

QUESTION EVERYTHING
PRETTYSMART
Question Everything is an invitation to dig deeper, think smarter, and rewrite the rules. In thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most dynamic voices– from entrepreneurs and authors to politicians and celebrities – journalist Danielle Robay challenges the way we think (and what we thought we knew). Each week, she and her guests hold a mirror up to our culture, asking what works for us and what we can work to change. No topic is off limits – come curious and join Danielle every Thursday as she tackles big ideas with six little words: Can I ask you a question?
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 18, 2024 • 19min
10 Tips to Be a Great Conversationalist: with Danielle Robay
Discover the art of conversation with expert insights and personal anecdotes. Learn how open-ended questions can spark deeper connections and the significance of empathetic listening. Master ten essential tips to enhance your dialogue, from smooth topic transitions to giving positive feedback. Explore the beauty of meaningful interactions, and be inspired to engage fully in others' stories. Elevate your conversational skills for better relationships and a richer quality of life!

Apr 11, 2024 • 1h 1min
Make Your Life a Joy Bomb + Live Shamelessly with Heidi Clements
Heidi Clements is a 63 year old writer, clothing enthusiast, storyteller. She’s also the incredible and inspiring @WelcometoHeidi on Instagram where she doles out no nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is life advice to her half a million followers who are mostly in their 20s and 30s. Today she joins PRETTYSMART to share her story + some of the lessons she’s learned in each decade. We discuss: The impact she’s made on younger women and especially when it comes to views on aging How she was able to live without shame and always stay true to herself How she got over caring what others think of her Working with toxic women in the workplace and what that taught her Why she feels her 60s are a filled with joy (and what lessons we can learn from her to embrace that feeling) What the breaking point was for her to get sober in her 30s Why she doesn’t care about dating What she learned from losing her mother How she discovered her style in her 40s How she landed her dream job as a scripted writer in her 50s What she still struggles with today Follow Heidi on Instagram

Apr 4, 2024 • 48min
Manifesting Your Mission with Actress Brianna Brown Keen
Minnesota native Brianna Brown Keen is an award-winning actress who has worked for over two decades in Hollywood with projects ranging from top grossing feature films, to Emmy-winning television shows, to indie projects she has produced. She is often recognized for her roles on Dynasty, Devious Maids, General Hospital & Homeland, Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks. Brianna is the founder and CEO of the 501c3 non-profit organization The New Hollywood— dedicated to supporting socially conscious storytellers and changemakers thru grants, goals, and mentorship. Brianna is the Chair Ambassador for the National Women’s History Museum. She is also a public speaker on the topic, “Manifesting Your Mission”, and she offers in-person and online workshops, retreats as well as small group accountability coaching using the method within her book, Manifesting Your Mission. Brianna has her own podcast, Manifesting Your Mission. Check it out here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/manifesting-your-mission-with-brianna-brown-keen/id1680967142

Mar 21, 2024 • 42min
The Four Steps for a Healthy, Powerful, Vibrant + Love Filled Life with Somatic Therapist + Life Coach Alyssa Nobriga
Alyssa Nobriga is a licensed Clinical Somatic Psychotherapist and lifecoach - today she’s joining PRETTYSMART to share the keys to having healthy, powerful, vibrant and fulfilling relationships. We discuss: The four levels of love (and what they mean for your relationships) Why we almost always attract a partner who triggers us. What to expect when you uplevel yourself even if your partner doesn’t. Alyssa’s number one hack for a healthy relationship. The difference between being protective and being vulnerable in your relationship. How to know if you’re a tiger or a turtle in your relationship (and what that means!) Why everyone is a mirror and how we can evolve once we really grasp that idea. Follow Alyssa here

Mar 14, 2024 • 45min
A Masterclass in Taking Big Swings: with Entrepreneur Erica Malbon (Malbon Golf)
Erica Malbon is the visionary co-founder behind the esteemed lifestyle brand Malbon Golf and the luxurious spa and wellness boutique, The Now. With an innate talent for identifying untapped opportunities and trusting her instincts, Erica has consistently achieved success in her entrepreneurial endeavors. Today she shares: How her diverse upbringing was shaped by growing up abroad Navigating a relationship with a partner 13 years older Her unexpected journey into motherhood at the age of 20 Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship How an Instagram account led to her golf lifestyle brand Building a brand that has attracted celebrities like Justin Bieber and Travis Scott Revolutionizing golf culture with a modern, inclusive, and fashion-forward brand Her predictions for the future of women in golf Working with her husband and the pride she has for her family business The importance of trusting your instincts Follow Erica on Instagram @EricaMalbon

Mar 7, 2024 • 52min
Never Underestimate The Wisdom + Power of Teen Girls with Author Chelsey Goodan
When you were a teenager, who was advocating for you? Meet Chelsey Goodan, the advocate for teenage girls. With over a decade of experience, she's empowering girls to unlock their potential in her new book, "Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls." Whether you're healing the teenager inside of you, or caring for a teenage girl, Chelsey's insights will help you connect with this crucial stage of life, fostering healing and empowerment for all. Today she shares: What is the secret power of teenage girls? Communication tools effective for healing your inner tennager, a teenager, or any friend asking for advice! The importance of embracing authenticity– for real, and in an applicable way. The need for society to rethink its approach towards young women How to help teens develop a healthy relationship with social media The damaging effects of perfectionism Why genuine conversation is the powerful tool How to redefine compliments How to handle big feelings Follow Chelsey on Instagram @chelseygoodan and grab her book here!

Feb 29, 2024 • 53min
Jada Pinkett Smith: A Love Letter to Complicated Women
Actress, Emmy Award-Winning host and New York Times Bestselling Author of “Worthy, Jada Pinkett Smith offers an intimate look into her life and the honest, inspirational, and sometimes painful lessons she’s learned along the way. It was a beautiful conversation, but the moment that stuck out the most is when she said this: “My biggest art form is how I live my life. We are all walking pieces of art”. She shares: What she believes she’s worthy of now Who she wrote her memoir “Worthy” for Her surprising love language The biggest lesson she’s learned in her lifetime The complexities of being in a relationship that is a model of love for the world: “that Will + Jada love” The insights her relationship with Will has brought her Why she loves high-pressure situations and what they have taught her about friendships Her thoughts on Taraji P. Henson’s recent comments on pay equity for women of color Why she’s the happiest she’s ever been How she navigates public opinions on her life Why it's time to let go of romanticized visions of relationships and people What people often overlook in relationships How she lives her life as art Courting her shadows to find her brightest light: “Sometimes you have to live who you're not to know who you are.” Follow Jada on Instagram @jadapinkettsmith and grab her book here!

Feb 22, 2024 • 47min
What If Everything You're Too Scared To Try Actually Works Out? With Lizzy Mathis
Actress, model, founder and editor in chief of The Cool Mom Co, Lizzy Mathis joins PRETTYSMART. She shares candidly about: How grief over the loss of her mother has shaped her. How Tyra Banks became her mentor and what she’s learned from her. Why it’s so important to her to pour into other women. Why she views both happiness and rejection as a choice. The two things in life that changed her the most. The inspiration behind The Cool Mom Co - and how she wasn’t always sure she wanted kids! Why it’s important to remember the possibility of fun as we get older. The biggest lesson we should learn from kids (it’s not what you think!) (*The answer to this is the possibility of fun so if you like this better- delete the line above) Follow Lizzy here! Listen to The Cool Mom Code Podcast: TIKTOK SHOP (QUESTION EVERYTHING CARD GAME)

Feb 15, 2024 • 53min
Beyond the Dream Job: How To Navigate Career Transitions & Find True Fulfillment with Career Contessa Lauren McGoodwin
Lauren McGoodwin, founder of Career Contessa, dives into career transitions and fulfillment. She discusses why chasing the 'dream job' may not lead to true happiness and emphasizes building meaningful connections instead. Lauren shares insights on the 2024 career trend and offers practical strategies for using AI in job searches. Learn how to spot toxic workplaces, effective negotiation tactics, and the mindset shifts needed for networking. Plus, she reflects on her own career challenges, providing relatable advice for anyone navigating a job change.

Feb 8, 2024 • 58min
Toxic Positivity: What’s Real vs. What’s Forced? with Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler, Ph.D. is a 4x New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and professor at Duke’s Divinity School. She was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at just 35 years old and while she was in treatment (and not expected to survive), she wrote two best-selling memoirs. Her latest book, “Have a Beautiful Terrible Day” is out now! Today she shares: Toxic Positivity — what it is, how we got here, and why forcing a positive mindset is so unhelpful. What is the right balance of optimism? How to live in the contrast of our lives (the beautiful + terrible) What went through her mind when she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at 35 years old and given just two years to live. How surviving her cancer diagnosis changed her outlook on…everything. What NOT to say to people who are going through a life altering experience. What we miss out on when we try to see the golden thread going through everything in our lives. Why happiness is an industry and how to avoid the pitfalls of “good vibes only” The role of luck in our lives What is true mental health? (“Mental health is not having positive emotions - it's having the appropriate emotion at the right time.”) Follow Kate here. Grab a copy of her new book here! TIKTOK SHOP (QUESTION EVERYTHING CARD GAME)