Ep 843: The Untold Battle That Shaped Leland Vittert’s Career in Journalism

Welcome back to the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., where we believe strength, confidence, and beauty start from within. Today, we’re diving into clean skincare, self-care, and the courage to build something beautiful out of personal struggle. Our guest is Sarah Vilenskiy, the powerhouse founder and CEO of Blossom Essentials — a clean skincare brand created for sensitive, condition-prone skin. Sarah turned her lifelong battle with severely dry skin into a thriving, mission-driven business that recently sold out on QVC! She’s been recognized with the 2015 Woman of the Year Award for leadership, and she’s on a mission to help women calm their skin, reclaim confidence, and feel beautiful — naturally. Sarah, take us back to the beginning — what was your personal journey that led you to create Blossom Essentials? You’ve said your skin struggles shaped your brand mission. What were those early challenges like — and how did you turn pain into purpose? Many women listening struggle with self-esteem because of skin issues. What helped you move from insecurity to empowerment? You bootstrapped Blossom Essentials into a fast-growing eCommerce brand. What’s been your biggest lesson in growing something from scratch? Your first QVC airing sold out — that’s huge! How did that moment feel after all your hard work? You’ve been featured on Cause of a Kind for your bootstrap story. How do you balance authenticity, marketing, and mission as a founder in the clean beauty space? Many of our listeners are active women who care about what they put in — and on — their bodies. What are your top tips for non-toxic skincare that empowers women? How can clean skincare be part of a holistic self-care routine that includes fitness, nutrition, and mindset? What are some simple swaps that can help women with eczema, acne, or sensitive skin calm irritation and feel confident again? What’s next for Blossom Essentials — and how can women support your mission of healing skin and boosting self-love? Ladies, if your skin’s been crying out for something gentle yet powerful, check out Blossom Essentials at tryblossom.com. Remember: the best glow doesn’t come from makeup or filters — it comes from self-respect, nourishment, and showing up for yourself every day.   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahvilenskiy/ https://tryblossom.com/

Today, we’re joined by veteran journalist and NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert, who has reported from the White House lawn to the battlefields of the Middle East. But now he’s sharing a story no one has ever heard before—his own. In his powerful new book Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism, Leland opens up about his childhood struggles, the relentless dedication of his father, and how love, grit, and resilience shaped the man we see today on primetime TV. Leland, welcome—it’s an honor to have you with us. 1. You’ve been on camera for years as a journalist, but this is the first time you’ve opened up about your personal story. What made now the right time to write Born Lucky? 2. The book really honors your father’s role in shaping your life. Can you share a moment that captures his determination to never let you be defined by your diagnosis? 3. Growing up, you faced painful bullying and rejection. How did those experiences shape your resilience and your drive to succeed? 4. You describe your father quitting his job to essentially “coach” you through life. What were some of the unusual or even tough methods he used that ultimately paid off? 5. From not speaking as a child to anchoring a national news show—your journey is extraordinary. What do you think surprised people most when they learned your story? 6. Your book is both raw and hopeful. What do you want readers—especially parents and kids facing similar challenges—to take away from it? 7. James Patterson praised Born Lucky as “a beautiful, emotional, true story.” What has that kind of support meant to you personally? 8. Now that the book is out, how do you hope this changes the broader conversation about autism, labels, and what’s possible? Grab the book: https://www.amazon.com/Born-Lucky-Dedicated-Grateful-Journey/dp/140025468X   How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud   "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas

Welcome back to the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T. — where we empower women to own every chapter of their lives with strength, style, and soul! Today’s guests are the incredible Jane Hajduk and Shari Doran, the creative forces behind Thee Third Act — an award-winning short-form comedy series that’s turning menopause into a moment of laughter, connection, and empowerment. These two powerhouse actresses and longtime friends are showing the world that life after 40 isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning of the best act yet! Through humor, raw honesty, and bold confidence, Thee Third Act brings a refreshing, funny, and relatable take on the ups and downs of menopause. You can catch the series now on YouTube and Fire TV, and don’t miss their hilarious sizzle reel at theethirdact.com/sizzle-reel. We’ll be diving into: The inspiration behind Thee Third Act Why humor is the best medicine for the “change of life” How Jane and Shari are redefining midlife as a season of purpose and play Behind-the-scenes moments with guest stars like Michael Dorn (Star Trek: Next Generation) and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911) And how women everywhere can celebrate their third act with fire, friendship, and a little fabulous flair! Make sure you check out Thee Third Act on YouTube and Fire TV, and follow their journey at theethirdact.com. If today’s episode made you laugh, nod, or feel seen — share it with a friend who’s stepping into her third act with power and grace.  

In this inspiring episode of the Sisterhood of Sweat, host Linda Mitchell welcomes back Tricia Brouk—award-winning director, author, founder of The Big Talk Academy, and creator of The Wise Leopard. Together, they dive into Tricia’s new book Being Smart Is Stupid: Why Embracing the Wisdom of Your Buddha Nature Is the Secret to Great Leadership. This conversation explores how true leadership comes from intuition, emotional intelligence, and humility—not intellect or control. Tricia shares stories from her multi-decade career, her three companies, and her belief that communication with dignity, curiosity, and respect can unite us across differences. Here’s a polished Apple Podcasts description for your Sisterhood of Sweat episode with Tricia Brouk — including intro, questions, themes, and links: 🎙️ Episode Title: Tricia Brouk on “Being Smart Is Stupid” — Why Wisdom, Not Ego, Makes Great Leaders In this inspiring episode of the Sisterhood of Sweat, host Linda Mitchell welcomes back Tricia Brouk—award-winning director, author, founder of The Big Talk Academy, and creator of The Wise Leopard. Together, they dive into Tricia’s new book Being Smart Is Stupid: Why Embracing the Wisdom of Your Buddha Nature Is the Secret to Great Leadership. This conversation explores how true leadership comes from intuition, emotional intelligence, and humility—not intellect or control. Tricia shares stories from her multi-decade career, her three companies, and her belief that communication with dignity, curiosity, and respect can unite us across differences. Questions Asked: What inspired the title Being Smart Is Stupid? How did your experience in show business shape your leadership philosophy? How can leaders let go of ego and outcome to create real impact? What does “communicating with dignity and love” look like in practice? Tell us about your new lifestyle brand, The Wise Leopard—what inspired it? How do you personally embody gratitude and presence in leadership? Themes in This Episode: The power of intuitive and compassionate leadership Letting go of control and embracing flow Leading with gratitude and authenticity Building safe spaces for diverse voices The intersection of spirituality, creativity, and influence Empowering women in midlife to own their voice and purpose Links Mentioned: 🌐 TriciaBrouk.com 📖 BeingSmartIsStupid.com — get the book (available in audiobook, e-book, softcover & hardcover) 💼 The Big Talk Academy 💎 The Wise Leopard — lifestyle brand for women in midlife 📸 Instagram: @TriciaBrouk 💬 LinkedIn: Tricia Brouk   How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud   "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas

Do you struggle with how to reveal your authentic self?  It’s easy for us to hide behind our insecurities or fears and not step out into the things we know we are called to do.  That is a huge struggle, but if you know there is something within you that is your purpose, you have to keep going. When you are living in your gifts you are living out your true self. In this episode I talk with Kate McKay who has been through devastating heartache and still manages to be her best self.  She believes that living out your legacy is key, not only for your own sake but because there is someone out there who needs to hear and see your message.  We talk about centering yourself and the importance of getting quiet with your own thoughts, and how that helps us to then go out stronger. You don’t want to miss this powerful episode.   Questions I asked: How do haters respond when they see you living out your best life? Is setting your intention key to your success? Why do we need to get uncomfortable? How do you find your gifts and strengths?   Topics Discussed: How to live in integrity with yourself. How do we reveal our authentic self? Overcoming the fear of being exposed. The importance of being quiet sometimes. The importance of goals and prioritizing them.   Quotes from the show: “I choose to live with courage and enthusiasm.” @katemckay18 “I have a will to love.” @katemckay18 “Being vulnerable is not a comfortable state.” @katemckay18 “You by your presence are changing someone’s life.” @katemckay18 “Don’t settle for excuses.” @katemckay18 How you can stay in touch with Kate: Website Facebook YouTube Twitter Instagram   How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas  

On this week's Let It Rip Friday, Linda discusses how important it is to shake off yesterday, and move into the future. One bad day or bad week won't be the end of your process. Shake it off and move on!

Are you interested in setting better boundaries?  Have you been struggling with people-pleasing?  In this episode, we talk about how we can all live a life we love. Today, I talk with Susie Pettit. Susie has been helping women live lives they love for over 10 years. She is the host of the podcast Love Your Life Show and owner of the Wellness Company Strength: Mind & Body, LLC. She teaches firsthand about setting healthy boundaries, beating your inner critic, conscious parenting, and how to use mindfulness-based tools to beat overwhelm and anxiety. This is a powerful episode for anyone who struggles with what other people want from them. Questions I asked: How did you get started on this journey? How did you notice your struggles with people-pleasing and leave it behind? Why do we need to understand our reasoning for our co-dependency and other actions? How do our expectations go into co-dependency and boundaries? Why is it important to just start where you are? What are the roots of co-dependency? What’s the name of your podcast? How do we avoid caring what other people think? Why is it so important to detach from our thoughts? How can we stop judging ourselves? Why do we benefit from just saying no? Tell everyone where they can find you online, and your Warrior group? Topics Discussed: People Pleasing. Boundary Setting. Loving Life. Co-Dependency. External validation. Self-Esteem. Healing from Trauma. Interdependency Your inner critic. Quotes from the show: “Just because we’re thinking it, doesn’t mean it’s true.” @SusieBarolo @SisterhoodSweat “Breaking the habit of people-pleasing starts with little steps.” @SusieBarolo @SisterhoodSweat “I’m going to take my needs as a priority.” @SusieBarolo @SisterhoodSweat “We need to ask for what we want.” @SusieBarolo @SisterhoodSweat “When you’re struggling, you need to lead on your support community.” @SusieBarolo @SisterhoodSweat How you can stay in touch with Susie P: The Love Your Life Show Podcast Her Super Popular Midlife Warrior Membership & Book Club Susie’s Instagram SMBwell Website Warrior Woman Facebook Group Work with Susie Happiness Habits Program Parenting Teens Program SMBwell on Facebook   How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud   "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas

On this powerful episode of Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., host Linda Mitchell welcomes Lea Salonga, Tony Award winner, Disney Legend, and iconic vocalist whose career spans Broadway and film. From Miss Saigon to Les Misérables, and from voicing Disney Princesses Jasmine and Mulan to her current Broadway and TV work (Old Friends, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Yellow Rose), Lea’s artistry has inspired generations. Now, she takes her fans on a musical journey with her Stage, Screen & Everything in Between tour — a celebration of her landmark roles, timeless songs, and evolving creative voice. Join us as Lea reflects on groundbreaking moments, the power of representation in theater, and what it means to sustain a legendary career across decades. 🌟 Main Themes Breaking barriers & representation — being the first Asian actress in key Broadway roles and using her platform to open doors Legacy through voice — Disney roles, Broadway, and how her voice has resonated across generations Balancing evolution & roots — staying relevant while honoring one’s musical and cultural foundations Touring & reinvention — how to keep performances fresh and meaningful through a long career Advice for the next generation — guidance, resilience, and navigating the arts with purpose ❓ Key Questions Asked Part 1: Legacy & Milestones Looking back on your Tony-winning Miss Saigon, how did that role shape your journey? You broke ground as the first Asian actress to play Eponine (and later Fantine) on Broadway — what did those milestones mean to you personally? Among your many iconic roles, which one stretched you the most as a performer? Part 2: Disney, Voice & Cultural Impact 4. Hundreds of millions heard your singing voice as Jasmine and Mulan — did you ever imagine those roles would become so defining? 5. Being named a Disney Legend is a rare honor — what was that moment like for you? 6. How does performing as a voice actor for animation compare to performing live on stage? Part 3: The Tour & Current Projects 7. You’re touring 30+ North American cities with Stage, Screen & Everything in Between — what can fans expect from these concerts? 8. Having toured globally over many years, how do you keep performances fresh and exciting for yourself and your audiences? 9. How does working on screen today (with Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Yellow Rose, etc.) excite you compared to stage work? 10. With such a storied career, what advice would you offer the next generation of artists dreaming of stage or screen? 🔗 Links & Resources Official Website / Tour Info: leasalonga.com/tour Lea Salonga Tour Details / Announcement: “Stage, Screen & Everything In Between” is visiting 30+ cities across North America in fall 2025. Press Lea Salonga — Disney Legend profile (D23): her recognition as a Disney Legend, and her roles voicing Jasmine & Mulan D23 About Lea & Broadway milestones: she was the first Asian actress to play Eponine on Broadway and later played Fantine; her numerous awards and impact on representation Lea Salonga

In this episode, two-time Emmy Award winner Mike Manning joins us to talk about his latest project — the fun, campy indie sci-fi adventure Unexpected Treasures, premiering September 19 exclusively on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. Audiences know Mike from his powerful roles on This Is Us, Days of Our Lives, Teen Wolf, The Bay, and films like Son of the South and God’s Not Dead. Now, he takes on an entirely new kind of character: Sam, a charming alien fugitive who crash-lands in the Mojave Desert and teams up with Hartley (Olivia Blue) to outrun bounty hunters, unlock prophecies, and explore the magic of unexpected connections. From filming under the mystical skies of Joshua Tree to the Comic-Con buzz surrounding the premiere, Mike opens up about why sci-fi resonates with audiences, how this role stretches his creativity, and how his passion for activism shapes the projects he chooses. 🌟 Main Themes Behind the scenes of Unexpected Treasures Shifting from dramatic roles to quirky sci-fi comedy Filming in Yucca Valley & Joshua Tree Why “aliens among us” stories remain timeless Balancing acting, producing, and activism What’s next for Mike Manning’s career ❓ Key Questions Asked What drew you to Unexpected Treasures and to playing Sam? How different was this quirky, campy role from your past dramatic work? Did the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree feel like characters in the film? Do you have a favorite on-set story from filming? Why do you think alien comedies and adventures have lasting appeal? What sets Unexpected Treasures apart from other sci-fi stories? How did fans at San Diego Comic-Con respond to the premiere? How does this role fit into the bigger picture of your career? How do you choose projects that align with your values in both acting and activism? What upcoming projects should fans be looking forward to? 🔗 Connect with Mike Manning Instagram: @mikemanning83 Twitter/X: @MikeManning83 Facebook: Mike Manning Official IMDb: Mike Manning

In this empowering episode of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell sits down with Meredith Oke, a trailblazer in biohacking and quantum biology. Meredith helps people decode the signals of fatigue, stress, and brain fog to realign with their body’s natural rhythms. From her personal health journey to the cutting-edge science of light, circadian rhythms, and cellular health, she shares practical tools anyone can use to reclaim energy and clarity every single day. Whether it’s grounding, morning sunlight, or shifting your mindset, Meredith shows us that thriving isn’t complicated — it’s about living in harmony with the biology we were designed for. Main Themes Meredith’s personal journey into biohacking & quantum biology Why fatigue and brain fog are not “normal” Understanding quantum biology in everyday terms The role of light, circadian rhythms, and the environment in health Free, practical biohacks anyone can start today Balancing family, career, and vitality as a modern woman The legacy of living in alignment with nature and purpose ❓ Key Questions Asked What first drew you into biohacking and quantum biology? How did your personal journey shift from health to life reclamation? Why should we care about quantum biology? What hidden factors are draining energy daily? How do circadian rhythms and light shape our health? What are the biggest myths in biohacking you’d love to bust? What simple, free biohacks can listeners start today? How do grounding, cold exposure, or sunrise viewing really help? What advice do you give busy women balancing it all? What legacy do you hope to leave with this movement? 🔗 Connect with Meredith Oke Website: quantumbiotics.com Instagram: @meredithoke LinkedIn: Meredith Oke   How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud   "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas