One Exciting Memorial Day Weekend

Thank you to everyone who has served for our freedom. #USA

Well hello summer and long weekend! I want to kick things off with a shout out to all of our military... THANK YOU for serving & HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

This season we’ve talked about conquering fear. And so I thought it would be fun to give you all a little challenge. This will get you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to break through your fears! Below I’ve compiled a list of 5 exhilarating things to do this Memorial Day Weekend. You don’t have to try all of them of course, but think of how empowered you’d feel if you do! I say you pick the one that makes you the most scared and go for it.

1.     Skydeck Chicago-  Afraid of heights? You HAVE to try this out! Right in Downtown Chicago at the Willis Tower you have the ability to step out on a glass panel that’s 1,353 ft above the ground. When you visit the Skydeck you will be able to step outside the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. If that’s not facing your fear head-on I don’t know what is!

2.     Preform your own slam poetry. Does public speaking scare you more than death itself? I have just the cure for you! Try out your own slam poetry up in front of a crowd at The Green Mill. On top of some incredible live jazz, there is a fun little contest for new comers and veterans alike. Try your hand at some slam poetry and you may even go home with a prize!

3.     Chicago Flyboard-  Have you ever thought about floating above water? Well with Flyboards you will have the opportunity to do just that. With a board strapped to your feet the water from Lake Michigan will be blasted through the bottom of the board at a speed so fast it causes you to float above water. Think jetpack with water. It’s a fun way to spend a day in the sun doing something you’ll never forget. You can make it a family day too by renting some Stand Up Paddle Boards or Canoes too!

4.    Absolutely Chicago Segways- You’ve seen those strange contraptions that look like a scooter mixed with a pogo stick, now it’s time to try one! Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours will you show you this incredible city from standpoint you’ve never taken before. These tours are fun and easy to book. Try it out! You won’t be disappointed.

5.     Trapeze School- Yes. You did read that right! Trapeze school! Try out flying through the sky for a day with nothing to hold on to but a trusted partner. Your childhood dreams of running away to a circus could finally come true. Not only will you conquer fear but you can learn to trust in not only other people but yourself! Give it a try!

Don’t forget to document your fearless feats by using the hashtag #fearlesswithwhitney! And make sure you tune in to the Whitney Reynolds show Sundays at 10:30 am and Mondays at 6:30 pm! Have a great holiday weekend! Xx

Giving Our Four-Legged Friends A Voice

Earlier this year, my sweet Puffy Doo-Little had a back injury that almost took her life. This would have never been a near death experience if she could have told me what was wrong. During her recovery I got to thinking about the challenges our four-legged friends go through and that's when Cari Meyers came to mind and I knew we must have her on a show.

Cari Meyers is that voice for animals and founded the Puppy Mill Project (PMP). For those of you who haven’t heard, the Puppy Mill Project educates the public by spreading the message about puppy mill cruelty and providing age-based interactive lectures and presentations. According to the PMP, Ninety Nine percent (99%) of all pet store puppies are puppy mill puppies. Most people are unaware of this and the Puppy Mill Project is changing that fact. She has worked with legislation and Chicago celebrities to help spread the word. Cari is currently working on "The Puppy Mill Project" book, where she is having celebrities and their pets take pictures. This book will be sold to raise funds for her cause and create more awareness. (YES, Puffy and I will be in the book). There are many ways for our viewers to get involved including several events throughout the year.

We will also be speaking with Chicago City Clerk Susanna Mendoza, who is a proud supporter of the Puppy Mill Project. Susanna and Cari have been working hard to pass legislation to help our four-legged friends here in Chicago. For more information on their journey check out this article- (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-03-05/features/ct-remarkable-cari-meyers-20140305_1_city-pet-stores-pet-lemon-law-animal-cruelty)

Chicago City Clerk Susanna Mendoza

We have doctors in the studio too from Veterinary Specialty Center. Dr. Melissa Pales and Dr. Brett Grossman, will be speaking with us about the dangers of buying dogs from puppy mills. From long term health issues to common illnesses, they’ll show us why buying a puppy mill dog can lead to heartbreak no pet owner should be forced to deal with.

Finally I just have to say, one word: Adoption! Adoption, adoption, adoption. There are so many furry friends stuck in shelters every single day that have been abandoned by or taken from their owners. And guess what? You can help them! Just because a dog isn’t a puppy doesn’t mean they’ll love you any less. All they want is a home to call their own with a loving family.

Big thanks to everyone who came on the show and who speak up for our friends/family who don't have a voice! Remember to tune in Monday nights at 6:30 PM and Sunday morning at 10:30 to Lakeshore PBS [Comcast 239/ RCN 4/ Dish, Direct, AT&T 56]. Have a great week y'all!

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!

Surviving a Hurricane, Cancer and Homelessness

It’s been another incredible week at the Whitney Reynold’s show! On our last show we spoke with some amazing individuals who taught us that you can be the change this world needs if you just step up and try! Don’t forget: If you missed the episode you can catch it again on Sundays at 10:30 AM.

Our first guest on our show Survivor is Jaspen Boothe. She's a woman who, throughout all adversity, has remained strong. She survived Hurricane Katerina along with a vicious bout with cancer. As the creator of The Final Salute she has dedicated her life to helping veterans such as herself to find proper housing and employment after service.

Survival expert and professional stunt person, Ky Furneaux, will be telling us all about her thrilling career of performing stunts and may even give us some useful survival tips! Ky has appeared in over 80 films and tv productions including: The Avengers, Thor, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Talk about girl power! This survivor found her passions after almost completely loosing her mobility due to an injury she sustained from a horrible car crash. After a year of intense physical therapy she was back up and moving better than ever. She decided nothing was going to keep her from doing what she loved.

For all of you Survivor fans Ethan Zohn will be joining us! This man was the winner of the Survivor: Africa season. He’s also been seen on Survivor: All-stars and The Amazing Race. Ethan was previously a professional American soccer player and used his prize money to cofound an incredible charity called Grassroot Soccer. This charity uses soccer to educate and mobilize communities in order to fight the spread of HIV. Not only did Ethan survive in the wilderness he is also a cancer survivor! His story is one you won’t want to miss.

See you this Monday for a powerful episode filled with amazing stories of survival and inspirational guests!

Season Premier- Veterans

Hello and welcome to our season premier blog! I want to give you a little background on our guests for Monday’s show. We will have some familiar faces like Senator Richard Durban and Son's Of Anarchy Star, Theo Rossi on set, yet we will also introduce you to a new wave of Veterans that are dedicated to making an impact here at home.

First up in the studio we have Todd Connor who created the organization known as The Bunker. The Bunker is a start-up company that works to help veterans turn their experience and skills into entrepreneurship. They’ve already helped launch 19 companies! Todd's interview is full of "outside the box" ideas and packed with info for the entrepreneur in us all.

SSgt. Johnny Joey Jones and Meghan McDermott will be speaking to us about The Boot Campaign and Camp Southern Ground. The Boot Campaign is an organization that raises money for wounded soldiers and those returning with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). They provide assistance to military personal, past and present along, with their families. One of the ways they raise funds and awareness for the campaign is by selling combat boots. The Boot Campaign is known for having celebrities, athletes and more, lace up boots and show their support. Even I strapped some on-

SSgt. Johnny Joey Jones not only informs us about the campaign but his interview is a must see. The impact he made overseas and here at home is huge and I am super excited for you to learn more about his courageous journey!

Let’s talk BBQ. Have you tried Johnny Van Smoke House yet? If not, you’re definitely missing out!  Johnny Van and his wife, BK, started Johnny Van Smokehouse back in 2012 when they decided to share their love for barbecue with as many people as they can reach. And get this: Johnny Van is a veteran himself! On the show he shares how his military journey and passion for food collided to create a business that is now helping vets here at home. Johnny Van Smoke House has been kind enough to share a recipe with all of us. Don’t hesitate to try it out!

Does that not sound incredible?! That recipe has taken Johnny Van to the semi-finals of the World Championship of Food! Not only is it insanely delicious it’s a great recipe when you’re in a pinch. Just place the rolled up meat in a shallow baking pan and pop it in the oven.

Thank you for reading! I hope this little preview has made you all as excited about the upcoming episode as I am. Remember: the show has moved its time slot! Be sure to tune in Monday at 6:30 PM on Lakeshore Public Media (WYIN)

Channels

• Chicago| COMCAST 329 | RCN 4 | DISH/DIRECT/ATT 56
• The Quad Cities | WQPT CHANNEL 24

Giving Back And Giving Thanks

Hey everyone!

This past week we found that our Autism special that aired on WQPT in The Quad Cities, helped increase support to a local organization! This amazing news made me want to further discuss my thoughts on giving back and helping those in need.

I am a huge proponent of charitable deeds. When I can, I volunteer my efforts towards enriching various causes. The more you give the more you receive. Volunteering time to a great cause is empowering because it is a small way we personally can assist in profound change. If time is a limited resource and you have the financial means, donating is equally beneficial. After all, many organization operate on a mix of grants and individual contributions.

On October 17th, I'm emceeing Reach Out Community Center's annual gala. I have been heavily involved with this organization for the last year. ROCC's goal is to help Chicago's youth ages 7 to 17 on the west side by offering skill based programs that develop, educational and life goals. It is an amazing initiative that has a direct impact on nurturing change throughout their community. Be sure to check them out http://reachoutcc.org and get your tickets to this event.

I am very excited to help such a wonderful cause. I also am so grateful for the premiere of our fall season on PBS Channel WYCC. Follow our updates on Facebook. Engage with me on Twitter @W3Whitney. Then pin us on Pinterest. It's going to be an incredible season with so many great topics and guests.

Enjoy your week,

Whitney

When Shopping & Passion Collide

Moving to Chicago in 2009 I immediately knew this was a city I wanted to make a difference in.  The love people have for Chicago runs deep and the pride they take in the city is undeniable. In January of 2013, I became the Spokesperson for Reach Out Community Center (ROCC), a non- profit on Chicago's West Side. Together we are working to spread awareness to help our Chicago youth and also create a safe space for after school activities. The land has been purchased and (ALMOST) everything is in place to start building, but this is where we need you. Over the next few months we will be teaming up with businesses across Chicagoland to raise funds to build.

I am excited to announce the first business to team up with us! Today Accessory Mercado is giving back 20% of ALL proceeds to ROCC. I have been rocking pieces from this hip, online, boutique on and off set for month and have been overwhelmed with all the compliments these shiny pieces receive. So remember to go online today and shop for a good cause.

Never have you ever looked so great while giving back to those who deserve it!