Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitney Reynolds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Whitney , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Being known as an inspiring television host, hold a lot gravity… You see, the closer two objects are, the stronger the gravitational pull between them… that’s my show and my story.
There’s never been a day in my life where I can recall not knowing that I would be on TV… however it was in my 20’s when I was a teleprompter reading host where that all changed. I connected some major dots with my tumultuous childhood and the adversity I experienced. Those dots were the story board to The Whitney Reynolds Show. I started developing a television show that my family once needed. A safe space for delicate stories that inspire change.
Driven by my desire to make a difference, we boldly embarked on a journey to create a groundbreaking TV show. With unwavering determination, we crafted a platform that celebrates the human spirit and shines a spotlight on everyday heroes. My show serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering a platform for individuals to share their journeys, struggles, and victories.
The vision from season 1 to now nationally synidcated hasn’t changed, in fact it reflects my deep understanding of the power of storytelling to uplift, empower, and unite people from all walks of life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I believes in more seats at the table, inspiration in the hard moments and hope for all. This mindset for unique programming originally bucked the trend when The Whitney Reynolds Show launched in 2012 on PBS. The show’s inspirational mission developed from my firsthand experience with a challenging childhood. I had the gift to gab & combined that to create a program that flips the script. One that invites the viewers to switch seats and feel seen for exactly where they are.
I Executive Producer, Host and call myself the “Chief Inspo Officer” of the Telly Award winning and Emmy® Nominated Whitney Reynolds Show. Prior to launching my nationally syndicated program, I worked in news for NBC and went on to launch my first talk show on that network (Weekends With Whitney). During college at Baylor University I interned for Good Morning America and fell in love with the national stage and its potential reach. When I was 25 years old I stepped into owning my own show and creating Whitney Reynolds Media. Not being owned by the network truly jump started my entrepreneurial journey. My business mentor is Melissa Bernstein of Melissa & Doug who like myself, also started her business in an extra space in her home.
My “safe space” mission however, doesn’t stop with the TV program. Since 2013 I’ve has hosted a motivational “give back” segment on iHeart Radio and in 2021 launched a national iHeart Podcast, Pop and Positivity. I also authored “Beyond The Interview”, in 2023 did a TedX talk at Wrigley Field and also made Crain’s 40 Under 40 list. Over the years I’ve helped in fundraising over 2 million dollars for local and global charities through our media work.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, I learned how to combine southern charm with big city hustle. My motto is: “If the door closes, find the darn window.” I live in Chicago, in the Roscoe Village neighborhood with my darling husband (Dave), twins (Marlowe + Acher) and shih tzu (Sir Crouton). When I’m not on camera, ya’ll will still find me talking, I simply love people and their stories.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
What are you chasing: Naturally when you’re on national TV your life becomes “out there…” and more people start following it. This can be a moment when fame and ego start expanding. We look at this type of growth in a way to reach more people with our inspiration. No matter the platform we stay focused on our “why” and see our ratings, social follows and reach as opportunity to grow hope! When you’re chasing that your race looks very different (and you might even be in your own lane)!
Work smarter not harder:
When we went national back in 2021… this concept of “working smarter, not harder” became my mantra. In previous years I was embarrassed we didn’t have the budget to fly people in and we had to video Skype. I also thought we needed a huge studio, large cameras and an army of workers to prove something. This new national notoriety gave confidence to do things different. As a kid born in the late 80’s, I drastically saw television change over the year… Heck, when I was in college we learned how to edit, tape to tape and our main TV set had real wood paneling around it. SO MUCH HAS CHANGED. From digital streaming to iPhone 4k cameras (to name a few), this new technology has opened up so many doors and we will walk through those with our head held high!
Take stock in your God-given gifts and share those with the world.
When I was in market 161 at my first TV job I thought of everyone in the news room as competition. I was actually hired as a producer but told I would likely land on the anchor desk. That job wore me out emotionally and physically. I did become the morning anchor, yet adding that title to my bio did nothing for me…. not even a pay raise. It wasn’t until I landed in Chicago in the middle of recession, where jobs like mine were on hold that I started understanding my unique skill set. I had empathy for others because of my tough childhood, that former anchor job taught me how to talk on TV, I love people + their stories and my stint as a Good Morning America intern affirmed my dream for the national stage. There’s no competition when you understand there’s only one you. Take stock in your unique gift and share that with the world!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
They allowed me to dream big.
When other little girls were dressing up as Disney Princesses, they let me tape a tennis ball to an empty paper towel ring, borrow their 80’s huge eye glasses and pull out their boat of camera to play: Sally Jesse Ralpael.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whitneyreynolds.com
- Instagram: @whitney_reynolds
- Facebook: whitneyreynoldstv
- Linkedin: /whitneyreynolds
- Twitter: /whitneyreynolds
- SoundCloud: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitneyReynolds/featured
