Shawna and LaLa: Life Beyond The Mic

Shawna and LaLa
  • 4.9 (41)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Life Beyond The Mic is a women’s empowerment and lifestyle podcast hosted by Shawna and LaLa, where conversations go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Blending celebrity interviews with real-life conversations, they talk about the wins, the struggles, and the failures, giving an honest look at what life actually looks like behind the spotlight.  As creators living with disabilities, they bring a perspective that is rarely heard, sharing real experiences, practical solutions, and product features that make everyday life more accessible and independent.

  1. Oct 1

    Police at the Hotel, Trouble in the Skies & AI Everywhere

    Shawna is back from her East Coast road trip, and she came home with plenty of stories…and a cold! This week, Shawna fills LaLa in on the adventures from the road, including an unexpected police visit at the very first hotel of the trip. The girls also dive into travel and flying safety following a recent frightening incident involving a cockpit, and discuss how stories like these can make getting on a plane feel a little more nerve racking. Then, Is AI taking over EVERYTHING? From customer service to businesses relying on artificial intelligence for everyday interactions, LaLa shares why she thinks it’s all starting to become a little too much.  Plus, singer-songwriter Mary-Clair catches up with Shawna and LaLa to talk music, life, and what she’s been up to. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  2. Sep 17

    Picture Perfect Lies and Redefining Success with Kerrie Lee Brown

    This week, Shawna and LaLa discuss the unbelievable story of a husband who reportedly discovered his wife was cheating through Google Earth. That leads to a bigger conversation about the picture-perfect lives people create online—and why you shouldn’t believe everything you see on Facebook or social media.They also talk about people who constantly start new businesses, claim they’re going to become millionaires, and promote every new idea as the “best business ever.” Is it genuine confidence and ambition, or are they more focused on looking successful online than actually becoming successful?Then, Shawna sits down with Kerrie Lee Brown, former Editor-in-Chief of SUCCESS Magazine, to discuss her 30 year career in media, the lessons she has learned, and her new company, The Lioness Global Initiative.  Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  3. Sep 10

    25 Years Later: We Remember September 11th

    This week on Life Beyond The Mic, Shawna and LaLa take time to remember September 11th as we mark 25 years since the attacks that changed our country forever. They reflect on that day and share the incredible story of Michael Hingson, who is blind and was working on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center when the attacks happened. With his guide dog by his side, Michael made his way out of the building and survived.The girls also catch up on life! Giulina officially started preschool this week, and LaLa talks about how she’s handling this big milestone. Meanwhile, Shawna is getting ready to hit the road and shares some of the preparation going into her upcoming trip.  Plus, LaLa talks about the Bluevua Reverse Osmosis System, and the girls share the 70mai dash camera as a road trip must have.  It’s an episode about remembering those we lost, honoring incredible stories of survival, celebrating new beginnings, and catching up on everything happening in life beyond the mic. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  4. Sep 3

    School Days, Gym Class Nightmares & Road Trip Ready

    School is back, and Shawna and LaLa have a lot to say about it! LaLa admits she gets pissed when she hears parents say they “can’t wait” for their kids to go back to school. Her take? Why have kids if you don’t want to spend time with them? She talks about how hard it is for her to see the kids go back and why she believes parents should spend as much time with their children as they can.  But Shawna brings another perspective to the conversation. Growing up, her mom was a single mother who had to work and pay the bills, which meant Shawna had to be cared for by other people. The girls get into the realities of parenting, childcare, working families, and why not every parent has the option to stay home.  Then they take a trip down memory lane to talk about the things they absolutely hated about school. Shawna shares why she walked out of gym class, while LaLa remembers having to write 100 reports for gym class! Plus, Shawna is getting ready to hit the road for her upcoming Florida road trip. She talks about preparing for the drive, planning bathroom stops, and packing—including her massive new Bagsmart suitcase that stands about three feet tall and can hold up to two weeks’ worth of clothes!  And in true Shawna and LaLa fashion, Shawna interrupts the show to apologize for smelling after coming straight from her personal training session. Thankfully, she had The Honey Pot Intimate Wipes nearby for a quick freshen-up before getting back behind the mic. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  5. Aug 27

    Back to School, ReelAbilities & Real Talk

    Shawna and LaLa are talking back-to-school season! Giulina is heading to Pre-K, Gio is starting 8th grade, and LaLa shares the unforgettable story of biting her teacher on her very first day of preschool. Meanwhile, Giulina isn’t exactly thrilled about her nature based school—creeks, mud and getting dirty are NOT on this little princess’s agenda. She’d much rather show up in a Disney princess dress! The girls also get into a more serious conversation about abortion laws in Massachusetts, with Shawna sharing her personal perspective as someone who was born at just 23 weeks and survived.  Later, Shawna and LaLa sit down with Isaac Zablocki, CEO and Co-Founder of ReelAbilities, to talk about disability representation, inclusion and the importance of authentic storytelling.  Plus, the girls remember Dolly Parton, sharing their love for the legendary entertainer and what her music and legacy meant to them. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  6. Aug 10

    Mya, Mohegan Sun & Shawna’s MRI Saga

    Shawna and LaLa have A LOT to catch up on this week! The girls recap their weekend in Connecticut seeing Mya live at Mohegan Sun and talk about what an amazing show she put on. LaLa stayed at Foxwoods Resort Casino and finally got to try Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, while Shawna came home completely exhausted and seriously lacking sleep.  And the craziness didn’t stop there… After waiting FOUR MONTHS for her MRI appointment, Shawna finally had the big day arrive... Only to find out the MRI machine BROKE that morning!  She shares what happened, how the day turned into a much longer ordeal than expected, and how she didn't finally make it home until 9 PM.  Plus, LaLa talks about Nex Playground and why it has become such a great activity for the kids. Instead of sitting in front of another screen, they’re jumping, moving, exercising and using their imaginations while they play. It’s perfect for rainy summer days, cold and snowy winter days, or anytime the kids need to burn off some energy indoors. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  7. Jul 30

    Can Your Gut Predict Your Health? Viome Shares the Science

    Can your gut predict your health? This week on Shawna and LaLa: Life Beyond The Mic, we're joined by Janelle and Grant from Viome for an eye-opening conversation about gut health, the microbiome, personalized nutrition, inflammation, digestion, food sensitivity, and the future of precision wellness.  Could the bacteria living in your gut influence how you feel every day? How does microbiome testing work? Can personalized recommendations help improve your overall health? We dive into the science behind Viome, how their testing works, and why more people are turning to personalized health insights instead of one-size-fits-all wellness advice. Before the interview, we're catching up on everything happening this week! Shawna shares her experience seeing Peter Noone live at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, including the spectacular fireworks finale. We're also counting down to Mýa's concert this weekend and sharing why we're so excited to see her live.  LaLa recaps a busy weekend catering three events with her growing Cannoli Cart business and talks about why Nex Playground has become one of her favorite interactive indoor activities for families looking for fun, active, screen-free entertainment on rainy days. Plus, Shawna gives her honest review of Cozy Earth pajamas and bamboo sheets. She describes them as feeling like a combination of whipped cream and butter and explains why they've completely changed the way she sleeps. Use code SHAWNAANDLALA for 20% off at Cozy Earth. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

  8. Jul 23

    The Soundtrack of Our Teen Years Featuring Mya

    Before sitting down with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Mya, Shawna and LaLa catch up on life. They celebrate Giulina's acceptance into a nature-based school (despite her dislike of getting dirty!) and discuss parenting in the digital age, including kids, Snapchat, social media, screen time, and why outdoor play matters more than ever.  Then, they're taking it back to the 2000s with Mya! The R&B icon opens up about her new album, Retrospect, staying true to herself throughout her decades-long career, overcoming challenges behind the scenes, and adapting from the MTV and CD era to today's streaming and social media landscape.  Mya also shares how she maintains her mental and physical well-being while balancing recording and touring, offers advice for aspiring artists, gives a behind-the-scenes look at creating a live concert, and previews what fans can expect from her Mohegan Sun performance.  If you grew up listening to Mya or love nostalgic 2000s music, this inspiring conversation is one you won't want to miss. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.  We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love.   For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com.

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4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Life Beyond The Mic is a women’s empowerment and lifestyle podcast hosted by Shawna and LaLa, where conversations go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage.  Blending celebrity interviews with real-life conversations, they talk about the wins, the struggles, and the failures, giving an honest look at what life actually looks like behind the spotlight.  As creators living with disabilities, they bring a perspective that is rarely heard, sharing real experiences, practical solutions, and product features that make everyday life more accessible and independent.

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