Explore every episode of the podcast The Pageant Buzz

In this episode of The Pageant Buzz, Kristen and Rebekah take listeners behind the scenes of her experience at America’s Most Beautiful Pageant after placing 1st Runner-Up last year and now returning to the national stage as AMB Mrs. Ohio.

Kristen recaps what pageant week was really like from the very beginning, starting with orientation, where contestants had the chance to meet one another, get settled, and step into the full AMB experience. From there, the week was filled with unforgettable moments, including the opportunity to participate in five photo shoots with SMOR Studio, creating beautiful content and memories throughout the competition.

She also talks about the glamour and excitement of the Awards Gala, and the energy of optional competitions. Kristen shares what she loved, what surprised her, what she learned, and how each part of the competition helped prepare her for finals.

Now, as she prepares for the 2026 America’s Most Beautiful Pageant as AMB Mrs. Ohio, Kristen reflects on how last year shaped her preparation, mindset, and purpose. This episode is a look back at an incredible pageant week and a look ahead at the next chapter.

In this episode of The Pageant Buzz, we sit down with a true powerhouse in pageantry and beyond Mrs. Ohio America, former Mrs. Ohio American, founder of the Cardinal Crew, director of the Northern Ohio Pageant, and a practicing doctor.

She shares her journey to nationals not once, but twice, and opens up about what she did differently each time, what she learned along the way, and how her perspective shifted through both experiences. We also talk about leadership, serving contestants through the Northern Ohio preliminary pageant, and the heart behind creating the Cardinal Crew.

And because she is a doctor, we also asked her the question so many women are curious about right now GLP-1s. She gives thoughtful insight into the conversation around health, confidence, and doing what is right for your own body.

This episode is full of pageant wisdom, real-life perspective, and encouragement for any woman preparing for the stage, nationals, or her next big chapter.

This week on The Pageant Buzz, Kristen and Rebekah are breaking down what everyone in the pageant world is talking about the current Miss USA updates, the announcement of 16 public-selected at-large states for the 75th Diamond Celebration year, and the buzz surrounding the upcoming Miss Texas USA 2026 pageant, scheduled for July 2026 in Houston.

From what this could mean for contestants, state pageants, opportunities, fairness, and the future of competition.

In this episode of The Pageant Buzz Podcast, Kristen and Rebekah dive into one of the biggest struggles in pageantry: comparing yourself to other competitors. From looks and wardrobe to experience and confidence, it can be easy to get distracted by what everyone else is doing, but that mindset can steal your joy and shake your performance.

Kristen brings real-life pageant situations to Rebekah for honest advice on how to handle those moments of self-doubt, insecurity, and comparison in a healthier way. Together, they talk through practical mindset shifts, confidence-building strategies, and how to stay focused on your own growth instead of someone else’s journey.

This episode is for any contestant who has ever looked around the room and wondered if she measures up.

In this episode of The Pageant Buzz, we’re diving into one of the most emotional parts of competing, the moment when your name isn’t called. Not winning the crown can bring a wave of disappointment, self-doubt, and even embarrassment, and we’re getting real about all of it. Instead of brushing those feelings aside, we talk about how to actually process them in a healthy way,acknowledging the hurt, avoiding comparison, and giving yourself space to reset mentally and emotionally.

We also shift the perspective from “loss” to growth by exploring how pageantry is so much bigger than a title. This episode encourages contestants to define success on their own terms by setting non-crown goals like improving interview skills, building confidence on stage, expanding their network, or using their platform to make a real impact.

Sometimes the most powerful wins are the ones no one else sees,and this episode is all about helping you recognize and celebrate those.

On this episode of The Pageant Buzz Podcast, Kristen and Rebekah are breaking down the latest buzz from the most recent USOA pageant. From standout moments and stage highlights to contestant trends and takeaways, they recap the excitement that made this event one to watch.

In this episode of the Pageant Buzz podcast, hosts Rebekah and Kristen dive into the world of pageantry, personal transformations, and the intricacies of friendship. Kristen shares her recent experience with an upper blepharoplasty, discussing the impact on her vision and confidence. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of pageant judging, the evolving standards of beauty, and the importance of authenticity. Rebekah also opens up about her dating journey, complete with a spreadsheet for analysis. The episode wraps up with a discussion on loyalty in friendships, using examples from reality TV.

Will the actual president of Miss USA please stand up? We are diving into the breaking news that disrupted pageant land; when an announcement that Thom Brodeur was the new president of Miss USA signing a 10 year deal only to be followed by a statement from Layla’s Rose saying she’s still in charge. Where is the statement from Miss Universe organization? ….Plus, more coming out of the North Carolina USA pageant, who is the rightful winner?!

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of one of the most daunting aspects of competing: the interview. Why do so many contestants find this crucial moment intimidating? And most importantly why you shouldn’t be afraid of it.

Follow us on Instagram @pageantbuzzpod for behind-the-scenes content, motivational quotes, and to connect with a community that celebrates growth and courage. Tune in every week and remember: Don’t forget to sparkle!

✨ Let's turn your fear into your greatest asset! ✨

In this exciting episode of The Pageant Buzz, we explore the transformative journey of contestants moving from "Miss" titles to "Mrs." pageant competitions. Over the years, the pageantry world has expanded to embrace a more inclusive and diverse range of contestants, celebrating women at various life stages and experiences. Join us as we delve into this unique transition.

Welcome to another episode of The Pageant Buzz Podcast! Today, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mrs. American 2024, Heidi Stephens. Heidi shared with us her inspiring pageant journey, from starting out in local pageants as a teen to now preparing for the international stage.
Heidi discussed the importance of gratitude and overcoming challenges in the pageant world. She emphasized the need to stay focused and positive, even when faced with obstacles. Heidi also shared how she finds clarity and peace through connecting with nature, which helps her stay grounded during the hectic pageant season.
One of the key themes of our conversation with Heidi was the importance of family in pageantry. She expressed how her family's support and love have been instrumental in her success. Heidi highlighted the role her family plays in helping her stay motivated and focused on her goals.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Pageant Buzz Podcast and found Heidi's story as inspiring as we did. Stay tuned for more interviews with incredible pageant queens and insiders. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to stay up to date with all things pageantry. Thanks for listening!

Its been ONE HUNDRED EPISODES! Rebekah and Kristen discuss the evolution of The Pageant Buzz, mistakes made and some big life announcements!

Rebekah and Kristen dive into the world of fall fashion and what they still love and what they are done with!

Kristen's girls trip to Witch City, Halloween costumes, and Rebekah's advice to titleholders during a fun time of year.

Kristen Simone gives our listeners a deep dive look into being America's Most Beautiful Mrs

americasmostbeautifulpageants.com

We recap Mrs. America, Mrs. AmeriCAN, Miss for America Strong week AND Captivating Pageants. PHEW! Our favorite looks, onstage question, and coaching at America week.

After an unplanned summer hiatus Rebekah and Kristen are back, kicking off America week and doing a Miss USA recap.

Kristen and Rebekah have an extra long episode recapping competing at one of the fastest growing pageant systems in the country. Hear the pageant schedule, experience as a competitor, and of course some sidebar tips from our resident Kris Jenner on wardrobe!

Kristen has arrived in San Antonio! Kristen and Rebekah talk packing the upcoming events!

Tara Allmendinger USOAs Mrs. North Carolina joins the show to talk with Kristen USOA’s Mrs.Ohio and pageant coach Rebekah for a pageant prep chat and a couple practice interview questions neither Kristen or Tara have ever heard!

Ashley Starling is back and she’s got her director hat on! She gives a peak behind the curtain on what directing a pageant is actually like.

Ashley Rutherford Starling, attorney at law explains in depth NDAs in pageantry and offers her perspective on pageant contracts from her perspective as a former pageant contestant, titleholder and director. @ashleystarling_pageantcoach

This episode was recorded before the resignation of Miss Teen USA. Today we discuss the resignation of Miss USA, the trends that come and go in pageantry a swimsuit update and how they absolutely can double as a bodysuit.

You’re getting closer to the finish line! What are you doing in the last 60 days? Also some favorite products that have made an impact on Kristen and Rebekah this month.

A very sore loser/reality star making a public video statement about Miss. Connecticut USA, Miss USA has lost her social media privileges and Kristen is drowning in swimsuits.

Rebekah talks about her dreams when she’s competing and Kristen helps try to reassure her that her dreams are her subconscious trying to protect her.

Laura Santoyo of Date Nite Beaute recaps her road to success as a beauty brand, her expansion to blinged out accessories and of course her favorite product recommendations. She even gave us some insight on her creative process and a hint of her newest upcoming product! @datenightbeaute datenitebeaute.com

We are finally back after a 2 week hiatus! Pageant prep is in full swing for today’s special Saturday update!

Forever Mrs. America, Brooklyn Rivera of 1720 coaching stops by for a dual mock interview with our resident Kris Jenner (Rebekah Wheeler). Rebekah and Brooklyn answer your mock interview submitted questions as well as client pet peeves, coaching tips, and more!

Author of The Confidence Bible Kimmi Jayne and host of The Boss Chick Club podcast joins The Pageant Buzz to give a lesson on personal branding in pageantry as well as her own journey as a Ms. Galaxy AUS national finalist. Kimmi’s top book recommendations include Why has nobody told me this before by Dr. Julie Smith Atomic Habits by James Clear How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson https://www.thebosschickclub.com/category/all-products The Confidence Bible by Kimmi Jayne

The ultimate powerhouse of feminine strength and self-defense expertise! Founder and CEO of Defense in Heels, a mother of two, public speaker, former Mrs. Nevada pageant winner, model, and advocate for women, Patti has dedicated her life to empowering women to be strong, confident, and safe. With over 20 years of experience in self-defense, Patti is an internationally certified self-defense instructor who has trained thousands of women worldwide. Her passion for women's safety has taken her around the globe, where she has taught self-defense techniques to women of all ages and backgrounds. But Patti's expertise doesn't stop there! She has also worked as a bodyguard for celebrities, where she honed her skills in risk assessment, threat management, and personal protection. Despite her impressive resume, Patti is a feminine woman with a fun and lighthearted personality. Her ability to infuse humor and relatability into her teachings makes her a sought-after speaker and instructor. Her ultimate goal is to help women live life on their own terms and feel empowered to take control of their safety. Whether you want to learn self-defense techniques or feel more confident and empowered, Patti is the go-to expert for women's safety. So, join Patti in making the world safer for women, one woman at a time!

Regina Stock our reigning Mrs. America stops by The Pageant Buzz to talk about her journey to Mrs. Texas America, Mrs. America, and ultimately competing at Mrs. World. None of which went according to her plan but somehow went perfectly in sequence to what was supposed to happen. Listen to her beautiful story of resilience and optimism.

They say little things add up, and that couldn’t ring more true in pageant prep! Some of the key “little things” to pay attention to during your prep.

Mrs. World Dr. Julia Schnelle joins The Pageant Buzz! We discuss all this pageantry, her secret to winning her first pageant, who created her interview look and more! Follow along @mrsworldpageant @_juliacarolin_ @idckeylargo @pageantbuzzpod

It’s our official Mrs. World recap! We have our favorite looks, answers, show elements ready to discuss and of course a 2024 trend we anticipating in the Mrs pageant world.

It’s a big pageant week this week! We cover Miss America, Mrs. Earth USA outcomes and update on Mrs. World competition week.

Kristen and Rebekah are back for the season 3 premiere! Life is a pageant and nothing prepares you better than, you guessed it, competing in pageants!

We are off the month of December but we had to come back for a vacation update! Merry Christmas! We will see you all for season 3 in January

The Pageant Buzz welcomes Allison, the owner of Allison Kaye Hair & Makeup. A celebrity makeup artist/ hair stylist and luxury service beauty company servicing Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Miami, and Cleveland with worldwide travel. ​You may have seen her featured as a celebrity artist in VOGUE, Allure, The New York Post and so many more! Allison gives our listeners her glam must haves, some behind the scenes stories and how she got her start in the industry. https://linktr.ee/Allisonkaye?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b83ca3c2-9ca8-4116-9ab3-8a6070a2dae5

On the verge of winter Rebekah and Kristen discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder and some things they do in order to help combat it.

There’s a new queen in town! USOAs Mrs. Ohio 2024 joins the episode for a big announcement!

It’s almost Halloween! We talk title holder appropriate costumes and how to still have fun and be creative with it!

This is not our typical episode. We break down podcast series Under the Influence with Jo Piazza, specifically the episode “A Very Mrs. American Ballerina Farm” And our thoughts on the misinformation presented. It’s our hope that anyone who had listened to that episode and felt discouraged about their life choices and what makes them happy will find this and know we support you.

Mrs. Ohio American Megan Whiting joins us to talk all about her advocacy work with her foundation The Pursuit of Rainbows, her journey to Mrs. OH American, imposter syndrome, her back to back time photogenic awards and upcoming Ohio events! Phew did you get all that?! And so much more! https://www.pursuitofrainbows.org/

All things Miss USA 2023,swim capes, our favorite gowns, and a little Miss USA history.

Are your excuses to compete, just that, excuses or do you have valid reasons to hold off on your next competition?

Rebekah has volunteered to do an on air pageant mock interview! Thank-you to the Pageant Buzz listeners for all the great practice interview questions used in this episode.

The MUO has lifted their age restrictions to allow women from the ages 18 and up to compete in their pageant and all affiliated pageants. This includes the Miss USA state pageants! Who will be coming out of retirement to fulfill a dream to compete?

The Pageant Buzz is in our Captivating Era. Talking all things Captivating Pageants, living for all the fashion, the moments, and what it’s like to participate in a pageant that wants you to be you, be different and be captivating! http://www.captivatingpageants.com

Are you in pageant hangover? Not sure what to do with the rest of your reign? Tips on getting through that post pageant feeling and how to make the most of your year!