Nicole Pryor Dernersesian is the President and CEO of Firestarter Entertainment, a talent agency based out of Los Angeles that represents over 1,000 actors for television, film, commercials, print, theatre, and literary works. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Nicole performed in the Las Vegas Company of The Phantom of the Opera, becoming the first Black actor to play her role in the show. She launched the non-profit organization called Inclusion Media Group, which is striving to make a more inclusive world by creating content that tells diverse stories. Nicole tells her ground-breaking casting story for Phantom of the Opera, opens up about being an African-American in the performing industry, and how she built a company from scratch!

Follow Nicole:
https://www.instagram.com/nicoleppryor/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/nppryor
https://www.instagram.com/fsetalent/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/inclusionmediagroup/?hl=en
Firestarter Entertainment
https://www.firestarterentertainment.com/

The Sweetest Thing
https://tanksgoodnews.com/2021/02/15/gorilla-glue-girl-charity/
JOIN US in our goals to sponsor a tiny home! DONATE HERE:
https://gofund.me/44e5c5b2
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Save the Zest for Last
International Delight Fruity Pebbles
https://www.walmart.com/ip/International-Delight-Coffee-Creamer-Fruity-PEBBLES-32-oz/724309752

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Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Gabrielle Ruiz & Pallavi Sastry are two women on a mission to spotlight platonic love in a socially distanced world. Last year, these two best friends started the popular podcast What Are Friends For  to create a space to have meaningful and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about friendships. They’ve interviewed incredible guests such as Brittany Snow, Javier Munoz, Rachel Bloom and Kate Flannery and they’re kicking off Season 3 continuing to ask the question, “What are friends for?"  These ladies open up about their friendship journey, Galentine's Day, and they get juicy as we uncover some things they did NOT know about each other!

Follow What Are Friends For
https://www.instagram.com/waffpodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/waffpodcast
http://www.patreon.com/waffpodcast
Follow Pallavi
https://www.instagram.com/pallavisastry/
Follow Gabrielle
https://www.instagram.com/gabrielleruiz/

The Sweetest Thing
Click HERE for Nicole's good news story on the Millville Library 
JOIN US in our goals to sponsor a tiny home! DONATE HERE:
https://gofund.me/44e5c5b2
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Save the Zest for Last
ASMR obsessed
https://www.instagram.com/claypoppings/

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Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
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Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Natalie Duran is an athlete, television host, producer and scientist! She appeared on American Ninja Warrior for two different seasons being the first Filipina-American to participate in the competition. Natalie holds the Guinness Book of World Records for fastest female 5M rope climb. Her mode of transportation is motorcycle and she is sponsored by Harley Davidson. Natalie, dishes the details about her life as a superhero-ninja, working in neuroscience, and her inspirational journey of reaching for the stars.

Follow Natalie
https://www.instagram.com/ninja_natalie/
https://www.facebook.com/NinjaNatalieDuran
https://ninjanatalie.com/

The Sweetest Thing
https://www.hopeofthevalley.org/tinyhomes/
JOIN US in our goals to sponsor a tiny home! DONATE HERE:
https://gofund.me/44e5c5b2
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Save the Zest for Last
Black History Month + Valentine's Day
Shop this amazing black-owned online store Tansy for amazing gift ideas!
https://shoptansy.com/

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Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Taylor Frey and Kyle Dean Massey, the founders of Elevate Egg Donor & Surrogate Agency, thoughtfully match egg donors & surrogates with people all over the globe looking to start their own families.  After extensive careers both on Broadway and TV/Film, Taylor (Days of Our Lives & Steven King's It: Chapter Two)  and Kyle (star of ABC's Nashville) both discuss the process of IVF, surrogacy, egg freezing, and their own journey starting a family as members of the LGTBQ+ community.

Follow Taylor & Kyle
https://www.instagram.com/taylorfrey/
https://www.instagram.com/kyledeanmassey/
https://www.instagram.com/elevateeggdonoragency/

Elevate Egg Donor Agency
https://elevatebaby.com

The Sweetest Thing
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-to-give-7-500-vaccinated-health-care-workers-free-tickets-to-super-bowl-lv
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Save the Zest for Last: Drug Store Edition!
Nicole's pick:
https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=Dove%20Bath%20Mango%20And%20Almond
Heidi's pick:
https://www.target.com/p/pantene-rose-water-shampoo-and-conditioner-dual-pack-17-8-fl-oz/-/A-77453191#lnk=sametab

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Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Diane Foster is an award winning actress-singer-dancer-producer-director based in Los Angeles. In 2018 Diane launched her own production company, WallyBird Productions, to create and produce all forms and genres of media, focused on diverse talent and gender equality with projects including theater productions, award-winning short films, documentaries, music videos. Diane discusses women in the film industry, gender equality and speaks openly about her experience navigating domestic violence.

*This episode contains discussions about domestic violence. This topic may be difficult for some listeners. If you need help or support, please check out the domestic violence resources provided below.

Domestic Violence Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org/
Global Domestic Violence Resources
https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations

Follow Diane
https://www.instagram.com/dianefosterofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/dianefosterofficial/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1341466/
https://www.wallybirdproductions.com/

The Sweetest Thing
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/iranian-womens-rights-law-passed-through-executive/
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Save the Zest for Last
"The Hill We Climb" written by Amanda Gorman
https://www.theamandagorman.com/
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/689867/the-hill-we-climb-by-amanda-gorman/

For "Maskne" check out Nicole's recommendation:
https://www.katesomerville.com/us/en/acne-products-anti-bac-benzoyl-peroxide

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Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Connor Woolpert, the force behind The Idea Factory, has always had a drive to do something bigger than himself. He was featured in Forbes magazine at 23 years old for his previous company Adventure Aide, which grew to a team of over 40 and over 40,000 users.  Connor dives deep with the Pink Lemonade Stand sharing his inspiring story of his experience with addiction, his dreams for the Idea Factory, and reveals what his newest tattoo will be!

Follow Connor
https://www.instagram.com/theideafctry/
https://www.instagram.com/connorwoolpert/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe9K5vHHK8kqfprogxFRuHw

The Sweetest Thing
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/nurse-giving-covid-vaccines-surprised-proposal-viral-video-n1253062
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Save the Zest for Last
Nicole's review on the new JLo Beauty
https://www.jlobeauty.com/shop/

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Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Lisa Steele, 5th generation chicken keeper is the creative force behind Fresh Eggs Daily! She has been dubbed "the Queen of the Coop" by the media, as has been featured on NPR,  HGTV, Dr. Oz  and The View  to name a few. Lisa is the author of six popular books in print and she's currently working on her seventh - a cookbook! In addition to writing books, Lisa produces and hosts her regional Emmy-nominated television show called Welcome to my Farm  which airs on NBC.  Lisa discusses the diva personalities of her chickens, what to look for when shopping for eggs, and facing haters on social media.

Follow Lisa
https://www.instagram.com/fresheggsdaily/
https://www.facebook.com/FreshEggsDaily
https://fresheggsdaily.com/

Buy Lisa's Book
https://amzn.to/35v0IOa

The Sweetest Thing
https://www.ecowatch.com/great-american-rail-trail-2649733595.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

Save the Zest for Last
The recap of the Bachelor season premier

Follow the PLS Podcast on
Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

Terron Brooks, Broadway and television star has a passion for sharing his gift of music with the world. Terron is a singer, songwriter, actor, author and motivational speaker and has performed with some of the biggest names in music, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, David Foster, Michael Jackson and Phil Collins, just to name a few! Inspired by his time on the Broadway stage, he co-created and stars in his new show, The Soul of Broadway: Impossible Dreams. Terron discusses pursuing your dreams when people tell you no and finding  patience in times of hardship. 

Listen to Terron's music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jrXFyYmF9fHq88DIm9oEX
https://itunes.apple.com/mu/artist/terron-brooks/193927230
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/terron-brooks/193927230

Follow Terron
https://www.instagram.com/terronbrooks/
https://www.instagram.com/thesoulofbroadway/
https://www.facebook.com/terronbrooks/
thesoulofbroadway.com
terronbrooksmusic.com

Buy Terron's Book
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1532369441/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_PHN8FbV7FRWH0

The Sweetest Thing
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/vaughan-tim-hortons-gofundme-fundraiser-school-1.5858818

Save the Zest for Last
Heidi's smart heater
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B1W7ZY7/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glc_fabc_luN8FbF28HHFJ
Nicole's heated cape
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX5CR0M/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glc_fabc_RsN8FbBQYDNN6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Follow the PLS Podcast on
Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us! 

This special end-of-the-year episode features our listeners sharing the best thing that came out of 2020. Although there were many sour moments this year we will end  it remembering the sweet things! 

The Sweetest Thing
Big thank you to all of the mail and package delivery services! We salute you!
https://tanksgoodnews.com/2020/12/21/ups-driver-neighborhood/

Follow the PLS Podcast on
Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan
Original music by Heidi Webster

Come sip with us! 

Dr. Russell Hilliard, author and grief expert discusses how to deal with grief when approaching the holidays. Dr. Hilliard, Senior Executive at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, pioneered hospice music therapy and created the children's bereavement program Camp Kangaroo. Russell discusses death and grief in his own life,  tools to work through our own grief as well as how to approach others who've experienced a loss. Grab a tissue... it's a good one!

Buy Russell's books
http://www.hospicemusictherapy.org/resources/available-books/

Grief & Bereavement Resources
https://seasonsfoundation.org/grief-resources/
https://seasonsfoundation.org/camp-kangaroo/
http://www.seasons.org/
https://seasonsfoundation.org/
Flying Wish Paper
https://www.amazon.com/Flying-Wish-Paper-Write-PEACED/dp/B075LN8PKF/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=flying%2Bwish%2Bpaper&qid=1608513286&sr=8-6&th=1

The Sweetest Thing
Shout of to the incredible teachers out there! WE LOVE YOU!!

Save the Zest for Last
Nicole & Heidi's watchlist for Christmas week
The Prom on Netflix
Wonder Woman on  HBO Max
Soul on  Disney +
News of the World on Netflix

Follow the PLS Podcast on
Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/theplspodcast/?hl=en
Twitter  https://twitter.com/thePLSpodcast
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/488697278752741/
Send us your good-news stories!! Email us at [email protected]

Artwork by Kat Hennessey
Audio Engineer Andrew Schwartz
Original theme music by Heidi Webster & Nicole Kaplan

Come sip with us!