Shows
Here She IsTara Wheeler: Bloom Where You're PlantedTara Wheeler, Miss Virginia 2008, went from not placing in her very first pageant to standing on the Miss America stage just a few years later. In this episode, Tara shares how breaking stereotypes shaped her journey. From ice hockey goalie to news anchor, from freelance reporter to primetime host, and now to military spouse, dance fitness instructor, and nonprofit leader - Tara has found her way no matter where life has taken her.We talk about identity after the crown, chasing big dreams while bartending at 2 a.m., navigating career pivots, and learning to “bl...
2026-02-1825 min
Here She IsLori Windsor Hunt: Community is Her CrownShe was Miss Maryland 1988, a baton-twirling powerhouse who brought unmatched preparation to the stage and earned a spot at Miss America. But Lori Windsor Hunt’s story didn’t end with a crown.In this episode, Lori shares how fierce ambition gave way to unexpected pivots- from earning her master’s degree and planning for a CEO role, to becoming a stay-at-home mom of twins and leading a thriving community service club in Alabama. She reflects on identity, impact, resilience through a recent cancer diagnosis, and the legacy of mentorship she’s now leaving through...
2026-02-1129 min
Here She IsDianah Gibson: From the Crown to the MicIt started with a local crown and a big dream, and led to a lifelong career.In this episode of Here She Is, we talk with Dianah Gibson, Miss Washington County 1988, whose pageant journey became the unexpected launchpad for a decades‑long career in broadcast journalism. What started as a way to earn scholarship money turned into her first radio job and eventually into becoming a trusted voice on WFRE and WFMD in Maryland.Dianah shares how early setbacks led to the title she was truly meant to win, wh...
2026-02-0430 min
She WinsPost Pageant Friendship with Purpose & Poise - Karissa Horowicz & Jaime Fox HardwickThis episode was such a treat! Karissa Horowicz, Miss Maryland 1994, & Jaime Fox Hardwick, Miss Maryland 1997, are passionate about spreading the benefits of the Miss America Opportunity through their podcast "Here She Is" while also carrying on a true and meaningful friendship. We talk about their defining moments, what pageantry has taught them, their podcast and so much more! Join the She Wins - Solutions for Pageantry Patreon Channel to unlock the extended interview with Jaime & Karissa including an honest, open conversation, advice for those competing and so much more. If this podcast resonated with you, you won't...
2026-01-2841 min
Here She IsAlison Catherine White: The Stage Beyond the StageAt just 17 years old, Alison Catherine White became one of the youngest women ever crowned Miss Delaware. She went on to win the Bert Parks Talent Award at Miss America and perform at the Kennedy Center, but her journey didn’t end there. In this episode, Alison shares how she built a career in marketing and events with powerhouses like Madison Square Garden, Disney, and Saks Global, while staying rooted in volunteerism, sisterhood, and faith. From pageants to powerhouse executive, Alison’s story is about resilience, reinvention, and believing in the impossible.Foll...
2026-01-2835 min
Here She IsKathleen Hebert: The Courage To Be a Radical QueenKathleen Hebert was crowned Miss Vermont 1972—but her pageant story wasn’t the typical fairytale. After placing first runner-up the year before, Kathleen returned determined to stop performing for approval and start living in truth. What happened next earned her national attention as what she calls “the first radical queen.”In this episode, Kathleen shares how refusing to be scripted changed everything—from her Miss America experience, to life as a working singer, house cleaner, artist, teacher, and author. She opens up about surviving profound childhood trauma, finding healing through creativity, and why she now teaches others that no ta...
2026-01-2126 min
Here She IsCaroline Weinroth: Amplified DreamsCaroline Weinroth, Miss Roanoke Valley 2019, joins us to talk about using the Miss America stage to launch a career in indie music, arts education, and punk-pop performance. As the frontwoman of the band Cinema Hearts, Caroline shares how she blended talent with advocacy, played over 500 shows (including opening for Hozier!), and turned her pageant experience into a platform for empowering girls in music. She’s also a music teacher, DJ, and collector of vintage Miss America memorabilia — all while staying unapologetically herself. From DIY talents to viral songs and community impact, Caroline proves you don’t need a national title...
2026-01-1334 min
Here She IsHappy Holidays from Here She Is!As we bring 2025 to a close, we want to wish our listeners a very happy holiday! Karissa and Jaime share a brief message and a little holiday surprise... an original holiday song written and performed by Jaime! We hope you will come back on January 7th as we kick off the new year with another great interview!Add Jaime's song to your holiday playlist:Applehttps://music.apple.com/us/album/everydays-a-holiday-with-you/1863792596?i=1863792601Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/track/08Zg6kkRopn0PCaOhbfEUx?si=H5yXZnSKR5SUecABHZabug
2025-12-2408 min
Here She IsElizabeth Borowsky: Finding Her Inner HarmonyElizabeth Borowsky has spent her life at the piano. She's an international concert pianist, composer, teacher, and former Maryland local titleholder. But in 2024, an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis forced her to slow down, listen inward, and reimagine her relationship with music, identity, and control.In this episode of Here She Is, Elizabeth shares how she continued teaching through treatment, why she refused to disconnect from her art, and how a chance reconnection with a meditation coach led to the creation of Inner Harmony, a powerful album of piano and guided meditation written in real...
2025-12-1737 min
Here She IsDr. Beth Ann Rankin Baker: Carried by Her CallingDr. Beth Ann Rankin Baker’s story is a reminder that the crown is never the destination. It’s the training ground.After six years of competing for Miss Arkansas, she finally won the title in 1994. What followed was a life filled with unexpected phone calls, once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunities, and a calling toward service.In this episode, Beth Ann shares:How not winning early built the character she needed for the life aheadThe miraculous moment she was discovered by pianist Dino KartsonakisHer transition from Branson performer to working in the Arkansas Governor’s officeHer pa...
2025-12-1033 min
Here She IsAlyssa Howell Crowley: Unapologetically HerselfAlyssa Howell Crowley, Miss Nebraska 2015, joins us to share her powerful and personal journey. From reluctant competitor to committed mentor, Alyssa opens up about her cross-country childhood, placing Top 12 at Miss America, her passion for piano and teaching, and how she found deeper purpose through mentoring young women in the Miss America Organization. She also shares what its like to navigate life as an openly gay woman, the importance of visibility, and how her work in education and learning development continues to shape her impact. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an...
2025-12-0324 minHere She IsA Note of Thanksgiving from Here She Is!Karissa and I are taking the week off to enjoy time with our families, but we popped on to talk about some of our favorite moments so far. We also wanted to express our sincere gratitude to our listeners and our guests! We are so privileged to help tell these stories and are looking forward to many more interviews. Happy Thanksgiving to all!Follow us on Instagram @heresheispodcast
2025-11-2607 min
Here She IsChuti Tiu: A Creative CallingBefore she became an award-winning actress, producer, and writer, Chuti Tiu was Miss Illinois 1994. Since then, her journey since has been anything but traditional. In this powerful episode, Chuti opens up about growing up as a first-generation American, finding confidence in her own identity, and forging a career in storytelling that centers truth, humanity, and healing.From a 90-second pageant talent that involved piano, kung fu, and dance to an internationally recognized film (A Hot Summer Night) and multiple prime-time acting appearances, Chuti’s path is marked by bold choices, deep reflection, and a refusal to let fe...
2025-11-1946 min
Here She IsHere She Is Presents: She Wins - Stories and Solutions for Women with Heather SumlinToday we are featuring a guest podcast called She Wins: Stories and Solutions for Women with host Heather Sumlin. Heather interviews Miss Texas 2025, Sadie Schiermeyer. We are thrilled to share Heather's incredible podcast with all of our listeners! Follow us on IG @heresheispodcast and don’t forget to subscribe
2025-11-1233 min
Here She IsBrooke Bognanni: The Heart of the MatterWhen former Miss Maryland local titleholder, Brooke Bognanni, went to the doctor thinking she had the stomach flu, she never expected to leave with a diagnosis of early heart failure. In this powerful and emotional episode, Brooke opens up about her dual survivor story starting with undergoing open-heart surgery in her 30s and later surviving a stroke in her 40s. She discusses how both events, along with the devastating loss of her mother to heart disease, shaped her mission. Now a college professor and American Heart Association volunteer, Brooke shares how she’s turned her pain into pu...
2025-11-0536 min
Here She IsKristin Steveson Schriks: A Stroke of StrengthKristin Steveson Schriks was living a life of discipline, ambition, and purpose from the moment she stepped onto the Miss Oklahoma stage to her years as a rising professional and young wife. But everything changed just after her 27th birthday when an unexpected stroke left her searching for answers.In this episode, Kristin opens up about the health crisis that nearly ended her life, the years of recovery and reinvention that followed, and how that “stroke of strength” became a turning point—not just physically, but spiritually and professionally. From her passion for clean beauty and women’s health...
2025-10-2932 min
Here She IsAllyn Rose Oertel: I'm a PrevivorFormer Miss DC 2012 Allyn Rose Oertel shares her remarkable journey from pageant stages to becoming a global voice in breast cancer prevention. After losing her mother to the disease, Allyn made the life-changing decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy and founded The Previvor to help women make empowered choices about their health. In this episode, she opens up about confidence, identity, and finding purpose beyond fear—reminding us that strength isn’t just surviving, it’s choosing to live boldly.
2025-10-2246 min
Here She IsHeather Sumlin: Turning a Detour Into DestinyWhen life doesn’t go as planned, sometimes it’s leading you exactly where you’re meant to be. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Heather Sumlin of Sumlin Solutions. Heather is a master-level mental management and interview coach who helps women, athletes, and pageant competitors find confidence and balance under pressure.Heather shares how an unexpected twist in her early life set her on the path to discovering her true purpose. From growing up with an Olympic champion father to mentoring countless women through mindset and performance coaching, Heather’s story is one of reinven...
2025-10-1541 minHere She IsNicole Renard Warren: Serving Up Faith and AuthenticityThis week on Here She Is, we welcome Nicole Renard Warren—better known to her millions of followers as Nicole the Nomad. A former Miss Washington 2017, Nicole has built a vibrant career as a food and travel creator, from viral smoothie bowl tutorials to competing on Next Level Chef. In this episode, Nicole opens up about how her Miss America journey shaped her, the faith that continues to guide her, and what it really looks like to pursue creativity and influence with authenticity and a family-first commitment. From blending up recipes to blending purpose into her platform, Nicole’s story i...
2025-10-0829 min
Here She IsAmy Argetsinger: Miss America's LegacyIn this episode of Here She Is, we sit down with journalist and Washington Post editor Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America. Amy shares her career journey, what inspired her to write the book, and the surprising cultural insights she uncovered along the way. We dive into the history and future of Miss America, the generational debates it has sparked, and why the women behind the crown continue to matter today.Follow us on IG: @heresheispodcast
2025-10-0136 minHere She IsHere She Is: Our New ChapterBig news—we’re officially changing our name! In this short announcement episode, we share what happened, why we made the switch to Here She Is, and why this change only makes us more excited for the future of the podcast. The crown may evolve, but our mission stays the same: telling the extraordinary stories of women beyond the Miss America crown.
2025-09-2608 min
Here She IsSonya Gavankar McKay: Beyond the StarsFrom the Miss DC stage to the cutting edge of space exploration and journalism, Sonya Gavankar McKay (Miss DC 1997) has carved a career defined by curiosity and communication. In this episode, Sonya shares how she shaped her storytelling skills, what it was like to build a 20-year career at the Newseum, and why she now lends her voice to the next era of space innovation with Axiom Space and the U.S. Space Force. We also dive into a powerful conversation about navigating life when the accomplishments slow down and how to find purpose and impact beyond the spotlight....
2025-09-2429 min
Here She IsLea Mack Compton: Live Like It MattersLea Mack, Miss Ohio 1994 and Top 10 at Miss America 1995, shares a remarkable journey shaped by resilience, creativity, and purpose. With a background in music therapy, she worked in psychiatric care, dementia support, and hospice—learning the profound lesson to “live like it all matters.” When raising a son on the autism spectrum reshaped her path, Lea pivoted to writing and eventually creating Bible study content now reaching audiences in over 190 nations. From dark-horse pageant contestant to global content creator, Lea’s story reminds us that every season of life carries meaning, and even detours can lead to extraordinary impact.
2025-09-1740 min
Here She IsMarina Cooper Harrison: A Full Circle MomentIn this episode of Miss’ed America, we sit down with Marina Harrison Cooper, Miss Maryland 2003, whose journey with the Miss America Organization came full circle in the most profound way.As a titleholder, Marina poured her heart into supporting education just as the organization began its national partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network. Years later, her own daughter would become an ambassador for that same organization as she battled stage 4 pediatric cancer at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Today, Marina brings her voice, vision, and empathy to one of the nation’s leading...
2025-09-1036 min
Here She IsKellye Cash & Tatum Sheppard: Two Generations of ImpactThis week on Missed America, we’re bringing you a very special mother-daughter episode during Miss America Competition week!Kellye Cash, Miss America 1987, and her daughter Tatum Sheppard, Miss Virginia 2021, sit down with us to share their rare two-generation perspective on life inside—and beyond—the crown. From Kellye’s unforgettable moment singing “Jackson” with her uncle Johnny Cash, to Tatum carving her own path at Miss America’s 100th anniversary, their stories intertwine faith, resilience, and family legacy.Together, they reflect on how the Miss America experience shaped their journeys...
2025-09-0336 min
Here She IsTally Bevis: Leading With PurposeWhat happens after the crown comes off? For Tally Bevis, Miss Tennessee 2021, the answer has been building a life of purpose, leadership, and global impact.In this episode of Miss’ed America, Tally Bevis shares how the crown shaped her perspective and why building a purpose-driven creative agency has allowed her to impact communities globally. With honesty and heart, Tally shows how staying true to your values can open doors to a life of influence and meaning.Listen now to hear Tally’s story of resilience, leadership, and life beyond Miss Tennessee....
2025-08-2735 min
Here She IsAnnika Wooton: Trusting the TimingAnnika Wooton, Miss Kansas 2019 and 2020, turned her pageant talent into a full-fledged career on some of the biggest stages in the country. From painting Ruth Bader Ginsburg live at Miss America to halftime shows with Travis Kelce and the WNBA, Annika has become one of the nation’s most captivating performance painters.In this episode, she shares how seven years of competing, a pandemic-era reign, and even a few onstage disasters prepared her to take bold risks in her career. Annika opens up about trusting timing, building a business as an ar...
2025-08-2043 min
Here She IsKim Weimer: Redefining Beauty at 55Kim Weimer may have worn the Miss Maryland crown back in 1990, but today she’s making waves in a completely different arena—proving that influence has no age limit. At 55, Kim has built a thriving personal brand, inspiring women to embrace style, wellness, and confidence in every season of life.In this episode, we talk about how she turned her passions into a platform, the mindset shifts that helped her reinvent herself, and the power of staying relevant in an ever-changing digital world. Kim shares her favorite tips for building authentic influence, navigating midlife with intention, and show...
2025-08-1334 min
Here She IsKelli Masters: Doing It ScaredIn our debut episode, we sit down with trailblazing sports agent Kelli Masters, a former Miss Oklahoma who became one of the first female NFL sports agents. Kelli opens up about breaking into a male-dominated industry, standing up to early critics, and how her Miss America experience gave her the confidence to lead with purpose. This is a powerful conversation about courage, calling, and doing it scared.Follow Kelli on IG @kellimastersFollow Miss'ed America Podcast on IG @missedamericapodcastDon't forget to subscribe!
2025-08-0647 minHere She IsTRAILER: Miss'ed America PodcastWelcome to Miss’ed America, a podcast created by former Miss America state titleholders, Jaime Fox Hardwick and Karissa Horowicz, launching August 6th. This weekly show dives into the lives of women who competed in the Miss America system—and explores who they’ve become since. From bold pivots to quiet reinventions, each story offers real insight, reflection, and a reminder that the crown was just the beginning. Tune into our trailer to hear what’s coming and why this podcast is for every woman who’s ever evolved beyond expectations. Make sure to hit that subscribe button so you don't...
2025-07-1306 min