We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brooke Kayla. Check out our conversation below.
Brooke , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
When I think of moments that have made me specifically proud, it would be something like creating a podcast at the age of 15 years old: My World With Stories. I remember recording an episode this past year, for the podcast, and this definitely came to my mind. Who gets that opportunity to not only interview people in the music, entertainment, Broadway, and beyond world at such a young age and manages it all by herself? The amount of pride I have for myself starting out so young, truly means a lot and I carry that with me everyday whether it’s a good or bad day as I am now in my adult years. That is always something rewarding and fulfilling for myself to think about from time to time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brooke Kayla and I am a performer and podcaster of my very own podcast, My World With Stories! In the 2021 pandemic, my idea of starting a podcast came to life and I couldn’t have pictured it to be what it is today. Between having entertainment and Broadway stars. To the greatest musicians, producers, and more on my show. Yes, I am the girl that started a podcast at just 15 years old. Crazy, right?! And I am forever grateful for the opportunities and what the future holds.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
What comes to my mind when I think most about who taught me about “work” is from every experience i’ve had thus far in my career. When I started my podcast, My World With Stories at just 15 years old, I was new to this whole media, editing, and entertainment industry. I never once doubted myself that I could not do what I extremely and passionately wanted to do. When each podcast episode ends, I ask my guests no matter the industry they’re in on: “What advice do you have for someone going into your field or rather yet how do you keep your passion going”. And then they respond. And THAT is what teaches me the most about this industry, that I am apart of. Each guest that has appeared on My World With Stories, has left a lasting impact on myself and I learn from everyone I have the opportunity and privilege to speak to. It’s the guests that have taught me the most about this “work”. My World With Stories is about to hit this coming March 7th, a 5th anniversary! When I look back to when I started this podcast, I was such shy girl but with lots and lots of hope that this could turn into something special.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say: “Watch out world, big things are coming!” And that is 100% true. I would tell that young girl that everything she dreamed of and hoped for, would eventually come true. I never in million years thought at 15 years old, I would even begin a podcast. It was something I always wanted to do but I never could have pictured it to be what it is today. I remember my first episode with Broadway actor, Kate Marilley from Broadway’s The Prom, My Fair Lady, and more. I was SO nervous. I had a series of questions running through my brain such as: “What am I doing?”or “Would if it all goes wrong”. Clicking that record button, changed everything. I knew deep down I was meant to do this, despite the nerves coming through my body. If I could tell my younger self that I would not only interview entertainment actors, producers, Broadway stars, and more, I think that girl would be really excited on what lies ahead. I think she would also be excited to see her interviewing people that she has admired for so long when she was just a little girl.
I remember watching Tony Award Winner, Beth Leavel on my IPad at 9 years old, being like “I want to be her, meet her, all of the above” and a few years later after that, she became a mentor to myself. Someone who I idolized, is now cheering me on along with so many other people such as Lisa Stokke who originated Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! and performer, Liz Byrne to name a few! It is crazy to say this is my life and it is something i’ll cherish forever. As the song Slipping Through My Fingers by ABBA goes, “Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture” and it’s true – i’m beyond grateful.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I try my hardest to be myself time and time again. When I started My World With Stories, it was something I did not talk that much about. I kinda put it in my back pocket, unless someone truly wanted to know more behind my podcast. A moment when I did let that go, was when I wrote an essay in my sophomore year of high school. The teacher wrote the prompt: Write about something that has impacted you. And I thought long and hard and wrote about, My World With Stories. I was nervous, of course but I also was worried that my teacher would not believe my writing. But she did. That day that I submitted my essay, I got called over to her desk, and she could not believe her eyes that a 15/16 year old girl, has a podcast with some of the biggest names in the biggest industries. Today, that is something I share. Was I scared at the beginning or afraid people would not believe me? Yes. But this is who I am and i’m proud to be that girl that does a podcast while managing studies, work, my family, my friends, and more!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was meant to do 100%. Between being a podcaster and performer, this is what i’ve always wanted and i’m grateful for every opportunity given and cannot wait to see what’s to come!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: myworldwithstoriespodcast
- Facebook: myworldwithstoriespodcast
- Youtube: My World With Stories Podcast
- Other: Instagram: brooke.kaylaaa
Youtube: Brooke Kayla
Image Credits
1st Pic: Liz Byrne and Brooke Kayla at Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends
2nd Pic: Tony Award Winner Beth Leavel and Brooke Kayla at Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends
3rd Pic: Brooke Kayla and Kayla Rose
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
