Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand

What happens when you make a mistake in front of an audience and discover that the very moment you feared could become your greatest breakthrough?

In this inspiring episode of Next On Scene: The Human Behind the Brand, host Jackie Zuk sits down with Justin Guarini, the original American Idol runner-up, Broadway performer, author, keynote speaker, and confidence coach, to explore the power of trusting yourself, embracing imperfection, and finding confidence through life's unexpected moments.

Known to millions from the inaugural season of American Idol, Justin has built a remarkable career spanning Broadway, television, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. But behind the performances and professional accomplishments is a man whose greatest lessons have come from learning to trust himself.

One of Justin's defining Breakthrough Moments came when he messed up a song lyric during a performance.

Rather than allowing that mistake to define him, the experience became a powerful lesson in self-trust. Justin shares how discovering the deeper meaning of confidence, including the connection he draws between confidence and the word "confide," helped him move forward and recognize new possibilities beyond that moment.

Today, as the author of Center Stage Confidence and co-founder of Powerful Professionals Network, Justin uses his experiences to help entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals communicate more effectively, embrace their authentic voices, and command any room.

In this episode, we explore:

Breakthrough Moments: How forgetting a song lyric became a turning point in Justin's understanding of confidence and self-trust.

The Power of Confidence: Why learning to trust yourself can change the way you approach challenges, opportunities, and personal growth.

Beyond American Idol: Reinventing yourself, evolving professionally, and creating new opportunities beyond what originally made you famous.

Confidence in Business: How entrepreneurs and professionals can strengthen their presence, communicate their expertise, and own their stories.

Fatherhood and Life Balance: What Justin is teaching his boys about staying grounded, embracing authenticity, and finding balance.

The Human Behind the Brand: Why success is about more than accomplishments, titles, and public recognition.

From performing on some of the world's biggest stages to helping others discover their own voices, Justin reminds us that confidence doesn't mean getting everything right. Sometimes it means trusting yourself enough to keep going when things don't go as planned.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, a creative professional, or someone navigating your own season of change, this conversation is a reminder that some of life's most meaningful breakthroughs happen when we give ourselves permission to be human.

Because the moments that challenge our confidence can also be the moments that help us discover it.

JUSTIN GUARINI'S NEW BOOK IS HERE!

Justin's newly released book, Center Stage Confidence: How to Own Your Story and Command Any Room, shares practical lessons from his journey through American Idol, Broadway, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.

Discover how to overcome self-doubt, trust yourself, communicate with confidence, and show up more powerfully in your personal and professional life.

Get Justin's new book here:

Learn more about Justin's book, speaking, and confidence-building work as he continues helping people own their stories and command any room.

About Next On Scene®

Hosted by media founder and visibility strategist Jackie Zuk, Next On Scene: The Human Behind the Brand goes beyond the spotlight to uncover the real stories, defining experiences, and Breakthrough Moments that shape the people behind today's most recognizable brands, businesses, and careers.

Connect with Next On Scene®:

Featured Guest: Justin Guarini

#JustinGuarini #AmericanIdol #NextOnScene #Confidence #SelfTrust #BreakthroughMoments #PersonalGrowth #PublicSpeaking

Laura Crowley, CEO of Laura Jeanette & Co. and founder of a luxury aesthetics studio, shares how she built her business from the ground up while navigating motherhood.

From mindset shifts to mentorship and scaling multiple brands, this episode dives into what it really takes to grow in the aesthetics industry—and why taking action sooner matters.

🍽️ Quick note for busy founders: If you don’t have time to think about meals while building your business, this has been a game changer. ✨

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If your brand looks good but isn’t converting into sales, clients, or real growth, this episode will shift how you think about branding.

In this episode of Next On Scene: The Human Behind the Brand, Jaclyn Zukerman Delory sits down with branding expert Laura Viola Macarrone, founder of Rizbee Studio, to break down what actually makes a brand stand out, connect, and sell.

We go beyond aesthetics and into the real drivers of brand success: strategy, psychology, storytelling, and intentional design.

Inside this conversation:

This episode is for founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are ready to stop guessing and start building brands that actually perform.

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🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio.

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Because your brand isn’t just what it looks like…

Building something meaningful does not always happen in easy seasons.

In this conversation, Keira Krenek , Owner of Elementsist shares what entrepreneurship looks like while navigating chronic illness, mental health challenges, and real life behind the scenes.

Her perspective is simple but powerful:

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In this episode of Next On Scene: The Human Behind the Brand, host Jacquelyn Zukerman Delory sits down with Christina Truscello, founder of TEAL Hair and Makeup Studio and a leading expert in hair extensions, blonde transformations, and confidence-driven beauty.

Christina shares her unconventional journey from law school to launching a thriving beauty business, proving that following your intuition can lead to powerful success. With over 20 years in the industry, she opens up about building her studio from the ground up, creating a collaborative team culture, and helping women reclaim their confidence through transformative hair services.

We also dive into:

The emotional impact of hair loss and how extensions can restore confidence

The reality of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry

Building a product line (Lexoire) with purpose and family at the center

Balancing business, motherhood, and self-care

What it really takes to grow a brand with longevity and heart

✨ Plus: A Small Business Shoutout featuring The Indian Esthetician, offering concierge dermaplaning services for glowing, smooth skin.

This episode is a must-listen for beauty lovers, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to step into their power and build something meaningful.

In this episode, Jaclyn sits down with Erin, founder of Newborn Care and Family Care Services, to share expert newborn care advice every parent should hear. From common newborn myths to often-overlooked details that can make a big difference in a baby’s early weeks, Erin offers practical guidance for new parents, growing families, and caregivers navigating life with a newborn.

They discuss newborn sleep, feeding support, family transitions, and the small daily habits that can positively impact a baby’s comfort, development, and overall well-being. Erin also shares feedback from working closely with families and highlights the simple things many parents may not realize can create more ease and confidence during the newborn stage.

Whether you are preparing for your first baby, adjusting to life with a newborn, or looking for trusted parenting support, this conversation offers real insight, reassurance, and expert tips for the early days of parenthood.

Topics include: newborn care, parenting myths, newborn support, family care, baby routines, and expert advice for new parents.

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On this episode of Next On Scene, Jaclyn Zukerman Delory sit down with Marci Bracken and Bridget Snell, the Co-founders of Pink Chair Storytellers. A platform dedicated to giving women and trans women a space to share their stories openly and authentically.

Their mission is rooted in a powerful belief: when people tell the truth about their lived experiences, it creates understanding, connection, and empathy. And when empathy grows, communities become stronger.

Through Pink Chair Storytellers, Marci and Bridget have created a space where voices are not filtered, censored, or judged, they are simply heard.

In this conversation, we talk about:

The inspiration behind launching Pink Chair Storytellers Magazine

Why uncensored storytelling matters now more than ever

How sharing personal narratives can create real cultural impact

The power of amplifying women’s and trans women’s voices

If you believe in the power of storytelling to create connection and change, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎙 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Next On Scene Podcast where we spotlight founders, creators, and industry leaders making an impact.

Boston knows her voice.

On this episode of Next On Scene, Jaclyn sits down with her friend and media powerhouse, Melissa Eannuzzo.

Thirty years in radio.

Melissa shares what it really takes to build longevity in a competitive industry from managing different personalities in the studio to navigating career transitions in the public eye.

This conversation is about resilience, leadership, and the quiet discipline behind lasting success.

Because legacy isn’t built overnight. It’s built over decades.

We can't wait for your feedback, and be sure to click the subscribe button to tune in for Season 2!

In this powerful episode of Next On Scene, Jaclyn sits down with comedy icon Cedric the Entertainer for a conversation that goes far beyond the stage.

Ahead of his Foxwoods performance, Cedric opens up about stand-up comedy, career longevity, and the intentional strategy behind staying culturally relevant for over three decades.

We explore:

• The mindset required to sustain long-term success

This isn’t just a celebrity interview.

It’s a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and building a career that lasts.

If you’re a founder, creative, or leader building something meant to endure — this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Next On Scene for conversations with the humans behind the brands.

In this episode of Next On Scene, Jaclyn sits down with Jackie Lightner, licensed clinician, entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO of Lightwork Therapy and Recovery. Jackie shares her journey through sobriety, personal loss, and building a thriving business that empowers women to heal and grow."

Healing Meets Hustle: Jackie reveals how she balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal wellness, while creating spaces where women feel safe, seen, and supported.

Whether you’re navigating life challenges, pursuing your dreams, or seeking guidance on self-care and mental wellness, Jackie’s story is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

Jackie’s personal journey through loss and sobriety

How she built a high-impact therapy practice for women

Tips for balancing ambition with self-care and wellness

Creating community and meaningful connections

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