In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, the host Kristy Mickelsen talks with her special guest Elissa Renee Mandel.

Elissa is an Autism advocate who is on the spectrum herself, and she is a speech pathologist that specializes in the autism field.

Kristy and Elissa talk about how she was diagnosed later in life with autism and some of the things she went through that eventually lead to her diagnosis. Elissa is very passionate about her field of speech pathology and walks us through some of the basics and even has Kristy try a few exercises with her to illustrate her points. 

You can learn more about Elissa by following her on social media including facebook as Elissa Renee. 

You can also follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on x.com/kristybooks

On this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen sits down with Jackie Reynolds, a breast cancer survivor who bravely shares her story of resilience and hope. After undergoing a double mastectomy, Jackie opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy and how perseverance can lead to brighter days.

Kristy and Jackie exchange personal reflections on the fear and uncertainty that come with a cancer diagnosis, offering listeners empathy and encouragement. Inspired by her own experience, Jackie has also turned her journey into a mission to help others—designing modern, stylish hospital gowns that allow patients to feel more like themselves during treatment.

To learn more about Jackie’s story and her innovative hospital gowns, you can find her on X and other social media platforms. 

Follow host Kristy Mickelsen on X: @kristybooks

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen welcomes special guest Sammy Stewart, a fellow local from Kristy’s hometown with a love for storytelling and creating unique voices for his characters. What begins as a lighthearted conversation about writing and creativity gradually takes a more profound turn as Sammy opens up about the healing power of writing.  

He shares deeply personal experiences, including his struggles with drug use, suicide, and a tragic loss that forever changed his life—and how writing became a lifeline that helped him find hope and purpose again.  

To find out more about Sammy, you can follow him on X.com and other social media platforms.

You can also follow Kristy on most social media platforms including X.com @kristybooks  

On this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, the host Kristy Mickelsen is joined by her special guest Daniel Roeder.

Daniel is a composer, performer, and educator who strives to amplify community growth through connection, collaboration, and storytelling. He is passionate about the intersections of technology  and music education. Daniel has toured with Croatian star Tajci as a keyboard player and vocalist, and is currently serving as the Chief Academic Officer of the David Z Foundation, a music nonprofit that transforms lives through the magic of music.

You can learn more about Dan by following him on X.com-@dannybrook734 or by going to the DavidZfoundation.org 

You can also follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on x.com-@kristybooks or you can email her:  Kristy@Kristymickelsen.com

On this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, The host Kristy Mickelsen has a discussion with special guest Veterans advocate Tony DeMaio about the very real subject of 22 Veterans a day losing their life to suicide. As the founder of Helping Heroes USA, Tony DeMaio’s daily mission is to battle the devastating reality that 22 American veterans die by suicide each day. Tony has spent years building programs that go beyond slogans—connecting veterans to real support, restoring a sense of mission, and even bringing alternative therapies to light.  

You can contact Tony via the website: https://helpingheroesusa.org/ and you can follow him on most social media platforms. You can follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on all social media platforms including x.com- @kristybooks

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen is joined by guest co-hosts Maria Humphreys, a fellow podcaster, and Julie Marie, a social media personality and author.

Together, they dive into an honest and uplifting conversation about the pressures society places on appearance—particularly for women. Kristy, Maria, and Julie share personal stories and experiences of how people have expected them to look or act based on their careers and public presence. Their message is clear: perfection is overrated. True value isn’t found in body shape, clothing, or fame—it’s in embracing our flaws, because those flaws make us unique.

The discussion also touches on social media safety, as Kristy and Maria recount their experiences with stalkers, while Julie opens up about a misunderstanding that arose with her TikTok content.

You can connect with Kristy, Maria, and Julie on X and across most major social media platforms.

Host Kristy Mickelsen- x.com/kristybooks
Guest Co-Host Maria Humphreys- x.com/SBSS
Guest Co-Host Juliegh Marie (Julie Marie)  

On this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, hosts Kristy Mickelsen and Billy Dees welcome a truly remarkable guest, Mrs. Bea Franklin. Bea has a unique connection to the iconic automotive chain Pep Boys, is the wife of World War II photographer Corporal Jerry Franklin, and is an active world traveler. Recently celebrating her 101st birthday, she’s also a three-time cancer survivor with an inspiring story to share.

Rose Horowitz is a Pulitzer-nominated journalist and the founder of #WomenToFollow, a global social media movement created to amplify women's voices. Within its first two weeks, the hashtag trend garnered over 12 million views. Rose has hosted 34 episodes of her livestream show under the #WomenToFollow banner, generating more than 450,000 social media impressions.

In addition to her media work, Rose is an experienced college application tutor and advisor. Her students have been accepted into top-tier institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Fordham, and the University of Vermont. She also has expertise in supporting students with diverse learning styles, including those with dyslexia and ADHD.

📱 Follow Rose Horowitz

• Website: women-to-follow.com
• Horowitz Tutoring: horowitztutoring.com
• Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/rose.horowitz
• Facebook (Tutoring): facebook.com/rosehorowitztutoring
• X (formerly Twitter) - Personal: @RoseHorowitz31
• X - Movement: @Women_To_Follow
• YouTube (#WomenToFollow): YouTube Hashtag
• Medium: medium.com/@rosehorowitz31

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen sits down with social media personality and author Julie Marie for a powerful and heartfelt conversation.

Together, they dive straight into sensitive topics including bipolar depression and mania, PTSD, veteran suicide, and suicidal thoughts. With honesty and empathy, Kristy and Julie explore these difficult subjects, sharing personal insights and support for those who may be struggling.

The discussion also highlights Gratitude Unleashed, a supportive community on the X platform where people can feel safe, valued, and connected.

Julie’s books are available on Amazon, and you can follow her on X: @juleighmarie

Connect with Kristy at @kristybooks

🎙️ On this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen and co-host Billy Dees welcome special guest Bruce Sudano — award-winning musician, songwriter, and creative force behind hits for legends like Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Reba McEntire, and his late wife, the iconic Donna Summer.

Bruce shares the story of his deep-rooted passion for music, his early days with the R&B trio Brooklyn Dreams, and some of his most rewarding—and challenging—experiences in the industry. He also opens up about the impact of losing Donna, his wife of 35 years, and how that shaped both his personal life and career.

📲 Follow Bruce Sudano on all social media platforms and visit brucesudano.com to learn more about his music and journey.

🔗 Connect with the hosts:     

Kristy Mickelsen: x.com/kristybooks       

Billy Dees: x.com/billydees

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen sits down with special guest Nino Dipietro, a Health and Wellness Coach with an inspiring story of transformation. Nino opens up about his journey from struggling with weight and personal challenges to reclaiming his health and self-esteem through the power of positivity and lifestyle changes.

Today, Nino shares the same strategies that helped him transform his life through a wellness program he now offers to others looking to achieve their own health goals and build a more fulfilling lifestyle.

To learn more about Nino, follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ninosdigitalcafe, and find him on Facebook and Instagram by searching his name, Nino Dipietro.

You can also follow host Kristy Mickelsen on all social media platforms, especially on X @kristybooks

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen welcomes returning guest and autism advocate Chris Weakly. A veteran of the show, Chris joins Kristy annually to share updates on his journey as someone diagnosed with autism later in life and how his experiences have shaped his advocacy work.

Together, Kristy and Chris explore a range of topics, including what autism is, Chris’s perspective on its potential causes, the importance of autism advocacy, and recent developments in his business venture, Logical A.

To learn more about Chris, follow him on social media platforms such as Facebook and X.com, and check out his podcast, Logical A, on YouTube.

You can also follow host Kristy Mickelsen across all social media platforms or simply search her name online to learn more.

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, host Kristy Mickelsen is joined by guests Mike Caldwell and Maria Humphreys for an honest and engaging conversation about a universally relevant topic: relationships.

Kristy, Mike—a professional wrestling promoter—and Maria—a podcaster, meditation teacher, and social media personality—dive into timeless questions such as:

• What do men and women really want in relationships at different stages of life?
• How important is sex in a relationship?
• How can couples navigate change and personal growth together?

Please note: Kristy, Mike, and Maria are not medical professionals or certified experts. They are simply three adults sharing their personal experiences and perspectives.

You can follow Mike Caldwell and Maria Humphreys on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), and connect with Kristy Mickelsen on all major social media platforms at X.com/kristybooks.

In this episode of the W.WA.A. Podcast, hosts Kristy Mickelsen and Billy Dees sit down with special guest John DeNicola—music composer, lyricist, and producer.

A native of Amityville, New York, and a longtime resident of Greenwich Village, DeNicola began his musical career as a bass player with the band Flight, which recorded for Motown in 1980 and was later sampled by Erykah Badu on her hit song “Back in the Day.” He went on to perform with several other acts before transitioning into songwriting and producing.

Although his portfolio includes music written for and performed by a variety of artists, DeNicola is best known for his collaboration with Franke Previte and Donald Markowitz on the iconic, award-winning songs from Dirty Dancing.

In this interview, John shares how he developed his passion for music, how he got his start in the industry, and how he co-wrote two of the most beloved tracks from Dirty Dancing: “Hungry Eyes” and “(I've Had) The Time of My Life.”

Be sure to tune in to this episode to learn more about John DeNicola and his remarkable journey through the music industry.

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast the host Kristy Mickelsen talks with her special Guest Author and Self Help Advocate Daniel Lockwood. 

Daniel, a Recovering Alcoholic talks to us about his book Insight Out a concise, easy-to-understand introduction to personal transformation, designed for anyone who wants to change but doesn’t know where or how to start. Based on and illustrated by the author’s personal experiences, this short guide covers eighteen core principles—or insights—that are foundational for making profound life changes. These insights will help you begin the journey from darkness and despair to light and hope. Insight Out will show you that it is possible to go from being stuck in a vicious cycle to living in freedom.

These are some of the topics discussed:

• Creating happiness
• Manifesting your desires
• Avoiding self-punishment
• Letting go of regret
• Generating abundance
• Shifting your mindset
• Refining the principles by which you live
• Cultivating tenacity and resilience
• Becoming genuinely tough
• Eliminating bias
• Discovering your life’s purpose

Each chapter ends with simple, practical exercises to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. Insight Out offers you keys to unlocking your unlimited potential and guides you in taking the first steps on your unique path of personal development.

You can learn more about Daniel on his website Blog located at: 

https://danielandrewlockwood.com/2014/04/23/55-the-disease-of-addiction/
And you can follow him on Facebook under Daniel Andrew Lockwood. 

You can follow the host Kristy on most social media platforms including x.com@kristybooks

This episode contains content that may be triggering to some audiences.

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, the host Kristy Mickelsen Talks with her special guest author, Norma Davis. 

Norma Davis is a U.S. Army veteran and very proud of it. Norma was born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1963 to Denise B. Swilley and Fred Davis Jr. When Norma's father died in 1968 Norma's mother took on the biggest fight for her daughter and all children all over the world. Norma wanted to live up to her name by showing her mother and the world that she was worthy to be called legitimate even when told by the world she was not. Norma decided to join the army and when she did, she found out that sisterhood and brotherhood could take a dirty turn. Norma found out the hard way when a female soldier helped a male soldier rape her.  Norma didn't stop living though. She went on to tell her story and to help advocate for other Veterans, and she is also a screenwriter for films and documentaries. 

You can find her memoir Surviving The Military on Amazon and other online Retailers and you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on all Social Media Platforms including X.com @Kristybooks

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast the host Kristy Mickelsen talks with her special guest Author, Advocate and Breast Cancer Survivor, Katie Rader.

Kristy and Katie discuss what prompted her to go to the doctor, and what her emotional process of receiving a cancer diagnosis was and how Katie chose to deal with the news. This episode also takes us through a detailed account of Katies cancer journey as we discuss how her diagnosis impacted her family and friends, what surgery and chemotherapy was like and what prompted her to write a book about her experiences.

The host Kristy Mickelsen also shares a little about her own emotions during a breast cancer scare back in 2019.

To learn more about Katie you can follow her on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram and you can follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on all social media platforms including X.com/kristybooks

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast the host Kristy Mickelsen talks with her special guest Author Robert O’ Conner.

Robert and Kristy discuss many topics including about how he had gone through a time of depression and had been down on his luck in life so he began to write journals about his situation. Through his journals he found a way to deal with his struggles and found writing to be somewhat therapeutic, thus his love for writing novels was born.

Robert's Second book titled “Jeep Show A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge" is full of wonderful historical stories and facts for the history buffs about “The Battle of the Bulge” just with a fictional character.

For more information about Robert and his books you can follow him on the social Media platforms of Facebook and LinkedIn and you can checkout his website at thejeepshowbook.com

As always you can follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on most social media platforms including X.com @kristybooks

In this episode of The W.W.A.A. Podcast the hosts Kristy Mickelsen & Billy Dees talk with their Special Guest Music Composer and Lyricist Stacy Widelitz who co wrote The song She’s Like The Wind. 
Kristy, Stacy, and Billy have a wonderful discussion about how Stacy got to be friends with Patrick Swayze and helped write the famous song that was Featured in "Dirty Dancing."

Stacy as a wonderful background in the arts and Entertainment industry and was happy to share some of the wonderful highlights in his career as well as some of the struggles

To learn more about Stacy you can follow him on social media platforms such as Facebook and you can look him up on stacywidelitz.com

You can also Follow the Hosts Kristy Mickelsen and Billy Dees on X.com and other social media platforms.

In this episode of the W.W.A.A. Podcast the host Kristy Mickelsen is joined by two special guests today BCW Pro Wrestling promoter Mike Caldwell & Pro Wrestler Axl Savage.

The three have a wonderful discussion and answer some fan questions about some of the basics about Pro Wrestling on the independent circuit. 

Some of the subjects they talk about are how independent circuits differ from W.W.E, why a wrestler would put their body on the line for this career, Does an independent pro wrestler make money, and the challenges wrestlers have in their personal lives due to wrestling. 

We also answer the burning question of what happened between Axl and Kristy and why Axl hasn't been co-hosting like he used to.

You can learn more about the men behind the belt by following both Mike Caldwell and Axl Savage on most social media platforms and you can follow the host Kristy Mickelsen on all social media platforms including x.com @kristybooks