Today Is The Day!
SEASON 8 OF THE WHITNEY REYNOLDS SHOW is OUT TONIGHT!
October 21st has arrived! The newest season of the Whitney Reynolds Show, Season 8, premieres TODAY! Ways to watch our premiere, Owning Your Lane, highlighting guests Dan Aykroyd, Brad Keselowski, Amber Rangel, and Keanon Kyles, can be found on our WATCH page. This fall, I am overjoyed to share the variety of moving and motivational stories from Chicago and beyond. There is lots to come - make sure you are tuning in every Monday!
Female is The Future! GIRLSTRONG x Girls on The Run || WITH WHIT
This week was hustling for our team and I at the Whitney Reynolds Show! Back to back emcee gigs, season premiere preparation (which is THIS Monday), and our live taping for Wishlist 2024. It’s been busy, but an incredible week!
Just a few days ago, I was in Atlanta, it was a tight turn-around, but the people I met along the way as well as familiar faces I got to see in person again warmed my heart.
I made it onto Atlanta & Company, known as ‘atl&co’ spreading the word of GIRLSTRONG’s initiative and outstanding brand, Being on the news brings me back to my day as an anchor, but this time it was a relaxing twist. Our conversation boosted me positively into the day attending “The Happy Healthy Hour'“ - which so SO fun!
This event left me with so much hope and excitement for the future. The work being done by Girls on the Run Georgia is truly changing lives, and it was an honor to witness such an outpouring of support for their cause. I left not only with some new friends but a renewed sense of purpose—ready to continue lifting up young women and encouraging them to shine as brightly as they can.
“When we feel good as women, the world benefits. The female-empowered brand and movement, GIRLSTRONG is all about showing up in our best capacity,” says my friend, and founder Lisa Crossley. This statement resonates deeply with me, as I've seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing my strength and confidence in different aspects of my life.
GIRLSTRONG is a fitness apparel and accessory brand that celebrates the power of women coming together. Lisa mentions how “fashion has been a powerful tool for female empowerment throughout history, allowing women to express themselves authentically, challenge stereotypes, and redefine what it means to be both feminine and empowered.” And GIRLSTRONG does just that! Through their fashion, fused with functionality that makes the women who wear it feel fabulous and amazing!
Lisa’s journey in growing GIRLSTRONG has been very inspirational! Starting in 2015, the idea of functional fitness wear catering to all women sparked in her mind during an exercise class, where Lisa, during it, felt cautious and slightly intimidated. She couldn’t shake the idea out of her head! Now, I am so glad that the world is able to see her and her brand’s brilliance! “There are so many forces that divide us, as women, rather than aligning us. I wanted to create a brand that emphasized that women can be both inspired and empowered,” Lisa says. GIRLSTRONG strongly embodies this mission, innovating fashion to include and connect all women in the community.
The positive and inspiring impact of GIRLSTRONG continues through its global outreach, connecting with a multitude of brand ambassadors and influencers. I am lucky to say I am a part of this team! I LOVE working with GIRLSTRONG! Being an ambassador and a part of the advisory board, advocating for their female empowerment movement has been a wonderful experience throughout our partnership.
GIRLSTRONG is hosting their “Healthy Happy Hour” event benefiting their charitable partner, Girls on The Run, at Stellar Bodies fitness studio in Atlanta. I’ll be there as a special guest on October 15th, joining the cause in raising awareness and funds for Girls on The Run Atlanta. Even your event ticket, only $35, counts as a direct donation! (You even get a GIRLSTRONG x Girls on The Run t-shirt if you attend)! These donations contribute to the Atlanta branch’s programming, supporting these girls, who navigate various life experiences, and their emotional, social, and physical well-being. The reception is a beautiful space where we are bonded by the same goal to make a positive difference in these girls’ lives.
The merge of missions is the greatest partnership, especially when it’s for women! If you’re interested, click “GIRLSTRONG” here on my site to learn more about Lisa’s empowering apparel and the brand’s collaboration with Girls on The Run! I’m excited to see you there!
Getting The Word Heard On WGN! || WITH WHIT
GET HYPED! Season 8 is just around the corner, and it’s been awesome playing offense in getting the word, HEARD, about all the incredible things that are to come this fall! My Season 8 promotion continues, where I got to be on WGN this week with the brilliant, John Landecker.
It’s such a crazy feeling that we’ve made it to eight seasons of our show, and getting to talk about the journey to this point with John, brought back a lot of wonderful memories and pivotal moments that really launched this mission of mine to success!
To hear more of our conversation, click my picture to tune in! Or checkout WGN’s page using this link here!
SEASON 8 of The Whitney Reynolds Show premieres on October 21st!
Pedal For Purpose!
Looking for an adventurous, scenic bike ride that also supports a heartfelt mission? Well you’re in luck! Come join the herd of cyclists on the trail and tell the epic tale at the CowaLunga Charity Bike Tour hosted and run by the Respiratory Health Association (RHA).
This event is more than just a ride; it’s a powerful movement that will bring the RHA’s mission to life! Their mission: to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better through education, research, and policy.
Today, the organization tackles a range of respiratory issues including asthma, COPD, lung cancer, tobacco control, and air quality. Their work wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and generosity of individuals, businesses, and foundations across Chicagoland. The Respiratory Health Association is one of our long-time sponsors here at the show, and I’m honored to be a part of this group, working closely to ensure the value of this critical cause and bring awareness to those across the city and the country about respiratory health.
An initiative started by the RHA that I love to bring light on as well, is Catch Your Breath. The initiative brings an emphasis on the challenge WOMEN face in struggling with lung disease, and the disproportionate effects it has on them. As a women’s health advocate, I’m proud to do everything in my power to make sure that this support in research and funding is allocated to women as much as it is to the rest of the community.
The relationship I’ve built with the RHA team has motivated me to share ways that you can make the same one with them! You can start that at any time, through donating and participating in CowaLunga this year!
Either an ammatuer or expert, CowaLunga welcomes all bike-riding capabilities! The “moo’velous” weekend, taking place on August 3rd & 4th, will have you ride through the picturesque landscapes and charming towns from northern Illinois to southern Wisconsin - which can be done on a one, or two day ride.
Being part of a herd means being embraced by a community where you find support, strength, and a shared purpose. I love Cowalunga’s theme of joining the herd, because it shows us that our strength and support of one another is made possible in numbers. We all desire to be a part of a herd, to feel the same sense of inclusion and connection. To me, the RHA and the Cowalunga event has created a herd that makes it known that you are never alone in your journey. And that together, we are bonded by a cause we care for deeply!
Register here for Cowalunga! Details on the event time, location, etc. can be found on our Calendar Page.
“Every mile you ride helps them fight for healthy lungs and clean air for all!” - The Respiratory Health Association.
Keeping Note!
Baylor is keeping note!
If you haven’t seen, Baylor Magazine’s latest release of their “Class Notes” column highlighted a piece of my story! Even David was featured this time alongside me!
Baylor University, as you know, holds an incredibly special place in my heart. The three golden years I spent at Baylor, meeting lifelong friends and colleagues through my unique plate of activities and interests, were ones I wouldn’t trade for anything else. In all the hard-work it’s taken to achieve my dream in sharing impactful stories, Baylor was one of the places that supported me in making this possible.
I hope younger eyes reading my name on pages of Baylor Magazine are able to take inspiration, and pave the way to making a difference!
Dear Twenty-One Year Old Whit || WITH WHIT
The magic of returning to the places that shape us is incredibly special. For my career and the greater circle of people I’ve met through television, Good Morning America (GMA) was one of those places that gave me the foundation to launch a show of my own. I was lucky enough to revisit during my time in New York City MC’ing at the Power of One Gala!
The beautiful lessons began immediately from my first trip to New York City. High-school Whitney walked in with the courage to chase the vision of being a talk show host. You’d be surprised to know I was there for a DECA event! I found GMA through a chance encounter meeting a fellow Baylor alumni who worked there. Magically, GMA worked its way back into my path, becoming the dot point that would lead next to an internship a few years later.
“Baylor in New York!” had me, twenty-one-year-old Whit, in a pool of countless opportunities, and getting to explore those with my peers. It was the internship that made the city dream come to life! Not just the aesthetic, but stepping into the shadow of the valuable people who made the show possible, was life-changing to witness. Now, many of them are dear friends!
Stepping into the studio again was such a warm welcome back! The hugs, incredible talent in front of the camera and behind the scenes, and even rocking out to Darius Rucker, made my return to my old stomping grounds incredibly special. It felt like coming home, seeing familiar faces and reminiscing about my early, twenty-one-year-old intern days. This bite of the Big Apple I made tastes even sweeter now, full of experience and cherished memories, that I am forever grateful for!
A Royal Send Off For My Friend Borris! || WITH WHIT
Our dear friend, Borris Powell, hosted his final resident fashion show this past Sunday. It was a magnificent celebration of his talent, creativity, and philanthropic outreach!
All the proceeds go back to support his nonprofit, the Saving Lives Foundation. Their mission is: “dedicated to empowering youth from under-resourced communities through arts-based education designed to help build identity and self-esteem, and rebuild community, empathy, and opportunity.”
Themed “Kings Kourt,” Borris followed no restraints in creating such dazzling, innovative looks that captured the essence of 17th Century royalty fashion, with his modern and inclusive vision. Borris’s show was truly a testament to his artistic attention to detail and care about uplifting our community here in Chicago.
He doesn’t just bring this attention to detail to his physical fashion looks but brings it to causes he cares about deeply. All the proceeds donated, benefit The Saving Lives Foundation; locally built by Borris, which raises funds for staffing, equipment, and programming that supports Chicago’s Youth. Naturally, he makes fashion and philanthropy such a great team!
I was overwhelmed with pride and admiration for Borris on Sunday, watching his talent and heart take the runway! His work ethic and dedication to his art give a glimpse of how much he has achieved throughout his career.
To our friend - thank you for allowing my family to be a part of your incredible journey. It’s been an honor to have your back and support your career, creativity, and fashion brilliance for so many years!
Whitney EMCEE’s in Times Square!
School has made its wrap! But before we headed into summer mode, we got to look back and celebrate all the hard work and academic success students had completed this year! It was my honor to be a part of this celebration, where this week, I was able to be the Special Guest Mistress of Ceremonies, leading the 3rd Annual, The Power of One Gala for Common Denominator.
Common Denominator, truly fulfills its motto, “rising to the equation!” As a fully volunteer-based mathematics program, they are dedicated to their mission of providing math and mentorship to in-need middle schoolers struggling with the impact of learning loss.
The gala, taking place in Times Square, at the New York Marriott Marquis, shined light on these students, who have shown adversity through educational, economic hardship, and disadvantage to achieve success in mathematics. Hosting conversations of recognition for these students will call them to ignite, real, and transformational change that with no doubt, they can make possible!
This event is crucial to keep Common Denominator going. In the past, they have raised $313,000 in donations from this event, and I am very excited to learn what our 2024 Gala will do for this nonprofit.
MOTHER'S DAY WEEK: New Show, Blended Families
Happy Mother’s Day from our the team at WRS! Spend your Sunday with us and get caught up with our recent episode: Blended Families. We truly have something for everyone this season. Take a look:
Tell Fear To Take A Hike
This week's show is all about fear. Sure we have different thoughts that scare us, but how do we overcome the one's that grip our every move. Our guests open up about their real battles and how are trying to get through them.
Before we dive into our topic, I wanted to share some fears in my own life. You see this topic is extremely real and something I believe we all battle with. When I first moved to Chicago, I didn't know anyone and the job I thought I had landed in TV actually fell through. I was stuck in what I'd call a major "fear" rut. The unknown attacked my nerves and I actually missed out on a lot of exciting things (Like- exploring a new city and enjoying a little time to myself). I would do anything to go back and tell younger Whitney do not be anxious it will all work out. Fear is a funny thing because there's really nothing it adds to and only takes away the joy that each experience can offer. In my life I've worked on telling fear to take a hike and embracing the chaos. Now don't get me wrong, nerves aren't always bad... For example: My first day doing my KISS FM segment (Whitney's Women) I was nervous but I've learned turned those nerves into positive energy! I think if we take a moment and reflect on our own lives we would find fear trying to creep in. Today's guest admit the struggle is real but learning to let go is a powerful thing!
Starting off the show, we have Paul Wallenberg. He’ll be talking to us about a whole array of topics. From the common fear of heights to the highly rated fear of death. He’ll even be discussing how quitting smoking correlates with fear. Additionally we’ll have Life Coach Ellen Burton on the show. Working with people as a life coach she’s had to help out with her share of fears. If fear is something you feel you struggle with in your daily life you’ll want to hear what these two have to say.
Blogger Nicole Rohr Stephani will be joining us in the studio. She’ll be talking about her battle with her fear of eating. After 3 stints of treatment through her eating disorder she finally reached a place of successful recovery and has dedicated her time to helping other girls with their struggles through her blog Body Boop. Head over to her blog and revel in her amazingness!
Finally we’ll be talking to Nik Wallenda. Nik is a tight rope walker! I know what you’re thinking: “Oh I’ve seen that before at the circus. What’s the big deal?” Well you’ve never seen anything like this! Nik has taken his high wire walking to incredible heights. Literally! He has walked across incredible places such as the Chicago Skyline and was even the first man to walk Niagra Falls!
Wasn’t that incredible! The greatest part about Nik is that he doesn’t credit his incredible feats to his own talents. He credits all of his success to the work of God. He has dedicated his life to inspiring other through his actions in order to introduce God into their lives. You won’t want to miss hearing him speak!
I’m looking forward to sharing this incredible episode with you all! Make sure to tune in on Monday at 6:30 pm on Lakeshore PBS. To find our show in your market click the CONTACT tab.
I hope you are able to tell your fears to take a hike and live life in the now!