Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history in 2022 when she became the first trans actor to win a Golden Globe for her role as Blanca in “Pose.” This year, Michaela Jaé turned 33 and is commemorating that milestone year by turning to music with her debut album titled “33,” out September 26th. She joins The Bright Side to discuss her new album and all things “Pose” and reflect on her historic win at the Golden Globes.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history in 2022 when she became the first trans actor to win a Golden Globe for her role as Blanca in “Pose.” This year, Michaela Jaé turned 33 and is commemorating that milestone year by turning to music with her debut album titled “33,” out September 26th. She joins The Bright Side to discuss her new album and all things “Pose” and reflect on her historic win at the Golden Globes.

The Bright Side, the hit podcast from Hello Sunshine, is back for a brand new season! Every Monday, join Emmy nominated host, Simone Boyce, as she brings you a dose of culture and inspiration - with celebrity interviews, the latest in health and wellness, smart takes on pop culture, and real conversations with women doing amazing things. The Bright Side is a destination for joy and connection; the show is designed to inspire, educate, and empower women as they navigate everyday challenges and live life to the fullest. 

The Bright Side, the hit podcast from Hello Sunshine, is back for a brand new season! Every Monday, join Emmy nominated host, Simone Boyce, as she brings you a dose of culture and inspiration - with celebrity interviews, the latest in health and wellness, smart takes on pop culture, and real conversations with women doing amazing things. The Bright Side is a destination for joy and connection; the show is designed to inspire, educate, and empower women as they navigate everyday challenges and live life to the fullest.&nbsp;

The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez on Showing Up on the Screen and Stage as Her Full Self

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9e5b1a1e-1063-48db-a5a0-b1ca0185cb10/transcript

You probably know Jordin Sparks from generational bangers like “No Air,” “One Step at a Time” and “Battlefield.” Or as the youngest winner in American Idol history. Or from her many show business accolades. But before Jordin became a certified pop princess, Simone knew her as just…a normal teenage girl. Today on the podcast, these two old friends reconnect to talk about the whirlwind Jordin has experienced in life, love and career since they first met two decades ago at summer camp. Jordin opens up about coming of age in the spotlight, the best wisdom she received from Whitney Houston, and how her most famous pop hit almost didn’t happen. 

You probably know Jordin Sparks from generational bangers like &ldquo;No Air,&rdquo; &ldquo;One Step at a Time&rdquo; and &ldquo;Battlefield.&rdquo; Or as the youngest winner in American Idol history. Or from her many show business accolades. But before Jordin became a certified pop princess, Simone knew her as just&hellip;a normal teenage girl. Today on the podcast, these two old friends reconnect to talk about the whirlwind Jordin has experienced in life, love and career since they first met two decades ago at summer camp. Jordin opens up about coming of age in the spotlight, the best wisdom she received from Whitney Houston, and how her most famous pop hit almost didn&rsquo;t happen.&nbsp;

You probably know Jordin Sparks from generational bangers like “No Air,” “One Step at a Time” and “Battlefield.” Or as the youngest winner in American Idol history. Or from her many show business accolades. But before Jordin became a certified pop princess, Simone knew her as just…a normal teenage girl. Today on the podcast, these two old friends reconnect to talk about the whirlwind Jordin has experienced in life, love and career since they first met two decades ago at summer camp. Jordin opens up about coming of age in the spotlight, the best wisdom she received from Whitney Houston, and how her most famous pop hit almost didn’t happen. 

The Nostalgic Jordin Sparks Catch-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e19084db-dd04-49b4-92e6-b3aa011f312d/transcript

Aleen Dreksler, co-founder and CEO of Betches Media, joins Simone to reflect on how a $12 WordPress blog created with her childhood best friends grew into an unprecedented cultural force. She shares the origin of Betches’ iconic voice, the leap from pre-med to comedy, the fears and freedoms of coming out of anonymity, and the creative and financial discipline that fueled the company’s 15-year evolution. Aleen also opens up about redefining ambition and learning to trust her own voice, before she and Simone rewind the biggest pop culture moments of 2025, from Bennifer’s breakup to Beyoncé’s historic Grammy win, Taylor Swift's engagement, and the unforgettable Coldplay jumbotron scandal. 

Aleen Dreksler, co-founder and CEO of Betches Media, joins Simone to reflect on how a $12 WordPress blog created with her childhood best friends grew into an unprecedented cultural force. She shares the origin of Betches&rsquo; iconic voice, the leap from pre-med to comedy, the fears and freedoms of coming out of anonymity, and the creative and financial discipline that fueled the company&rsquo;s 15-year evolution. Aleen also opens up about redefining ambition and learning to trust her own voice, before she and Simone rewind the biggest pop culture moments of 2025, from Bennifer&rsquo;s breakup to Beyonc&eacute;&rsquo;s historic Grammy win, Taylor Swift's engagement, and the unforgettable Coldplay jumbotron scandal.&nbsp;

The Voice of a Generation: How Betches Became a Cultural Force with Aleen Dreksler

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f0e71ea2-0236-43c6-a932-b3a10138e98d/transcript

Is it bad to eat sweets after 6 p.m.? Will your cookie addiction cause premature aging? Is sugar going to kill us all? Social media definitely has answers to these questions...just not always factual or helpful answers. But today, dietician Vanessa Rissetto is here to give us the real truth about sugar. Settle in for a deep-dive into the nutritional facts behind our favorite carbohydrate. Vanessa debunks the biggest myths (yes, all sugar is basically the same), explains why kids are hardwired to chase sweetness, and shares simple ways to balance blood sugar and enjoy dessert without spiraling into a sugar crash. 

Is it bad to eat sweets after 6 p.m.? Will your cookie addiction cause premature aging? Is sugar going to kill us all? Social media definitely has answers to these questions...just not always factual or helpful answers. But today, dietician Vanessa Rissetto is here to give us the real truth about sugar. Settle in for a deep-dive into the nutritional facts behind our favorite carbohydrate. Vanessa debunks the biggest myths (yes, all sugar is basically the same), explains why kids are hardwired to chase sweetness, and shares simple ways to balance blood sugar and enjoy dessert without spiraling into a sugar crash.&nbsp;

Is it bad to eat sweets after 6 p.m.? Will your cookie addiction cause premature aging? Is sugar going to kill us all? Social media definitely has answers to these questions...just not always factual or helpful answers. But today, dietician Vanessa Risetto is here to give us the real truth about sugar. Settle in for a deep-dive into the nutritional facts behind our favorite carbohydrate. Vanessa debunks the biggest myths (yes, all sugar is basically the same), explains why kids are hardwired to chase sweetness, and shares simple ways to balance blood sugar and enjoy dessert without spiraling into a sugar crash. 

Sugar: The Good, The Bad & The Delicious with Dietician Vanessa Rissetto

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/fbb40648-c43c-4ac2-9ad6-b39c0108e65c/transcript

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez on Showing Up on the Screen and Stage as Her Full Self

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