Episodes

  • Holiday Favorites and Accessibility in the Arts: bergenPAC Edition

    Holiday Favorites and Accessibility in the Arts: bergenPAC Edition
    Nov 26 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Bryan James Breaks His Silence

    Bryan James Breaks His Silence
    Nov 17 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Macy Gray Unplugged: 25 Years of Soul, Stories, and Surprises

    Macy Gray Unplugged: 25 Years of Soul, Stories, and Surprises
    Oct 16 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Secrets to a Long Life

    Secrets to a Long Life
    Sep 25 2025
    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!
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • When Life Hands You Tragedy

    When Life Hands You Tragedy
    Sep 10 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Inside Nashville

    Inside Nashville
    Aug 28 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Nashville Almost Turned Into a True Crime Story

    Nashville Almost Turned Into a True Crime Story
    Aug 20 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Skeeter Syndrome Chaos

    Skeeter Syndrome Chaos
    Aug 14 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins