The Pageant Gal Podcast

Hey Pageant Gals,

It’s time to stop overcomplicating pageant prep and start committing to the moves that actually win crowns.

Whether you’re gearing up for a competition this year or you’re getting back into your rhythm after a break, this episode will help you simplify your prep and raise your daily standards without burning out. Because winners are not doing more. They’re doing the right things consistently.

In this episode you will hear about...

👑 Self connection...

Hey Pageant Gals,

What would it look like if you stopped waiting for the perfect opportunity in pageantry

and instead created the space you wish existed.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Elizabeth Marnoch for a real end of year pageant chat. Liz has been in the industry for over 15 years, she is a professional hair and makeup artist, and she is the founder and director of Canadian National Miss.

This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and so needed as we head into 2026.

...

Hey Pageant Gals,

How do you keep betting on yourself, in pageants, business, and life when bills are billing, responsibilities are stacking, and it feels like “this just isn’t the right time”?

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what it really looks like to keep investing in yourself in your 20s, 30s (and yes, even 40s+)… even when life is life-ing.

We’re talking about:

👑 Why your 20s and 30s are NOT the time to shrink back into your comfort zone

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my mentor’s retreat in California and sharing the exact beach moment that cracked open my next level of leadership, visibility, and bigness. This is the final episode of the Queen’s Takeover Podcast Challenge – and it’s your invitation to move first, be seen, and decide to go bigger in your pageant journey, business, and life.

✨ In this episode, you’ll hear about:

The powerful “water moment” on the beach that shifted everything for me

What it really looks like to let...

Hey Pageant Gals,

What would it look like if you stopped standing safely in the sand…

and let yourself be fully seen running straight into the water for your big dreams?

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story from my mentor’s retreat in California, where I found myself on a beach at 8am, headphones on, in a 90-minute movement practice… and felt an undeniable pull to sprint toward the waves while everyone else stayed planted in the sand watching me.

That moment became my leadership initiation into a new leve...

Hey Pageant Gals,

What would it look like if someone messaged you and said,

“Your pageant is paid for. Entry fee, flight, the whole thing. Just show up and compete”?

In this episode, I am telling you the real story of one of my Queen Collective clients who got a last–minute invitation to compete at an international pageant in China… with her entry fee and flight covered… and then walked away as one of the international titleholders.

This isn’t a once-in-a-li...

Hey Pageant Gals,

We have a special guest today. Meet Amber Martenson, founder of The Joy of Art (501c3) and CEO of Winning Spark Branding. Amber went from Iowa gal and art teacher to New York Fashion Week designer and brand strategist for pageant queens and women in business. In this episode we break down brand versus branding, how your visual identity creates credibility, and the exact mindset that takes you from playing small to building your empire.

In this episode you will learn -

✨ The real di...

Hey Pageant Gals,

Today I am taking you behind the scenes of a $60,000 launch for The Queen Collective Track Two as a full time pageant coach. This is not about luck. It is about leadership, strategy, and building offers that create real transformation and recurring income without living on your calendar.

In this episode you will learn

✨ How to design a high value high impact offer that serves A to Z

✨ Why a community launch event builds trust and momentum

✨ How conviction and belief...

Hey Pageant Gals,

We’re kicking off our first-ever Queen’s Takeover Podcast Challenge all November long! I’m doubling episodes this month so you can binge strategy, branding, and stories of women doing big, audacious things in and out of pageantry. Get ready to move now, not “someday.”

How to Enter:

1. Leave a 5-star review on Spotify for The Pageant Gal Podcast, screenshot it, and DM me @thepageantgal. That screenshot = 5 entries. If you’ve already left a review, screenshot it, and it will still count.

2. Share a...

Hey Pageant Gals,

Boo, Queens Happy Halloween! 👑 In this special episode I’m spilling three true pageant-coaching horror stories and the lessons that keep your crown on straight. Requested by our gal Emma from The Queen Collective.

These are not just spooky tales. They are coach tested takeaways on boundaries, clear communication, and taking radical ownership.

DM me on Instagram @thepageantgal with your top takeaway!

Hey Pageant Gals,

If you’ve ever wondered how a pageant coach can build a half-million-dollar business, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my journey, and how I went from charging $500 per client to generating nearly $500K in under seven years.

This isn’t luck; it’s brand, strategy, consistency, and a client path that actually scales.

Shoutout to Mava (whose question inspired this ep!) and Maya Karen, Miss Competence Canada, your support means the world. 💗

DM me on Inst...

Hey Pageant Gals,

Own your next pageant week with elite, real-world strategies: smart packing (hello, wedges!), pro-level social media upgrades (portable photo light + compact camera), batching captions so you’re never scrambling, and the hotel low-floor hack that saves your feet, time, and sanity.

You’ll learn how to stay polished all week without killing your feet, make every photo look HD with simple, affordable tools, keep your socials consistent even when your schedule is packed, and save 20–30 minutes a day with one smart room request.

DM me on...

Hey Pageant Gals,

The biggest shift in my pageant journey happened when I realized my legacy had to be bigger than just the crown. Winning titles is incredible, but what happens when the crown comes off? In this episode, I share the story of how I went from chasing wins to building a lasting brand, business, and empire that continues far beyond the stage.

You’ll learn why the crown is just the beginning and not the end goal, the mindset shift that led me to four pageant wins in...

Hey Pageant Gals,

This episode is all about giving you the confidence and clarity to reflect on your pageant journey and learn from every experience. I’m sharing the exact five things I would go back and change about my Miss Universe Canada 2025 experience including lessons I learned from preparation, interviews, and stage performance.

Inside the episode you’ll hear how starting your prep earlier can give you a competitive edge how to choose the right interview outfit to stand out from the crowd when to trust your instincts vers...

Hey Pageant Gals,

I’m spilling the five big things you didn’t see that went down during Miss Universe Canada week. From losing my voice on day one to navigating unexpected drama, physical pain, and even the behind-the-scenes tea.

This episode has it all: the fun, the lessons, and the downright unbelievable moments.If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at pageant week beyond the stage and spotlight, this is the episode for you. And of course, I’ll share the lessons I learned so you can take them into your own journey 💕

Tune i...

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 M...

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 fro...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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. Spoi...

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 g...

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...

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...

👑 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...

In this episode, I share my extraordinary journey of winning an international pageant—despite having just five years of experience in the industry. I open up about the frustration of back-to-back losses, the burnout of returning to an unfulfilling career in nursing and personal training, and the pivotal moment that changed everything. You'll hear about the unexpected epiphany I had during a confidence bootcamp, the significant investment I made in myself, and how shifting my mindset led me to win the Royal International Miss Title in 2021—right in the middle of a global pandemic. But beyond the...

Welcome to the Pageant G 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...

It’s time to declare your intentions ladies! I'm Maria, and today, we’re diving into a game-changing mindset that can transform your pageant journey: the power of declaring your intention to win.

For eight years, I held onto one simple yet powerful phrase—“I want to win.” That mindset helped me secure five titles and stay laser-focused on my goals. In this episode, I’ll break down why boldly claiming your goals, saying them out loud, and backing them up with unwavering action can make all the difference.

If you're ready to step into your confide...

We’re back with another episode! I'm Maria, and I’m thrilled to share my journey from my first pageant win to becoming an experienced titleholder.

In this episode, we’ll explore why building resilience before your reign is essential for holding a title and managing the energy it brings. I’ll open up about my personal experiences with loss and the weight of public responsibilities, showing how embracing hardship and prioritizing self-care can make all the difference.

If you're an aspiring queen looking for guidance on navigating life’s challenges with grace, this episode is for you...

If this is your first time here… I'm Maria, and today, we’re unlocking one of the most crucial skills for any aspiring queen: Mastering the Pageant Interview!

Your interview can make or break your competition results, but with the right strategy, you can walk in with confidence, poise, and authenticity. In this episode, I’ll share the proven techniques I’ve used to succeed, including a structured formula, staying calm under pressure, practicing out loud, and showing up as your most authentic self. Plus, I’ll reveal how mastering interview skills doesn’t just help in...

Welcome back! I'm Maria, and today, we’re diving into a winning preparation strategy that can take you from hopeful competitor to confident queen: The Three T’s of Pageant Preparation!

Many aspiring titleholders focus on the stage, but true success starts long before pageant day. In this episode, I’ll break down the Three T’s—Timeline, Tasks, and Team—and show you how each one plays a vital role in setting you up for victory. From starting your prep six months in advance to focusing on crown-winning tasks and surrounding yourself with the right su...

Welcome to the debut episode of The Pageant Gal Podcast! I'm Maria, your dedicated pageant and business coach, and I’m so excited to take you on this journey with me.

In this episode, I share how my first pageant sparked a life-changing transformation—from nursing student to internationally recognized pageant coach and titleholder. I’ll take you through pivotal moments, including a transformative trip to Mexico, that led me to pageantry. If you’re an ambitious queen seeking inspiration, strategy, and community, you’re in the right place!

If you’re...

You are here to change the world! I'm Maria, and today, I’m sharing the foundation of success behind my clients and the Queen Collective program: The Five Pillars that Define a Pageant Gal.

These five key principles set apart standout competitors and true leaders—not just in pageantry, but in business and life. Whether you're preparing for your next title or looking to elevate your confidence, these pillars will push you to win and leave a lasting legacy.

If you're ready to step into your power, tune in as w...