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. Sep 7

    You don’t have to have it all figured out, just take the next faithful step with Zach Woods. - #237

    Donna talks with Dr. Sorn Yaibuathes, Owner and Restoritive Dentist of Smile on Westbury. Smile on Westbury is a modern dental practice located at 265 Post Avenue in Westbury, New York   Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and checks out The Accopanist Premiere and talks to actor and Director Zach Woods,   Donna talks with Adam Lillhannus Founder aand Owner of The Pirate Candy Shop and Sol Lillhannus President and Co-Owner of The Pirate Candy Shop, Addy Roher Senior Manager of The Pirate Candy Sho, Elle Greenberg Socialmedia Manager of The Pirate Candy Shop. The Pirate Candy Shop is a specialty candy retailer that sells authentic, imported Swedish pick-and-mix treat    Donna talks to Sunghwan Jun CEO of Kiwa Asian Kitchen and Brian Montilla Co-Owner of Kiwa Asian Kitchen.  Kiwa Asian Kitchen is a popular neighborhood restaurant concept in Florida that specializes in a fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese sushi, Korean BBQ specialties, and boba teas.      Donna talks with Lara R. Singer, DJ and Founder of LaraLand and LLC. LaraR most commonly refers to a popular online creator and music artist known as the "cutest DJ on TikTok," who streams live music performances and releases tracks like "Super Star" and "Winner"      Donna talks with Mauricio Mova, Founder and President of Earth Bevs . Earth Bevs is a brand of functional, zero-sugar, and zero-calorie beverages that includes vitamin-infused teas and probiotic sodas.    Donna talks with Dr. Adrian Isaza DC,PhD, DABCI,DACBN of Adrian Chiropractic. is a board-certified physician-scientist and chiropractic physician who leads Adrian Chiropractic PLLC in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.   Finally, Donna talks with Linda Casey Storm Recovery Specialist of Auto Hail Repair. a specialized automotive service used to fix dents, dings, and body panel damage caused to vehicles during hailstorms.

  2. Aug 31

    May Your Choices Reflect Your Hopes, Not Your Fears with William Franlkyn-Miller - # 236

    Donna talks with Emma Weiner Co-Founder of LovebyEmma and Shermaine Bunbury Founder of LovebyEmma Love By Emma is a black-owned, 100% organic, and handmade natural skincare line that creates chemical-free soaps, oils, balms, and conditioners.   Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and checks out the “Young Washington” Premier and talks to actor John Foss, Co-Writer, Director and Producer John and Beth Erwin, actor  Kelsey Grammer and actor William Franlkyn-Miller.    Donna talks with Allison Ventura, Owner of Wander Cat Cola. Wander Cat Cola is a small-batch, spice-forward craft cola syrup made in Somerville, MassachusettsWander Cat Cola is a handcrafted spice-forward cola syrup made in small batches, using ethically sourced, natural ingredients. We use whole spices, fresh fruits.      Donna talks to Natalie Lux, CEO of Luxxxxe. Luxxxxe is a clean, clinical skincare brand co-founded by U.S. entrepreneur Natalie Lux and two Indian doctors to combine skin health, botanical science, and daily wellness.        Donna talks with Courtney Charles Photographer and Owner of Whet Skin Care. an independent, non-binary skincare brand based in New York City and founded by Courtney Charles.       Donna talks with Jenn Witmyer CEO of Archwood Soapery. Archwood Soapery is a woman-owned, small-batch U.S. company that makes handcrafted vegan soap bars, solid shampoo and conditioner bars, salves, and natural skincare.     Donna talks with Lorena Ruvinova, M.S CCC-SLP,SLS Speech-Language Pathologist and Owner of Speech Castle LLC. Speech Castle LLC is a speech therapy and neuro-affirming Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice located in Morganville, New Jersey.   Finally, Donna talks with Samantha Macino, Author and Psychiatric Nurse Practioner of Macino Book Adventures, LLC. an independent children's book publisher founded by Samantha Macino, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and mother of four.

  3. Aug 24

    Sometimes, Magic Is Just Someone Spending More Time On Something Than Anyone Else Might Reasonably Expect With Aubrey Plaza - #235

    Donna talks with Deanna Albanezi, Co-Owner 0f Alex and Dee’s Spa. Alex and Dee’s Spa is a medical spa located at 5610 Merrick Road in Massapequa, New York. Founded by certified laser technician and nurse Alexis Monzo, the spa specializes in personalized skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, tattoo removal, microneedling, and specialized facial care.   Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and attends “The Accompanist” Premiere and talks to Aubrey Plaza.        Donna talks with Michelle Watson the the founder and creator of Snap-n-Go Seat Sheet , a nationally sold automotive accessory brand offering quick-install protective covers for car seats.     Donna talks to Matt Preshchern, Story Time With Uncle Matt. is a global corporate marketing executive and author. He is known for his book Storytime with Uncle Matt: Finding Humor and Hope When Life Hands You Lemons, published in March 2026.     Donna talks with Aleksandra Kordal Theapist and Owner of Insight Mental Health Services. licensed clinical social worker, ADHD-certified clinical services provider, and the owner of Insight Mental Health Services based in Central New Jersey. She earned her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University in 2021 and specializes in neurodiversity-affirming care, focusing particularly on women and girls with ADHD, children, adolescents, and young adults.    Donna talks with Sarah Rice the Founder of Hazel Woods Sinkcare. is the founder of Hazel Woods Natural Skincare, a small-batch, non-toxic ancestral skincare line based in Chautauqua County, New York. She launched the brand from her family farm after struggling with chronic skin issues and seeking natural healing for her son's eczema.      Donna talks with Dr. Mimi Smith Founder and Publisher of “Books for Little Hearts” .Dr. Mimi Smith is the founder and publisher of Books for Little Hearts, a children's publishing platform and creative home where children write and publish stories for other children.    Donna talks with Daria Ammirati Co-Founder of The Aurelian House and Angie Malveaux Co-Founder of The Aurelian House is luxury, women-centered skincare line focused on mushroom-powered barrier support and restorative rituals using ingredients like Reishi, Chaga, and Snow Mushroom.   Finally, 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.

  4. Aug 17

    Everything In Nature Invites Us Constantly To Be What We Are With Peter Frampton - #234

    Donna talks with Rick Warokomski of Hollywood Construction. Hollywood Construction is a general construction contractor and real estate development company based in Atlanta, Georgia. It specializes in residential housing, multi-family residential projects, and commercial building services, managing projects from pre-planning through final construction.    Donna talks with Lee Newton Singer and Songwriter. Lee Newton. is an award-winning Nashville country recording artist and songwriter from Western North Carolina. Known for blending traditional country with soulful blues and southern rock, she has won multiple honors at the Josie Music Awards and received an official state proclamation designating April 25, 2026, as "Lee Newton Day".      Donna talks to Brandy  owner and Creator of Bare Intent. Bare Intent a natural skincare line specializing in grass-fed tallow whips and goat's milk soap pads. She created the brand to address her own lifelong struggles with sensitive skin and rough texture.   Donna talks with Farah Makek founder of Gardens of Bliss Candle Co and Upstate Scent Society. Gardens of Bliss Candle Co. and Upstate Scent Society are two distinct small-batch artisanal candle brands created with a single vision by founder Farah Malik, a Muslim-American entrepreneur and mother based in New York's Hudson Valley and Delmar region.   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.   Donna talks with Karen Mehiel author of "Teetering : A Novel”. is an activist, community leader, and first-time novelist. She is the founder of FLOK NYC, a community space focused on connection and kindness. Teetering: A Novel, published in June 2026, is her debut work of fiction, which she began writing during the pandemic after closing her yoga studio.    Donna talks with Randy Oglesby an actor. Randy Oglesby is an American actor known for his extensive work in television, film, and theater, most notably for playing multiple alien characters across the Star Trek franchise and appearing as Jim Bragg in For All Mankind.    Donna talks to Joseph”GT Joey” Limongelli, Author of “Me and My Vanquish.: An Aston Martin Adventure”. Joe Limongelli is an enthusiast and owner of several notable Aston Martin cars, detailing the finer points of purchase, care and maintenance of a specialty vehicle and culminating in a remarkable adventure – a journey across the United States in a 2004 Aston Martin Vanquish.    Finally. Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and talks to Peter Frampton.

  5. Aug 10

    Be Not Afraid Of Growing Slowly; Be Afraid Only Of Standing Still with Brenna Buckley - #233

    Donna talks with Dr. Rosy Sandhu, MD the founder of Neem Medical Spa. Neem Medical Spa is a aesthetic and wellness center founded by board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Rosy Sandhu. It blends modern Western medical technology with holistic wellness approaches, offering non-surgical cosmetic procedures, laser therapies, skin tightening, body contouring, and medically supervised weight loss.    Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and talks to Katy Perry as they attend “The Lifetimes Tour Premiere.”    Donna talks with Dr. Codi Saunders, DDS, Orthodontist at Milton Orthodontist. Milton Orthodontist is a dental practice located at 480 Adams Street in Milton, Massachusetts. They provide smile alignment and teeth straightening services for children, teens, and adults using traditional braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic device.     Donna talks to Brenna “Bee” Buckley, Owner and CEO of Beeyond Yoga. Beeyond Yoga is a community-centered wellness and fitness studio located in West Peabody, Massachusetts. Founded by Brenna Buckley and opened in March 2026, the 2,000+ square foot facility offers over 40 weekly classes including hot yoga, Pilates, barre, and sound healing meditation.     Donna talks with Dr. Anna Williams Owner and Founder of Sol Patch. Sol Patch is a brand that designs decorative and functional adhesive patches for medical devices like continuous glucose monitors. She lives with diabetes herself, which inspired her to create the company to upgrade and personalize medical tech.  Donna also talks with Bert Nelson the Marketing Director of Sol Patch    Donna talks with Zack Mazur Owner of The Sizzle Sauce, LLC. The Sizzle Sauce, LLC is a small gourmet condiment company based in Pennsylvania. Founded by Zack Mazur, the business makes a small-batch, all-purpose savory sauce with a tangy barbecue base, creamy texture, and smoky depth.      Donna sits down and talks Dr. Kellie Coppi Say Yes to the Ess-ay. Say Yes to the Ess-ay will guide you through the college admissions essays process from the common app to letters of continued interest to scholarship essays.    Finally, Donna talks to 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.

  6. Aug 3

    It’s Better To Be Alone Than To Be In Bad Company with Susan Sarandon- #232

    Donna talks with Zoe Mimram the CEO of Bebe Sunny. 'Bébé Sunny' is a Canadian Children's Pajama Brand. Their Pajamas are made from their 'Super Luxe’ fabric blend. Redefining softness with their hypoallergenic, ultra comfy and fashionable styles.      Donna talks with Natalia Guido MSN,RN the founder of Sniffle Buddy. an interactive teaching tool created by a nurse and mom to help young children learn how to blow their nose by making invisible airflow visible. You can learn more and view official updates directly on the Sniffle Buddy Kids Official Website.   Donna talks to  David Uehara, Founder of Matchaleaves. is a Japanese-owned, Los Angeles-based business that imports and sells organic Japanese green teas. It sources its products directly from Harimaen, a family-owned tea farm founded in 1858 in Uji, Kyoto.      Donna talks with Ines Namuth, Designer of Ines Namuth Designs. Ines Namuth Designs is an independent fashion designer she makes pieces out of vintage and upcycled materials. Each piece is one of a kind because she focus on the materials.      Donna goes to the NAB the Northport Academy of Ballet and talks with students Tessa, Maddy, Maya,  Filomena, Cadence, Penny and Ruby. She also chats with Danielle Bould the Artistic Directo of the Northport Academy of Ballet.   Donna talks with Angela Pace the owner of J.Pace and Son Rosaria. Rosaria is an upscale Italian restaurant and steakhouse in Saugus, Massachusetts, located directly above the flagship J. Pace & Son Italian specialty market and deli.       Donna sits down and talks Dr. Jason Tubo, DMD MAGD the owner of fixt dental. FIXT Dental is a state-of-the-art dental practice and on-site laboratory in Wellesley, Massachusetts, led by Dr. Jason Tubo and known for fast turnaround cosmetic and implant dentistry.   Finally, Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and talks to Susan Sarandon as they attend “The Accompanist” Premiere

  7. Jul 27

    You Can Learn Great Things From Your Mistakes When You Aren't Busy Denying Them with Jason Reckner - #231

    Donna talks with Angela Bell the CEO of Elephants and Flowers LCC. Elephants & Flowers LLC is a game and book publishing company founded in 2020 by two retired FBI employees. They are best known for creating the award-winning, FBI-themed card game "How Much Do You Really Know?" (HMDYRK)     Donna talks with Shelby Grillo the Owner of Posh Paws Pet Spa and Boutique. Posh Paws Pet Spa & Boutique is a pet grooming salon and retail boutique located at 3351 Brooklyn Ave, Wantagh, NY. It provides appointment-only, stress-free pet styling, full grooms, and sells pet accessories.      Donna goes to the Tribeca Film Festival with Harlan Friedman and talks to Sam Jones, Director of Mumford and Sons, Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, of Mumford and Sons.      Donna talks with Jason Reckner the Founder of Aquatica Water Bottles. Aquatica Water Bottles is a brand that sells reusable drinkware made from materials like copper, brass, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic. The company offers products such as insulated stainless steel containers, time-marked motivational bottles, and decorative animal-print design.       Donna talks to Jamie Brand the Co-founder of JamieLove and Michael Brand Co-Founder of JamieLove.  JamieLove  a manufacture of kids accessories & toys. They offer DIY Accessory Kit Bags, Beach Party & Pool Party Bags…. They make products for kids to play hours on end.     Donna sits down and talks with Vinny Pacifico. Vinny Pacifico is known for Between the Living and the Dead, The Forsaken Few and Mr. Reset and the Society of Turnbuckle & Bone (2026). Vinny Pacifico brings his high-octane style to Awesome Championship Wrestling! Hailing from Staten Island, NY, Vinny Pacifico- the Energy Drink King- is Internationally known .        Donna chats with Michael Doyle the Owner of SM Woodmasters and Stefanie Deringer Owner of SM Woodmasters. SM Woodmasters is a small business that makes lightweight, waterproof, and portable roll-out wooden tables that pack into a shoulder bag. It was founded by Stephanie and Mike, who create handcrafted cedar tables for outdoor activities.   Donna chats with Samantha Grisham the Founder of Ephemeral Apothecary. Ephemeral Apothecary is a small-batch, handmade self-care and home goods brand known for soy-beeswax candles, botanical skincare, and upcycled planters. The name reflects the idea that life's most meaningful moments are fleeting, focusing on everyday rituals that bring calm.       Finally, Donna talks with Charles Hu and Christina Hsieh the Co-Founders of G’Verde Collective. G’Verde Collective is a fragrance-inspired luxury lifestyle brand offering vegan and cruelty-free personal care essentials like hand and body lotions, hand washes, and sink sets.

  8. Jul 20

    Everything In Nature Invites Us Constantly To Be What We Are With Julie Dybendahl #-230

    Donna talks James Fox Owner and Founder of VitaFox. VitaFox (often stylized as Vitafox) is a wellness and supplement brand best known for its specialized magnesium complexes designed to reduce bloating and relieve digestive discomfort. Their flagship supplement typically combines five distinct types of magnesium, including magnesium glycinate and magnesium citrate, to target stress-related and digestive bloating.     Donna talks with Ana O’Neill the Co-owner and Curator of Atelie Modern. Atelier Modern is a sister-founded gallery and home decor boutique located at 2091 Boston Post Road in Larchmont, New York. Founded in 2022, it operates as part art gallery, part home store, and part design studio, blending fine art with accessible, everyday living.      Donna chats Julie Dybendahl, CEO of Quantum LightWaves and Knut Dybendahl, CIO of Quantum LightWaves. Wellness & Cellular Health: A health and wellness brand/consultancy based in Tallahassee, FL, that focuses on alternative therapies, such as cell-energy therapy and stem cell activation       Donna talks with Stacie Holmes Owner and Tyler Grace Higgins, Owner of Salt and CorePilates and Wellness. Salt+Core Pilates & Wellness is a premier boutique fitness studio located at 6th and Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, New Jersey. It offers a mix of reformer and mat Pilates, yoga, and strength-focused "Sculpt Edition" classes designed to build core stability and tone.      Donna checks out the 40th Moving Image Awards. The 40th Moving Image Awards is a gala event held on June by the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria, Queens, New York. It celebrated leaders in the media and entertainment industry, raising funds for the museum's exhibitions and community outreach programs. Donna chats with Adam Aron, Honoree, CEO and Chairman of AMC Entertainment,  Barbara Miller, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs MoMI, Josh Sapan, Museum Trustee, Founder of Marvels of Media and Sapan Studio, Fran Lebowitz, Author and Personality, Kyra Sedgwick, Honoree, Actor and Directo and, Kevin Bacon, Honoree, Actor and Director,           Donna sits down and talks with Melissa Matassa and John Matassa Co Owners of iSmash Farmingdale. iSmash Farmingdale is an interactive entertainment venue on Long Island (334 Main St., Farmingdale, NY) that specializes in stress relief and creative release. It features fully equipped "rage rooms" where visitors can smash glass, electronics, and windshields, alongside glow-in-the-dark splatter paint rooms.         Donna chats with Amanda Ciardiello, Co-Founder of Nurse Connect, Kat Brennan RN and Co-Fouunder of Nurse Connect and Jackie Passante RN and Co-Founder of Nurse Connect. Nurse Connect is an in-home care platform that directly connects patients with vetted, independent Registered Nurses (RNs). It operates like a specialized healthcare marketplace where clients can hire nurses for private-pay services—such as postpartum support, post-surgical recovery, or chronic condition management—without the need for traditional staffing agencies.         Finally, Donna talks with Chris Kwaiat COO of Topsail Sunrise Co Takeout!, and Monique Salas CMO of Topsail Sunrise Co Takeout! Topsail Sunrise Co refers to Topsail Sunrise, LLC, a Suwanee, Georgia-based company led by founder Brian Mullenbach. The company holds registered trademarks related to commercial branding and consumer goods, and is often associated with coastal-themed merchandise, such as the popular "Topsail Sunrise" candle scent produced by the Coastal Cove Candle brand. Takeout!  This is an ultra-portable court and paddle game designed for beaches, parks, or backyards. Players use carbon-composite paddles to rally a ball within a compact, portable boundary. The game gets progressively harder as players are eliminated once they hit exactly 11 points, and the court shrinks after each exit

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.