.
Remember to have fun. Laugh. Keep a positive attitude. The holidays should be a time for celebrating. An optimistic outlook will help you take it all in stride. After all, your party plans may not turn out perfectly and that's ok. It's usually in those moments that the best memories are made.
Great insight. So, in your practice, do you think there's a service that best helps relieve stress? Yes, the most successful modality we have is craniosacral therapy. Using a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The heart of it is stillness which is the ultimate in calming nerves.
Sounds soothing! Now, what makes a service or membership at Balance Healing Center such a great holiday gift? People struggle to make themselves a priority. That's why the gift of self care is priceless. It's perfect for someone who can get everything else. It also can open a new door in their life to exploration.
What other advice do you have for those preparing for the upcoming festivities? Being holistic for the holidays is great but people should start incorporating little things throughout the year, whether it's a weekly or monthly service or membership to our center. Also, people need to be forgiving of themselves.
That said, New Years is a great way to start fresh. So forgive yourself so you can buckle down in the new year. We offer some great detox programs.
Thanks Aimee! Be sure to check out Balance Healing Center as a gift for yourself or those around you. It will be well worth it. You can receive her newsletter here. (http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001kkqO0FxDKZTpgRk_fmuHmQ%3D%3D)
Be sure to check you local listings for 'Whitney's Wish List' on MyDealTV. As always we'd like to thank WYCC and WQTP where you can find 'The Whitney Reynolds Show'. Follow me on Twitter @W3Whitney for up to date on everything me. You can like us on Facebook. If you liked this post, share it on Pinterest.
Have a great week!
DEADLY- Pain Pills, Football & Sleep Apnea
This week on 'The Whitney Reynolds Show' we're tackling sleep apnea. We welcome to the show former NFL players Roy "Jetstream" Green and Archie Roberts. Together they discuss their advocacy for sleep apnea awareness. They talk about the correlation between pain pill and sleep apnea. They open up about their personal experiences and also the pain it's caused in their own lives. Roy discusses his involvement with the Pro Player Health Alliance along with famed Dentist David Gergen .
Roy "JetStream" Green
Then we talk to a sleep apnea expert Dr. Robert Wolf DDS. He informs us on the potential harms of this common sleep disorder and also his advice and solution to help people who struggle with it. Finally, we chat with renowned neurologist Dr. Todd J. Swick. He will be discussing how drugs can impact the sleep cycle.
Pro Player Alliance/ Sleep Apnea
This will be a highly informative episode. You will learn the symptoms, testing and treatment of this often lethal disorder. Be sure to check your local listings.
You can follow us on Facebook to find all up to date information on the show. Tweet me @W3Whitney. Pin us on Pinterest. And of course remember to watch every Saturday at 4 PM on WYCC PBS Chicago! (Live outside of Chicago? We got you covered. Check your local listings or our website for episodes near you)!
Have a great week everyone!
Taking The "DIS" Out Of Disability
What an exciting week! They say, "third time's a charm," and that couldn't be more true of our upcoming third episode of The Whitney Reynolds Show.
We're all about the charming Miss You Can Do It pageant. It's a national non-profit pageant for girls and women with special needs. I'll be sitting down with founder Abbey Curran, who was Miss Iowa 2008 to discuss her mission.
I talk to world famous autism activist, author and professor of animal studies, Temple Grandin. She will discuss her life's work and how she helps those living with autism. Then, to cap it off, I'll be talking to director and producer, Ron Davis who made an HBO film on the pageant.
Abby Curran- Founder Miss You Can Do it
This is sure to be an inspiring episode. It promotes growth and confidence for girls living with disabilities. Don't miss out. Be sure to check your local listings for show info in your area! You can also find the episode on our YouTube page after it airs. Remember to stay up to date with the show on our Facebook page. Follow me on Twitter @W3Whitney. Pin my posts on you Pinterest to share these hopeful stories to your community.
SPEAKING OF UNSTOPPABLE- Join me Sunday, October 19th at Highland Park Country Club, as I emcee the fourth annual fundraiser “Soar to New Heights!” for Aspiritech.
Aspiritech helps adults with autism soar to new heights by living fulfilling, independent, and meaningful lives. Aspiritech trains and hires adults with Asperger’s syndrome and other forms of high functioning autism to be software testers, a job well-suited to their unique talents, such as attention to detail and an exceptional ability to focus. The organization has earned praise from across the nation as a pioneer in creating jobs for adults with autism. To purchase tickets please visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/845145. Hope to see you there!
Giving Back And Giving Thanks
Hey everyone!
This past week we found that our Autism special that aired on WQPT in The Quad Cities, helped increase support to a local organization! This amazing news made me want to further discuss my thoughts on giving back and helping those in need.
I am a huge proponent of charitable deeds. When I can, I volunteer my efforts towards enriching various causes. The more you give the more you receive. Volunteering time to a great cause is empowering because it is a small way we personally can assist in profound change. If time is a limited resource and you have the financial means, donating is equally beneficial. After all, many organization operate on a mix of grants and individual contributions.
On October 17th, I'm emceeing Reach Out Community Center's annual gala. I have been heavily involved with this organization for the last year. ROCC's goal is to help Chicago's youth ages 7 to 17 on the west side by offering skill based programs that develop, educational and life goals. It is an amazing initiative that has a direct impact on nurturing change throughout their community. Be sure to check them out http://reachoutcc.org and get your tickets to this event.
I am very excited to help such a wonderful cause. I also am so grateful for the premiere of our fall season on PBS Channel WYCC. Follow our updates on Facebook. Engage with me on Twitter @W3Whitney. Then pin us on Pinterest. It's going to be an incredible season with so many great topics and guests.
Enjoy your week,
Whitney
When Shopping & Passion Collide
Moving to Chicago in 2009 I immediately knew this was a city I wanted to make a difference in. The love people have for Chicago runs deep and the pride they take in the city is undeniable. In January of 2013, I became the Spokesperson for Reach Out Community Center (ROCC), a non- profit on Chicago's West Side. Together we are working to spread awareness to help our Chicago youth and also create a safe space for after school activities. The land has been purchased and (ALMOST) everything is in place to start building, but this is where we need you. Over the next few months we will be teaming up with businesses across Chicagoland to raise funds to build.
I am excited to announce the first business to team up with us! Today Accessory Mercado is giving back 20% of ALL proceeds to ROCC. I have been rocking pieces from this hip, online, boutique on and off set for month and have been overwhelmed with all the compliments these shiny pieces receive. So remember to go online today and shop for a good cause.
Never have you ever looked so great while giving back to those who deserve it!
What I've Learned in 28 Years
I've learned more in my late 20's than ever before & I am going to tell you some of my top lessons! If only I could have written a letter to the "younger Whitney" and explained where we'd be in 2014.
Work: When I first started my career I was very competitive. One thing I've learned with age is there is beauty in EMPOWERMENT. "Girls Compete with one another and women empower each other." It's simply, be the best YOU! CHANGE... In the past, I always looked at change as a bad thing and this year it has proven to be the best news I could have received. In a few months we will be making a huge announcement and if it weren't for a little of change we would still be stuck in the past. Get ready for some exciting news and pumped up for major change!
Life: This year for lent I decided to take an hour a week and reflect on things/people I am thankful for. I am writing hand-written letters to people who have invested in my life and helped mold me into the woman I am today. What I discovered in this process is, GRATITUDE leads to JOY! A thankful heart = a joyful heart!
Love: In November of last year I got married to the love of my life and we decided to write our own vows. One of things I value about David is our differences. In my vows I promised, "Not to change him, rather GROW with him." I know that the David I married in November, will not be the same a year from now. Yes, we will still love each other, but we must remember to grow together. ACCEPT people for who they are and embrace the person they are becoming!
Take a moment today and think about your last year. It doesn't matter what birthday you are celebrating, embrace the lessons you have learned and try to make this year the best! That's my birthday wish for you!
Pediatric Cancer Needs More Attention
Who doesn't like to jump around for a good cause? The picture below is a very typical evening when Action Booth is involved. This pic was taken last month when I emceed The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation party.
Even though everyone at the event was cutting up in the photo booth, we were all there for a very serious cause. Pediatric Cancer is under funded and unfamiliar to most people. The Bear Necessities Foundation helps kids and families impacted by pediatric cancer and also helps fund research. The reality is, kids are losing their lives every year to pediatric cancer and medical bills for those families are piling up. Kathleen Casey (the founder of Bear Necessities) saw these needs first hand after her son Barret lost his 5 and half year battle to pediatric cancer. Not only did she see the need, but she also acted on it. Today the foundation is really moving and shaking things up in Chicago. Each year they are growing and their mission is coming to life! Their events are fun and really have people "JUMPING" around for a good cause!
Have a family member who lost their battle to cancer? CLICK HERE for my KissFm interview with Camp Kesem (a summer camp designed to help kids who have lost someone to cancer).
