Taylor’d Takes

Card sharks, dating, an infamous college night at Sweaty Betty's, pre-game rituals, travel arrangements, people watching from the outfield are some of the antics on the pro baseball road... according to professional baseball player Danny Woodrow. Danny offers a behind-the-scenes look into his experience in the pro baseball world and answers Taylor's burning questions: Is he a boxer or a briefs guy? Do grown men cry when they get hit by a baseball? Are they partying on the road Dennis Rodman style? You will find out! Danny started as a preferred walk-on in college to a Detroit Tigers MLB Draft Pick in 2016. Danny has played in every level leading him to where he is now in AAA, just one level below the big leagues! Danny shares with Taylor that he almost quit baseball at a young age and the reason that kept him coming back to the sport, and now his career. Danny is honest about his hopes to play in the majors someday, but also his ability to close the door if needed. Please enjoy, Danny Woodrow!

Taylor has an honest and eye-opening conversation with Kisha Gulley, as Kisha says, “what you see is what you get.” Kisha is an Afro-Latina and advocates for autism, mental health, racial justice, and overall self-care. Kisha shared with Taylor the emotions she felt when her son was diagnosed with autism, her and her family’s experiences being called a racial slur, and how Facebook restricted HER account when she was standing up for herself. Mark Zuckerberg, this episode is Taylor’d to you! The two talk about the importance of mental health when experiencing anxiety or depression and Kisha’s deciding factor to share this aspect of her life being that “she can’t be the only one.” Kisha shares that she learned later in life to not just embrace her culture and herself, but to share it. Please enjoy, Kisha Gulley!

Taylor's guest is ABC7 Chicago Windy City LIVE (WCL) co-host, Emmy Winner, musician, actor, Ryan Chiaverini. Ryan started his career in Great Falls, Montana as the weekend sports anchor and is now in the tenth year of WCL, which kicked off in one of the most coveted time slots in TV history launching the day after Oprah retired. Ryan has interviewed everyone in the sports and entertainment industry from Mike Tyson, Will Ferrell, Al Pacino, Michelle Obama to Taylor's all-time favorite, Michael Jordan...the list continues. Ryan is candid with Taylor on his most surprising AND disappointing celebrity guests, including never before shared inside scoop on why HE turned down an interview with the Kardashians. Ryan is open with Taylor about the loss of his mother to cancer and brother to suicide and how he has commemorated them through songwriting and causes he is passionate about. These two love to talk, especially with one another! Please enjoy, Ryan Chiaverini!

Collin Fernandez's professional soccer career started at 17 years old when he signed with Chicago Fire FC. Collin and Taylor discuss the pressures and obstacles that athletes face, but Collin says that nothing matters when he has a ball at his feet and playing the game he loves. Collin shares with Taylor the advice he has received over his six professional seasons and now as a veteran himself, the advice he would give a young player entering the league. As an American-Peruvian professional soccer player, Collin has traveled the world representing the U.S. and Peru national teams. We also learn that Collin is a BIG rom-com guy. Please enjoy, Collin Fernandez!

Whether it is your first or second act, Kimberly Gionta and Yvette Frampton of The Honey Empire are an example of pursuing your dreams at any stage of life. Yvette and Kimberly crossed paths and shared their passion for music, which grew into them taking music lessons together and the formation of their cover band, VINE. The two were inspired to write music on their own and re-branded to The Honey Empire with the addition of several talented bandmates. These rockin' moms share with Taylor the message they want to give their kids and listeners and how they tap into their own lives and societal issues when writing music. The three discuss how musicians have to be vulnerable and take risks to connect with listeners and the realization that we are in control of our destiny. The Honey Empire's intent is to create music with bold and inspiring messages and is learning about the music industry one lyric at a time. Please enjoy Kimberly Gionta and Yvette Frampton of The Honey Empire!

If you can’t take the heat, get out of Mila Furman's kitchen! Mila Furman, Girl and the Kitchen, is an entrepreneur, private chef, blogger, and recently launched cooking courses on how to cook in an approachable and non-anxiety filled way. Mila's inventive recipes and authentic self have appeared on Windy City Live, WGN, Fox 32, to name a few. Mila was open about losing her mom at a young age, managing anxiety, and the importance of integrity and authenticity as she leads her team of all women. The two talk about all things cooking, including a few of Taylor's cooking fails. As Mila would say, "when in doubt, zest it out!" Mila and Taylor bond over their appreciation for Bravo TV, especially the Real Housewives franchise. "Good food, done right" is Mila's line, and she is doing it right and more.

Michael Lattner never fails to mention, "make good decisions," and he has truly taken his own advice. As the second person hired at Global Electronic Trading Company (GETCO), Michael Lattner was an early adopter of electrification of markets, stocks, futures, and the rest is history. He retired at 45 years old and shares with Taylor that sobriety and his family are the reasons for his success. Michael said that his late father, Johnny Lattner (Heisman Trophy winner in 1953), was a great example to him and his 7 siblings to be modest and generous. Taylor and Michael discuss the importance of finding key business trends and what an entrepreneur should know when investing. Michael had no idea he would have what he has today and shares that his humble beginnings and family shaped the person he is. Michael Lattner is the most generous and humble person Taylor knows, and anyone that knows him says the same. A lot to be thankful for this week with Michael Lattner!

Helen Berkun is the ultimate hustler wearing many hats, including fashion photographer, celebrity stylist, creative director, influencer, shoe collector, wife, and mother. Helen was born in the former USSR and immigrated to the US at age eight, and she hustled with an entrepreneurial mindset ever since. "Doing it all in 24 hours or less," as Helen would say. With 20 years in the fashion industry, Helen shares with Taylor her background in editorial photography, her role in the infancy of the brand Akira, celebrity styling Kristin Cavallari, Jenny McCarthy, John Malkovich, Monica Pederson, Erin Andrews, to name a few. Helen and Taylor discuss how social media is prevalent in their lives and how to master the ever-changing platforms, what a day in the life of an influencer looks like, and what it means to hustle.

Kevin Doherty is a voice actor and creative artist in Chicago. Taylor knows him as Uncle Kev, however, you know him as the voice in the intro of each Taylor'd to You episode or spotted as an extra on Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Fargo, Empire, Shameless, and all of the other Chicago based TV shows. Kevin shares with Taylor the unconventional path he took when he decided to quit his sales job and pursue his dream of becoming a voice actor. Taylor learns about the voice over industry as Kevin walks her through a day in the life of a voice actor, as well as shares a life-changing event that led him to on-camera work. Not only is Kevin unbelievably talented and has "a voice that shines," he is one of the funniest people Taylor knows and has her laughing throughout the entire episode.

Taylor encourages you to VOTE today and embrace other opinions. While on your way to the polls, listen to a teaser of next week's episode with a voice actor and creative artist in Chicago...