by Guest Blogger & Co-Host, Michelle Tomko

I love being on the radio. As soon as I put on the headphones I am always reminded of this documentary I watched about John Lennon where they showed a clip of him and Yoko demonstrating their notion of Bagism. You can google it. But basically their belief was that if they communicated though a bag over their entire body they couldn't be judged by outside appearance. They referred to it as “total communication”. Hey it was the 60's...man. So that's what I think about when I'm on the radio. That and the gratitude I feel that in order to perform I don't have to wear make up and a nice shirt.

This week on Volume Up, the big topic was a band almost as old as the Beatles. Kidding Leslie. But you have to admit that Hanson has been around for a minute. Leslie talked about the concert she attended at Caesars with the childlike innocence of a middle-schooler with her first crush coupled with the photo-credentialed grown up, who grew up, with this band. Wow. And I thought I liked Sting! But I don't have Message in a Bottle lyrics tattooed on my foot. And I certainly wouldn't make that kind of commitment when Taylor had a typo on his autograph. What the salesteam at DSW must think of that lefty Leslie! But who's really looking because of those killer lashes though?

I went on WOND to talk about an upcoming show at Dante Hall. There's a bit of irony here. As Leslie talked about how a famous crew influenced her life, I'm working on a project about how everyday folk in Atlantic City are continually influencing mine. I mean I'm doing yoga and brewing my own Kombucha now instead of playing poker. Talk about hippies...

Grab a listen to this week's show (click below) and follow me at @Tomkomedy.

Michelle Tomko

[email protected] 

http://www.michelletomko.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/michelle.tomko.35

On this episode of Volume Up, we are joined by Crystal Schaefer, a 29 year old woman who is currently under treatment for Breast Cancer. She talks about the good, bad, and ugly, from symptom, diagnosis, chemo, and beyond. Plus she tells us about the drive and meaning behind her crystal bracelet hobby, Crystal's Crystals.

We also have Leslie's 12 year old son, Alex, in the studio as guest co-host! Listen as he chimes in with his thoughts on being a kid, life, energy, weird food quirks, and more!

Connect with us on Instagram & Facebook

This week on Volume Up - 

Leslie has guest host AMarie Castillo in the house talking comedy, being a good person, achieving success in the comedy world, plus how Botox, Jeuveau and fillers can be acts of Self Love!

Then we are joined by Kevin, owner of Seagrass Boutique, talking fall fashion!

Bonus: Leslie's review of the Asking Alexandria - Papa Roach - Shinedown concert at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. 

It’s Self Care Saturday this week on Volume Up! Leslie and Charlee are joined in-studio by Amanda Ventura, founder of At Anchor Day Spa. Amanda balances motherhood, marriage, and a business and manages to make it all look effortless. Hear all about the services offered at the spa as the ladies discuss getting more comfortable with less makeup, making time for self care, and how to get the absolute most out of your spa day.

Watch the Facebook Live here

In our second hour, we’re joined by our resident ayurvedic practitioner Rachel Jamison. Rachel dishes on the upcoming Equinox and how its themes of balance can influence our lives right now. She also shares her knowledge in eating for the season and how to start preparing our bodies now for flu season. Lastly, Rachel lets us in on her daily self care routine and how it contributed to her enjoyment of a recent solo traveling adventure.

Plus fashion finds, taking it off on social media, and Leslie’s Hard Rock getaway... all on this episode of Volume Up!

It’s a very special episode of Volume Up with Leslie Jespersen as the ladies are joined in-studio by gracious guest co-host Colleen St. Michaels. Colleen is a spiritual reader and medium who partners with spirit and angels to deliver impactful messages with compassion, sharp intuitive insight, and wisdom as a clear channel into the divine.

Colleen’s lifework revolves around channeling spirit and angel guides to teach our souls how to step up and speak out. Over the next two hours, Leslie and Charlee take a deep dive with Colleen into topics such as old vs new thought, shadow work and resistance, ego, and the idea of always being “under construction.” The ladies also discuss the importance for empathic souls to protect their own energy.

Colleen discusses her new book, available in mid-October, which serves as a healing tool for those grieving the loss of a loved one to addiction. Later in the episode, Colleen answers some listener questions and does a special reading in which she advises Leslie on the members of her angel guide group.

We had chills during this entire episode of Volume Up, and you will too! If you love it,

make sure you subscribe on your platform of choice, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, and tell us what you love!

Vital Information Alert! This week’s episode of Volume Up is our most inspiring and empowering yet. Drawing from her own recent experiences and realizations, Leslie expounds on her definition of self love- what does it mean and what does it look like for you? Listen in for Leslie’s tips on leveling up and living your best life.

Speaking of Leveling Up, we’ve got some sweet news for you! Tickets are now on sale for the Leveled Up Brunch Forum on the Beach, happening Sunday October 20th! Leslie has compiled a panel of inspiring women, including herself, who will share their stories and help you level up in EVERY area of your life. Early bird pricing won’t last, so make sure you reserve your table or ticket soon.

In our second hour, the ladies are joined by Mike and Keith of After the Burn in anticipation of their upcoming show at Rhythm & Spirits. Hear about their creative writing process and musical inspirations. The guys are also sharing their thoughts on the difference between a hobby and a passion, and whether we can expect an upcoming tour.

Plus horror movies, real life hauntings, and so much more, this week on Volume Up!

It’s a FOODiful day in the neighborhood on this episode of Volume Up! We love shows filled with great conversation and delicious, healthy food, and there’s no shortage of either today.

Leslie and Charlee are joined in-studio by Kayla Randazzo and Michele Carty- the Conscious Cooks. Michele and Kayla’s passion for nutrient-dense food and service is front-and-center in all of their offerings: private catering, cooking demonstrations, and weekly meal prep delivered right to your door. Hear about the inspiration behind Conscious Cooks and the absolutely unbelievable ways they make plant-based versions of some of our favorite dishes- think eggplantball sliders and vegan Philly rolls.

Speaking of Philly— in our second hour, Philadelphia native Chef Brian Duffy falls in to tell the ladies all about his new show “Opening Night,” premiering Sunday September 1st on Food Network. The show follows a restauranteur, consulted by Chef, on their 7 days before opening for business. Hear Chef’s take on the wild & crazy energy of an actual opening night, how his newest endeavor is totally different from previous projects, and why America is totally hooked on reality TV.

Plus a Lynrd Skynrd concert recap with our friends Wild Adriatic's tunes jamming, a look at how our Dynamic Duo’s upbringing shaped their adult musical interests, and a lot of kombucha-induced silliness... this week, get your Volume Up!

Are you guilty of committing social media sins? Probably! The good news is, we’re here to help. This week on Volume Up, Leslie’s putting on her social media cap to dive deep into mistakes your business is probably making online.

Reposting someone’s photo without giving credit? That’s one! Selling to someone without building familiarity first? That’s another! We’ve also got a local firsthand account of how embarrassing it can be when a business doesn’t do their research on their social media team...

The ladies are also giving you tips on how to successfully showcase your brand and business online—and some of these nuggets are so golden, we can’t even print them here!

Plus: Leslie’s trip to see Hanson in Maryland (in a hat no less,) chicken sandwich, and a ton more this week on Volume Up with Leslie Jespersen!

This week’s episode of Volume Up with Leslie Jespersen is for anyone who has ever struggled with their weight. Leslie’s away this week, and Charlee is joined in the studio by two dynamic women who have (also) undergone a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy- weight loss surgery. These three women are getting real and raw about WLS, food addiction, and how profoundly losing a significant amount of weight can change a life.

Carrie Vasquez is a Personal Trainer with Star Fit Club whose clients fuel her continued success at 3 years post-op. Lori Lopez is a busy mom navigating the complex emotional journey of WLS 2 years out. Both women share their struggles and successes with food and weight loss.

In our first hour, the ladies discuss why they chose to have surgery and take some questions from listeners. We tackle the “easy way out” myth as well as addiction and addiction transfer, weight regain, and the serious psychological work of healing from a dysfunctional relationship with food.

In the second hour, we’re talking relationships: family, friend, and romantic. Have our families always been supportive? Did we lose friends? What about the statistic that 75% of marriages where one partner has had WLS end in divorce?

If your relationship with food has ever left you feeling hopeless, this episode is direct from us to you. We’re coming at you with the good, the bad, and the sometimes heartbreaking side of weight loss surgery. We’re coming at you with the surety that you CAN change your life. We’re coming at you this and every week with Volume Up!

This week, follow our dynamic duo down an old country road to the 4-H Fair! Leslie and Charlee broadcasted live from the Atlantic County 4-H fair in this week’s edition of Volume Up, and by the end of the episode, you’ll be wishing you were there!

The ladies are joined by Hailey, who’s running for Atlantic County Ambassador, to talk about her campaign and the leadership she’ll bring to her position if she’s elected. 

Leslie’s mom Joyce (a lifelong 4-H member) gives us a crash course in the 4-H pledge and the significance of becoming a member.

We also hear from Albert & Mae, who have been 4-H members for over 50 years. It was a joy to talk with this couple about the niche clubs they started and nurtured, how 4-H has changed over the years, and how it stays just as relevant today. 

What’s your favorite kind of pie? The gals judge their first-ever pie eating contest in the second hour, and you don’t want to miss it. Three sets of contestants leave it all on the table (some literally) in this highly competitive race against themselves and each other. Stay tuned for a short interview with each of our winners on their game-winning strategy.

If you LOVE Volume Up with Leslie Jespersen, let us know! Share us with your friends on social media, drop us a line, and tell us why! And if you’d like to have our show broadcast at your next event, get in touch at [email protected].