In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Sara Dukart, a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Sara shares her personal journey, including her pivotal second chance moment after she nearly died by suicide, and discusses her platform, Hope Through Help, which encourages sharing stories and spreading kindness through snail mail. The conversation delves into the importance of building confidence, self-care practices, and the realities of balancing pageantry with personal life. Sara emphasizes the need for community support and the impact of small gestures in helping those who struggle with mental health issues.

• Sara Dukart is a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.
• Her pivotal second chance moment came from a supportive youth pastor after her suicide struggle.
• Hope Through Help encourages sharing stories to combat isolation.
• Snail mail is a personal and sincere way to connect with others.
• Kids in foster care need constant reminders that they are not bad.
• Building confidence involves recognizing one's worth and deserving happiness.
• Self-care is essential for preventing burnout, especially in high-pressure environments.
• Pageantry can create unrealistic expectations, leading to burnout.
• Healing is a non-linear process that requires ongoing support.
• Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on someone's life.

In this episode, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Nicole Missios, a 24-year-old National Finalist for the Australia Legacy Pageants. Nicole shares her journey of being diagnosed with autism and how it has shaped her life and aspirations. She discusses her platform, 'Dreams Beyond the Spectrum,' which aims to empower neurodivergent individuals to pursue their dreams. The conversation highlights the importance of community, confidence, and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in pageantry. Nicole emphasizes the significance of support, advocacy, and the potential for a neurodivergent pageant system in the future.

• Nicole Missios is a National Finalist for Australia Legacy Pageants.
• She was diagnosed with autism at 13 and uses her experience to inspire others.
• Nicole's platform, 'Dreams Beyond the Spectrum,' advocates for neurodivergent individuals.
• She emphasizes the importance of community and support in pageantry.
• Nicole believes confidence comes from within, regardless of eye contact challenges.
• She encourages others to reach out and talk about their feelings regarding neurodivergence.
• Nicole's journey showcases the power of second chances in achieving dreams.
• She aims to leave a legacy beyond the stage through her advocacy work.
• Nicole envisions a future where neurodivergent queens can connect globally.
• She believes in the potential for a dedicated neurodivergent pageant system.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Sue Payne, a member of the board of directors for Dysphonia International. Sue shares her journey with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder that has significantly impacted her life. The conversation delves into the challenges of living with a voice disorder, the importance of mental health support, and the power of community and advocacy. Sue emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of dysphonia, highlighting the emotional toll it can take and the resilience required to navigate such challenges. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support Dysphonia International and to foster compassion and understanding in their communities.

• Sue Payne's journey with spasmodic dysphonia began unexpectedly in 2017.
• Mental health support is crucial for those dealing with voice disorders.
• Community and support systems play a vital role in coping with challenges.
• Finding purpose through advocacy can help redefine one's identity.
• Chronic conditions can lead to feelings of grief and loss.
• Awareness and education about dysphonia are essential for understanding.
• Patience and grace are needed in interactions with those with voice disorders.
• Dysphonia International provides valuable resources and support for individuals.
• Resilience can be cultivated through shared experiences and support.
• It's important to recognize the emotional impact of invisible disabilities.