Shawna and LaLa: Life Beyond The Mic

This week on Life Beyond The Mic, Shawna and LaLa take time to remember September 11th as we mark 25 years since the attacks that changed our country forever. They reflect on that day and share the incredible story of Michael Hingson, who is blind and was working on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center when the attacks happened. With his guide dog by his side, Michael made his way out of the building and survived.The girls also catch up on life! Giulina officially started preschool this week, and LaLa talks about how she’s handling this big milestone. Meanwhile, Shawna is getting ready to hit the road and shares some of the preparation going into her upcoming trip. Plus, LaLa talks about the Bluevua Reverse Osmosis System, and the girls share the 70mai dash camera as a road trip must have. It’s an episode about remembering those we lost, honoring incredible stories of survival, celebrating new beginnings, and catching up on everything happening in life beyond the mic. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

School is back, and Shawna and LaLa have a lot to say about it! LaLa admits she gets pissed when she hears parents say they “can’t wait” for their kids to go back to school. Her take? Why have kids if you don’t want to spend time with them? She talks about how hard it is for her to see the kids go back and why she believes parents should spend as much time with their children as they can. But Shawna brings another perspective to the conversation. Growing up, her mom was a single mother who had to work and pay the bills, which meant Shawna had to be cared for by other people. The girls get into the realities of parenting, childcare, working families, and why not every parent has the option to stay home. Then they take a trip down memory lane to talk about the things they absolutely hated about school. Shawna shares why she walked out of gym class, while LaLa remembers having to write 100 reports for gym class! Plus, Shawna is getting ready to hit the road for her upcoming Florida road trip. She talks about preparing for the drive, planning bathroom stops, and packing—including her massive new Bagsmart suitcase that stands about three feet tall and can hold up to two weeks’ worth of clothes! And in true Shawna and LaLa fashion, Shawna interrupts the show to apologize for smelling after coming straight from her personal training session. Thankfully, she had The Honey Pot Intimate Wipes nearby for a quick freshen-up before getting back behind the mic. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Shawna and LaLa are talking back-to-school season! Giulina is heading to Pre-K, Gio is starting 8th grade, and LaLa shares the unforgettable story of biting her teacher on her very first day of preschool. Meanwhile, Giulina isn’t exactly thrilled about her nature based school—creeks, mud and getting dirty are NOT on this little princess’s agenda. She’d much rather show up in a Disney princess dress! The girls also get into a more serious conversation about abortion laws in Massachusetts, with Shawna sharing her personal perspective as someone who was born at just 23 weeks and survived. Later, Shawna and LaLa sit down with Isaac Zablocki, CEO and Co-Founder of ReelAbilities , to talk about disability representation, inclusion and the importance of authentic storytelling. Plus, the girls remember Dolly Parton, sharing their love for the legendary entertainer and what her music and legacy meant to them. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Shawna and LaLa have A LOT to catch up on this week! The girls recap their weekend in Connecticut seeing Mya live at Mohegan Sun and talk about what an amazing show she put on. LaLa stayed at Foxwoods Resort Casino and finally got to try Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, while Shawna came home completely exhausted and seriously lacking sleep. And the craziness didn’t stop there… After waiting FOUR MONTHS for her MRI appointment, Shawna finally had the big day arrive... Only to find out the MRI machine BROKE that morning! She shares what happened, how the day turned into a much longer ordeal than expected, and how she didn't finally make it home until 9 PM. Plus, LaLa talks about Nex Playground and why it has become such a great activity for the kids. Instead of sitting in front of another screen, they’re jumping, moving, exercising and using their imaginations while they play. It’s perfect for rainy summer days, cold and snowy winter days, or anytime the kids need to burn off some energy indoors. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Can your gut predict your health? This week on Shawna and LaLa: Life Beyond The Mic , we're joined by Janelle and Grant from Viome for an eye-opening conversation about gut health, the microbiome, personalized nutrition, inflammation, digestion, food sensitivity, and the future of precision wellness. Could the bacteria living in your gut influence how you feel every day? How does microbiome testing work? Can personalized recommendations help improve your overall health? We dive into the science behind Viome, how their testing works, and why more people are turning to personalized health insights instead of one-size-fits-all wellness advice. Before the interview, we're catching up on everything happening this week! Shawna shares her experience seeing Peter Noone live at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts , including the spectacular fireworks finale. We're also counting down to Mýa's concert this weekend and sharing why we're so excited to see her live. LaLa recaps a busy weekend catering three events with her growing Cannoli Cart business and talks about why Nex Playground has become one of her favorite interactive indoor activities for families looking for fun, active, screen-free entertainment on rainy days. Plus, Shawna gives her honest review of Cozy Earth pajamas and bamboo sheets. She describes them as feeling like a combination of whipped cream and butter and explains why they've completely changed the way she sleeps. Use code SHAWNAANDLALA for 20% off at Cozy Earth. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Before sitting down with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Mya, Shawna and LaLa catch up on life. They celebrate Giulina's acceptance into a nature-based school (despite her dislike of getting dirty!) and discuss parenting in the digital age, including kids, Snapchat, social media, screen time, and why outdoor play matters more than ever. Then, they're taking it back to the 2000s with Mya ! The R&B icon opens up about her new album, Retrospect, staying true to herself throughout her decades-long career, overcoming challenges behind the scenes, and adapting from the MTV and CD era to today's streaming and social media landscape. Mya also shares how she maintains her mental and physical well-being while balancing recording and touring, offers advice for aspiring artists, gives a behind-the-scenes look at creating a live concert, and previews what fans can expect from her Mohegan Sun performance. If you grew up listening to Mya or love nostalgic 2000s music, this inspiring conversation is one you won't want to miss. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

LaLa is back from an unforgettable family vacation to South Carolina and Florida, and she's sharing all the highlights with Shawna! From favorite vacation memories and travel tips to the one product that made the long car ride much easier, you'll hear why TummyDrops lollipops became a family favorite. After struggling with carsickness in the past, Giulina made the entire trip without getting sick, and LaLa believes TummyDrops helped keep the nausea away.But the biggest surprise came after the vacation. Giulina attended her very first concert to see Shakira, and what happened next was something the family will never forget. Shakira spotted Giulina in the crowd, invited her over for a hug, and even asked her to give her a kiss on the cheek, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory.Giulina joins Shawna and LaLa to share the experience in her own words, from meeting one of her favorite singers to singing and dancing along to Shakira's "Try Everything" from Zootopia on her Tonies. It's a heartwarming episode filled with family, travel, music, and a magical moment that Giulina will cherish forever. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week on Shawna and LaLa , LaLa shares a heartfelt update on Cayman following the bear attack that nearly took his life while protecting her. She opens up about his ongoing recovery, the surgeries he's endured, and the incredible support their family has received from friends, listeners, and donors. LaLa also extends a special thank you to everyone who has contributed to Cayman's GoFundMe and kept him in their prayers. Plus, Shawna sits down with McKenzie Mitchell to discuss her new book, Threads of Triumph: Professional Wrestling's Most Iconic Looks. They explore the stories behind some of professional wrestling's most unforgettable gear, the legends who wore it, and the impact fashion has had on the wrestling industry. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Shawna is back from West Virginia after joining her mom's senior citizen bus tour, and let's just say she's learned one very important lesson: tours are definitely not for her. From accessibility challenges and a train ride that mostly featured endless trees to getting sick from the food (again), the trip provided plenty of stories and laughs.Shawna also shares why she wishes she had packed Lauren's PuroAir air purifier for the train ride after dealing with all the soot and smoke along the way. Plus, Shawna sits down with rising country artist and former The Voice contestant Makenzie Phipps , who competed on Snoop Dogg's team. They discuss her experience on the show, her music career, and what's next. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

What started with a birthday migraine turned into one of the most unforgettable weeks of Shawna's life. This week, Shawna and LaLa share the exciting news of Shawna's feature in PEOPLE Magazine and her experience filming an episode of Living Abundantly with Sarah Vie . For Shawna, who has dreamed of working in television since she was a child, stepping onto a TV set was a moment years in the making. The girls also welcome talented sibling duo Juna and Joey to the show to discuss their journey, music, and what it's like working together as brother and sister. But life isn't all red carpets and celebrations. Shawna also opens up about the ongoing frustrations of navigating the healthcare system, including MRI scheduling issues and learning that one of her doctors is no longer covered by insurance. From lifelong dreams coming true to the everyday challenges of living with disabilities and chronic health conditions, this episode is a reminder that life's biggest highs and lows often happen at the same time. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Nearly 37 years after being born at just 1 pound 4.5 ounces and spending the first four months of her life fighting to survive in the NICU, Shawna returned to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center for an emotional full-circle moment. This week on Life Beyond The Mic, Shawna and LaLa open up about delivering Mother’s Day gift bags to moms currently in the NICU, reconnecting with one of Shawna’s NICU nurses, and the overwhelming emotions that came with returning to the hospital that saved her life.The girls also sit down with Dina Shanowitz, Founder & CEO of Zomee , to discuss supporting NICU moms and the company’s generous donation of 60 breast pumps for families spending Mother’s Day beside their fragile little ones. A heartfelt thank you to Zomee , Owlet , Born Into Motherhood , and Itzy Ritzy for helping make this meaningful day possible. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week on Life Beyond The Mic… it went from zero to chaos—FAST. What started as a simple question about an Amazon return turned into something no one saw coming. LaLa was escorted out by police… and banned from Staples. In front of customers. Treated like a problem. A situation that escalated way further than it ever should have.But it doesn’t end there. Because what happened next? Even more shocking. Then, in true Shawna & LaLa fashion, they shift from chaos to something much deeper. As Mother’s Day approaches, they unveil their Mother’s Day Gift Guide, but this isn’t just about gifts. It’s about meaning. It’s about showing up. And it’s about the moms who need it most.They also share the heart behind their NICU giveback initiative at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, the very place Shawna was born. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week on Life Beyond The Mic , Shawna shares a one month update on her TMS therapy journey and opens up about feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, and very much in need of a vacation — even if that “getaway” happens to be a trip to West Virginia with her mom’s senior group.Then, we sit down with Linda Perillo to discuss her new book Your Payment Method Has Been Declined and the unbelievable true story behind it, including the alleged mishandling and theft of a trust fund Linda’s father set up for his children involving family, lawyers, and banks. It’s a powerful conversation about betrayal, resilience, and what happens when the people and systems you trust let you down.Plus, Shawna catches up with RJ Mitte from Breaking Bad at the ReelAbilities Film Festival for a conversation about living with cerebral palsy, disability representation in film, how far Hollywood has come, and where inclusion still falls short. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week on Life Beyond The Mic , Shawna shares a real and honest update on her TMS therapy journey. Then LaLa asks a simple question that turns into a full conversation… what’s something people brag about that you can’t stand? From designer labels to posting the “perfect” life, things get real fast. In the middle of it all, LaLa brings up designer sunglasses and Shawna immediately thinks she’s being called out. Shawna also opens up about planning her mom’s 70th birthday and the unexpected stress of figuring out the guest list… including whether kids should be invited. Plus, they sit down with Ali Stroker to talk about the upcoming ReelAbilities Film Festival and what still needs to change in Hollywood. They dive into how the industry continues to get casting wrong when it comes to actors with disabilities, why authentic representation matters, and what real progress actually looks like. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week, Shawna and LaLa break down the Farrah Abraham drama after she allegedly stiffed a hairdresser and lashed out at anyone who sided with the stylist. Sometimes it’s not everyone else… sometimes it’s time to look inward. Shawna shares an update on starting TMS therapy and what this next step looks like after years of trying to find what works. Plus, Katie Wood joins the show to talk about her journal A Simple Seed and how putting pen to paper can be the first step toward real growth and change. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week hits on a lot of real-life moments that make you stop and think! LaLa’s husband, a police chief, heads to Kentucky for training focused on mental health and coping mechanisms for high-stress careers. It opens up a bigger conversation about how much pressure people carry and how important it is to actually take care of yourself. At the same time, LaLa realizes something simple but real… As adults, we just don’t sleep in anymore. Life doesn’t slow down. Then Shawna shares something that really puts things into perspective. Her mom is turning 70 and chose a one-day party over a full vacation just to avoid missing work. And it makes you think… why are we living like this? Life is too short to keep putting things off. Take the trip. Call the person. Be present. The girls are joined by life coach Patrick Mitchell, author of This Is My Moment , talking about stepping into your life now. Plus, Shawna catches up with Dr. Conchita Hernandez from the Maryland School for the Blind to talk about self-advocacy, independence, and how assistive technology has evolved over the years. This episode is a wake-up call. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Spring is finally here, and this episode goes from wild throwbacks to real-life conversations we’re all thinking about.We sit down with Chad and Jazmine Faries from the documentary Iron Family , sharing Jazmine’s incredible journey living with Down syndrome, her confidence, resilience, and her dream of becoming a storyteller. Her story, and the strength of her family, is something everyone needs to hear, especially following Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Then… we shift gears. After a weekend event in the city, LaLa shares a moment that sparked a full throwback to the early 2000's, when partying Thursday through Sunday and still making it to work was just normal life.But what really gets us talking… Kids are hitting their parents?! We’re seeing more and more of this behavior being labeled as “gentle parenting,” and we honestly can’t believe some parents are just accepting it. When did this become normal? And what happened to discipline and respect? This episode is a mix of inspiration, nostalgia, and real, unfiltered conversations about how much things have changed. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Shawna headed to Mohegan Sun for an overnight trip to see 3 Days Grace, rushing from one thing to the next—only to spend most of the night waiting on lines. The next day? More of the same. She rushed home to prep for her colonoscopy, arrived on time for her 1:15pm appointment… and didn’t get called back until 4:30. But that wasn’t even the craziest part. During the procedure… Shawna woke up. Instead of panicking, she found herself watching it happen in real time—and actually thought it was fascinating. Meanwhile, LaLa absolutely cannot stop laughing over the entire situation. As if that wasn’t enough chaos, Gio joins track and somehow ends up on a two-hour bus ride home… despite living just five minutes from school. Plus, we sit down with Wendy from Wendylandia to talk about her business and her experience at Modern Day Wife. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

This week on Life Beyond The Mic , Shawna and LaLa recap their night seeing Vic DiBitetto live at Bergen Performing Arts Center , sharing some of their favorite moments from his performance and the humor that keeps audiences laughing. The girls also sit down with Kaelynn Partlow , author of Life on the Bridge, to talk about her time on Love on the Spectrum, the opportunities that experience has opened for her, and the importance of understanding that people experience and navigate the world in different ways. Plus, Shawna interviews Matt Walst of Three Days Grace , discussing the band’s new album Alienation, life on the road, and how their music continues to connect with fans around the world. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .

Comedian Vic DiBitetto joins Shawna and LaLa on Life Beyond The Mic for a hilarious and honest conversation about comedy, everyday frustrations, and the moments in life that everyone can relate to. The girls first share highlights from the Modern Day Wife event, where they sat down with longevity coach Erica Hollingdrake Weir to talk about the habits that can help people live longer, healthier lives and why small changes can make a big impact over time. Then the laughs kick in when Vic DiBitetto joins the show ahead of his March 7th performance at Bergen PAC in Englewood, NJ . Vic talks about the everyday things that drive people crazy, the frustrations of modern technology, and how those moments often become the inspiration behind his comedy. The conversation also turns to the real star of some of Vic’s viral videos, his famous cat Eddie, a fan favorite who has stolen the spotlight more than once. In one of the funniest moments of the interview, Vic also finds out LaLa is 40 and can’t believe it. Between the laughs and stories, the girls quickly decided Vic might just be their new “Uncle Vic”. Vic DiBitetto is known for his viral social media videos and stand up comedy that captures the everyday frustrations people are thinking but rarely say out loud. Hosted by Shawna and LaLa, Life Beyond The Mic brings real conversations that go beyond the mic, lights, cameras, and stage. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. We feature real conversations, product experiences, and brands we genuinely love. For interviews, product features, and media opportunities, visit www.shawnaandlala.com .