Mission driven media with Jessica Alba & Lizzy Mathis
Whitney interviews Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis, the powerhouse team behind Honest Renovations, about their shared mission to help others. They explain how their work goes beyond transforming homes—it touches lives and fosters personal growth. From balancing motherhood to business, they share insights on making a lasting impact with authenticity in every project.
Click the PBS App Link to watch this sneak peak! Checkout Honest Renovations exclusively streaming on Roku.
Back to My Roots || With Whit
Last week, I had the chance to return to my roots at KTEN, which was truly a full circle moment. While in town for the Crush It! Cup with Jordan Spieth, I was reminded of the incredible community that shaped my early career. Sitting down with Bailey Vaughn on Good Morning Texoma, I reflected on my time at KTEN, where I started as a reporter and producer, learning invaluable skills both behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera.
Those formative years taught me everything from anchoring to executive producing, laying the groundwork for my journey to becoming the executive producer of The Whitney Reynolds Show. It was a heartwarming reminder of how far I’ve come and the lessons that will always stay with me. Here's to the experiences that shape us and the homes that welcome us back!
A Sparkle of Hope that Never Dulls!
Last month on Sunday, September 22, I returned to the The Sparkle of Hope Fundraiser Luncheon where I had the honor of being the emcee for this year’s gathering!
Together At Peace (TAP) featured an incredible line-up of speakers, guests, and organizations including USA Today bestselling author of Normal Broken Kelly Cervantes, Maureen Claffy and the Maureen Claffy Art Academy!
The luncheon had interactive activities both adults and children attending could enjoy! Ever heard of a Mobile Library? Or a permanent jewelry station? Well the Sparkle of Hope Luncheon had both at their event and more! There was also additional interactive artistic stations such as Hug-A-Bear Building Station, photo-ops with a balloon background, and live art-making with the talented Brooke and Ange. My partners as well, were featured in the Silent Auction, offering some exclusive deals and items, giving back to the TAP and Chicago community.
The unimaginable feeling of losing a loved one or knowing someone, who has experienced loss hits our hearts deeply. Grief never goes away, but what can bring those a little more comfort, is a guiding light, there to support them and honor those they have lost.
Together at Peace (TAP), a foundation I’ve been long-time partnered with, makes it their mission to support and provide care for those, who have experienced loss. Collaborating with bereavement care programs driven by the same mission, TAP creates unique, and impactful methods that help raise funds that directly impact those going through their journeys of grief. Funds that provide comfort and relief during a time they need it most.
Hosting conversations of hope has been my life’s purpose. These conversations bring a sense of common ground and inspiration to those going through difficult times, and every individual’s story is a testament of their courage, strength, and compassion. Every year, this luncheon is a cornerstone of inspiration that I am so grateful to be a part of.
This year we raised $103,602! These funds were donated to Camp Kesem (Northwestern Chapter), an organization that supports children affected by a parent’s cancer, building empowering year-round programs that instill pillars of connection and value. These funds make a major difference in enhancing their camp experience.
And of course, I want to give a shoutout to my lovely friends, Christine Marzullo and Brittany Jelinek, who worked endlessly in planning this luncheon and ensuring it was such a blast! You two are making the sparkle in this world brighter, and your work makes such a difference to all the lives you touch.
See you at next year’s luncheon on September 28, 2025!
Magical Moment With Harry Potter Cast
Hey all you Harry Potter fans! If you didn’t know, Broadway Chicago is bringing the infamous play, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child for the first time ever to our city! The troupe is performing at the James E. Nederlander Theater this Fall!
Broadway Chicago brings an artistic richness that makes our city shine! I sat down with Trish Lindstrom and Benjamin Thys to discuss their roles in this production. For both Trish and Benjamin, their personal experiences were able to add a richness to their performances as Ginny Potter and Draco Malfoy.
Trish and Benjamin were kind enough to share how their personal lives impacted their roles. Trish Lindstorm, who play’s Ginny Potter, was impacted by grief around the time of accepting this role. She speaks about how her role in the production helped her work through her loss.
“The play is around grief and death and loss. And in that way it’s so rich and it’s about love and it’s about parent-child relationship.”
For Benjamin Thys, this role is incredibly special because it allows him to use the skills he learned as a magician early on in his career. He never thought this past experience could be used in his acting career, but now it has strengthen his connection to the role of Draco Malfoy.
For these artists, their childhood dreams are being fulfilled, playing a part in making this fictional universe come alive on stage. Nothing could be better! Exploring these deeper moments is the ones that remind us we all have a story, no matter how magical or mundane!
Hang tight because all of this and more will be shared with you soon. And of course, go see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child now here till February 2025!
Click the link above to watch the interview on PBS.org!
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!
Old DeLorey Takes Us Back! || With Whit
As summer comes to a close, my son and I had the wonderful opportunity to be tourists in our own city and enjoy the Broadway adaptation of Back to the Future. It’s not every day you get to relive your childhood, revisit your ‘80s roots, and step into a time machine with Marty McFly and Doc!
Experiencing the magic of Broadway firsthand is always a privilege. Over the years, we've had the honor of interviewing Broadway stars, delving into their journeys from dreamers to performers. We spoke with Britney Coleman about how her passion and dedication have led her to shine in roles that truly touch audiences’ hearts, such as her portrayal of Bobbie in Company. We also chatted with Deon’te Goodman, who captivated audiences as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, about the pivotal moment he realized he was destined for the spotlight.
Just as Marty McFly and Doc took us on a time-traveling adventure, be sure to tune in this fall to hear more incredible stories and journeys that remind us of the power of dreams and perseverance!
‘FLAIR’-ING THE FIRE OF FASHION, FUN, & PHILANTHROPY | WITH WHIT
As I prepare to step onto the runway once again, I can't help but feel a wave of excitement mixed with deep gratitude. On September 13th, I'll be modeling for The Chicago Lighthouse’s annual fashion event, FLAIR, an evening dedicated to celebrating style, inclusion, and empowerment. This isn’t just another fashion show—it's an opportunity to support a cause close to my heart while showcasing the beauty of the women and superstars in our community.
The Chicago Lighthouse is an extraordinary organization that has been making a profound impact for over a century. Founded in 1906, The Lighthouse was initially created by a group of socially prominent Chicago women who were concerned about the future of the city’s blind community. From its humble beginnings, collecting donated food and clothing and teaching employable skills like weaving and carpentry, the organization has grown into a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veterans. The growth of this organization has been such a joy to cheer on and be a part of!
The funds raised through the FLAIR event this September, will go directly to support vital programs for these people. FLAIR helps Chicago Lighthouse continue its mission of building enduring success for those with disabilities, empowering individuals through lifelong learning and employment opportunities, and discovering new approaches to further their impact. Walking alongside the models, who come from all walks of life and experience, is incredibly moving, and really listening to each of their stories written by their hard work, positivity, perseverance, and triumph!
The electric energy from the looks to these stories expresses our show’s pride and love in advocating for those stories that need to be heard most. Whether you know someone who is a veteran and or has a disability from it or not, FLAIR is a wonderful event where you can learn or connect with these people.
It's going to be a night to remember, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you. To learn more about FLAIR, click here for ticket and event information.
WISHLIST TICKETS
Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a fun-filled day and be part of a show that’ll brighten your holiday season. Click on the ticket above to submit a request to be in the live-audience for this memorable experience!
Whitney's Wishlist will be filming on October 19th at 1PM. The final segment will be airing on WGN in December. Hope to see you there!
Shadrach, A Series For The Whole Family || WITH WHIT
Get a glimpse of my upcoming interview with director, producer, and screenwriter, Sean McNamara on his new, executive produced television series, “Shadrach.” Don't miss this conversation, where Sean shares detail on "Shadrach" and describes how it’s a show that all members of the family can connect to and enjoy! It was a highlight of my July to speak with him and how his series inspires those of all ages and points of life.
To watch this and episodes from our last season, checkout our drop down tab, “PBS” under Watch, and download the PBS App on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. With the app, you can stream our newest season and never miss a moment of inspiring content.
ATTENDING DAY ON THE TERRACE!
Typically, you see me in the studio, counting down “3, 2, 1” before the cameras roll! But this weekend, I traded my usual role as a national, television talk show host for that of a model, sashaying down the runway with my Service Club of Chicago sisters at Day on The Terrace this past Monday!
I’m overwhelmed with joy and love for all the hard work my friends put into this fashionable night! Scoring the venue, The Peninsula Chicago, gave the show a city backdrop that looked unreal, where myself and guests enjoyed lovely food, drinks, and conversations. The event was completely sold out, which made me so privileged to be amongst those who care so much about our contributing our part, in bettering the community and our city!
My dress, which I had the honor to wear on the runway, was a piece that I’ll never forget modeling! The catwalk I must say is no easy feat, but it’s worth it for all the fundraising Service Club of Chicago does for its local, partnered organizations.
Off the runway, I got to meet some lovely people who also made their appearance at the event! A group of Marines I bumped into was a conversation that sparked such inspiration and hope! And of course, my television personality friends that make Chicago television its best, including Courtney Hall from NBC Chicago Today, Dawn Housbrouck from FOX Chicago, and Chicago media personality and journalist, Anna Dalvantes. I always smile thinking about how lovely, hardworking, and incredible these ladies are beyond their roles!
Last year’s event was spectacular, but this year took it to new heights. The energy, the support, and the contributions were more impactful than ever. The Service Club Together, it makes me want to ask you the questions, how can you leverage the table you are at to make change?
CREATING A RUNWAY FOR CHANGE!
MISSION OF THE SERVICE CLUB:
The Service Club of Chicago is an all-volunteer, women-led charitable organization which has continually served the needs of Chicago and its surrounding communities since 1890. Our mission is to award grants to Chicagoland’s 501(c)(3) organizations that will expand their facilities, improve their equipment and initiate new programs, thereby uplifting the community as a whole.
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.
Whitney and Nascar
A Conversation With Brad
In a recent interview, Whitney Reynolds sat down with Nascar driver Brad Keselowski to discuss the much-anticipated Chicago race in the Nascar circuit. The conversation shed light on the preparations, expectations, and excitement surrounding this thrilling event. Brad Keselowski, known for his skill and determination on the track, shared insights on all of the details regarding his career. What Whitney got most from the interview was Brad’s love for racing. When asked how he manages to keep going, he emphasizes how his past races inspire him to go to the next!
on With the Races!
The Chicago streets thundered with cheers and applause for the Grant Park 165 Nascar race here in our great city! The roar of the engines, the thrill of the speedway, and the electric atmosphere made attending an unforgettable experience. Even the rain couldn't stop the fun and excitement of seeing Chicago, our home market, host such an exciting event. The city truly came alive with the spirit of racing!
Prior to the race, we caught up with Brad Keselowski, learning how he mentally prepares for them. It was incredible to witness him compete in fierce competition and feel the passion of Brad and the Nascar fans!
The Strides We've Taken, Pride Month
Whitney Reynolds Interviews Golden Girls Play Cast: Exploring the All-Male Performance**
In a groundbreaking interview, Whitney Reynolds delved into the world of theater with a unique twist—an all-male cast bringing the iconic characters of "The Golden Girls" to life on stage.
The conversation offered a glimpse into the creativity, challenges, and inspiration behind this innovative LGBTQ+ production.
Whitney on, The View in Your Mirror
The best view? Getting to sit across the lovely Lisa Rubin and Katie Harms, to have a lovely, passion-driven conversation on their podcast, The View in Your Mirror!
Founded and hosted by Lisa and Katie, the podcast is inspired by their passion in helping people hone in on the best view in their mirror, listening and understanding the similarities we all share in our lives, through morning, day, and night conversations spanning across all topics. In Lisa’s and Katie’s respective industries, their dedicated years of work bring inspiration in how they walk into each day as the best versions of themselves, sharing tips, tricks and strategies from their many years of experience!
I don’t want to give too much away for you all who want to listen, but I was so proud to share the dots that have created the path to where I am today. From dressing as Sally Jessy Raphael and interviewing people with a make-shift microphone, to landing a deal with PBS to have my show nationally syndicated, I felt reminiscent on how my superpower of “resilience”, and sense of vulnerability and determination, has driven me, as a talk show host, business-woman, entrepreneur, and a mother.
The space to connect on the values that have driven us our whole lives, was a common thread that I found between myself, Lisa and Katie. We really bonded on the word “mission” and how our dedication in fulfilling it through our careers, also blends as our passion. And how to continuously be driven by mission, you have keep pushing through to make that into a reality!
The best version of myself was on full blast! Embracing my mission, balancing the chaos and blessings that have been thrown my way, thinking outside the “shoe” box, and inspiring future generations to seek the same!
A major thank you to Lisa and Katie, for having me! Listen to the full episode below!
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!
On The Move for Melanoma Research, Education, & Awareness || WITH WHIT
On the move! This summer, the annual fundraiser 5K, Miles for Melanoma (MRF) is back in Chicago. Register your team for the run/walk at Montrose Beach Park, happening on Sunday, July 21st. Your participation supports and raises funds for nationwide research, education, and awareness of Melanoma. Come join me in running alongside these warriors, caregivers, and supporters!
At any pace, YOU can make a difference. The Melanoma Research Foundation, the largest independent organization devoted to Melanoma, instills hope and initiates active change for those who have been affected. Your contribution can come in any size! Whether through a donation, running, or cheering on the sidelines, your presence acknowledges those who have gone through so much with Melanoma and celebrates their courage in fighting against it.
Behind every statistic for this disease, is humans, going through their unique and individual journey with Melanoma. At MRF, I’ve gotten the chance to meet those, who bravely share their stories of resilience. I walk away from these conversations feeling incredibly moved as well as educated on the ways all of us can prevent, detect early, and teach those about Melanoma. Their stories make a difference for the better and save lives!
I will be Emceeing this event, and I am so excited! Meet me at Montrose Beach for a fun, early-morning 5K for a great cause! Details about Chicago’s participation can be found here.
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.
