In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, host Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Lana Schulenberg, a full-time equestrian show jumper, international model, and pageant title holder. Lana shares her pivotal second chance moment at the Australia Galaxy Pageant National Finals, her transition from equestrian sports to pageantry, and the importance of networking and personal growth. She discusses her advocacy platform, Elevate U, aimed at empowering youth through mentorship and lifelong learning. The conversation also delves into the definition of confidence, the power of determination, and Lana's aspirations for the future as she prepares for the upcoming pageant season.

takeaways

• Lana's pivotal moment was competing in her first pageant.
• The supportive environment in pageantry surprised Lana.
• Networking is crucial in pageantry for personal growth.
• Elevate U focuses on youth mentorship and lifelong learning.
• Confidence is about self-trust and knowing oneself.
• Determination is key to achieving one's goals.
• Lana aims to use her title to advocate for youth.
• Mindset workshops are essential for personal development.
• The importance of authenticity in pageantry.
• Lana's journey reflects resilience and growth.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Sara Dukart, a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Sara shares her personal journey, including her pivotal second chance moment after she nearly died by suicide, and discusses her platform, Hope Through Help, which encourages sharing stories and spreading kindness through snail mail. The conversation delves into the importance of building confidence, self-care practices, and the realities of balancing pageantry with personal life. Sara emphasizes the need for community support and the impact of small gestures in helping those who struggle with mental health issues.

• Sara Dukart is a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.
• Her pivotal second chance moment came from a supportive youth pastor after her suicide struggle.
• Hope Through Help encourages sharing stories to combat isolation.
• Snail mail is a personal and sincere way to connect with others.
• Kids in foster care need constant reminders that they are not bad.
• Building confidence involves recognizing one's worth and deserving happiness.
• Self-care is essential for preventing burnout, especially in high-pressure environments.
• Pageantry can create unrealistic expectations, leading to burnout.
• Healing is a non-linear process that requires ongoing support.
• Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on someone's life.

In this episode, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Nicole Missios, a 24-year-old National Finalist for the Australia Legacy Pageants. Nicole shares her journey of being diagnosed with autism and how it has shaped her life and aspirations. She discusses her platform, 'Dreams Beyond the Spectrum,' which aims to empower neurodivergent individuals to pursue their dreams. The conversation highlights the importance of community, confidence, and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in pageantry. Nicole emphasizes the significance of support, advocacy, and the potential for a neurodivergent pageant system in the future.

• Nicole Missios is a National Finalist for Australia Legacy Pageants.
• She was diagnosed with autism at 13 and uses her experience to inspire others.
• Nicole's platform, 'Dreams Beyond the Spectrum,' advocates for neurodivergent individuals.
• She emphasizes the importance of community and support in pageantry.
• Nicole believes confidence comes from within, regardless of eye contact challenges.
• She encourages others to reach out and talk about their feelings regarding neurodivergence.
• Nicole's journey showcases the power of second chances in achieving dreams.
• She aims to leave a legacy beyond the stage through her advocacy work.
• Nicole envisions a future where neurodivergent queens can connect globally.
• She believes in the potential for a dedicated neurodivergent pageant system.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Sue Payne, a member of the board of directors for Dysphonia International. Sue shares her journey with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder that has significantly impacted her life. The conversation delves into the challenges of living with a voice disorder, the importance of mental health support, and the power of community and advocacy. Sue emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of dysphonia, highlighting the emotional toll it can take and the resilience required to navigate such challenges. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support Dysphonia International and to foster compassion and understanding in their communities.

• Sue Payne's journey with spasmodic dysphonia began unexpectedly in 2017.
• Mental health support is crucial for those dealing with voice disorders.
• Community and support systems play a vital role in coping with challenges.
• Finding purpose through advocacy can help redefine one's identity.
• Chronic conditions can lead to feelings of grief and loss.
• Awareness and education about dysphonia are essential for understanding.
• Patience and grace are needed in interactions with those with voice disorders.
• Dysphonia International provides valuable resources and support for individuals.
• Resilience can be cultivated through shared experiences and support.
• It's important to recognize the emotional impact of invisible disabilities.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, host Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Isabella "Bella" Schmidt, co-founder of Jexy and vice president of CEO Chicks. Bella shares her journey of resilience, combining her passion for animals with her career in influencer management. She discusses the importance of self-care, the role of talent management in the influencer space, and offers valuable advice for aspiring content creators. The conversation highlights the significance of personal growth, community support, and the power of following one's purpose.

• Isabella's career pivot from pre-veterinary studies to influencer management was a significant second chance.
• The importance of combining personal passions with professional endeavors.
• Self-care is crucial for maintaining the ability to help others.
• Building a supportive community is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Authenticity and vulnerability are key to successful content creation.
• Influencers should focus on their purpose and passion behind their platforms.
• Negotiation skills are vital for influencers to advocate for their worth.
• The journey of healing from toxic relationships can lead to personal resilience.
• Isabella emphasizes the importance of not letting others dim your light.
• The right opportunities will present themselves when you follow your true path.

In this episode, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Isabelle Kratz, Miss Teen Galaxy Australia 2025, who shares her journey of overcoming bullying and mental health struggles. Isabelle discusses the importance of support systems, her experience in the pageantry world, and her platform 'For Every Beautiful Body' aimed at empowering women and girls. The conversation highlights the significance of self-love, resilience, and the impact of creating inclusive spaces for those facing similar challenges. Isabelle emphasizes that age is just a number and encourages listeners to take action towards their goals without waiting for the 'right time.'

• Isabelle faced bullying that significantly impacted her mental health.
• Support from family and friends was crucial in her recovery.
• The pageantry system provided a sense of sisterhood and empowerment.
• Isabelle's platform focuses on mental health and body positivity.
• She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and gratitude.
• Isabelle believes in the power of sharing personal stories to inspire others.
• She encourages young people to pursue their passions regardless of age.
• Isabelle's journey reflects the importance of resilience and self-growth.
• Creating inclusive spaces for women and girls is essential.
• Isabelle's experience shows that transformation can come from adversity.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Nikia Rockley, a passionate advocate for heart health and seasoned pageant competitor. Nikia shares her transformative second chance story following a near-fatal horse riding accident, her journey in pageantry, and her commitment to community service. She discusses the importance of heart health awareness, the physical demands of horse riding, and how her experiences have shaped her resilience and confidence. Nikia emphasizes the significance of authenticity and the power of a positive mindset, inspiring listeners to embrace their own second chances.

takeaways

• Nikia's near-fatal horse riding accident led to a life reset.
• Pageantry is about community, sisterhood, and uplifting others.
• Setting SMART goals is crucial for success in pageants.
• Heart health awareness is vital, especially for young people.
• Moderate exercise can be as simple as a daily walk.
• Horse riding provides both physical exercise and emotional connection.
• Patience is key in both horse riding and pageantry.
• Confidence grows from failure and surrounding oneself with positivity.
• Resilience is built through personal challenges and experiences.
• Authenticity is essential for true success in pageantry.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, host Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Nilu Karuna Ratne, a national finalist in the Australia Galaxy Pageant 2025. Nilu shares her inspiring journey of overcoming postpartum depression and anxiety, her advocacy for mental health awareness, and her legacy project, Empowering Mothers. The conversation delves into cultural barriers surrounding mental health, the importance of community support, and how pageantry has played a role in Nilu's personal growth and confidence building. Nilu emphasizes the significance of self-care and offers practical advice for new mothers, highlighting the need for open discussions about mental health.

• Nilu overcame postpartum depression and anxiety without medication.
• Cultural barriers often prevent discussions about mental health.
• Empowering Mothers is Nilu's legacy project aimed at supporting new moms.
• Self-care is crucial for mental well-being and confidence.
• Nilu encourages mothers to participate in pageantry for personal growth.
• Meal trains are a practical way to support new mothers.
• Community support is vital for mothers facing postpartum challenges.
• Nilu's journey emphasizes the strength in seeking help.
• Pageantry can amplify advocacy for important causes.
• Nilu's story highlights the importance of sharing experiences to help others.

In this episode of the Second Chance Queen podcast, Kristianna Mrjenovich interviews Mary Dunham, a professional henna artist and former Mrs. Maine International, who shares her journey of empowerment through art and her personal story of reunion with her birth family. Mary discusses the challenges and triumphs of being adopted, her experiences as a Latina tattoo artist in a predominantly white state, and the importance of resilience and authenticity in her life. The conversation highlights the significance of body art as a form of self-expression and healing, as well as the power of women supporting each other in their journeys.

takeaways

• Mary Dunham empowers women through her art, helping them reclaim their bodies.
• Her reunion with her birth family was a pivotal moment in her life.
• Mary emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming life's challenges.
• She advocates for the representation of BIPOC women in the arts.
• Confidence comes from being free to be oneself, not seeking external validation.
• Tattoos serve as a powerful form of self-expression and healing.
• Mary's work creates a safe space for women to share their stories.
• The journey of adoption can be complex but also rewarding.
• Women supporting women is crucial for empowerment.
• Authenticity is key to building confidence and self-acceptance.

In this episode, Kristianna Mrjenovich, the Second Chance Queen, shares her personal journey of healing after experiencing abuse. She discusses the challenges of transitioning to a healthy relationship and the importance of recognizing triggers and managing emotional responses. Kristianna emphasizes the need for self-discovery and understanding what a healthy relationship looks like, while also providing resources for those in abusive situations. The conversation highlights the complexities of healing and the importance of giving oneself grace during the recovery process.

takeaways

• Reacclimating to a healthy relationship is challenging after abuse.
• It's crucial to report abuse to aid in the healing process.
• Leaving an abusive situation doesn't mean instant healing.
• Recognizing triggers is essential for emotional recovery.
• Healthy relationships require understanding and communication.
• Self-discovery is vital after leaving an abusive relationship.
• Safety in new relationships can feel boring but is essential.
• Physical intimacy should be enjoyable and consensual.
• Therapy is highly recommended for abuse survivors.
• Creating a new life after abuse is possible with support.