The Pageant Gal Podcast

Hey Pageant Gals,

This is a special one! 👑 In this episode of the Pageant Gal Spotlight, I sit down with my good friend and our brand-new Miss Universe Canada 2025, Jamie Vandenberg, just days after she was crowned.

Jamie and I go way back, from being pageant sisters online since 2020, to finally competing together this year at Miss Universe Canada. Now, with her crown freshly won, Jamie opens up about her incredible journey: the highs and pressures of competing, the mindset shifts that got her to the top, and how she’s preparing to step onto the Miss Universe stage in Thailand. 🌏✨

We’re diving into everything — from last-minute prep and bold styling choices, to the behind-the-scenes sisterhood moments and what it really feels like to achieve a 10-year dream. Tune in for laughs, candid reflections, and insider pageant wisdom that will leave you motivated to chase your own crown-worthy dreams. 💎

Originally aired live via instagram in August 2025

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?

Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,

It’s time to spill the tea, queens! ☕👑

This episode is all about the four most important questions you need to master if you want to walk into your pageant interview radiating confidence and poise. I’m sharing the same strategies that helped me win multiple Best Interview awards, along with real, behind-the-scenes tips I used while competing at Miss Universe Canada 2025. Whether you’re preparing for your very first pageant or chasing another crown, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and sparkle to shine in front of any judging panel.

✨DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Tell me about you - Why you? https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/checkout/Elite-interview

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,Whether you’re 6, 9, or 12 months away from your competition, this episode is your golden hour to start preparing like the Queen you know you are. Maria shares the real behind-the-scenes of her last-minute prep for Miss Universe Canada, and the three things she wishes she started way earlier: personal branding, social media presence, and platform impact.

No fluff, no panic, just real talk, real strategy, and real reflection on how to show up as the next-level version of yourself before the spotlight hits. Whether you're headed to the national stage or just stepping into your first competition, this one’s your official reminder: start now, and don’t just plan it...do it. 👑

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars?

Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals,

Originally aired live via instagram in June 2025, this high-energy episode is your firestarter if you're entering a pageant and craving the mindset shift that changes everything.

Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned queen, I dive deep into the biggest secret behind my 6 (yes, SIX!) pageant wins and it's not waiting for permission, clarity, or perfect timing.

Tune in for the bold truth, real talk, and that’ll get you off the sidelines and onto the stage (and into the winner’s circle 👑). If you’re ready to go from doubting to doing, this is your moment.

💃 And don’t forget to check out the Move for the Win masterclass for the full breakdown of next-level pageant strategy and soul-aligned action.

Queens don’t wait—they MOVE. ✨

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reignReady to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals!

This episode is a deep, raw, and real dive into one of the most vulnerable moments I’ve ever had in my pageant journey. Picture this: it’s the middle of an intense international pageant in Orlando, Florida, and there I am, alone in my hotel room, full breakdown mode, tears streaming, false lashes falling off — basically, the total emotional meltdown. But what came out of that breakdown was one of the biggest breakthroughs of my entire career, leading me to win the crown just days later.

I’m sharing every gritty detail of that week, from the insane competition schedule to the mindset work I was juggling as I was prepping both my pageant and my coaching business. This story isn’t just about me; it’s about those moments when we feel like giving up, those moments when the pressure feels too real, and how we can use them as fuel to level up.I’m also opening up about the power of coaching and community — how reaching out for support literally saved me that day. You’ll hear how mindset shifts, somatic work, and reframing the story we tell ourselves can flip the script on anxiety and self-doubt. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in your own thoughts before a big moment, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that the crown isn’t just won on stage — it’s won in your mind and heart first. So grab your favourite drink, get comfy, and let’s talk about breaking down so you can breakthrough.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant?

Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my approach to choosing the right pageant system for YOU. We dive into the real talk about setting your goals whether you’re in it to win, to grow, or just for the experience and why picking a system that matches your vibe, your strengths, and your dreams will make your journey way easier (and way more fun). I get into how I pick my pageants, why I never settle, and how aligning with the right system changed the game for me and my clients. Spoiler: it’s not about fitting into a mold, it’s about owning what you’re great at and playing to your strengths.I also unpack what to expect during your competition experience, how to be realistic about your prep and commitments, and why your “competitive joy” — the parts of pageants you love to slay — matters more than you think. Plus, I share why knowing your “why” is the secret sauce that fuels everything from motivation to winning. Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start competing with intention? Let’s get you set up for your best year yet. DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reignReady to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

Hey Pageant Gals! 

In this episode, I'm breaking down the million dollar question - what are judges REALLY looking for when they choose a winner? After nine years in this industry and judging countless competitions, I'm sharing the three things on every judge's unspoken checklist. We're talking Polish (yes, you need to look the part, but it's not always make-or-break), Personality & Presence (your authentic energy that makes judges remember YOU, not just what you wore), and Leadership in Action (not your hopes and dreams, but what you're actually DOING right now in your community). Listen gals, anyone can buy a crown online - you're competing for the chance to REIGN and amplify the impact you're already making.

Here's the real tea: judges can sniff out someone who isn't ready from a mile away. They want the girl who says "this is my plan and here's exactly how I'll execute it" versus "I hope to maybe do something someday." Your pageant prep should be about elevating who you already are, not trying to be perfect for them. So put your chin up, put your crown on, and remember - your next crown could be just one decision away when you show up as the queen you're meant to be, not just someone hoping to win a title.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Want to learn how to build queen-winning confidence, grow your brand and platform impact, and learn the elite-level strategies needed to WIN your pageant? Join the Make it Reign Membership → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Ready to take your brand, name, impact, and even your business to the next level that captivates millions of people and makes thousands of dollars? Apply for coaching here: https://mariagiorlando.com/apply/

In today’s episode, we’re getting real about what it means to grow beyond the crown. I’ll be sharing takeaways from my recent experience at the 2025 Regional Canada pageants, and why it's so important to focus on your personal development, build a strong personal brand, and create lasting impact, whether or not you take home a title.

We’ll talk about setting goals that go deeper than the competition and how to measure your success by the growth you experience and the lives you touch. This is a must-listen for every pageant girl who wants to train like a queen and walk away winning in life no matter the outcome.

• Please link the Make It Reign Membership for pageant preparation but life preparation beyond the crown with the Make It Reign Method: https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/page/make-it-reign

Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast 00:35 – What "Winning" Really Means 03:34 – Your Power Beyond the Crown: Personal Goals 06:39 – Building Your Brand + Lifting Your Community 09:40 – Creating Impact That Lasts 13:50 – Handling Loss & Choosing Growth 15:06 – Final Thoughts & Your Queenly Reminder

Welcome to The Pageant Gal Podcast! I'm Maria, your host and international elite pageant and business coach. In this powerful episode, I tackle a common struggle among pageant women: overcoming competition comparison.

Inspired by a recent coaching session with my clients, I'm sharing tangible strategies to help you shift your mindset and energy so you can stop comparing yourself to other competitors. You'll learn how to mute your competition on social media, change your internal narrative, celebrate and elevate both yourself and others, and, most importantly, face and heal your insecurities. These methods will help you stay confident and focused, allowing your unique qualities to shine on the pageant stage.

Stay tuned for some incredible tips and mindset shifts that can completely transform how you approach competition!

Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to the Pageant G Podcast 00:35 – Overcoming Competition Comparison 02:24 – Tangible Shifts to Change Your Mindset 03:15 – Muting Your Competitors 05:07 – Shifting the Narrative 09:01 – Celebrate and Elevate 11:44 – Facing Insecurities Head-On 17:41 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Link for booking a discovery call: https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call

👑 In today’s episode, we’re crowning a new chapter - one where pageant queens trade in their sashes for CEO titles.

Whether you're a current competitor or a former titleholder, it’s time to turn that sparkle into strategy. I’m diving into exactly how you can go from center stage to center of your own thriving empire. 💼✨

Discover the three royal revenue streams that can transform your passion and pageant experience into profit: 👑 Hosting high-impact events and workshops 👑 Selling irresistible physical and digital products 👑 And the crown jewel - service-based income through coaching, consulting, and speaking.

Your queendom doesn’t end when the crown comes off - it evolves. 💫 Don’t let your hard-earned skills and confidence go untapped. Let’s channel that charisma, polish, and poise into a profitable business you love.

Join me as we break it all down step-by-step - and discover how the Empire program is your royal roadmap to financial freedom, purpose, and power. 

Book your call to learn about Empire → https://mariagiorlando.kartra.com/calendar/discovery-call

Today’s Episode:

00:00 Introduction: Turning Pageant Experience into Profit

01:49 My Journey: From Pageant Winner to Business Owner

04:17 Who This Episode is For

05:52 Why Pageant Competitors Make Great CEOs

07:47 Three Ways to Monetize Your Pageant Experience

07:52 Event-Based Monetization

10:03 Product-Based Monetization

15:09 Service-Based Monetization

18:39 Conclusion: Building Your Empire