Shawna and LaLa: Life Beyond The Mic

Shawna and LaLa
  • 5.0 (39)
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Shawna and LaLa's mission is to empower and advocate for women living with health challenges and disabilities. Through our podcast, we offer a unique blend of humor, honesty, and innovative solutions, providing practical advice and emotional support. Navigating life obstacles with honest product reviews. With laughter and resilience, we celebrate each victory, big or small. Our goal is to foster a vibrant community where every woman feels understood and valued. We strive to create a more inclusive and supportive world for all. Every episode, they tackle their health challenges and disabilities head-on, sharing personal stories that celebrate resilience and the power of vulnerability.

  1. 5D AGO

    NY Winter Blues, Holiday Gift Guide Picks

    New York winter weather is hitting hard, and Shawna has officially reached her limit. As snowstorms and freezing temperatures take over NY, Shawna and LaLa open up about why her body and winter simply do not mix and how the cold affects everyday life. They also continue their holiday gift guide series, sharing favorite winter and holiday finds including the Clearlight Sauna, Harney & Sons Teas, Dugout Mugs, Harken Candy, Panasonic’s bread maker, and ScanMyPhotos.com. Plus, Shawna and LaLa sit down with 18-year-old country music artist Reese Goode, who is still in high school, to talk about her rising music career, balancing school and songwriting, and what’s next for this young artist to watch.

    27 min

  2. NOV 26

    Holiday Favorites and Accessibility in the Arts: bergenPAC Edition

    It’s gift-guide time! Shawna and LaLa break down their favorite holiday picks.  Green Pan, EaZyHold, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the Echo Flask, and why these finds deserve a spot under your tree. Shawna also chats with bergenPAC Executive Director Alexander Diaz about their performing arts school, inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities, and the excitement of working with talent from all over the world.

    41 min

  3. NOV 17

    Bryan James Breaks His Silence

    Bryan James sits down with Shawna and LaLa for a raw and emotional conversation about the chaos surrounding the upcoming movie Reckless and his fractured relationship with co-star Max Ehrich. Bryan opens up about their recent arguments, the behind-the-scenes drama, and what he says has really been going on with Max, and the social media spiral that has shocked fans.  Bryan shares his own experiences, private conversations, and his perspective on the situation, including the heated exchanges and the struggles he says he witnessed firsthand. This interview was originally threatened with legal action, but we believe in transparency and giving guests the space to speak in their own words.  We also discuss the viral clips circulating online, including audio footage originally published by TMZ that has fueled even more public conversation.

    46 min

  4. OCT 16

    Macy Gray Unplugged: 25 Years of Soul, Stories, and Surprises

    In this fun and feel-good episode, Shawna and LaLa chat with the legendary Macy Gray, who’s celebrating 25 amazing years in the music industry!  Macy opens up about her journey, her upcoming tour stop at Bethel Woods on November 8th, and gives fans a sneak peek at her new album that’s currently in the works. The episode takes a nostalgic turn as Shawna and LaLa travel back to the 90’s, reliving the music, memories, and moments that defined a generation. Meanwhile, Shawna admits she’s not thrilled that it’s getting cold out—and that Christmas is only 71 days away! She’s been keeping warm (and healthy) thanks to her new Clearlight Sauna, which she says has made a huge difference in her migraines, muscles, and sleep.And of course, LaLa brings the laughs with her outrageous story about an Amazon delivery driver who “Free Willy’d” it through his truck window after spotting her dog, Cayman.

    31 min

  5. SEP 25

    Secrets to a Long Life

    LaLa shares a wild story from a local dance party she attended with Giulina, where a total stranger walked up and asked her to hold her baby then disappeared. Neither LaLa nor anyone else had any clue who this woman was, but she trusted LaLa with her child! Shawna still can’t get over it.  Also in this episode, Shawna and LaLa sit down with Ken Dabrow, who is a 95-year-old voiceover artist and author of Age My Ass. Ken brings his wit, wisdom, and perspective to the mic, leaving the girls (and listeners!) with some incredible life advice.It’s an episode full of laughs, surprises, and lessons you won’t want to miss!

    43 min

  6. SEP 10

    When Life Hands You Tragedy

    This week on Life Beyond The Mic, Shawna and LaLa get brutally honest about sleepless nights, school beginning, and the heaviness of today’s world. LaLa breaks down in tears while talking about the heartbreaking stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, and in a shocking twist, the girls learn live while recording that activist Charlie Kirk had been shot. (This episode was recorded before news broke of his passing. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, children, family, and friends. 💔) Shawna opens up about her own health scare—what should have been a routine trip to the cancer center for iron infusions turned into a nightmare when she was overdosed on iron, leading to a severe reaction. The girls use this moment to stress the life-saving importance of advocating for yourself in the medical system.The episode also features a powerful interview with Chelsie Hill, CEO of The Rollettes and a trailblazing disability influencer, who shares her inspiring journey and message of empowerment for the disability community. Of course, it wouldn’t be Shawna & LaLa without some laughter. On a lighter note, LaLa spills the details on her new Cannoli Cart business, which is already taking off! From private parties to a surprising request for a Jewish baby bris, the girls dissolve into laughter as Shawna hilariously explains what a bris is… and the two can’t stop joking about how cannolis kind of look like… well… you know.   This episode is raw, emotional, funny, and real—covering everything from grief and resilience to entrepreneurship, disability advocacy, women’s health, mental health, and the power of laughter.

    52 min

  7. AUG 28

    Inside Nashville

    In part two of our Nashville adventure, hosts Shawna and LaLa dive deeper into the city's vibrant culture, from luxurious stays to unforgettable nights out.First, they check into the stylish Holston House Hotel Nashville, an Art Deco masterpiece in the heart of downtown Nashville. They explore why this Nashville hotel is a standout, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury with its rooftop pool and prime location near all the major attractions.  Next, it's time for some friendly competition! The duo heads to Puttshack Nashville for a unique night of high-tech mini-golf, incredible food, and delicious cocktails. They'll give you the inside scoop on this elevated Nashville mini-golf experience and the delicious bites that make it the ultimate night out.  The episode also features an exclusive interview with rising singer-songwriter Mary-Clair. The Nashville native shares her journey, the story behind her debut album Enough, and her unique sound that blends contemporary pop with her faith-based influences, making her a compelling voice in the Nashville music scene.Finally, Shawna and LaLa take you inside Nashville Underground, the iconic bar and restaurant owned by brothers Gavin and Joey DeGraw. They explore the six floor venue, famous for its rooftop views, live music, and authentic honky-tonk atmosphere, giving you a true taste of Nashville nightlife.  Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is your ultimate guide to the best of Nashville travel, Nashville restaurants, and entertainment.

    40 min

  8. AUG 20

    Nashville Almost Turned Into a True Crime Story

    What was supposed to be a fun night out in Nashville nearly turned into a true crime podcast story. Shawna and LaLa share how LaLa’s terrifying encounter with a creepy “Dexter” type stranger was stopped thanks to two heroic men who came to her rescue.  After the chaos, the hosts shift gears and dive into the Nashville music scene, spotlighting Hudson Valley talent making waves in Music City and chatting with rising indie artist Coey Redd. And because no girls’ trip is complete without a little downtime, Shawna shows off her Popilush one-piece swimsuit—proving it’s the perfect poolside look for curvy women, especially those “blessed in the chest.” Tune in for a mix of true crime twists, travel stories gone wrong, Nashville music discoveries, women’s safety, body confidence, and artist interviews—all in one unforgettable episode of Life Beyond The Mic.

    48 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Shawna and LaLa's mission is to empower and advocate for women living with health challenges and disabilities. Through our podcast, we offer a unique blend of humor, honesty, and innovative solutions, providing practical advice and emotional support. Navigating life obstacles with honest product reviews. With laughter and resilience, we celebrate each victory, big or small. Our goal is to foster a vibrant community where every woman feels understood and valued. We strive to create a more inclusive and supportive world for all. Every episode, they tackle their health challenges and disabilities head-on, sharing personal stories that celebrate resilience and the power of vulnerability.

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