🎭 Sing out, Louise! Sing out!

Me at 10, belting ‘You Gotta Have a Gimmick’. Oscar-worthy. Zero audience.

I wonder if it’s odd that one of my favorite musicals when I was growing up was Gypsy, the story of performer and stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. I’m sure this seems insane to parents today that a ten-year-old would sing You Got to Have a Gimmick around the house.

For those not familiar with this musical, watch it. Please. 🎬

I thought about this musical recently because I’ve been giving lectures and presentations for the past few weeks. I’ve talked about being a television producer, my time as a talent agent, and what it’s been like as a heavy person.

✨ One audience was joyous and celebratory.

⚡ Another audience was on edge and needed guidance.

💛 All were welcoming.

I am surprised at how much I enjoy doing this. For those who know me, I can be very introverted, although I confess, some of that may be more claustrophobia. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone and engage in small talk.

Me! Small talk! It is not a strong suit of mine. I survived and met some wonderful people along the way.

The joy I derive from this is helping people.

By sharing some of my experiences, I can boost those who may need it. For example, I recently presented to some parents and high schoolers about weight bias. I brought up the statistic that fat high school girls were 33% less likely to get accepted into college than their thin counterparts.

The parents were shocked, but more importantly, the students were, too. My goal wasn’t to scare them. It was to make them aware.

I ended it with encouragement, self-care, and confidence, and embracing the fierce bunny inside you. 🐰🔥

We all felt great afterwards.

This is new to me, although I have quietly mentored for my entire professional career. I was nervous about putting myself front and center. But with the help of friends, family, and others, I’m getting my footing. 👣

I’m not blowing a trumpet or dancing with fans but doing my own thing. 🎺🪭

Come. Join my musical revue. 🎤🌟