So, I have a challenge for you this Thursday. You up for it?

Step 1: watch this awesome TED Talk by Amy Cuddy. (Seriously, it’s amazingly insightful.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

Step 2: Stand like Wonder Woman for two minutes today.

Step 3: Come back here and tell me all about it.

Happy Thursday!

I am thrilled to continue our Q+A video series I started just for you. I take a break from my usual badassery every Tuesday to answer one of your burning questions about honing your message, creating powerful videos, rocking media interviews & finding your inner bombshell.  You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers. 

Let’s start with some context today, shall we?

Sometimes I still can’t believe that I was on the TODAY Show, sitting across from Kathie Lee and Hoda, within a month of launching my first business to help women get over heart break. It was pretty surreal…

Here’s the real story:

About three months before I launched Pink Kisses, a site devoted to helping women forget their exes and find their inner bombshells, I decided I had to get my story out there. See, like many of you, my business started out of a need in my own life, when a man I was in love with broke my heart and I couldn’t find the kinds of tools I was looking for (badass ones that weren’t all boo hoos or bad mouthing, but were really focused on resetting priorities, getting back out there and having fun). So, I decided I had to create them for myself and, eventually share them with women everywhere.

I was timid at first, I’d never been so public about anything so private, and yet I new to really make the kind of difference I wanted to make, and to have the most impact possible, I had to put myself out there in a big way. So, I started making videos for my homepage and blog, sharing my story and letting women know they weren’t alone. And I set my sites on the TODAY Show– it was what we’d watched growing up and I knew if I could get there I’d be able to go national and start helping women all over the country.

I found three connections to the TODAY Show: a producer, the executive producer, and Kathie Lee. I even got her cell phone number AND dialed it. I was sure she could hear my heart beating as I shared my story with her. But guess what? She liked it. And so did the others. And within a month of launch I was on the TODAY Show. And I was nervous. Excited. Energized.

And, I prepared. I made sure I was ready to go, just like anyone would before a soccer game, a dance rehearsal, a speech or an investor pitch. And it payed off, big time. That’s why I truly believe in helping other women prepare for their moments in the spotlight. And why, when I was asked about the one thing you should do to prep, I told this story:

And, why I want to invite you to join me NEXT WEEK in LA, for my first-ever workshop on becoming a media bombshell. It’s going to be epic and I would love for you to be a part of it. Because I know that you have a message to share with us that’s incredibly valuable and 100% unique. And I would be honored and thrilled to help you share it. Check out the details here. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

PS: Don’t forget to leave me a comment with one question you don’t want to be asked and an idea of how you can answer it. I promise I’ll give feedback on every comment, so give it your best shot, bombshell!

See, I’ve been on a journey this year to reconnect with my body. I mentioned this briefly in a recent blog post about body image, but there’s so much more to the story.

Picture this: mid-November last year. I’d been married for less than 6 months and was in a blissful state with my husband feeling really connected and excited about the future we were creating.

My business was more fulfilling and busier than ever. I was doing speaking engagements, meeting with 1:1 clients and about to travel to a shoot in Santa Monica.

And, out of no where, my skin started breaking out. I’m not talking about a little pimple at a certain time of the month… I’m talking painful, persistent cystic acne. It was like someone flipped a switch and my skin had regressed 20 years to it’s tween angst, only this was worse.

At first, I thought it was something I ate, or some weird fluke, and it would be gone in a week. And once that week passed, I kept believing that I could will it away because, after all, I hadn’t changed my diet or my exercise or changed anything dramatic to make it appear. That lasted about a month. I spent December trying (and failing miserably) to relax… thinking my skin outburst had to be stress related.  I changed every single thing I was using on my skin three times (although I was already using organic & paraben free everything).

In January, I got pissed off and decided I had to see some doctors about this. I had done the whole dermatologist antibiotic & topical stuff for years as a teen, and I wasn’t interested in resuming that. So, I decided to start looking into other types of doctors and landed on functional medicine, where the doctor looks at how your entire body functions to find a root cause of your symptoms.

And do you know what I realized? I hadn’t been listening to my body for years, maybe for my entire life. I wasn’t even sure how to listen to my body. I didn’t even know what that meant… in fact, the idea that my body could be trying to tell me something was out of balance through my skin was so simple, so beautiful, and so foreign, that I actually cried the first time I really, truly heard this concept. How much had I been ignoring? What else had I been pushing aside?

And not just when it came to my health, but also when it came to my business… how much was I really listening to myself about how to grow it & run it instead of looking outside for answers from experts? And how much was I willing to really listen to myself about the life I wanted to create?

In the last 5 months, I have to say my eyes have been opened. I am so much more aware of myself, of my choices, of how my body feels and what it wants. Is my skin perfect? Nope. Do I still get frustrated about it? Every once in a while. But, I am open to really being present with my body. And, possibly for the first time ever, I’m willing to hear myself and not judge. I have decided that my body does have the power to heal itself. All I have to do is listen to what it needs.

I invite you to join me on my quest and begin really listening to yourself, your body & your desires for your life. Why? Because when we’re really in tune with our bodies and connected to ourselves, that’s when the magic happens… in your life, in your brand, in the world. So, I’d love to hear from you: when was the last time you really listened to yourself?

I am so thrilled to get to introduce you to the fabulous Erin Stutland. She is living proof that how we speak to ourselves (especially out loud) and what we believe about our lives have a HUGE impact.

In this interview, you’ll learn how she overcame a big hurdle in her own life with a very unique and very cool practice. You’ll also hear how she’s now helping women all over the world do the same and where you can get a taste of what she’s up to for free. You’ll also hear how creating online videos and doing great media interviews have truly transformed her business. Take a listen:

So, what’s your biggest takeaway from today’s Behind the Bombshell? Tell me in the comments below!

PS: Bonus Questions… because life’s too short not to put yourself out there:

What’s your favorite color & why?
Purple, all shades. It’s royal and regal. It’s a perfect blend of feminine and masculine energies. Both genders use it easily without swaying to strongly in one direction.

Brad Saranecki. 5th grade. At the bottom of a snow sleading hill. Adorable quick peck.

This video was forwarded to me by a friend, and I was in tears the first time I watched it. No matter how you feel about Dove as a brand, this is a great example of how we can all share a powerful experience through video, if done well:

And, I totally agree: You are more beautiful than you think.

How did you react to watching this? Let me know in the comments below.

Where: Santa Monica, California

When: May 24th, 1-5pm

What: We’re going to tackle the art of an interview: answering tough questions, having core soundbytes at the ready, adapting to different interview styles and changing the course of the conversation. And get this: we’ll start by lasering in on how you can share your unique message with impact and poise and free you to speak with intention and purpose about your brand.

WARNING: There’s no hiding in this work. It’s about you being seen, being heard and being understood. 

Registration costs $560, and includes yummy prep work to get you pondering before we even meet, a 90-minute 1:1 session with yours truly via video chat, and a four-hour live workshop where we dive deep, get real and grow you into a media bombshell.

What do you walk away with?

 : A paradigm shift about how to approach interviews.
: A renewed sense of purpose when speaking about your brand and your vision.
: The know-how to steer an interview in the direction YOU want.
: A crisp, clear way to tell your story.
: A sense of how to really connect with the interviewer and viewers/listeners/readers.
: Practice! Knowing what it feels like to sit in the hot seat.
: And an intimate group of like-minded bombshells to cheer you on.

This workshop isn’t just about how you’ll do in your next media interview, it’s about the kind of impact you want to make on this world. Here’s how it’ll go:

1. Getting to Know You: As soon as you sign up for Become a Media Bombshell, we’ll schedule a one-on-one 90 min. Skype session together so I can dive into your brand. You’ll also answer some fun exploratory questions to get you thinking about what makes you and your business unique.

2. Media 101: We meet! With our group together at a lovely & charming space in Santa Monica, we’ll go over precisely how a well-executed interview can boost your brand, and shift the way you think about media exposure. As an example, I’ll share my own story.

3. Introduction + Messaging: You’ll introduce yourselves to each other using teachings from your 90-minute session and our workshop opening. Next, we’ll crack open your 5 core message points, including your personal story, your service offerings, and your brand’s philosophy.

4. “Oh No, Not That Question:” Because it’s just as important to know how to gracefully answer questions you don’t want to be asked, we’ll generate examples of those together, and produce compelling responses that go back to your rock-solid message points.

5.  Camera Ready: What to wear, wear to look, and how to prep for each interview.

6. Mock Interviews: Hot seat time! We put your message points to the test, and help you experience what it’s like to do a real 4-minute live interview. I’ll provide feedback, and help you sharpen your media presentation even further.

7. Q&A Time: Any questions? Throw ‘em at me!

BONUS: As a special add-on, we’ll discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of L.A. media, explaining how the heck to get your message out there in a land of movie stars and pro athletes. (Spoiler alert: It’s genuinely do-able.)

Registration is now open! There are a very limited number of spots, so sign up this second! I’ll send all the specifics on the flip side. Go on, bombshell, register here. Can’t wait to see you in Santa Monica!!

*Yep, May 24th is the Friday before Memorial Day! That’s on purpose: It’s the perfect time for bombshells to think big picture before a nice three day celebration… plus, we can go splash in the waves when we’re done. Holler!

I am thrilled to continue our Q+A video series I started just for you. I take a break from my usual badassery every Tuesday to answer one of your burning questions about honing your message, creating powerful videos, rocking media interviews & finding your inner bombshell.  You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers.

I get asked tons of questions from ladies who are just starting businesses, or are ready to take their businesses to the next level, or are feeling stuck & are not making the impact they really want in the world. So, this series is for you. My goal is to give you huge value, motivate you to take action and get those burning questions answered in bombshell fashion. Settle in, dolls.  I’ll tell it to you straight.

Gosh, I think we all wonder if we have anything original to say from time to time. But I have news for you: you absolutely, positively, 100%,  DO have something unique to share with the world. Bottom line? There’s only one you.

But, I totally understand that it’s hard to think about how to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

And that’s why I chose this question for today’s Q+A video:

What do you do if you’re just starting to use video and feel like everything you have to say has already been said before?

Just {PRESS PLAY} to find out:

Now, I really do want to hear from you in the comments below. What came up for you while watching this video? Were you able to think of something that makes you unique? Don’t be shy, I’d love for you to start flexing that sharing muscle right now. Plus, I can’t wait to get to know you better!

Got a question for me? Hop into the comments and leave it for me or shoot me an email at ellie@mediabombshell.com. Yours could be next!

I got this amazing testimonial in my inbox yesterday and just had to share it. Suzanne Venker is a very brave woman who writes about things that most people would avoid in conversation. And I had the honor of helping her prep for a series of national interviews, starting with the View. And I’m humbled by her feedback:

I was referred to Ellie Brett from a publicist who was helping me launch my new
book, How to Choose s Husband and Make Peace with Marriage. I am the author of
four books, all of which are considered by the media to be very provocative.

I had never worked with a media trainer before—everything I knew I’d learned
by trial and error. The media work in sound bites, so they don’t actually read my
work. Instead, they assume. Assume I think things I don’t. Assume I’ve said things I
haven’t. Then, when they finally get me on camera, I go and say something sensible
and their tongues get tied. Apparently, I’m not as crazy as they thought.

I didn’t really think I needed Ellie. After all, I had tons of experience fending off
the media. But what Ellie did for me in several hours’ time is provide a new way of
looking at television interviews. Instead of going on the defensive, she said, make
friends. Make the media like you so much they’re thrown off guard. That way,
they’re less likely to pounce and you can get your message across.

You are in charge, she said. Not them.

Knowing full well that the folks in the media are in charge of their own
programming—how much time the guest will get, and whether to be hostile or
friendly—I was skeptical at first. But it worked! Here I am on The View, next to Mike
Tyson (of all people) and Joy Behar, with whom I have nothing in common. Can you
tell we’re not on the same side of the issues? Nope.

Speaking of getting my message across, I told Ellie I never could never really get that
down. In my head, I know what my message is. But getting it out in a concise manner
in less than five minutes on television is nearly impossible for me. I’d end up feeling
like I hadn’t said squat.

But Ellie helped me think in broader terms and narrow my message down into
several juicy sound bites. Then she played devil’s advocate and had me figure out
how to circle back to the sound bites we created no matter what question I might be
asked.

What stands out about Ellie is her infectious energy and unstinting support and
encouragement. Working with her, you’d think your message is the most important
one on the planet. Which, of course, is how you should think of it. J

I love Ellie!

Wow, right? Thanks so much, Suzanne, for your sweet words. It’s clients like you who make me love what I do. 

I am thrilled to continue our Q+A video series I started just for you. I take a break from my usual badassery every Tuesday to answer one of your burning questions about honing your message, creating powerful videos, rocking media interviews & finding your inner bombshell.  You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers.

I get asked tons of questions from ladies who are just starting businesses, or are ready to take their businesses to the next level, or are feeling stuck & are not making the impact they really want in the world. So, this series is for you. My goal is to give you huge value, motivate you to take action and get those burning questions answered in bombshell fashion. Settle in, dolls.  I’ll tell it to you straight.

The question this week:

I have a foreign accent. Should I rock it or get voice coaching ASAP?

Now, even if you don’t have an accent you’re thinking of changing, chances are there’s *something* about yourself you think needs to be fixed before you start creating videos. So, this video really is for you, too. Want to see what I have to say?

Go on, press play.

My question for you is simple: what do you think? Do you agree? Not so much?? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Dish!

Got a question for me? Hop into the comments and leave it for me or shoot me an email at ellie@mediabombshell.com. Yours could be next!

my brother & me on our favorite beach

But then, something changed. I remember being twelve and hitting puberty before everyone… so not only was I half a foot taller than all the boys, but I actually had boobs way before they were cool. It was horrifying. I had a woman’s body, but I didn’t feel ready for it.

In fact, I spent years hating the fact that I was grown up before my friends, pissed that clothes that looked cute on them looked way too sexy on me. I just wanted to be a tween and it seemed like my body was already grown up… it felt alien to me.

It wasn’t until after college that I started to feel like my body was gross and that it needed fixing. I started right in on my job as a reporter and taking care of my body just wasn’t a focus. The long hours and intense deadlines meant I ate lots of fast food, drank way too much coffee, and was so exhausted by the time I got home that working out was the last thing on my mind.

I put on about 15 or 20 pounds, but I was so out of touch with my body I had no idea. I remember actually thinking that my dry cleaner was shrinking all of my suits. Yep, I was that clueless. Now, keep in mind that my mom is a size 2 and my dad works out every day to stay in better shape than most 20 year olds… so I grew up with a warped sense of what “normal” was. And when I gained wait, I felt like a total failure. And then I couldn’t easily take the weight off. Epic fail. In fact, I struggled for the next ten years to figure out how I should feel about my body. Have you ever been there?

Only this year, at 33 years old, have I begun to really fall in love with my body. I’m so excited to share much much more about my journey with you in the coming months! To start, I want to share one of my big inspirations: Sarah Jenks. I featured her in my Behind the Bombshell interview last week, and I really want you to know her– she’s truly changing the way women see their bodies with her concept of Live More Weigh Less. And right now, she’s got three free training videos you absolutely must see.

Where most people teach you a million and one ways to be model-thin through what you eat and how much you exercise, Sarah understands that sometimes no matter how badly you want to lose weight, and how knowledgeable you are on the latest strategies a lot of us can’t stick to our diet.

She believes that a lot of us use food to make ourselves feel better.  Eating keeps us entertained, comfortable, relaxed and loved – but only for a hot second until our anxiety or boredom comes back and we’re left with a bloated tummy and lumpy thighs.  Not fun.

On top of that, many of us are waiting for our lives to begin when we’re thin, so our daily routines leave much to be desired which further drives up our cravings.

Sarah’s the real deal: a real woman, with a real life and a real body.  And she’s out to change the way women approach weight loss. And I’m thrilled to introduce her to you. Go on, click here to get instant access to her free training.

Because, let’s face it ladies: we can’t be bombshells on camera or in life if we’re feeling like failures in our bodies or even if we’re just mad at our bodies most of the time. I’m on a mission this year to change the way I think about my body, my weight and what’s possible on camera and off. Who’s with me?

PS: Sarah’s also a total bombshell when it comes to videos. She’s got mad skills! Even if you’re not interested in losing weight, you really do want to see the videos she put together from a delivery stand point. They’re awesome!