The Donna Drake Show

Donna Drake

The Donna Drake Show: Live it Up! is a weekly, one hour show featuring uplifting interviews with celebrity entertainers, sports legends, top journalists, business moguls, authors, motivational speakers, medical professionals, health and wellness experts, beauty and fashion icons, chefs, non-profit groups and everyday heroes sharing their stories of triumph, inspiration and perseverance. Hosted and created by Donna Drake, an international award-winning creative artist, writer, producer, actor and influencer. Donna also has a broadcast television version of this content. Past celebrity guests include Jay Leno, Howie Mandell, Mel Brooks, Tony Bennett, Nelson DeMille, Gloria Estefan, Rita Moreno, Michael Strahan, Martha Wash, Eric Roberts, Tom Selleck, DNCE, Jeff Gordon, Kellie Pickler and Henry Winkler. Companies profiled include Bellicon, Neograft, Yellow Leaf Hammocks, Weruva, BrakTub, LOTTE Hotels & Resorts, MAZARS.With a studio in New York, The Donna Drake Show has produced episodes from across the US, Europe and Japan.The winner of two Telly Awards, and honored by the United Nations for Global Citizenship, The Donna Drake Show seeks to educate, entertain and prove without a doubt that the power to improve our lives – and shape a better world– lives inside us all.

  1. 3D AGO

    There Is Always Light, If Only We’re Brave Enough To See It. If Only We’re Brave Enough To Be It with Justin J, Polcari - #210

    Donna talks to Justin J, Polcari of Neuroscienitist and Founder and CEO of GENN. GENN or GENN Energy is a brand developing neuroscience-backed, 100% natural, and functional beverages.   Donna talks with Floyd and Jessica Foster Co-Founders of Saint Lucian Harvest. Saint Lucian Harvest is a brand focused on wellness, offering organic, wild-crafted sea moss gel, capsules, and skincare products sourced from Saint Lucia. Their products, designed to promote a holistic lifestyle, include nutrient-dense sea moss and 100% unrefined Batana oil, often used for immune support and skin health.     Donna chats with Lisa Boveda the Founder and Formulator of Joy To Jar. Joy To Jar is a brand producing handcrafted, organic skincare, including superfood face oils, body polish, and pain balms made with unrefined ingredients for sensitive skin. Founded by Lisa, the line merges natural, botanical ingredients with scientific, high-performance actives to offer, nourishing, and effective, eco-conscious products.     Donna chats with Emanuel Inoyatov CEO and Founder of MediDental Care. MediDental Care in Astoria, Queens, is a pioneering, New York State-certified facility that combines comprehensive dentistry with primary medical care in one location. As of 2025, they are unique for offering both dental and medical treatments, such as routine check-ups and cleanings, in a single exam room, providing an integrated health approach.    Donna chats with Dani Sedlak Founder and CEO of Shiner Sticks and ReSkin. Shiner Sticks are dual-colored, SPF30 moisturizing, and protective eyeblack sticks des

    57 min
  2. FEB 23

    Life’s Most Persistent And Urgent Question Is, ‘What Are You Doing For Others? With Tiffiny Guerra - #209

    Donna attends The 2026 AKC Meet the Breeds event at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in NYC. This two-day, family-friendly event allows attendees to meet over 100 dog breeds, watch sports demonstrations, and learn about responsible pet ownership. Donna chats with Mike Janela, Brandi Munden, Lorelai and Patty, Jessica Vasallo,Kyle, Rio and Carol, Dr. Ruthann Lobos, Marilynn Militello and Robb Huhn.     Donna talks Tiffiny Guerra the President and CEO of APlugPro. APlugPro produces specialized, US-made, weatherproof gaskets and covers designed to seal electrical connections, specifically to stop outdoor extension cords and lights from tripping GFCI circuits due to rain, snow, or moisture. Made from durable, flexible silicone, these reusable,, and easy-to-install protectors are ideal for Christmas lights, landscape lighting, and outdoor projects.     Donna talks with Thomas Simons, Chief Executive Officer  of Lewis Pogue Chocolates and Charlotte Simon, Chief Design Officer of Lewis Pogue Chocolates. Lewis Pogue Artisan Chocolate is a small, family-run, bean-to-bar company in Atlanta, Georgia. They hand-make every chocolate bar from scratch, using the finest, ethically-sourced ingredients in the world.     Finally, Donna chats with Subin Hur and Suan Hur, Co-Founders , CEO and COO of BARI. BARI is a New York-based, culturally inspired baby food brand dedicated to providing safe, research-driven nutrition for young children.

    51 min
  3. FEB 9

    Someone Is Sitting In The Shade Today Because Someone Planted A Tree A Long Time Ago with Boyd Melson - #207

    Donna talks with Arwa Shikari, Founder of Root and Ritual. Arwa Shikari is the founder of Root & Ritual™ (@therootandritual.co), a brand focused on wellness, nature-rooted products, and mindful living. Described as "designed for your reign," the brand promotes rituals, breathwork, and stillness.    Donna talks with Annette Carmichael the founder of PeerSip. Annette Carmichael is a Rockford, Illinois-based inventor, mother of four, and full-time clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago who created PeerSip. PeerSip is a "germ-free" or "no-backwash" 40oz sharing cup designed for families, featuring customizable lids with 2–4 spouts and one-way valves to prevent backwash, allowing parents and children to share drinks hygienically.   Donna chats with Brooke Bills the Director and Creator of “Letting Go”. Brooke Bills is a CEO, producer, and the creator of "Letting Go," a project described as a new reality TV series. Based in Tulsa, OK, she is also involved with EightyEight Productions and My Podcast Lab. She also talks to Adien Sharpton, Brody Tedesco, Kari Tedesco, Stefanue Pitt, Brody Pitt, Latori Carter, Skyler Carter and Maddon Feamster.     Donna chats with John Mason ESQ. Entertainment Lawyer and author of “Crazy Lucky”. Most lawyers aren’t like John Mason. Then again, most lawyers don’t do what he does. For decades, John Mason has been a confidante, meditator, gladiator and last line of defense for some of the most visible (and talented) artists in the world; from Brian Wilson and Roy Orbison, to Reba McEntire and the Jackson Five, to Quincy Jones, Shakira, and his dear friend of over forty years, Olivia Newton-John. In Crazy Lucky, he tells their stories from his perspective, and shows us what it means to truly have someone’s back.        Donna sits down again and talks to Evan Hirsch, Fashion Designer Evan Hirsch is a 25 year old fashion designer, entrepreneur, TV personality, stylist, make up artist, and content creator from New York. He is most known for his transforming dresses, under the name EvanHirschFashion on TikTok, where he posts for over 484,000 fans. His designs have been viewed by over 65 million worldwide viewers and have captured celebrity attention by the likes of Kim Petras.     Finally, Donna sits down and talks with Boyd Melson, Boxer, Veteran, Spinal Health Advocate. Boyd’s impact extends beyond the boxing ring; he has served as a mentor at the Steve Harvey Youth Mentorship Camp and has been recognized in prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Sports Illustrated. Even after retiring from professional boxing, he remains a passionate advocate for spinal cord research and mental health, serving as an Ambassador for various organizations, including the WBC and GIVE AN HOUR.

    58 min
  4. FEB 2

    You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren’t busy denying them with Darryl Worley - #206

    Donna talks with Chris and Brianne Jakes Co-Founders of Face Saver Bath Towel. The Face Saver Bath Towel is a 2-in-1, patent-pending, antimicrobial, and benzoyl peroxide-resistant towel,, developed by Jakes Design Co. to separate body bacteria from the face, featuring a designated "Face-Only Zone" to prevent acne, eczema, and skin irritation. It is designed to replace multiple towels by keeping a dedicated section for the face.    Donna talks with Zay Harding. Zay Harding is best known for his role on the popular, long-running PBS series Globe Trekker and is a TV Personality and actor and is currently the host of CBS' 'The Visioneers. Other notable TV appearances include guest-starring and co-starring roles on CBS's Hawaii Five-0, FX's American Horror Story and ABC's Mistresses.       Donna chats with John O’Leary. J John O’Leary is a #1 national bestselling author, inspirational keynote speaker, and podcast host known for his story of surviving being burned on 100% of his body as a child, inspiring millions to live inspired lives, with his story becoming a major motion picture, Soul on Fire. He shares lessons on resilience, purpose, and finding hope through storytelling, humor, and his faith, helping audiences in business and life overcome challenges and embrace positivity.     Donna chats with Melissa Sierra. Melissa Sirera is a Cybersecurity Operations Researcher within the CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University. Ms. Sirera has been working with the International Support Team at the SEI since 2023. She is also a Certified Business and Executive Coach.      Donna attends The Trbeca Film Festival and attends The Hal and Harper World  Premier and talks with Cooper Raiff the Writer,Director and Actor, Betty Gilpin, Addison Timlin, Havana Rose Liu, Lili Reinhart, and Mark Ruffalo.     Donna talks with Darryl Worley. Darryl Worley is an American country music singer and songwriter known for hits like "Have You Forgotten?," "I Miss My Friend," and "Awful, Beautiful Life". Emerging in the early 2000s, he has released multiple albums and is recognized for his patriotic themes and support for the military.   Finally, Donna sits down and talks with Jeffrey Aiello founder of Bounce25. Bounce25 is a portable, strategic table game designed for social gatherings, combining elements of shuffleboard, poker, and Yahtzee. Players bounce dice into scoring squares, aiming to reach 25 points, with gameplay that allows for knocking rivals out of spots. It is marketed as an, easy-to-learn, and, addictive,, indoor/outdoor, game suitable for, tailgating, or, backyard,, parties,.

    56 min
  5. FEB 1

    You Have To Believe In Yourself When No One Else Does with Tuscan Cooper Sturhahn - #205

    Donna talks with Alison Smith, Co-Founder of Wildbloom Sincare. WildBloom Skincare is a Wilton, CT-based brand offering small-batch, all-natural, and cruelty-free products focused on,Age-Defying, and,Restore, routines. Developed by a licensed esthetician, the line features plant-based ingredients, therapeutic-grade essential oils, and avoids parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. They emphasize sustainable, non-toxic, and,eco-friendly, skincare solutions.    Donna talks with Ghislaine Nnaji, Founder and PediatricSleep Consultant for The Sleep Theory. Ghislaine Nnaji uses logical and proven approaches to help parents solve their children’s sleep issues in transformative yet long lasting comprehensive pediatric sleep solutions. With her background in Health Sciences, Ghislaine Nnaji developed a keen interest in babies’ behaviors and how sleep plays a major role in the overall attitude or wellbeing of babies.    Donna chats with Christopher Bradshaw CFS,CRPS Partner of Main Street Financial Group and  Michael Wertheim AIF,CFS,CFS, CMFC,RTRP Partner of Main Financial Group. Main Street Financial Group is a financial planning and wealth management firm that provides personalized investment strategies, retirement planning, and asset management services for individuals and businesses. They focus on goal-based planning, covering areas like estate planning, insurance, and business succession.    Donna chats with Billy and Lily Marshall Co-Owners of Lily’s Lab. Lily’s Lab is a brand focused on health and wellness, specifically centered on making collagen consumption a simple, consistent daily habit.   Donna talks with Josh and Molly Ramirez Co-founders of Chuckaboo Coffee. Chuckaboo Coffee is a premium, family-founded brand offering organic, fair-trade, and third-party lab-tested coffee that is guaranteed to be mold and toxin-free. Named after a Victorian slang term for a "close friend," the brand focuses on quality, sustainability, and fostering connection.     Donna talks Jasmin El Kordi CEO of Mblue labs and Dr.Kan Cao Founder and CSO of Mblue labs. Mblue Labs is a University of Maryland startup company founded in 2018 that developed the Bluelene skincare brand, which utilizes patented Methylene Blue to reverse skin aging at a molecular level. Founded by Professor Kan Cao and CEO Jasmin El Kordi, the company focuses on scientific-backed, anti-aging skincare that boosts collagen and elastin production.   Donna chats with Amy McCleery founder of Bella Bleu Naturals. Bella Bleu Naturals is a skincare brand specializing in nutrient-dense, grass-fed, and grass-finished beef tallow products. Their product line, often featured on platforms like Texas Front Porch, includes hand-rendered tallow whip moisturizers, soaps, lip balms, crack sticks, and beard balms, designed to provide high-quality, natural skin nourishment.  Finally, Donna sits down and talks Tuscan Cooper Sturhahn founder of Baby Faced Beards.

    57 min
  6. JAN 19

    Making One Person Smile Can Change The World with Sammy Sadler - #204

    Donna talks with Naomi Takazawa Welch, Acupuncturist. Naomi Takazawa Welch, M.s., L.Ac. founded the first Takazawa Acupuncture Clinic in Tokyo, Japan in 1999. Over the past 20 years, she has studied and practiced the tradition of Japanese acupuncture with world-class experts in Japan and the United States.     Donna talks with Vu Ly Co-Owner of Simple Peruvian. Simple Peruvian is a restaurant known for its delicious fusion of Peruvian and Asian cuisines, inspired by the history of Asian immigration to Peru, offering dishes like Lomo Saltado, Pollo a la Brasa, and Ceviche with bold flavors and fresh ingredients in a casual setting in Sunnyside, Queens, and Ridgewood, NY.       Donna chats with Sammy Sadler, Country Artist. Sammy Sadler is a traditional country artist known for his comeback story, resilience after surviving the "Murder on Music Row" shooting in 1989, and his recent resurgence with new singles like "If I Had a Cheatin' Heart" and "I Can't Get Close Enough," honoring 80s and 90s country sounds while working on new music and touring.     Donna chats with Pam Ball creator of PamBee. PamBee (or Pam B) is a comfort-focused travel pillow/accessory created by Pam Ball, a designer and founder who wanted to solve common travel discomforts, especially for frequent flyers, offering a simple, effective, and soft solution for relaxation in airports or on planes.       Donna talks with Julie Durdin, a Christian Children’s Author. Julie Durdin is a Christian children's author from Tabernacle, NJ, known for her "MaggieMazing" series, featuring MaggieMazing, a superhero who teaches kids about God's truth, strength, and faith, aiming to empower young readers to be courageous a

    56 min
  7. JAN 12

    Success Is Focusing The Full Power Of All You Are On What You Have A Burning Desire To Achieve with Amber Nigam - #203

    Donna talks with Cher LaRocca , Owner of Sage N Selenite Holistic Spa  and Boutique and Mikayla Cox , Licened Esthetician of Sage N Selenite Holistic Spa  and Boutique. Their holistic wellness spa and boutique invites you to experience a journey of relaxation, balance, and self-care.    Donna talks with Kevin Augustine  and  Sajan Augustine CEO of Ortho Rehab and Wellness. Ortho Rehab and Wellness is a specialized center focusing on Orthopedic Rehabilitation, which treats injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons) to restore movement, strength, and function, often combining physical therapy, manual therapy, and wellness programs to reduce pain and improve quality of life.    Donna chats with  Henry Galasso of East Coast Business Brokers. East Coast Business Brokers is a leading firm, founded by Henry Galasso, that acts as an intermediary for buying and selling businesses, particularly in the lower-middle market across the NY, NJ, CT, and FL areas, specializing in sectors like retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and franchises, offering services from valuation and marketing to deal structuring and commercial real estate, helping owners with exit strategies and buyers with new ventures.   Donna chats with Veronica Cabezas the Head of Growth and Customer Experience and Ariella Lifshitz Head of Marketing for Go Bagels. Go Bagels is a modern New York-based bagel shop focused on fresh, high-quality, handcrafted bagels using organic and local ingredients, aiming to blend traditional methods with contemporary flavors and community focus.   Donna talks with Morgen Rappa, LCSW,CHHC, ADHD-CCSP The Managing Partner and Supervising Clinician for Compass Wellness and Kimberly Mazza, LCSE,PMH-C, CLC Managing Partner and Supervising Clinician for Compass Wellness. Compass Wellness Associates is a counseling practice that provides therapy and wellness services for individuals, couples, and families, focusing on holistic, personalized care using techniques like DBT, CBT, and art therapy, while also offering services like doula support and lactation consulting to help clients achieve overall well-being and manage life's challenges.   Donna talks with Cara Turnbull the Founder of Caribbean Sentiments. Caribbean Sentiments is a vibrant greeting card and stationery brand founded by Cara Turnbull, celebrating Caribbean culture, proverbs, slang, and traditions with colorful, authentic designs that reflect island life, offering a piece of the West Indies for everyday connections.       Donna chats with Randi Culang an Agent with Compass Brokerage and Jodi Greebel an Agent with Compass Brokerage. Compass is a major, tech-focused real estate brokerage known for its integrated platform that provides agents with tools for marketing, CRM, and client management, aiming to streamline the home-buying and selling process   Finally, Donna sits down again and talks Amber Nigam, MS, PA-C Founder of Bright Medical Aesthetics. Bright Medical Aesthetics is a medical spa offering science-drive

    58 min

About

The Donna Drake Show: Live it Up! is a weekly, one hour show featuring uplifting interviews with celebrity entertainers, sports legends, top journalists, business moguls, authors, motivational speakers, medical professionals, health and wellness experts, beauty and fashion icons, chefs, non-profit groups and everyday heroes sharing their stories of triumph, inspiration and perseverance. Hosted and created by Donna Drake, an international award-winning creative artist, writer, producer, actor and influencer. Donna also has a broadcast television version of this content. Past celebrity guests include Jay Leno, Howie Mandell, Mel Brooks, Tony Bennett, Nelson DeMille, Gloria Estefan, Rita Moreno, Michael Strahan, Martha Wash, Eric Roberts, Tom Selleck, DNCE, Jeff Gordon, Kellie Pickler and Henry Winkler. Companies profiled include Bellicon, Neograft, Yellow Leaf Hammocks, Weruva, BrakTub, LOTTE Hotels & Resorts, MAZARS.With a studio in New York, The Donna Drake Show has produced episodes from across the US, Europe and Japan.The winner of two Telly Awards, and honored by the United Nations for Global Citizenship, The Donna Drake Show seeks to educate, entertain and prove without a doubt that the power to improve our lives – and shape a better world– lives inside us all.