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Step Right Up! A Story of Circus Legends, Resilience, and Six Minutes of Perfection

The Debbie Nigro Show

Release Date: 11/30/2024

Breaking Free from Procrastination & Limiting Beliefs with Danita Young show art Breaking Free from Procrastination & Limiting Beliefs with Danita Young

The Debbie Nigro Show

Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop of I’ll do it tomorrow? You're not alone! On this week's Wellness Wednesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, we tackled procrastination and the sneaky ways we self-sabotage—especially when it comes to fitness, confidence, and transformation. My fabulous guest, Danita Young, is a transformational coach and cognitive performance expert who knows a thing or two (or a thousand!) about helping people break free from limiting beliefs. From starting as a personal trainer to becoming a national bikini competitor, to creating Booty Bands (yes, you...

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Keeping The ‘Live’ In Alive! Steps, Sneakers, Skidjoring & Smiles! show art Keeping The ‘Live’ In Alive! Steps, Sneakers, Skidjoring & Smiles!

The Debbie Nigro Show

Hey friends! On Wellness Wednesday on The Debbie Nigro Show, as always, we covered a LOT—from climbing steps like an Italian grandma climbs hills in the mountains to the latest in fancy sneakers, and even Coca-Cola's new "healthy" soda (who knew?!). Buckle up, because here’s your full recap of this week's  shenanigans, wisdom, and wellness tips. Step It Up—Like an Italian Grandmother! I kicked off the show kinda moaning (I hate moaners) about my aching leg muscles. Was feeling every single step in my legs after just visiting my daughter’s house (which, by the way, is...

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Two Gal Pals Launch National Women’s Pickleball Foundation show art Two Gal Pals Launch National Women’s Pickleball Foundation

The Debbie Nigro Show

Women Are Making Major Moves On The Pickleball Court   Move over, fellas! Women are making major moves in pickleball, and The Debbie Nigro Show just got the inside scoop from two powerhouse ladies leading the charge—Alita Friedman and Catherine Barton. If you haven't caught the pickleball bug yet, let me break it down for you: It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s the ultimate social sport. And now, thanks to these two trailblazers, women finally have their own place in the game with the launch of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation which joins the National Women’s...

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Science Says Flowers = Instant Happiness! Give Some and Spread the Smiles! show art Science Says Flowers = Instant Happiness! Give Some and Spread the Smiles!

The Debbie Nigro Show

Flower Power: The Secret to Happiness & Wellness with Jill Brooke Hey there, flower lovers!  If you’ve ever stopped to admire a beautiful bouquet or smiled at a fresh bloom, there’s a reason for that—flowers have scientifically proven benefits for our health and happiness! On the latest episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, we dove deep into the magic of flowers with Jill Brooke, founder and editorial director of Flower Power Daily. Jill, a floral historian and wellness advocate, shared some eye-opening insights about how flowers can: Reduce stress by lowering cortisol...

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Love Doesn't Always Go as Planned / Divorce + Social Media = A Recipe for Trouble! show art Love Doesn't Always Go as Planned / Divorce + Social Media = A Recipe for Trouble!

The Debbie Nigro Show

What NOT to Do on Social Media During a Divorce – Straight Talk with Jill Spielberg Valentine’s Week is all about love, but let’s be real, love doesn’t always go as planned. And when it doesn’t, social media can make things way worse (like Exhibit A in court worse).  That’s why I brought in Jill Spielberg, partner in charge of the Family and Matrimonial Law Department at Abrams-Fensterman LLP, to drop some major truth bombs about social media and divorce—what not to do, what could cost you in court, and even how to protect your kids. Biggest Takeaway? STOP...

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WOW! The Future of Luxury Watches Just Landed in the U.S  in Greenwich show art WOW! The Future of Luxury Watches Just Landed in the U.S in Greenwich

The Debbie Nigro Show

 I took some time on The Debbie Nigro Show this week to talk about TIME, not the magazine—though that would be fun—but the concept of time, how we use it, and about a mind-blowing new invention that’s shaking up the world of luxury watches to display time. This one’s a game-changer!  I was scrolling through Instagram when I spot a post from my friend Rob Weintraub, manager of Manfredi Jewels in Greenwich, CT. Now, if you love watches—or just admire fine craftsmanship—Manfredi is the place to know about. (I know this firsthand because I was so impressed with owner...

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Scrolling on Instagram, I Spotted an Ol’ Pal in a Collagen Ad! Had To Know. Does it Really Work? show art Scrolling on Instagram, I Spotted an Ol’ Pal in a Collagen Ad! Had To Know. Does it Really Work?

The Debbie Nigro Show

Boosting Your Wellness with Collagen: A Chat with Cynthia Mancuso on The Debbie Nigro Show If you've been curious about collagen and whether it actually works, my latest chat on The Debbie Nigro Show is just for you! I caught up with my longtime friend Cynthia Mancuso—who I recently spotted in an ad for Native Path Collagen—to find out why she's such a fan and how it's helped her feel better from the inside out. I thought she'd get a laugh out of my calling her out of the blue to see just how this collagen thing was working for her, because I've seriously been thinking about  starting...

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The Healing Power of Music: Grammy-Nominated Radhika Vekaria on The Debbie Nigro Show show art The Healing Power of Music: Grammy-Nominated Radhika Vekaria on The Debbie Nigro Show

The Debbie Nigro Show

It’s not every day you get to chat with a true musical visionary, but that’s exactly what happened on Wellness Wednesday when I welcomed Grammy-nominated artist Radhika Vekaria to The Debbie Nigro Show! Radhika’s voice isn’t just beautiful—it’s healing. Her album Warriors of Light has earned her a well-deserved Grammy nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category, and let me tell you, this woman is redefining ancient music in the modern world. Born in London with Indian and East African roots, Radhika grew up surrounded by music—literally from the...

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The Moke —The Coolest Ride You Didn’t Know You Needed! show art The Moke —The Coolest Ride You Didn’t Know You Needed!

The Debbie Nigro Show

Ever see something so fun and fabulous that you just need to know more? That’s exactly what happened when I spotted a bright red Moke pulling up at a swanky beach club in Delray Beach, Florida. Part golf cart, part beach cruiser, and 100% head-turner.  Naturally, I did what any curious gal would do—I took a picture, went down a rabbit hole of info, and landed right at Moke America. Turns out, the Moke isn’t new—it’s iconic! Originally a British military vehicle (yes, parachuted out of airplanes), it’s now an all-electric, open-air, customizable dream ride....

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'Coquito' Magic from the $10M Cocktail Creator! show art 'Coquito' Magic from the $10M Cocktail Creator!

The Debbie Nigro Show

Looking for the perfect holiday drink? Meet Coquito, Puerto Rico’s creamy, coconut-infused answer to eggnog—and the recipe comes straight from Nick Mautone, the mixology mastermind behind the $10 million Honey Deuce cocktail at the U.S. Open. When asked what makes the Coquito so special, Nick said, “You almost can’t screw it up. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of those sweet holiday spices that make everything feel festive.” Nick’s take on Coquito skips the evaporated milk for more coconut richness, blending coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, dark rum, and a dash of...

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More Episodes

Ever find yourself enchanted by the sparkle of a circus? Not just the outfits (which I’ve always admired)—but the incredible dedication behind the scenes? Well, today’s podcast is a must-listen as I delve into the fascinating world of the Circus Ring of Fame in Sarasota, Florida, with my brilliant guest, Bill Powell.

Funny story: this whole conversation started because I stumbled upon an old photo of myself doing one of my first celebrity interviews—with a monkey from the Royal Hanneford Circus! (Yes, a monkey. It was as hilarious as you can imagine.) That quirky blast from the past sent me spiraling down an acrobatic rabbit hole of circus research, and, wow, did I uncover some incredible stuff!

Bill, who’s the Chairman and CEO of the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation and a circus industry veteran, joined me to share insights into Sarasota’s vibrant circus history and the resilience of this amazing community. Sarasota, as it turns out, isn’t just another sunny Florida spot—it’s the Circus Capital of America, a place where legends have performed and lived since the Ringling Brothers made it their winter home.

Bill’s expertise runs deep. Before leading the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation, he built an impressive career at Feld Entertainment, the company behind iconic productions like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, and Monster Jam. His background gave him a unique understanding of the art, business, and enduring legacy of the circus world.

But not everything has been bright lights and applause. The Circus Ring of Fame was recently devastated by hurricanes that tore through the area, leaving their iconic home in St. Armand’s Circle Park in need of major repairs. The damage was so extensive that the much-anticipated 2025 Circus Ring of Fame Global Awards Show has sadly been postponed to 2026. Bill shared how this setback has fueled the community’s determination to rebuild. As he put it, “This isn’t our first rodeo hurricane.”

Despite the challenges, the Circus Ring of Fame under Bill’s leadership is finding innovative ways to keep its magic alive. They’ve incorporated QR codes into their legendary plaques, so visitors can scan and dive into the incredible stories, photos, and videos of circus legends who’ve shaped the art form.

Bill also gave me an insider's view of what makes circus performers so special. He described the circus world as a place where people dedicate their entire lives to creating “six minutes of perfection.” Think about that! From trapeze acts to being shot out of cannons, these performers are the ultimate pros, bringing joy to audiences through unmatched artistry and effort.

If you’re ever in Sarasota, visiting the Circus Ring of Fame should be on your list—especially once the community’s hard work restores it to its former glory. In the meantime, you can support their mission and learn more about these incredible artists.

Listen to the full episode of The Debbie Nigro Show and get inspired by the magic of circus legends.