Here She Is

Arian Orlando and Sadie Schiermeyer: One Dream, Two Generations

What happens when a lifelong dream becomes part of your family legacy? In this special mother-daughter episode of Here She Is, Karissa and Jaime sit down with former Miss Texas Arian Orlando and her daughter, current Miss Texas Sadie Schiermeyer, the first daughter of a former Miss Texas to also wear the crown. From Arian’s whirlwind year as Miss Texas 1994 to Sadie’s journey to first runner-up at Miss America, this conversation explores the evolution of the Miss America organization across generations, the pressures young women face today, mental health, motherhood, identity, and what it means to pursue excellence without losing yourself along the way. Sadie also opens up about her recovery from an eating disorder, why she chose to speak publicly about it during her year as Miss Texas, and the messages from young women that reminded her why honesty matters. This episode is heartfelt, funny, vulnerable, and full of perspective from two women connected by much more than a crown. You can follow Sadie at @missamericatx on IG. Follow us at @heresheispodcast on ID and don't forget to subscribe!

Nicole Nigg Philbrook: Meant for the Moment

Nicole Nigg Philbrick, Miss South Dakota 2000, joins Here She Is to share how one final try changed the direction of her life. From entering pageants as a way to perform, to winning every phase of competition, to building a career beyond musical theatre, Nicole reflects on timing, service, motherhood, and why the lessons of Miss America continue through her daughter’s journey today. Find Nicole on Facebook- Nicole Nig Philbrook Follow us on IG @heresheispodcast

Nicole Messina: Finding Her Rhythm Again

Nicole Messina, Miss District of Columbia 1998, shares a candid look at the road from pageants to motherhood, marriage, divorce, and finding her way back to dance. After competing in New Jersey, Maryland, and DC, Nicole finally made it to the Miss America stage. Even though her year did not unfold the exactly way she hoped, she learned how to create her own path. In this episode, she opens up about funding her own journey, choosing dance over law school, rebuilding her identity after a difficult marriage, and how social media helped launch a new chapter as Nicole Tapz. Follow Nicole on all social media platforms @nicoletapz Follow us on Instagram @heresheispodcast Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Sonia Amir Bowie: The Girl Between Worlds

Some journeys don’t follow a straight line—and some of the most powerful ones are built in the space between. In this episode, we sit down with Sonia Amir Bowie, Miss Maryland 2000, who made history as the first South Asian and Latina woman to hold the title. But beyond the crown, Sonia shares a deeply personal story of navigating identity, overcoming adversity, and finding purpose through service. From feeling like she didn’t belong, to turning pain into advocacy, to now empowering students, families, and young readers through her upcoming children’s book The Girl Between Worlds—Sonia’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and impact. This conversation is a reminder that your differences are not your weakness—they’re your power. Follow Sonia here: https://linktr.ee/soniaamirbowie Follow us on IG @HereSheIsPodcast Don't forget to subscribe and share!

Amanda Debus Kuhl: Authentically Amanda

Amanda Kuhl, Miss Delaware 2016, shares a journey that goes far beyond the crown. In this episode, she talks about winning on her final year of eligibility, learning to compete as her authentic self, and how life after pageants led her into nonprofit work, motherhood, and a completely unexpected battle with stage 3 breast cancer at age 30. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, survivorship, and the power of continuing on even when life changes everything. Follow Amanda on all social media platforms @realmrskuhl Follow us on IG @heresheispodcast Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!