Advice for Life with Lynn

Advice for Life with Lynn

Advice for Life with Lynn

Advice for Life with Lynn

Advice for Life with Lynn

Advice for Life with Lynn

What:

Hanging out with my Deco Drive Co-Host, Lynn Martinez, as she interviews me for her new podcast. The topic? “Getting Through Your Darkest Hours.”

Why:

Lynn Martinez is a lot of different things to a lot of different people: daughter, sister, wife, mother, journalist, news anchor, entertainment host — but I bet you didn’t know she’s also really great at giving advice, too. In fact, at Channel 7, she’s our resident therapist, listening thoughtfully to everyone’s problems and responding with helpful tips and positive solutions. She’s not pushy about it, either; she just effortlessly makes you feel heard, validated and loved.

That’s why it wasn’t surprising when she told me she was starting a podcast called “Advice for Life With Lynn.” When I asked why she was doing it (because she has a lot on her plate as a working mom,) she replied: “I want to help people have better relationships with themselves and others.” That’s just the kind of person she is. Not only that, she’s spent the better part of her adult life getting some type of therapy.

It’s not just about fixing herself but rather evolving as a person and perhaps even pinpointing her true calling in life. So, after two decades of self-analysis, deep reflection and taking ownership of her personal idiosyncrasies, Lynn has decided to share what she’s learned in a weekly podcast that’s real, raw, heartfelt, refreshingly funny and chock-full of great advice. Think “Sex In The City” meets the Dali Lama.

While leaving no stone unturned as she offers up her own struggles for listeners to learn from, Lynn also has a weekly guest on her podcast; usually an expert on the chosen topic (things like: “Accepting Mom,” “Like Your Body,” “Manifest Life” and “You & Your Ex”.) If the person isn’t an expert, so to speak, they’ve mastered living their most authentic life or possess some type of hard-won knowledge. The latter is where I come in…

If you’re a regular blog reader, you know a few years back, I hit a major rough patch: losing a baby, developing a major illness, all while my marriage fell apart. How did I survive it? How did I over come the obstacles life threw my way? Well, that’s what Lynn wanted to talk to me about for her podcast: “Getting Through Your Darkest Hours.”

I’m not a shrink, counselor or advice-giver, but I think Lynn made it possible for me to open up and share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. If you’re going through a tough time, I hope our conversation inspires you. In the meantime, “Advice for Life with Lynn” keeps inspiring me and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

When:

Lynn broadcasts her podcast every Wednesday on iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Don’t miss my one-on-one interview on “Advice for Life with Lynn” available now on her website.

Where:

Find out more about Lynn & how good she is at giving advice: www.adviceforlifewithlynn.com, Twitter: @Advice4LifeLynn, FB: Advice for Life with Lynn

Carrying your emotional suitcase is hard! You have to lug it everywhere.Lynn Martinez

James Woodley Photography
Styling: Shireen & Lynn
Grooming: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Hurricane” Auerbach

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

The Evolution of the TV Anchor

My first day on the job as a television reporter was nothing short of terrifying. I was young, insecure and horribly dressed. Of course, I didn’t know it at the time (the horribly dressed part.) Wearing a crisp, bright red blazer, checkered blue and white gauchos and navy high heeled Mary Janes with sweet little bows on top, I was ready to take on the world and my very first television story.

When I showed up to work, my very old, strung-out-on-coffee-and-cigarettes assignment editor barked out my marching orders: “Your story is about the largest private hospital in the area turning indigent.” My response was, not surprisingly, idiotic: “Well, that sounds interesting,” I said enthusiastically. “No shit, Sherlock,” he quipped while handing me a stack of press releases. “You’re the lead at 6pm,” he grunted. “This is my first day. Should I really be the lead?” I sighed insecurely, under my breath. He didn’t even bother looking up from his computer, but…

Just as I turned to walk out the door, he called after me: “Hey, new kid – you’re not going to wear that on television, are you?” Everyone in the newsroom simultaneously burst into laughter. I smirked at him, shook my head and bee-lined it for the hospital. Once I met my videographer, I did, indeed, piecemeal my way through the story and proudly presented it during my very first television live-shot on the 6PM news. After the tally light went off on the camera, I punched the sky and belted out the theme to “Rocky.” It was a defining moment…

Unfortunately, I did it all while wearing that not-so-flattering outfit. If I was being totally honest, though, I didn’t really have a choice in the matter. I was just starting out in the business and was as broke as a spandex maker when grunge hit. So to make due, I would piece together outfits from free clothing I got from my old pageant and modeling days. I learned pretty quickly, though, my sob story didn’t matter because viewers didn’t give a flying flip. The next day, my News Director forwarded me my first official complaint.

The ladies name was Barbara; yes, I still remember her name and in no uncertain terms she wrote the station, cc’ing my General Manager, to inform them that during my (very first) live-shot, I wasn’t wearing enough lipstick, my hair was too flat and my gauchos were hideous. Luckily, she thought I did a good job on the story. Welcome to television!

Read the rest of “The Evolution of the TV Anchor” at www.wsvn.com or to be featured in the blog email me at ShireenSandoval@yahoo.com.

Belkys Nerey wardrobe provided by www.NanetteLepore.com
Lynn Martinez styled by Elyse Held/wardrobe www.JessieBoutique.com
Shireen Sandoval’s suit www.saksfifthavenue.com / shoes www.jimmychoo.com

Twitter @ShireenSandoval
IG @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com

photography by tod p/t4twophotography
Twitter @todp_photo
IG @Tod_p
info@t4twophotography.com

Hair & Make-up by Odette Hernandez
Twitter @Odettehernandz
IG Odett_Herndz

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com