Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Reynolds.
Whitney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was a little eight year old living in Oklahoma with a big dream! A dream, that was bigger than I was, to use my voice to make a huge difference in this world. My first talk show set was in my parents living room, interviewing all our neighbors as my mom recorded on her boat of a camera. In high school, I anchored the local public channel and took several trips to NYC. It was on one of those trips that I packed signs and decided I was going to meet the cast of Good Morning America. Not only did that happen but I also stayed connected with an intern that later joined the staff. Post high school, I went to Baylor University and graduated in 3 years. My final semester, I moved to New York City and my connection from earlier guided me into an internship at GMA!
Next, I moved back to the south and became a morning anchor outside of Dallas and in 2009 moved to Chicago. Coming to Chicago was an interesting decision because when I came, my dream job was no longer open and the country was going through a recession. I started an online talk show to keep my resume relevant and also did real estate videos to make some money. It was in one of the houses I was filming, where I met an exec. from NBC and she had me come in and pitch the network. In a borrowed suit and oversized heels, I marched into NBC Chicago and pitch my show. They picked it up for one of their channels (but I had to own it)!!! At 23 years old, I became the owner and host of a Chicago talk show. After gaining momentum, we decided to make a strategic move to PBS and step into my mission, The Whitney Reynolds Show is a talk show that is dedicated to provoking positive change through tough topics. We will always be a voice for stories that must be heard. It’s amazing how my little girl dream, became this adult woman’s mission.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning a talk show is tough. It is not all roses and no one is an overnight success. My grit has gotten me far, but it’s truly grace, that’s carried me. Being on TV you will have “fall on your face” moments, but you will always get back up. Learn from those moments, but learn fast!
Becoming a mom to twins was also a new learning curve that’s been tough, but the biggest blessing of my life. I feel day by day, I am learning how to manage life, love and work better. Cheers to all my lady bosses out there, a mom’s job is 24/7! Go, mommas go!
Please tell me more on Whitney.
The Emmy Nominated, Whitney Reynolds Show educates, motivates and makes a difference, one topic at a time. What started as an online talk show, The Whitney Reynolds Show gained momentum quickly and moved to NBC within its first year. In 2012 the show made strategic changes, which included a move to PBS Stations in Chicago and The Quad Cities. Whitney contributes on iHeart Radio’s “The Weekly Show” with her segment, “Whitney’s Women” shining light on female entrepreneurs who give back. She also took this idea to print and has a column in Chicago Woman Magazine.
Originally from Oklahoma, I’ve learned how to combine southern charm with big city hustle. My motto is: If the door closes, there’s always a window. We are currently in season 9 and this spring came out with my first book: “Beyond The Interview.”
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I just wish I would have met the love of my life sooner. My husband truly has made me fearless as a leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whitneyreynolds.com
- Email: Show ideas: Producer@thewhitneyreynoldsshow.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whitney_reynolds
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/
whitneyreynoldspbs - Twitter: www.twitter.com/whitneyreynolds
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