Step Right Up! A Story of Circus Legends, Resilience, and Six Minutes of Perfection
Release Date: 11/30/2024
Big News! My New Syndicated Radio Feature Has Launched: Keeping the ‘Live’ in Alive! (Sponsored by NativePath Collagen )
The Debbie Nigro Show
I did it! I took a chance, followed my gut, and launched something brand new. I told myself what I always tell you guys…Risk It! or Regret It! Introducing my brand-new short-form syndicated radio feature: “Keeping the ‘Live’ in Alive! with Debbie Nigro” Proudly sponsored by NativePath Collagen — the stuff that’s got me hiking again, baby! For the past 6 months, I’ve been secretly developing this new ‘thing’’. Figuring out what it should be, how it should sound, and who would be open enough to collaborate with me. Why this, why now? Lately, I’ve found...
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Greatitude in Action: How One Man Turned Grief Into Giving — and Coconut Water With a Purpose
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey guys, it’s Debbie Nigro — and today, I want to introduce you to someone whose spirit will stick with you long after you finish reading this. Meet John Chiorando — a brilliant businessman, devoted family man, and philanthropist — and yes, the self-proclaimed “Coconut Commander” behind the fast-growing beverage brand Once Upon a Coconut. But it’s not just about the coconuts. It’s about "Greatitude." Not a typo. It’s the name of John’s new book — a powerful message born from unimaginable heartbreak: the loss of his beautiful daughter, Nina, to a rare form of...
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Musicians United for ALS: A Star-Studded Night of Hope, Love, and Legendary Talent
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey guys, Debbie Nigro here — and if you’re anything like me, you’re holding on to hope, love, and music to lift your spirits… in spite of it all. That phrase — “in spite of it all” — felt like the perfect segue into one of the most meaningful and emotional conversations I’ve had in a long time on The Debbie Nigro Show. I had the honor of welcoming the incredible Wayne Warnicke, a legendary music producer who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, and his powerhouse of a wife, the talented and soulful Vaneese Thomas. Together, they are the heartbeat behind Musicians United...
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Oakley Bourbon: Woman-Led Brand Making Serious Waves in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
The Debbie Nigro Show
Bourbon, badass women, and a bold new brand shaking up the spirits industry? Now that’s my kind of conversation! Especially during Women’s History Month. On The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the pleasure of chatting with Molly Kingston, the trailblazing founder of Oakley Bourbon—a woman-led brand making serious waves in a traditionally male-dominated industry. And trust me, this story is as smooth and strong as the bourbon itself! A Spirit with Spirit: Inspired by Annie Oakley Molly’s inspiration? None other than the legendary Annie Oakley—the sharpshooter and symbol of female...
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We Age in Bursts? Ping Pong for Parkinson’s! and FDA Warns Strawberries May Carry Norovirus?
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey, friends! It’s your favorite delusionally young optimist, Debbie Nigro, back with another Wellness Wednesday where we keep the "live" in alive! If you missed the show, here’s a rapid-fire rundown of what we talked about—because, let’s be honest, I covered a lot. Buckle up! 1. Do We Age in Bursts? Apparently, OMG Yes! Scientists have confirmed what we already suspected—one day, you wake up and bam, you’ve aged five years overnight. Studies show major aging jumps around age 44 and 60 (so if you’re near one of those, hydrate and brace yourself). Researchers...
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I Smell a Winner! Scent Guru Sue Phillips Named Global Women Peace Ambassador. Ah The Power of Perfume!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some people walk into a room, and you just know they’re special. They’ve got an energy, a presence—maybe even a signature scent that turns heads. Well, my guest on The Debbie Nigro Show for this special Women's History Month edition is exactly that kind of person. Meet Sue Phillips, the internationally acclaimed fragrance expert, scent therapist, and newly honored Global Women Peace Ambassador! If you love a great success story, the science of scent, and a little inspiration to keep going no matter what life throws your way, this is the episode you need to hear. Sue Phillips:...
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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!
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
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!
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...
info_outlineEver 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.