"Just be yourself."

It's one of the most common pieces of advice in pageantry... but what does it actually mean?

In this episode of the Crowning Moment Podcast, we're diving into what authenticity really looks like, why trying to fit the mold can hold you back, and how embracing your own story is one of your greatest competitive advantages.

✨ Why authenticity doesn't mean showing up unprepared
👑 The difference between learning from successful contestants and copying them
💛 How your personal story sets you apart in interview and on stage
🎤 Why genuine connection is more memorable than a perfect answer
🌱 Why there isn't one personality that wins pageants
💫 How to confidently become the best version of yourself instead of someone else

Whether you're preparing for your first local competition or your next state pageant, this episode is your reminder that judges aren't looking for another version of the last winner... they're looking for someone they've never met before.

🎧 Follow the Crowning Moment Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @CrowningMomentPodcast for more pageant coaching, confidence tips, and behind-the-scenes conversations.

In this episode, we'll cover:

In the pageant world, coaching can be one of the best investments a contestant makes, but where does the coach's role end and the contestant's success begin?

In this episode of the Crowning Moment Podcast, we're having an honest and respectful conversation about coach claiming, the value of great coaching, and why every contestant should take ownership of the work they've put in to reach the stage.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• 👑 Why coaching is an investment, not a shortcut
• 💪 The unseen work contestants put in long before competition day
• 🤝 The difference between guiding a contestant and taking credit for her success
• ✨ What truly makes a great pageant coach
• 💛 Why every contestant should be proud of the work they've earned
• 🌟 How coaches and contestants can celebrate success together

Whether you're a contestant, coach, parent, or pageant fan, this episode is a reminder that while great coaches can help shape the journey, the contestant is the one who has the courage to step into the interview room, walk across the stage, and earn every moment.

🎧 Follow the Crowning Moment Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @CrowningMomentPodcast to continue the conversation.

Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build!

In this episode of the Crowning Moment Podcast, we're diving into where true confidence comes from and why it's about so much more than looking confident on stage.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• ✨ Why confidence is built long before competition day
• 💪 How keeping promises to yourself creates lasting confidence
• 🎯 Why preparation is the foundation of confidence
• 🚫 How comparison steals your confidence
• 🌱 Why confidence grows through consistency, not perfection
• 👑 How to trust yourself, even when you don't feel ready

Whether you're preparing for your first pageant or competing for a state title, this episode will remind you that confidence isn't about never feeling nervous. It's about believing in yourself because of the work you've put in.

🎧 Follow the Crowning Moment Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @CrowningMomentPodcast for more pageant tips, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes coaching.

Interview can be one of the most intimidating phases of competition, but it doesn't have to be.

In this episode of the Crowning Moment Podcast, I'm sharing the biggest interview mistakes I see contestants make time and time again, along with practical ways to avoid them.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• 🎤 Why there is no "perfect" interview answer
• 📋 The difference between memorizing and preparing
• 💬 How to turn interview into a genuine conversation
• ⏸️ Why taking a pause can actually build confidence
• ✨ How your personality is your greatest advantage
• 🤝 The importance of building a connection with your judges

Whether you're preparing for your first local competition or getting ready for the state stage, these tips will help you walk into interview with more confidence and authenticity.

🎧 Follow the Crowning Moment Podcast on Spotify, and connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @CrowningMomentPodcast for more pageant tips and behind-the-scenes coaching.

Every pageant has good contestants... but what makes someone truly unforgettable?

In this episode of the Crowning Moment Podcast, we're diving into the qualities that leave a lasting impression long after the competition is over.

In this episode, we'll cover:
✨ Why authenticity always stands out over perfection
👑 Why the crown should never be your end goal
💛 How creating genuine connections makes you memorable
🎯 The importance of consistency both on and off the stage
🌟 Why character and kindness matter more than you think
📈 How the best contestants never stop learning and growing

If you're preparing for your next competition or simply want to become the best version of yourself, this episode is for you.

🎧 Follow the Crowning Moment Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @CrowningMomentPodcast.

After a long break, the Crowning Moment Podcast is officially back!

In this welcome-back episode, I'm catching you up on where life has taken me over the past couple of years—from getting married and becoming a mom to continuing my work behind the scenes in the pageant world. While the podcast may have been quiet, my passion for pageantry never left.

I'm also sharing why I've become increasingly passionate about the Miss America system, what I've learned through working with contestants and conducting mock interviews, and what you can expect from this next chapter of the podcast.

Whether you're a current titleholder, preparing for your first competition, a pageant fan, or simply looking for confidence and interview tips, I'm so excited you're here.

This is just the beginning, and I can't wait to share this journey with you.

✨ Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and connect with us on Instagram and TikTok @CrowningMomentPodcast.

Welcome back to the Crowning Moment Podcast. Let's chase our next crowning moment together. 👑✨

Tune in to today's episode as we hear from Heather Nunez, former Miss New York USA. Heather shares with us the challenges she faced on her journey to winning the crown in NY, as well as her experience preparing for Miss USA. She also opens up about her personal reasons for competing in pageantry and what her plans are for the future. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from a true beauty queen!

Our special guest on the podcast today is Stephen Salyers. He's a multi-talented artist who dabbles in songwriting, pop art, and even clothing design. Stephen is also the host of the popular "Say Something" Podcast. This season, we're taking a closer look at life behind the Crown and exploring the simple things that make life so special. Join us as we delve into a variety of topics and gain new insights and perspectives alongside Stephen Salyers. Tune in to Crowning Moment Podcast now and experience a moment of pure inspiration!

Connect with Stephen on Instagram:

@thestephensalyers