Taylor’d Takes

Join Taylor, Henry Woodrow and Nashwa Hamouda as they unpack what it really was like moving to a new city for love. 

They get right to it and share their TAYLOR'D TAKES on: 

• making plans on a Saturday with yourself in the mirror 
• side-eyes from the judgement parade about this decision
• the truth behind adult friendships and shooting your shot including a story that gives ghosting a whole new meaning
• how to ensure this sacrifice doesn't lead to resentment or an epic battle about taking out the trash
• the opportunity to reinvent yourself and adopt new habits without completely catfishing on Bumble For Friends
• how many throw pillows is too many
• mourning the last chapter of your life and embracing change 
• sliding vs. deciding to move in with your significant other 
• navigating those awkward conversations about uprooting your life without the "ring"
• splitting rent 50/50 or based on salary??? Asking for a friend...

Ohhhhhh the conversations Taylor has had with both Nashwa and Henry about their moves...Thank you for bringing that same energy and honesty to Taylor’d Takes. 

Take a listen and follow @taylordtakes on Instagram and TikTok. 

Let Taylor know your TAKEaway from the episode by writing a review and rating the podcast!

Before sobriety and dry months were trendy, Tawny Lara, also known as The Sober S*xpert, was searching for the answers about sober sex and dating. Although, there was one question that held her back from officially ditching the booze. 

"How will I date, let alone have sex without liquid courage?”

After Tawny wrote a hypothesis or two about her future with alcohol, she decided to bravely explore the uncharted territory of alcohol-free dating and intimacy...through a sober experiment. Spoiler alert! This sober experiment led her to being called The Sober S*xpert by Ruby Warrington, the woman who coined the term "Sober Curious", the author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, & Hooking Up Without the Booze (#1 in three categories on Amazon), writing a weekly advice column Beyond Liquid Courage about all things sober dating and relationships, a recovery advocate, award-winning podcast host and eight years sober. 

I had the pleasure of learning about Tawny's sober journey and her book Dry Humping, a lighthearted and judgement-free roadmap on how to navigate the waters of sex and dating without relying on liquid courage. 

The Sober S*xpert shares her TAYLOR'D TAKES on: 

• booze-free outside the box (and the bar) date ideas
• ways to find pleasure outside of the orgasm
• why it's essential to crush on yourself before flirting with other people
• how to have those awkward conversations around not drinking in a society where alcohol plays the lead role in socializing and romantic encounters
• her passion to break stigmas associated with both sobriety and sexuality
• edible alcohol-free aphrodisiacs to enhance your sex life
• how growth can happen, and in some cases needs to happen, INSIDE our comfort zone
• and so much more! 

Follow Tawny Lara on Instagram @tawnymlara and check out her book Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, & Hooking Up Without the Booze

Let Taylor know your TAKEaway from the episode by writing a review and rating the podcast!

Israel Isaac shares his TAYLOR'D TAKES on: 

• his evolution becoming the person he desired 
• unifying lives he tried to keep separate until touching down in LA
• the reality TV phenomenon that continues to take over our social feeds - SCANDOVAL
• filming Vanderpump Rules and his relationships with castmates 
• not taking advice from people he doesn't admire 
• the origin behind the lyrics of his single Can I Be Me With You 
• uniforms at Schwartz & Sandy’s and being expressive through fashion
• inspiring others to accept themselves and be the person they desire 
• his powerful mantras like ‘friends over fans’ and ‘significance over success’, and so much more!

Taylor met Israel a few months ago in LA and was immediately drawn to his larger than life personality, conviction and contagious laugh. 

Let Taylor know your takeaway from the episode by writing a review and rating the podcast! 

"When I touched down in LA, I was adamant about loving myself and help others see that they can also be themselves. Go all the way with becoming who you desire to be. Don’t let anyone shun you from being your most authentic self.

I posted a picture of me in this blue dress and it blew up. And so that began the journey of me asking myself, ‘What’s it like being a Black queer Christian?’ These were lives I tried to keep separate. The more I accepted myself, the more the world accepted me.

I want to inspire people and if people feel inspired by me, I feel like I’ve won.” 

- Israel Isaac

Carson Goodale's entrepreneurial mindset and impatience for long lines were integral in the creation of his company, FanFood. Carson and his FanFood team believe fans should not miss a moment or big play waiting in lines. The ultimate fan experience created by the ultimate fans! Carson is an entrepreneur, co-founder, and Chief Strategy Officer of FanFood. The two get down to BUSINESS with Carson's insights on work-life balance, becoming a morning person, and why he enjoys proving people wrong. Carson and Taylor discuss their experiences with anxiety, being VERY impatient, and their cheerleading days. Taylor loves Shark Tank and was fascinated by Carson's many encounters with Shark, Daymond John. Carson is always pitchin' and humors Taylor with a hilarious pitch deck game. We hope you enjoy Carson Goodale!

Taylor and Oberon Sinclair bond over their curiosity of EVERYTHING and embracing being absolutely "ridiculous." Oberon is widely regarded and known as the Queen of Kale, and we learn how and why she made this superfood a phenomenon. Oberon is also the CEO and founder of My Young Auntie Creative Agency. Over the past 20 years, she has collaborated with and managed clients including Hermes, Vivienne Westwood, Jack Spade, Converse, Free People, and more! Oberon gives Taylor her pop culture fix with stories that include Harrison Ford and Richard Gere, iconic Jack Spade campaigns, and more. Oberon shares with Taylor why she feels like she has been a disruptor in her career. The two talk about the importance of happiness and why it's refreshing to try something new now and then. Oberon's daughter created "Oberon's Dream Capsule" for all of her wishes to come true, and we are eager to learn what else Oberon has up her sleeve! We hope you enjoy Oberon Sinclair!

Not even a year after pursuing comedy, Nick Smeriglio “made an impression” on his motivating comedian, Sebastian Maniscalco, on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Sebastian himself gave Nick the nod and an A+ for his notable Sebastian impression. Nick shares with Taylor other driving factors that pushed him, after MUCH resistance, to post his first video on TikTok. Nick quickly became a viral TikTok sensation, with over 150,000 people following his comedic skits and journey into comedy. Nick does several impressions for Taylor that have her on her a** laughing, including Christopher Walken, Donald Trump, Jack Nicholson, Sebastian Maniscalco, and many more! After a mid-episode tequila shot, the two get candid on putting themselves out there for public criticism and how one video can change your life. We hope you enjoy Nick Smeriglio!

A $10,000 check from a supportive friend and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit are two of many factors that led Michelle Mekky to where she is today. Michelle is the founder and CEO of Mekky Media, a cancer survivor, and a #GIRLBOSS. Michelle shares with Taylor how losing her job and surviving ovarian cancer were signs from the universe to start her own public relations company, Mekky Media. Before launching Mekky Media in 2016, she pursued her childhood dream of becoming a journalist. Growing up with immigrant parents, she was a first-generation college student at one of the most prestigious journalism schools, Northwestern University. Michelle spent over a decade as a senior producer and news writer for Fox-TV and then transitioned into PR and marketing, working at top agencies in Chicago. Michelle is candid with Taylor that she did not think she was “pretty enough” to be an on-camera reporter and that her confidence was a barrier she had to overcome. The two bond over their belief in the power of the universe, their fears of rejection, and their love for J Lo. Please enjoy, Michelle Mekky!

Are you ready for no bullsh** and a new mindset? Well, you came to the right place. Taylor's guest, Case Kenny, has made a name for himself as a prominent independent podcaster and mindfulness thought leader. His podcast, New Mindset, Who Dis?, has millions of downloads and honors as Apple Podcast's Top 30 Podcast, Top 100 Mental Health, iHeart Radio Top 10, and many more accolades. He references himself as "Dudebroguy" who enjoys working out and talking about his feelings...and these two sure did talk about feelings! Case shares with Taylor how to break down anxious overthinking, the healthy side of ego that leads to swag, the power of honesty and character-driven content, the qualities he seeks in a partner, and more! The two discuss the pressure to be successful personally and professionally in your twenties and why Case believes that is "ludicrous" and that you should create your own timetable. Case also answers hinge prompts and questions from T2U listeners so you don't want to miss those burning questions! Case Kenny is major swag alert and Taylor is all about her new mindset! Please enjoy, Case Kenny!

Card sharks, dating, an infamous college night at Sweaty Betty's, pre-game rituals, travel arrangements, people watching from the outfield are some of the antics on the pro baseball road... according to professional baseball player Danny Woodrow. Danny offers a behind-the-scenes look into his experience in the pro baseball world and answers Taylor's burning questions: Is he a boxer or a briefs guy? Do grown men cry when they get hit by a baseball? Are they partying on the road Dennis Rodman style? You will find out! Danny started as a preferred walk-on in college to a Detroit Tigers MLB Draft Pick in 2016. Danny has played in every level leading him to where he is now in AAA, just one level below the big leagues! Danny shares with Taylor that he almost quit baseball at a young age and the reason that kept him coming back to the sport, and now his career. Danny is honest about his hopes to play in the majors someday, but also his ability to close the door if needed. Please enjoy, Danny Woodrow!

Taylor has an honest and eye-opening conversation with Kisha Gulley, as Kisha says, “what you see is what you get.” Kisha is an Afro-Latina and advocates for autism, mental health, racial justice, and overall self-care. Kisha shared with Taylor the emotions she felt when her son was diagnosed with autism, her and her family’s experiences being called a racial slur, and how Facebook restricted HER account when she was standing up for herself. Mark Zuckerberg, this episode is Taylor’d to you! The two talk about the importance of mental health when experiencing anxiety or depression and Kisha’s deciding factor to share this aspect of her life being that “she can’t be the only one.” Kisha shares that she learned later in life to not just embrace her culture and herself, but to share it. Please enjoy, Kisha Gulley!

Taylor's guest is ABC7 Chicago Windy City LIVE (WCL) co-host, Emmy Winner, musician, actor, Ryan Chiaverini. Ryan started his career in Great Falls, Montana as the weekend sports anchor and is now in the tenth year of WCL, which kicked off in one of the most coveted time slots in TV history launching the day after Oprah retired. Ryan has interviewed everyone in the sports and entertainment industry from Mike Tyson, Will Ferrell, Al Pacino, Michelle Obama to Taylor's all-time favorite, Michael Jordan...the list continues. Ryan is candid with Taylor on his most surprising AND disappointing celebrity guests, including never before shared inside scoop on why HE turned down an interview with the Kardashians. Ryan is open with Taylor about the loss of his mother to cancer and brother to suicide and how he has commemorated them through songwriting and causes he is passionate about. These two love to talk, especially with one another! Please enjoy, Ryan Chiaverini!

Collin Fernandez's professional soccer career started at 17 years old when he signed with Chicago Fire FC. Collin and Taylor discuss the pressures and obstacles that athletes face, but Collin says that nothing matters when he has a ball at his feet and playing the game he loves. Collin shares with Taylor the advice he has received over his six professional seasons and now as a veteran himself, the advice he would give a young player entering the league. As an American-Peruvian professional soccer player, Collin has traveled the world representing the U.S. and Peru national teams. We also learn that Collin is a BIG rom-com guy. Please enjoy, Collin Fernandez!

Whether it is your first or second act, Kimberly Gionta and Yvette Frampton of The Honey Empire are an example of pursuing your dreams at any stage of life. Yvette and Kimberly crossed paths and shared their passion for music, which grew into them taking music lessons together and the formation of their cover band, VINE. The two were inspired to write music on their own and re-branded to The Honey Empire with the addition of several talented bandmates. These rockin' moms share with Taylor the message they want to give their kids and listeners and how they tap into their own lives and societal issues when writing music. The three discuss how musicians have to be vulnerable and take risks to connect with listeners and the realization that we are in control of our destiny. The Honey Empire's intent is to create music with bold and inspiring messages and is learning about the music industry one lyric at a time. Please enjoy Kimberly Gionta and Yvette Frampton of The Honey Empire!

If you can’t take the heat, get out of Mila Furman's kitchen! Mila Furman, Girl and the Kitchen, is an entrepreneur, private chef, blogger, and recently launched cooking courses on how to cook in an approachable and non-anxiety filled way. Mila's inventive recipes and authentic self have appeared on Windy City Live, WGN, Fox 32, to name a few. Mila was open about losing her mom at a young age, managing anxiety, and the importance of integrity and authenticity as she leads her team of all women. The two talk about all things cooking, including a few of Taylor's cooking fails. As Mila would say, "when in doubt, zest it out!" Mila and Taylor bond over their appreciation for Bravo TV, especially the Real Housewives franchise. "Good food, done right" is Mila's line, and she is doing it right and more.

Michael Lattner never fails to mention, "make good decisions," and he has truly taken his own advice. As the second person hired at Global Electronic Trading Company (GETCO), Michael Lattner was an early adopter of electrification of markets, stocks, futures, and the rest is history. He retired at 45 years old and shares with Taylor that sobriety and his family are the reasons for his success. Michael said that his late father, Johnny Lattner (Heisman Trophy winner in 1953), was a great example to him and his 7 siblings to be modest and generous. Taylor and Michael discuss the importance of finding key business trends and what an entrepreneur should know when investing. Michael had no idea he would have what he has today and shares that his humble beginnings and family shaped the person he is. Michael Lattner is the most generous and humble person Taylor knows, and anyone that knows him says the same. A lot to be thankful for this week with Michael Lattner!

Helen Berkun is the ultimate hustler wearing many hats, including fashion photographer, celebrity stylist, creative director, influencer, shoe collector, wife, and mother. Helen was born in the former USSR and immigrated to the US at age eight, and she hustled with an entrepreneurial mindset ever since. "Doing it all in 24 hours or less," as Helen would say. With 20 years in the fashion industry, Helen shares with Taylor her background in editorial photography, her role in the infancy of the brand Akira, celebrity styling Kristin Cavallari, Jenny McCarthy, John Malkovich, Monica Pederson, Erin Andrews, to name a few. Helen and Taylor discuss how social media is prevalent in their lives and how to master the ever-changing platforms, what a day in the life of an influencer looks like, and what it means to hustle.

Kevin Doherty is a voice actor and creative artist in Chicago. Taylor knows him as Uncle Kev, however, you know him as the voice in the intro of each Taylor'd to You episode or spotted as an extra on Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Fargo, Empire, Shameless, and all of the other Chicago based TV shows. Kevin shares with Taylor the unconventional path he took when he decided to quit his sales job and pursue his dream of becoming a voice actor. Taylor learns about the voice over industry as Kevin walks her through a day in the life of a voice actor, as well as shares a life-changing event that led him to on-camera work. Not only is Kevin unbelievably talented and has "a voice that shines," he is one of the funniest people Taylor knows and has her laughing throughout the entire episode.

Taylor encourages you to VOTE today and embrace other opinions. While on your way to the polls, listen to a teaser of next week's episode with a voice actor and creative artist in Chicago...

Marie P. Anderson is an internationally published author, former fashion model with several decades of experience scouting, founder of Boss Babe Models, activist, public speaker, and black belt. Marie developed and managed fashion models from inside every Chicago top fashion model agency, including the discovery of the one and only Cindy Crawford. Marie shares the glamorous side of the industry, as well as the darker side…Taylor and Marie talk about the pressing social issues that models face, including hostile work environments and sexual impropriety, drug & alcohol abuse, and Marie’s experience with all of the above. Marie is candid about her experiences in the fashion model industry, addiction, and her intense passion for empowering anyone she meets. Marie is breaking down barriers and leading many lives in positive directions through her TRUTH.

David Edwards is an offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams. David entered the 2019 NFL Draft and was selected by the Rams in the fifth round; 169th pick overall. David was named an All-American at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. David and his fellow O-line were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2018 college football preview issue. David and Taylor discussed David’s football career starting at their alma mater Downers Grove North High School as a 215 lb. quarterback to now a 308 lb. offensive lineman in the NFL. The two talk the game of “smack talk," misconceptions about NFL players, and the best advice he has been given on his football journey. Taylor couldn’t be more proud and excited that her longtime friend’s childhood dream was realized as an NFL player.