Advertise on podcast: Shawna and LaLa: Life Beyond The Mic

In this episode of Life Beyond The Mic, Shawna and LaLa talk about why they’re stepping away from one-size-fits-all, textbook medicine and embracing a more holistic, individualized approach to healthcare, all while preparing for the snowstorm of the century.  They open up about medical gaslighting, being dismissed by doctors, and the importance of doing your own research, bringing case studies to appointments, and getting second (and third) opinions. Both share moments when doctors didn’t listen, and how they were right all along.  LaLa discusses the devastating reality of medical negligence and how her colon ruptured after five doctors failed to take her symptoms seriously. Shawna also shares a major update: after 36 years of unanswered questions, she recently met with a genetics doctor who may finally have answers related to her Cerebral Palsy and other long-standing health issues that have gone unexplained for decades.  This episode is a reminder that patient advocacy saves lives, holistic health looks at the whole person, and you are allowed to push for answers, even when the system makes it hard.

It’s 2026 and we’re kicking off New Year, New You with zero delusion and a lot of honesty.  LaLa turned 40 on Christmas and officially became an adult. Her birthday gifts included panties, bras, cozy socks, mittens, and an emerald bracelet. Practical. Iconic.  Shawna? She got a meat tenderizer, a cheese grater, and an ongoing three-week now stomach situation. Doctors keep telling her to “just go to the ER,” which feels super helpful when they’re just going to say to follow up with GI and she could leave with the flu, super flu, COVID, or pneumonia instead.  We get into milestone birthdays, questionable gifts, medical burnout, and why January makes everyone feel like they’re already failing. From resolution culture versus real life to redefining success as sustainability, this episode is about lowering the bar, listening to your body, and surviving the new year without losing your mind.

It’s officially the first week of winter, even though winter weather has felt nonstop for the past month — and this episode fully matches the chaos.  The girls kick things off by sharing more standout favorites from this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, then dive headfirst into a week that somehow included Florida travel drama, milestone birthdays, forgotten memories, and a serious reality check about health. Lauren (LaLa) just returned from Florida, where things went exactly as expected — meaning, of course, something went wrong. Before boarding her flight home, passengers were delayed due to a fuel leak on the plane, setting the tone for the rest of the week. Add in the shock of LaLa turning 40 years old on Christmas, and let’s just say… she is not taking “official adulthood” well.Meanwhile, Shawna had her own shocking discovery. While scrolling through old videos on her phone, she found footage from her mom’s 60th birthday party --- a party Shawna herself planned and threw, and  has absolutely no memory of the event at all.  Which naturally leads to laughs, disbelief, and some very real questions.  In between the chaos, the girls reflect on one of their most meaningful holiday traditions: delivering holiday gift bags to the pediatric unit at Garnet Medical Center. Each bag was put together to bring comfort, joy, and a reminder that these children are not forgotten during the holidays.  The girls are incredibly grateful to the brands who partnered with them and helped make this year’s gift bags possible, including PATH Water, Bored No More, Toothbrush Toys, Wright Brothers, Diel Makeup, Penelope & The Vase, Be Blends, Finding Joy, and That’s It Fruit snacks. Their generosity helped spread holiday cheer where it was needed most.  As the new year approaches, and with LaLa officially entering a new decade... Shawna and LaLa get real about their goals for the year ahead, including working out more, prioritizing their health, and actually listening to their bodies instead of pushing through burnout.   If you’ve ever forgotten your age, questioned your memory, hated winter, or felt personally attacked by a birthday --- this one’s for you.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

LaLa shares how her family trip to Florida took a scary turn when her daughter had a severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites and ended up in the ER. Never heard of Skeeter Syndrome? Parents, you’ll want to pay attention.   Back home, chaos continues as LaLa juggles last-minute packing for Nashville and gets pulled into a neighbor’s impromptu BBQ. Her kitchen lifesaver? The Seal Vax, which helped her marinate chicken in half the time without sacrificing flavor.  LaLa’s Nashville recovery plan included one item: Coaqua Coconut Water.  And next up? LaLa’s hitting the road again to check out Sesame Place which is one of the most ADA-accessible theme parks in the country.  

This week on Life Beyond The Mic, Shawna and LaLa unpack one of the most talked-about viral video from Coldplay’s concert.  Is there more to the story?  Shawna shares a personal health update that  she’s been diagnosed with a hernia and is preparing to meet with a surgeon. She opens up about how she’s feeling, what’s next, and how she’s navigating it all.  Meanwhile, LaLa introduces the newest visitor in her life...  A baby squirrel she rehabbed who keeps coming back to say hello. Plus, pet parents will want to hear about the Four Leaf Rover supplement she’s using to help Cayman’s ongoing skin and yeast issues an,d why it’s working.

This week, Shawna and LaLa unpack the heartbreaking floods in Kerrville, Texas that devastated a girls' camp and left many kids missing or worse. They also vent about the endless rain in New York. LaLa prepares for a trip to Florida and asks listeners—do you eat at chain restaurants on vacation or keep it local??  Plus, the girls tackle adult internet trolls and why some people just can’t scroll on. Shawna shares a must-hear review of Combat Ant Bait and how she finally may be winning the war. And if you’ve ever wondered if the Litter Robot is worth it—especially with a disability—Shawna has the scoop.

In this inspiring episode, Shawna and LaLa explore the deeper meaning behind the question: Are you hauling rocks or building a cathedral? They reflect on how sunny summer days have boosted their mental health and share powerful life lessons they wish they knew in their 20s, like following your dreams and proving naysayers wrong.The episode also features an exclusive interview with Elisa Gilbert, founder of Vivienne Charles Jewelry. Elisa shares her family’s four-generation legacy in jewelry-making, revealing how the craft and industry have evolved over the years.