The Amy Plus Podcast

Amy Sexton

Amy is a luxury lifestyle curator, fashion expert, and the creative force behind unforgettable upscale brand events—including fashion, art, and statement-making accessories—all hosted in her stunning waterfront homes in Laguna Beach and Texas. Known for her impeccable taste and effortless way of connecting with people, she brings her audience into a world where elevated living, travel, faith, refined interiors, and meaningful, authentic conversations collide. The Amy Plus Podcast goes beyond the aesthetic—it's where Amy shares the stories behind the style, the brands she loves, and the people who inspire her. Expect candid talks, authentic interviews, and real stories of personal journeys that show what it truly takes to get where you want to go—raw, inspiring, and always uplifting. All with the signature “plus” touch from the AmyPlusJoe brand—named after her amazing husband and love of her life, Joe—always personal, always elevated. For more behind-the-scenes, luxe inspiration, and upcoming events, follow along on Instagram @amyplusjoe or visit AmyPlusJoe.com.

  1. JAN 27

    Orange County Beauty Secrets with Dr. Zenovia Gabriel | Fillers, Acne & Aging Gracefully (Part 2)

    Welcome back to the A+ Podcast. In this Part 2 episode, Amy sits down again with Orange County dermatologist Dr. Zenovia Gabriel to get very real about modern beauty culture from oversized lips and overdone faces in Newport Beach to acne, Accutane, hair loss, lasers, and TikTok skincare trends.  They talk about why so many women in Orange County feel pressure to “keep up,” how social media and filters are affecting teen girls, the truth about fillers and migration, low-dose Accutane, adult acne, yeast acne, collagen stimulation, laser hair removal, female hair loss, peptides, and what’s actually worth your money versus snake oil.  ABOUT DR. ZENOVIA GABRIEL Dr. Zenovia Gabriel is a board-certified dermatologist based in Orange County and the founder of her own clinical-grade skincare line. She’s known for her honest, evidence-based approach to acne, aging, hair loss and cosmetic dermatology, and for helping patients look refreshed — not overdone. Listen to more episodes and find all the links: amyplusjoe.com Watch the Amy Plus Podcast on YouTube: @theamypluspodcast Follow Amy on social: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @amyplusjoe DISCLAIMER This conversation is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own doctor or dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment. 00:00 – Welcome back to Part 2 with Dr. Zenovia Gabriel 01:38 – Orange County vs LA: how women see themselves and beauty culture differences  Dr Z Podcast 2 03:25 – Oversized lips, high cheekbones and the “done” Southern California look 05:19 – Real Housewives of Orange County and how they changed the OC aesthetic 06:47 – What Dr. Zenovia and Amy are wearing: vintage Chanel, Italian shoes and sentimental jewelry 10:12 – How Amy found “the best Orange County dermatologist” through a perfectly put-together realtor 11:50 – The number one question she gets at the bar: are fillers bad and do they migrate?  Dr Z Podcast 2 14:12 – Overfilled faces, consultation as an art, and “broken mirror” facial dysmorphia 18:01 – Melting filler, reshaping faces and why she refuses to put her name on fake-looking work 25:09 – Adult acne, yeast acne, diet, stress and why acne is making a comeback at every age  Dr Z Podcast 2 29:44 – Dr. Z’s 4-step acne protocol and low-dose Accutane myth-busting 32:22 – The psychological side of acne and how clear skin changes confidence 43:00 – Why laser hair removal is one of the best gifts you can give yourself 50:27 – Female hair loss, hysterectomy, Nutrafol/Viviscal, collagen and her hair-growth game plan  Dr Z Podcast 2 57:39 – Slugging, salmon sperm, beef tallow and why she sticks to evidence-based skincare over trends

    1h 23m
  2. JAN 13

    Why Kaydianna Really Left DCC at the End of the Netflix Season (Part 2)

    If you watched Season 2 of the Netflix show “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” you saw the polished ending… but not the full story of why veteran DCC Kaydianna MacKenzie walked away. In Part 2 of my conversation with Kaydianna on the Amy Plus Podcast, we pick up after the cameras stop rolling and dive into what was really happening behind the scenes. Kaydianna opens up about: - Stepping into a leadership role and the pressure that came with it - The TikTok Lives that sparked questions, assumptions, and chaos online - Being suspended, feeling pushed to “spill more,” and how it all impacted her mentally - Wrestling with guilt, people-pleasing, and her faith through the whole experience - How she now sees God’s hand in closing one chapter and opening another - The mentoring program she’s creating to help young women find their identity and confidence This episode is emotional, raw, and healing. It’s for anyone who’s ever walked away from something they loved, felt misunderstood online, or struggled to choose peace over staying in the spotlight. 💬 COMMENT   What part of Kaydianna’s story hit you the hardest? 🕊 DISCLAIMER   All references, discussion, and any brief clips from “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” are for commentary, criticism, and discussion only. All footage and trademarks related to the show are the property of Netflix and the Dallas Cowboys / Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organizations. This podcast and channel are not affiliated with or endorsed by Netflix, the Dallas Cowboys, or the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. 🎧 LISTEN   Catch both Part 1 and Part 2 of this conversation on the Amy Plus Podcast on all platforms, or at AmyPlusJoe.com. 0:00 – Why did Kaydianna really leave at the end of Season 2? 0:40 – Taking on a leadership role inside DCC 5:15 – What happened when a veteran returned and dynamics shifted 8:25 – Mid-season tension and the emotional toll behind the scenes 11:45 – The TikTok Live with her mom and the questions that exploded 16:50 – Feeling pushed to “spill more” and navigating online chaos 18:20 – Suspension, consequences, and how it all actually went down 22:30 – Social media pressure and the fear of saying the “wrong” thing 25:10 – Owning mistakes, grace, and learning in public 27:55 – Processing everything through faith and asking, “Where was God in this?” 31:20 – Remembering the joy: little girls, game days, and what DCC still means to her 34:35 – Realizing four years on the most iconic squad is still a huge gift 36:40 – Introducing her new mentor program and who it’s for 40:00 – Helping young women find their identity beyond a uniform or title 43:10 – TikTok following, criticism, and not letting the audience define her 45:20 – Amy’s “mom” advice, faith reminder, and what’s next for Kaydianna 46:25 – Where to follow Kaydianna and closing blessings

    47 min
  3. 12/30/2025

    What It’s REALLY Like as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader | KayDianna MacKenzie (Part 1)

    In Part 1 of this powerful 2-part conversation, former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader KayDianna MacKenzie sits down with Amy on the **Amy Plus Podcast** to share what it’s really like to wear one of the most famous uniforms in the world. KayDianna opens up about: - The journey from college dance and TCU to making the DCC squad - What game day actually feels like on the Dallas Cowboys field - The beauty and body standards no one really talks about - Stepping into leadership as a veteran and the pressure that comes with it - The early moments when “something felt off” behind the scenes This episode sets the stage for Part 2, where KayDianna dives into the drama surrounding the Bahamas trip, teammate dynamics, and why she ultimately walked away from her dream role to protect her peace. If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the gloss of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders brand, Part 1 breaks down the dream, the work, and the emotional cost of always being “on.” 💬 COMMENT: What surprised you most about life as an NFL cheerleader from this episode? 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss **Part 2** of KayDianna’s story. 0:00 – Welcome to Amy Plus Podcast & meet KayDianna MacKenzie 2:10 – Growing up in dance and dreaming of the big stage 4:05 – From college (TCU) to chasing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders dream 6:30 – Making the team: auditions, cuts, and finally hearing “you’re in” 9:15 – First time on the Cowboys field: game day chills and Thunderstruck moment 12:40 – What fans don’t see: long practices, rehearsals, and performance standards 15:20 – DCC glam: hair, makeup, and keeping up with beauty expectations 18:45 – Body image, confidence, and learning to love yourself in a uniform 22:30 – Team roles: rookies, vets, and how the hierarchy really works 27:10 – Stepping into leadership: pressure of being a vet others look up to 32:30 – Cameras, social media, and feeling watched on and off the field 37:05 – When the vibes shift: sensing tension and unspoken drama 41:30 – Heading into the Bahamas trip: excitement, nerves, and what’s coming next (Part 2)

    44 min
  4. 12/09/2025

    Dermatologist’s Dr. Zenovia Gabriel Anti-Aging Truth Sunscreen + Retinol

    Dr. Zenovia “Dr. Z” Gabriel joins Amy Sexton on the Amy Plus Podcast for a real, no-fluff conversation on what actually matters in skincare, especially if you’re trying to age well, clear acne, or stop wasting money on random products. They break down the difference between subtle, natural-looking Botox vs the dreaded “stone face,” what a lip flip really is, and how to think about chemical peels and active ingredients in a way that’s safe and effective. Dr. Z also shares practical guidance on acne + acne scarring, prevention, and the most overlooked aging areas (hello, neck + décolletage). If you’ve been overwhelmed by skincare advice online, this episode will help you simplify your routine and focus on what gets results. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome + meet Dr. Zenovia “Dr. Z” Gabriel 03:30 Style, confidence, and “doctor off-duty” vibes 07:42 Botox: refreshed vs “stone face.” 11:01 Lip flip + subtle enhancements 15:40 Family story + the Berkeley chapter 21:46 Work ethic, pressure, and pushing through 26:47 Why dermatology is pure science 31:04 The education path: choosing programs + training 39:54 Mentors, momentum, and finding her lane 44:04 Acne + scarring: what to focus on first 52:23 Prevention + skin-health mindset 56:45 Chemical peels + actives 1:03:29 Neck + décolletage: the area people forget 1:14:36 Building a simple routine (moisturizer + consistency) 1:28:20 Dr. Z’s skincare line + where to find her + wrap-up FOLLOW / CONNECT Amy Sexton: ig @amyplusjoe @amypluspodcast Dr. Zenovia Gabriel Website: www.amyplusjoe.com 👇 QUESTION FOR YOU: What’s the one skincare topic you want a dermatologist to answer next Botox, acne, hyperpigmentation, or routine building?

    1h 29m
  5. 11/11/2025

    Laura Harris From Small-Town News to Emmy-Winning Anchor

    Emmy-winning anchor Laura Harris joins Amy for a candid conversation about career, confidence, and timing. She shares how she left a secure evening anchor job in Tampa for a weekend role in Dallas because she believed in herself, why cutting her hair at 40 felt scarier than it should have, and how being “an introvert masquerading as an extrovert” plays out on social media and TV. From small-town Georgia and a soccer scholarship to one coach’s hard truth about effort, Laura shows how hard work, faith in your own path, and patience can change everything.  00:00 – Intro: three-time Emmy winning anchor Laura Harris 00:18 – Finally in the same room again and how far she drove to get there 00:51 – How we actually met: Marco, Highland Park Village, and a personal shopper match 02:11 – First lunch, instant connection, and “different levels of busy” 03:00 – Chaos, weekends of doing nothing, and being an introvert masquerading as an extrovert 04:30 – Social media vs real life: why it looks like she is doing everything 05:21 – Quick career snapshot: Georgia, Charleston, Tampa, then Dallas 06:33 – Leaving a secure evening anchor job for a weekend slot and believing in herself 07:58 – Seventeen years in TV and remembering to celebrate your wins 09:22 – “What’s your fit?” Versace, Alice + Olivia, Dolce, and favorite on air pieces 11:10 – Cutting her hair at almost 40 and being terrified to walk into the station 13:20 – Comments, pressure, aging on camera, and why character matters more than clothes 16:20 – What really sticks: how people make you feel 18:11 – Doing her own hair and makeup in ten minutes and outfit stress as a woman on TV 20:34 – Amy on why her 40s were amazing and Laura getting excited for that chapter 22:50 – Marriage in her late 30s and why waiting made it sweeter 27:50 – Soccer scholarship, not starting in college, and learning to respond to setbacks 31:40 – The coach who called out lazy effort and why “the cream rises to the top”

    1h 28m
  6. 10/28/2025

    Female Pilot Stephanie Goetz 45,000 feet to Paris Fashion Week

    Professional pilot Stephanie (five jet type ratings) flew herself to the show—then unpacked a life that spans global business jets, network newsrooms, and front-row fashion. From Citation V and RV-4 aerobatics to L-39 military trainer G-loads, she explains the tech—and the mindset—behind high-performance flying. We also hit Paris/NY Fashion Week invites (McQueen & Givenchy), women in aviation, and what Top Gun: Maverick got right. 00:00 – Welcome + “imagine flying a Global 6000 for a living” 00:06 – Celebs, world leaders, 45,000 ft: a pilot’s day job 00:22 – Bio: five type ratings, anchor to aviator 00:44 – Paris Fashion Week invites (McQueen, front row) 01:12 – “I flew myself in for the podcast” (solo-pilot capable) 02:00 – The jet today: Citation V (560 series) basics 02:33 – Specs: FL450, ~375 KTAS, ~1,900 nm (Vegas to Florida nonstop) 03:06 – RV-4 homebuilt: the “baby rocket ship” (formation + aerobatics) 03:42 – L-39 Albatros: military trainer thrills, +8/−4 G, Top Gun vibes 04:50 – Women in the cockpit: “the airplane only cares if you can fly” 06:12 – Fashion & flight: McQueen jacket (Sarah Burton era), Givenchy shorts 07:30 – Shoes: Stuart Weitzman staples vs. Louboutin/McQueen heels 08:40 – Top Gun: Maverick—what real pilots thought (and why) 09:20 – Meeting “Phoenix” (Monica Barbaro) & female pilot rep on screen 10:10 – Fashion week memories: packed runways, drums, lights, the vibe 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-amy-plus-podcast/id1811885921 https://www.shopltk.com/explore/@amyplusjoe 🧡 Weekly blog: https://www.amyplusjoe.com/blog/ 🛍 Shop my looks: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/@amyplusjoe 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyplusjoe/ 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyplusjoe 💸 Weekly sales: https://www.amyplusjoe.com/weekly-sales/

    1h 15m
  7. 10/14/2025

    From Bali to NYC Building a Bold Jewelry Brand Julie Miles

    Designer Julie Miles shares the story of her brand, from Bali markets to New York showrooms, plus the resilience behind it: surviving stage IV cancer and returning to create non-traditional, statement-making pearls that empower women. We talk celeb clients, the Cynthia Rowley trunk show, leather-strung and silk-strung techniques, baroque pendants, quartz from India, and a travel-meet-cute that became a friendship 00:00 – Intro to Julie Miles: pearls with an edge, bold resort wear.  00:28 – Stage IV cancer → 24 weeks of chemo → cancer-free (2011).  01:08 – “Hello, darling” finally in the studio after a year of travel.  01:42 – Europe work trips, cruise ships and boutiques; living in Palm Beach.  02:22 – Watching the pod with champagne on the road (and staying connected).  03:30 – Cheers! What we’re wearing (Cynthia Rowley love).  03:56 – Texas trunk show with Cynthia Rowley, the “big cuff” moment.  05:20 – Pearls, pearls, pearls: how Julie layers and strings her “babies.”  06:10 – Long silk-strung pearls + rough-cut diamond clasp + baroque pendant.  06:33 – Leather-strung pearls; quartz slabs sourced in India, set in silver.  08:18 – “The Ring”: rhodium-plated silver, 52 CZs, comfortable and show-stopping.  10:00 – How we met: the tiny island shuttle, Tumi bags, instant friends.  10:56 – That “hard to get to” Indonesia hotel, top of the world.  🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-amy-plus-podcast/id1811885921 🧡 Weekly blog: https://www.amyplusjoe.com/blog/ 🛍 Shop my looks: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/@amyplusjoe 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyplusjoe/ 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amyplusjoe 💸 Weekly sales: https://www.amyplusjoe.com/weekly-sales/

    1h 21m
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Amy is a luxury lifestyle curator, fashion expert, and the creative force behind unforgettable upscale brand events—including fashion, art, and statement-making accessories—all hosted in her stunning waterfront homes in Laguna Beach and Texas. Known for her impeccable taste and effortless way of connecting with people, she brings her audience into a world where elevated living, travel, faith, refined interiors, and meaningful, authentic conversations collide. The Amy Plus Podcast goes beyond the aesthetic—it's where Amy shares the stories behind the style, the brands she loves, and the people who inspire her. Expect candid talks, authentic interviews, and real stories of personal journeys that show what it truly takes to get where you want to go—raw, inspiring, and always uplifting. All with the signature “plus” touch from the AmyPlusJoe brand—named after her amazing husband and love of her life, Joe—always personal, always elevated. For more behind-the-scenes, luxe inspiration, and upcoming events, follow along on Instagram @amyplusjoe or visit AmyPlusJoe.com.

You Might Also Like