danielle robay

In Danielle’s first solo episode she dives into one of her favorite topics— conversation. She’s spent 13 years and over 3,000 conversing professionally (and countless hours talking personally lol). Combining both her professional and personal experience she shares 10 tips on how to be a great conversationalist!    The quality of conversation in so many ways determines the quality of our lives— use these tips to have better conversations and thus, better quality of life! 

Heidi Clements is a 63 year old writer, clothing enthusiast, storyteller. She’s also the incredible and inspiring @WelcometoHeidi on Instagram where she doles out no nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is life advice to her half a million followers who are mostly in their 20s and 30s. Today she joins PRETTYSMART to share her story + some of the lessons she’s learned in each decade. We discuss:  The impact she’s made on younger women and especially when it comes to views on aging  How she was able to live without shame and always stay true to herself How she got over caring what others think of her  Working with toxic women in the workplace and what that taught her Why she feels her 60s are a filled with joy (and what lessons we can learn from her to embrace that feeling) What the breaking point was for her to get sober in her 30s Why she doesn’t care about dating What she learned from losing her mother How she discovered her style in her 40s How she landed her dream job as a scripted writer in her 50s What she still struggles with today Follow Heidi on Instagram

Minnesota native Brianna Brown Keen is an award-winning actress who has worked for over two decades in Hollywood with projects ranging from top grossing feature films, to Emmy-winning television shows, to indie projects she has produced. She is often recognized for her roles on Dynasty, Devious Maids, General Hospital & Homeland, Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks.  Brianna is the founder and CEO of the 501c3 non-profit organization The New Hollywood— dedicated to supporting socially conscious storytellers and changemakers thru grants, goals, and mentorship.  Brianna is the Chair Ambassador for the National Women’s History Museum. She is also a public speaker on the topic, “Manifesting Your Mission”, and she offers in-person and online workshops, retreats as well as small group accountability coaching using the method within her book, Manifesting Your Mission.  Brianna has her own podcast, Manifesting Your Mission. Check it out here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/manifesting-your-mission-with-brianna-brown-keen/id1680967142

Alyssa Nobriga is a licensed Clinical Somatic Psychotherapist and lifecoach - today she’s joining PRETTYSMART to share the keys to having healthy, powerful, vibrant and fulfilling relationships. We discuss: The four levels of love (and what they mean for your relationships) Why we almost always attract a partner who triggers us. What to expect when you uplevel yourself even if your partner doesn’t. Alyssa’s number one hack for a healthy relationship.  The difference between being protective and being vulnerable in your relationship.  How to know if you’re a tiger or a turtle in your relationship (and what that means!)  Why everyone is a mirror and how we can evolve once we really grasp that idea.  Follow Alyssa here

Erica Malbon is the visionary co-founder behind the esteemed lifestyle brand Malbon Golf and the luxurious spa and wellness boutique, The Now. With an innate talent for identifying untapped opportunities and trusting her instincts, Erica has consistently achieved success in her entrepreneurial endeavors. Today she shares: How her diverse upbringing was shaped by growing up abroad Navigating a relationship with a partner 13 years older Her unexpected journey into motherhood at the age of 20 Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship How an Instagram account led to her golf lifestyle brand Building a brand that has attracted celebrities like Justin Bieber and Travis Scott Revolutionizing golf culture with a modern, inclusive, and fashion-forward brand Her predictions for the future of women in golf Working with her husband and the pride she has for her family business The importance of trusting your instincts Follow Erica on Instagram @EricaMalbon

When you were a teenager, who was advocating for you? Meet Chelsey Goodan, the advocate for teenage girls. With over a decade of experience, she's empowering girls to unlock their potential in her new book, "Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls." Whether you're healing the teenager inside of you, or caring for a teenage girl, Chelsey's insights will help you connect with this crucial stage of life, fostering healing and empowerment for all.  Today she shares: What is the secret power of teenage girls? Communication tools effective for healing your inner tennager, a teenager, or any friend asking for advice! The importance of embracing authenticity– for real, and in an applicable way. The need for society to rethink its approach towards young women How to help teens develop a healthy relationship with social media The damaging effects of perfectionism Why genuine conversation is the powerful tool How to redefine compliments  How to handle big feelings Follow Chelsey on Instagram @chelseygoodan and grab her book here!

Actress, Emmy Award-Winning host and New York Times Bestselling Author of “Worthy, Jada Pinkett Smith offers an intimate look into her life and the honest, inspirational, and sometimes painful lessons she’s learned along the way. It was a beautiful conversation, but the moment that stuck out the most is when she said this: “My biggest art form is how I live my life. We are all walking pieces of art”. She shares:  What she believes she’s worthy of now Who she wrote her memoir “Worthy” for Her surprising love language The biggest lesson she’s learned in her lifetime The complexities of being in a relationship that is a model of love for the world: “that Will + Jada love” The insights her relationship with Will has brought her Why she loves high-pressure situations and what they have taught her about friendships Her thoughts on Taraji P. Henson’s recent comments on pay equity for women of color Why she’s the happiest she’s ever been How she navigates public opinions on her life Why it's time to let go of romanticized visions of relationships and people What people often overlook in relationships How she lives her life as art Courting her shadows to find her brightest light: “Sometimes you have to live who you're not to know who you are.” Follow Jada on Instagram @jadapinkettsmith and grab her book here!

Actress, model, founder and editor in chief of The Cool Mom Co, Lizzy Mathis joins PRETTYSMART. She shares candidly about:  How grief over the loss of her mother has shaped her. How Tyra Banks became her mentor and what she’s learned from her. Why it’s so important to her to pour into other women.  Why she views both happiness and rejection as a choice.  The two things in life that changed her the most.  The inspiration behind The Cool Mom Co - and how she wasn’t always sure she wanted kids! Why it’s important to remember the possibility of fun as we get older.  The biggest lesson we should learn from kids (it’s not what you think!) (*The answer to this is the possibility of fun so if you like this better- delete the line above)  Follow Lizzy here! Listen to The Cool Mom Code Podcast: TIKTOK SHOP (QUESTION EVERYTHING CARD GAME)

Career transitions are an emotional rollercoaster, especially with today's uncertain job market. Lauren McGoodwin, Founder of Career Contessa, joins us to offer invaluable insights on navigating these shifts. Today she is empowering all of us with her tangible takeaway that will change your life! Today we dive into: What defines a fulfilling career (spoiler: it’s not money!) Why she thinks you shouldn’t strive for your dream job Her prediction for the career trend of 2024 The harsh reality of our current job market Sustainable practices for being proactive in your career The mindset shift you need when it comes to networking  How to use breadcrumbs to figure out a career that fulfills you Ways to use AI to streamline your interview process (and some bonus tips + tricks!) How to spot a toxic workplace The types of questions to ask at the end of a job interview An easy way to win at work (that also benefits you!) Her own tough career transition Follow Lauren on Instagram @CareerContessa and check out her podcast Career Contessa. TIKTOK SHOP (QUESTION EVERYTHING CARD GAME)

Kate Bowler, Ph.D. is a 4x New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and professor at Duke’s Divinity School. She was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at just 35 years old and while she was in treatment (and not expected to survive), she wrote two best-selling memoirs. Her latest book, “Have a Beautiful Terrible Day” is out now! Today she shares: Toxic Positivity — what it is, how we got here, and why forcing a positive mindset is so unhelpful. What is the right balance of optimism?  How to live in the contrast of our lives (the beautiful + terrible) What went through her mind when she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at 35 years old and given just two years to live.  How surviving her cancer diagnosis changed her outlook on…everything. What NOT to say to people who are going through a life altering experience. What we miss out on when we try to see the golden thread going through everything in our lives. Why happiness is an industry and how to avoid the pitfalls of “good vibes only” The role of luck in our lives What is true mental health? (“Mental health is not having positive emotions - it's having the appropriate emotion at the right time.”) Follow Kate here. Grab a copy of her new book here! TIKTOK SHOP (QUESTION EVERYTHING CARD GAME)

Activist, writer, author and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, Marley Dias, is here! She shares: What she credits the success of #1000BlackGirlBooks to. What parents and caregivers can do to help support the big ideas of kids. Why giving back is a practice.  The long term problem she sees with book banning and why she’s so vocal about it. The books that changed her life and why reading is so important to staying hopeful. The impacts of being in Gen Z and how that affects her mental health. The biggest takeaways from her interviews with Misty Copeland, Ava DuVernay and Hillary Clinton  Why her mom has instilled the importance of having fun and how that’s been helpful.

Other than your parents, who has most impacted your life? For me, Steve Carlston is that person. He didn’t just change my career, but he changed my life. Steve is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Los Angeles Fox Owned Stations. HIs incredible broadcasting career spans four decades. He is a media veteran, an impactful leader, and lives a life rooted in connections. I’m excited to share a conversation with you, with someone who has shared so much with me.  Today we cover: Living a connected life How being of service provides the most connection to others How diversity is an opportunity to learn and celebrate others What makes us each unique The most important decision we make in our lives Why Steve prays and his relationship to God Why it’s important to be firmly rooted when you are young Understanding your parents as you get older How Steve has impacted Danielle’s life To connect with Steve on LinkedIn, check him out here!

What are red flags that you aren’t financially compatible with your partner? What is the most productive + thoughtful way to have money conversations? What questions should you be asking? And then here’s my biggest question: Are you supposed to merge money? What are the benefits of that versus keeping your money separate? I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS! Farnoosh Torabi is here to answer them all! Farnoosh is one of America’s leading personal finance authorities — she’s hooked on helping you live your richest, happiest life.  Her award winning podcast So Money has over 30 million downloads, where she has had deep conversations about money with accomplished people like Arianna Huffington, Queen Latifah and Tony Robbins. She has written multiple books, her latest just dropped: A Healthy State of Panic: Follow Your Fears to Build Wealth, Crush Your Career and Win at Life. The New York Times calls her advice, “perfectly practical.  I was excited to be on her podcast this week talking about money– the good, the bad and the…oops! Check out the episode here. Connect Farnoosh on Instagram Grab a copy of her new book!

Whether you are in a relationship, married, or single, more and more women are finding agency with their fertility by freezing their eggs (and embryos). I recently shared my personal journey with egg freezing on Instagram and am doing a much deeper dive in this episode. I learned SO MUCH (and I learned alot from the women who had been through it and DM’ed me tips– all of which i’m sharing on this episode. Today I’m diving into the facts, myths and most important questions you need to know about the process and the results of egg freezing! Colleen and Cassidy Coughlin are the mother-daughter duo behind OVA Egg Freezing Specialty Center. Colleen is the Founder & CEO, who for over 30 years, has been a prominent leader in the field of IVF and Reproduction, helping thousands of patients become parents. Cassidy is her IVF-born daughter (born in her own lab!) and the center’s Program Manager.  Today they share a wealth of knowledge, including: Understanding peak fertility and the ideal timing for egg freezing Debunking common myths surrounding egg and embryo freezing How to optimize your chances of getting pregnant later in life Tips for improving the quality and health of eggs The age they recommend for effective egg freezing How to prepare for the egg freezing process and what you need to know Examining whether egg freezing serves as a true insurance policy Exploring the goal for most women who freeze their eggs The key questions every woman should ask her provider for a successful retrieval process Follow OVA Egg Freezing Specialty Center on Instagram @ovaeggfreezing

When you trust in the universe, the universe rewards you. Dellara Gorjian is a prime example of the beauty that can unfold when you are living a truly authentic life. The law school alum and immigration law advocate turned content creator (aka, our TikTok “legal baddie”) has cultivated a community of over 1.4 million. She keeps it real, raw and spiritual. Today she shares: What being a loner in school gave her Her struggle with feeling both confident and insecure  Her incredible journey from lawyer to content creator Her concerns about DACA The toxicity of the content creator industry Why influencers shouldn’t niche down on social How the TikTok algorithm helped grow her audience Where the term “legal baddie” came from Pivoting from law to content creation How the universe rewards you for acts of courage Why she considers the universe her sugar daddy How gratitude can lead to breakthrough and opportunity Why disagreements are beautiful and have the power to connect people Follow Dellara on Instagram @dellara

Burnout is on the rise worldwide—and reports say that there are two groups that are the most burnt out: Gen Z/ young millennials and women. This week we are hearing from an ambitious woman who experienced burnout firsthand, this is her story: Stacie Brockman with us, a serial entrepreneur, passionate investor, dedicated board member, co-founder of Métier Creative and founding member of Coveteur. In 2019, Stacie founded PLZ&THX, a brand incubator and accelerator. Stacie is a marketing mastermind who earned respect in the industry for her disruptive marketing approach and her innate ability to find the white space– clients like CHANEL, Tiffany & Co, Disney, Dior, and Lauryn Hill (to name a few!) Stacie opens up about how her ambition and perfectionism led to burnout and the life-changing steps she has taken to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Today she shares: Her experience building Coveteur from the ground up How perfectionism led to mental health issues How perfectionism can lead to burnout Experiencing her first panic attack and burnout Why she took a medical leave from her own company What she learned about celebrities at their core (from their closets) Your most important title and role in this life The true meaning of legacy Connect with Stacie on Instagram @staciebrockman  Learn about her new venture: PLZ&THX.com

Rainesford Stauffer is an accomplished author and journalist, contributing to renowned publications such as the New York Times, The Cut by New York magazine, WSJ Magazine, Teen Vogue, Vox, and The Atlantic, to name a few. In her latest book, “All the Gold Stars,” she explores how the cultural, personal, and societal expectations around ambition are driving the global burnout epidemic.  Speaking to Rainesford inspired me to share my own experience with burnout. I hope this conversation sparks your reflection on your own ambitions.Today we chat about: Where the attachment to ambition comes from How ambition manifests and why ambition is deeply personal The connection between burnout and exhaustion Why ambition is a privilege Why you can do less work and still be ambitious The ebbs and flows of ambition The link between loneliness and ambition Why the term “self-made” is a fallacy When ambition can become harmful Why it’s difficult to have unconditional self-worth and self-esteem  Follow Rainesford on Instagram @rainesford_stauffer and grab her book here!

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context).  I think about gratitude like this: Grace is an extension of gratitude and the more grateful we are the more grace we lead with.  Gratefully, today Kimberlee Soo shared a beautiful gratitude meditation with us. Kimberlee is a writer and private yoga instructor based in Los Angeles. Kimberlee has practiced yoga and meditation for over thirty years and began teaching in 2021, taking on private clients shortly thereafter. She is passionate about walking alongside those who wish to dynamically evolve and expand their knowledge of self through mindful modalities and dedicated to humans finding their authentic voice.   She recently executive produced her first film short, The Model and  one of her first short stories can be found in the anthology Briefly Knocked Unconscious by a Low-Flying Duck which just celebrated its 10thanniversary in print (Elephant Rock Books). Kimberlee collaborates as an editor and story developer, primarily with memoirists. Kimberlee’s teachings have personally helped me find gratitude in the present moment. Not for what I have or how I feel, but for what I am. My hope is that through this meditation she can help you find what it is you’re seeking. 

Ever wonder why your work environment is toxic? Or why your boss is such a terrible leader? Do you know what to look for or ask in a job interview to understand a company’s culture? Social psychologist Susanna Kislenko is the authority on leadership, red flags and toxicity in the workplace. She’s a Doctor of Philosophy who focuses on leadership, researching, and supporting founder leadership in the startup environment and currently serves as the Skoll Centre Postdoctoral Fellow, specializing in Leading for Impact at Oxford University's Saïd Business School. Today she shares: How to determine leadership style Why highly sensitive people make great leaders Why great leaders have a strong mind-body connection The #1 complaint people have about their jobs What makes a workspace safe and the qualities of a great leader How to determine the type of leader someone will be Which red flags to look out for when interviewing at a company How to assess a company’s culture The right questions to ask to land the job Her unfiltered thoughts about people online sharing their leadership philosophies The biggest red flag that you should be wary of Love bombing at work and why sometimes you should be wary of the company’s perks Follow Susanna on Instagram @susannakislenko Find your forever pieces @jennikayne and get 15% off with promo code PRETTYSMART at jennikayne.com/PRETTYSMART! #jennikaynepartner     Get up to 50% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/PRETTYSMART #honeylovepod  

Jenni Kayne is the founder + designer of her namesake brand Jenni Kayne: a California lifestyle brand that inspires women to live well every day. Her clothing, home decor, accessories (her candles are amongst my favorite) and overall aesthetic has become known amongst celebrities as one that never goes out of style. Today she shares: Launching her business as an ambitious and naive 19-year-old How making decisions quickly (discernment) is her superpower How to create your own aesthetic The first thing you should do when you move to a new place + her design principles that can make your space more beautiful The one piece of furniture you should invest in Why hiring a CEO allowed her to take the brand to the next level Why small details are important Her first meeting with Anna Wintour - and what she really thinks about her! The challenges of being a working mom Why she created her new skincare line Oak Essentials Follow her on Instagram @JenniKayne and @JenniKayneHome