Podcasts

Behind the Smile welcomes a very special guest: Brian Vander Ark, lead singer and songwriter of the iconic band The Verve Pipe.

Brian shares the story behind his journey in music — from the band’s breakthrough success to his personal evolution as a solo artist. He reflects on what the band is currently working on, how his creative process has changed over the years, and the deeply cathartic role that music and songwriting continue to play in his life.

With honesty and heart, Brian opens up about the emotional layers behind his lyrics, the healing power of vulnerability, and how music has helped him navigate life’s highs and lows. This conversation is a reminder that behind every performance is a human story — filled with growth, reflection, and resilience.

Behind the Smile is honored to welcome Joseph Reid, Amazon best-selling author of Broken Like Me, for a powerful and personal conversation about living with — and learning from — mental health challenges.

Joseph opens up about the journey that inspired him to self-publish his book: a raw, honest, and compassionate guide for those who feel broken. Drawing from his own lived experience, Joseph shares the unique mental health tools he’s developed — not only to support his own healing, but to offer hope and structure to others navigating similar struggles.

Joseph reflects on the importance of speaking openly about pain, creating space for others to feel understood, and the healing that comes from being seen and heard.

As Joseph says, “If you feel broken, I wrote this for you.”

On this episode of Behind the Smile, we sit down with Sydney Johnson — an independent, thoughtful woman known for her appearance on Season 25 of The Bachelor.

But behind the reality TV spotlight is a deeper story — one of strength, vulnerability, and resilience. Sydney opens up about her personal journey with anxiety, sharing the parts of her life that weren’t visible on screen. From the pressures of public perception to the quiet battles fought off-camera, Sydney offers an honest and empowering look at what it means to navigate mental health in today’s world.

This conversation is a reminder that no matter how composed someone may seem on the outside, we never truly know the battles they may be facing within. Tune in to hear Sydney’s candid reflections on fame, healing, and finding peace in authenticity.

On this episode of Behind the Smile, we’re joined by Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young — a trailblazer in law enforcement and a leader deeply committed to breaking barriers and serving with compassion.

As the first woman to serve as sheriff in her county, Michelle shares what drives her in a demanding and often high-pressure role. In this inspiring conversation with Vonnie, she opens up about the challenges she’s faced, the values that guide her leadership, and how she stays grounded in her purpose.

Michelle reminds us that service, resilience, and staying true to oneself are powerful forces — both in uniform and beyond. Tune in to hear what keeps Sheriff Michelle smiling, even in the face of adversity, and how she continues to lead with heart.

Ever wonder what it’s really like to be a fashion designer? On this episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie sits down with her longtime friend, Pamella DeVos — the creative force behind the luxury fashion brand Pamella Roland.

Go behind the scenes as Pamella shares her journey from West Michigan roots to dressing some of Hollywood’s most iconic women. With warmth and honesty, she talks about the inspiration behind her designs, the realities of the fashion industry, and how she balances creativity, business, and life’s everyday challenges.

This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the world of high fashion — and the heart behind the brand. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue about passion, perseverance, and the power of staying true to your vision.

In this powerful episode of Behind the Smile, we’re joined by Will Heininger, former University of Michigan football player and mental health advocate with the Eisenberg Family Depression Center, and Professor Abigail Eiler of the U of M School of Social Work.

Together, they share how personal experience, clinical insight, and advocacy intersect through their work with Athletes Connected — a groundbreaking program supporting the mental health of student-athletes. Will bravely opens up about his own mental health journey as a Division I athlete, while Abigail offers expert perspective on why creating safe, supportive spaces for open dialogue is essential.

Tune in to hear how the University of Michigan is leading the way in athlete mental health, and how Will and Abigail are helping to shift the culture — on and off the field.

Ever seen someone tapping on their face or body and wondered why? In this enlightening episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie sits down with Brad Yates, widely known for his popular platform Tap With Brad — where he helps millions harness the power of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or tapping.

Brad shares his fascinating journey from actor to global YouTube sensation and personal development coach, explaining how tapping became a transformative tool in his own life and the lives of those he supports. With warmth and clarity, he breaks down the science and emotion behind EFT, and how this simple yet powerful technique can reduce stress, shift mindset, and foster emotional healing.

Whether you’re new to tapping or already a fan, this episode offers practical tools and inspiring insight to help you feel better, do better, and live better.

In this episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie is joined by Bob Wilkie — former NHL hockey player (Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers), best-selling author, mental performance and life coach, and founder of I Got Mind.

Together, they dive into a timely and important conversation about the immense pressure placed on athletes to perform — and the toll it can take on their mental and emotional well-being. Bob shares his personal journey through the highs of professional sports and the hidden struggles that came with it, offering raw insight into the realities behind the game.

Bob is on a mission to shift the conversation around mental and brain health — not just in sports, but in our culture at large. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the cost of silence, the importance of mental fitness, and why being strong sometimes means asking for help.

We’re closing out Season 2 of Behind the Smile with a truly unforgettable guest — Ben Aaron. Known for his quick wit, charisma, and Emmy-winning work on television, Ben brings both laughter and depth to this heartfelt conversation with Vonnie.

In this episode, Ben shares his journey from radio to national TV, opening up about the challenges he’s faced along the way — including his personal experience living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). With humor and vulnerability, he offers an honest look at what it means to thrive professionally while managing mental health behind the scenes.

From career pivots to personal growth, this episode reminds us that joy and struggle often coexist — and that showing up authentically is one of the bravest things we can do.

In the debut episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie Woodrick sits down with Olympic gold medalist and NBC Sports commentator Tara Lipinski for a conversation that is as powerful as it is heartfelt.

Years ago, three simple words from Tara played a pivotal role in Vonnie’s healing journey — words that brought comfort during unimaginable grief. Now, Tara joins Vonnie to reflect on that moment and share the strength behind those small but mighty words.

With grace, wisdom, and a touch of sparkle, Tara opens up about her own life lessons, the importance of compassion, and how meaningful connection can make all the difference. Tune in to hear how a few heartfelt words can spark healing — and why kindness, when spoken aloud, has the power to last a lifetime.

In this deeply moving episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie sits down with Claire Anderson, a beloved Seattle meteorologist known for her warmth and optimism on screen.

But behind the sunny demeanor was a profound personal grief — the loss of her father to suicide. In this heartfelt conversation, Claire bravely shares her story, reflecting on the pain she carried behind her smile and the moment she chose to stop hiding it.

Together, Claire and Vonnie explore the complexities of grief, the stigma surrounding suicide loss, and the healing power of speaking the truth out loud. Claire’s vulnerability and courage offer a powerful reminder: we never know what someone is weathering inside.

On this heartfelt episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie sits down with Jordan Carson — West Michigan’s sweetheart, award-winning journalist, and beloved television host.

Beneath Jordan’s bright presence on screen lies a deeply personal story that fuels her passion for mental health awareness. After losing her sister to an eating disorder, Jordan has become a fierce advocate for breaking the silence around mental illness and grief.

In this moving conversation, Jordan opens up about her journey through loss, how it has shaped her purpose, and the power of using her platform to spark meaningful change. Her vulnerability is a testament to the strength found in honoring our pain — and using it to help others heal.

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie is joined by Jeff Bennett, the visionary creator of The Wall — the hit game show that became a global sensation.

Jeff shares the incredible journey of how a simple idea grew into the number one game show in the world. From the early stages of development to worldwide success, his story is one of creativity, grit, and bold belief in what’s possible.

But there’s more to Jeff than innovation and entertainment. He also opens up about his passion for mental health awareness, and how his experiences have shaped his commitment to using storytelling and media to make a positive impact. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how big ideas come to life — and how purpose and passion can turn entertainment into something deeply meaningful.

What’s it really like to be an NFL football official? In this heartfelt episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie sits down with Dino Paganelli to explore life on — and far beyond — the field.

With years of experience officiating at the highest level of the game, Dino shares memorable moments from the sidelines, the pressure of making split-second calls, and what it takes to succeed in such a high-stakes environment. But beneath the uniform lies a much deeper story.

Dino opens up about the true motivation behind everything he does — his unwavering love for his late wife and the family they built together. His reflections on grief, resilience, and living with purpose offer a moving reminder that behind every role is a human heart.

In this powerful episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie welcomes Ginger Zee, ABC’s Chief Meteorologist, bestselling author, and fierce mental health advocate.

Described by Vonnie as a “tornado through the stigma”, Ginger brings her signature honesty and strength to the conversation, opening up about her personal journey with mental health — including her experiences with depression, suicide attempts, and the ongoing work of healing.

Her transparency isn’t just brave — it’s transformative. By sharing her story so openly, Ginger offers hope to countless others who may feel alone in their struggles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking down stigma, embracing vulnerability, and finding power in telling your truth.

On this enlightening episode of Behind the Smile, Vonnie is joined by Laura Powers — celebrity psychic, author, and spiritual intuitive — for a fascinating conversation about the unseen forces that guide us.

Laura shares how she learned to tune into signs from the universe and how each of us can strengthen our own intuition. From unexpected synchronicities to the power of manifestation, this episode explores the magic that happens when we learn to trust our inner voice.

Whether you’re deeply spiritual or just curious about the unseen connections in life, Laura’s insight and energy will leave you inspired to look — and feel — a little deeper. Tune in to discover how intuition, serendipity, and universal guidance can help shape a life of clarity, purpose, and wonder.