From “Try” to Triumph: How Mrs. Illinois, Tracy Heisler Drost, Became a Queen of Challenge
Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life
09/11/25
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n this powerful and uplifting episode, hosts Julie and Mika sit down with a real-life queen—Mrs. Illinois America 2025, Tracy Heisler Drost. With zero prior pageant experience, Tracy’s journey into the world of pageantry started with a simple family mantra: “Try.” What began as a way to discover purpose after her daughter went off to college turned into a life-changing quest of giving back, personal growth, and inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Tracy’s family’s guiding word “Try” propelled her to tackle new challenges—including entering (and winning) the Mrs. Illinois America pageant
- The step-by-step process of how Tracy went from commercial modeling to representing Illinois on the national stage without previous pageant experience
- Candid insights into balancing motherhood, marriage, volunteering, and the demands of being Mrs. Illinois
- The family culture of giving back: From monthly pandemic-inspired volunteer projects to raising philanthropic children
- The powerful impact of doing “one big thing” each year—running marathons, century rides, and taking on epic personal challenges
- Vulnerable moments: Coping with family loss and major life changes while maintaining confidence and grace
- The true power and sisterhood found in the pageant world and why it’s never too late to form lifelong bonds
- Exclusive: Behind-the-scenes at Mrs. America in Las Vegas—from dance routines to the unique reality of pageant life
- Tracy’s tips for trying something new—even when you feel self-doubt or “imposter syndrome” creeps in
- “You just have to try. That’s our word. If you can just try, get your foot out the door, then see what happens.”
- “Challenging yourself is the key to happiness. It’s the key to growth. It’s the key to building that inner wisdom, the inner beauty.”
- “Even the day-to-day...there’s so many mini-challenges within this role that push me, that I never thought about before I accepted it.”
Action Steps:
- Listen to Tracy’s journey and let her “Try” mantra inspire your next bold move
- Explore Tracy’s favorite skincare picks from our sponsor The Organic Skin Co.—get a clean slate for your own fresh start
- Connect with Tracy Heisler Drost on Instagram, Facebook, and follow her evolving journey as a role model, philanthropist, and pageant powerhouse
Resources & Links:
💞CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE SKINCARE LINE- THE ORGANIC SKIN CO. The Organic Skin Co
Your skin will thank you for it AND the world will thank you- as they plant a tree with each product bought!
🔥 Are you ready to become the best version of yourself? Tune into Obsessed with Humans on the Verge of Change — the life-changing podcast that explores healing, purpose, empowerment, and bold transformation. Each episode is designed to help you level up with real tools, real stories, and real conversations that matter.
💥 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and follow us on YouTube for LIVE episodes!
✨ What We're Obsessed With
We are OBSESSED with humans who are ready to break through fear, trauma, and limiting beliefs. Hosted by thought leaders and transformational experts Julie Lokun, Tia Morell, and Mika Altidor, this show is a vibrant community for dreamers, doers, and those craving deeper meaning.🧠 From mindful nutrition and confidence building
Previous Episode
Ready to dive deep into the real, unfiltered world of Kim DePaola—a.k.a. Kim D—from the Real Housewives of New Jersey? In this can’t-miss episode of Obsessed, hosts Jules, Mika and Tia sit down with the iconic entrepreneur, reality TV star, and fashion maven to spill all the tea you crave.
Episode Highlights
- Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Kim D reveals what really went down on RHONJ and how she navigated that infamous “villain to icon” journey.
- Fashion Obsession & Entrepreneur Insights: Hear how Kim’s lifelong passion for fashion started (wait until you hear the story about her stepfather's influence!) and how she built her boutique empire—plus, expert style tips for every age.
- Mental Health is Wealth: Kim doesn’t shy away from discussing the mental toll of her high-speed lifestyle, sharing her favorite ways to recharge—think solitude, dogs, nutritious meals, and even her go-to mental health day routine.
- Confidence Unlocked: What’s the secret to Kim’s magnetic confidence? She reveals why authenticity is her superpower, and why she refuses to play by other people’s rules—especially when it comes to femininity, power, and relationships.
- Nutrition, Diet & Ageing Secrets: Kim drops her personal diet philosophy (spoiler: she’s not about “low fat” fads) and how she’s maintained her energy, skin, and shape through the years.
- Real Talk on Boundaries: Get actionable advice from Kim about setting personal limits, managing anxiety, and why listening to your inner voice matters more than pleasing others.
Must-Listen Moments
- Kim’s unfiltered thoughts on the “Boss Babe” movement and the cost of the hustle culture for women.
- The real story behind her iconic confidence and how she overcame anxiety—plus, why taking mental health days actually levels up your productivity.
- Fashion do’s and don’ts for women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond—plus, why Kim believes “dress your age” is an outdated myth.
- The juicy backstory on her most life-changing decisions—hint: it involves Housewives drama, tough love, and choosing herself over relationships.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize your mental health and set clear boundaries—even if the world is watching.
- Authentic confidence is built from within, not from external approval.
- Your style, your way: Age is just a number when you know what works for you.
Connect with Us
- Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
- Follow Jules, Tia, and Kim D on Instagram
- Get Mika’s Vegan Treats Featured in the Episode
💞CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE SKINCARE LINE- THE ORGANIC SKIN CO. The Organic Skin Co
Your skin will thank you for it AND the world will thank you- as they plant a tree with each product bought!
🔥 Are you ready to become the best version of yourself? Tune into Obsessed with Humans on the Verge of Change — the life-changing podcast that explores healing, purpose, empowerment, and bold transformation. Each episode is designed to help you level up with real tools, real stories, and real conversations that matter.
💥 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and follow us on YouTube for LIVE episodes!
✨ What We're Obsessed With
We are OBSESSED with humans who are ready to break through fear, trauma, and limiting beliefs. Hosted by thought leaders and transformational experts Julie Lokun, Tia Morell, and Mika Altidor, this show is a vibrant community for dreamers, doers, and those craving deeper meaning.
🧠 From mindful nutrition and confidence building to trauma healing and vibrational energy, we bring you high-level discussions and guest interviews that empower your personal evolution.
Next Episode
Welcome to Get Obsessed, your go-to personal development podcast where we break through barriers and help you create the life you desire! In this episode, Mika dives deep into an essential mindset shift: "Proximity Doesn’t Equal Loyalty." Discover why the people closest to you—family, lifelong friends, or coworkers—aren't always your biggest cheerleaders when it comes to your personal growth and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
- Why Proximity Doesn’t Equal Support: Just because someone is part of your inner circle doesn’t mean they’ll cheer for your dreams or personal development.
- Spotting Hidden Doubt: Learn to recognize when doubt is disguised as love or concern from your friends and family.
- Common Patterns of Discouragement: Understand phrases and behaviors that subtly undermine your confidence, such as generalizing your identity ("You never follow through") or fixating on fears instead of possibilities.
- Protecting Your Progress: Mika shares three actionable steps to keep your momentum strong—naming the behavior, asking clarifying questions, and making small, low-risk bets to prove your naysayers wrong.
- How to Cultivate Real Loyalty: Build loyalty to your dreams and self, attract the right supporters, and set healthy boundaries with those who want to keep you playing small.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to detect subtle signals of sabotage—even from well-meaning loved ones
- Simple self-coaching strategies to reframe negative feedback and stay motivated
- How taking small actions builds unstoppable confidence and attracts the right people to your growth journey
Share Your Wins! If this episode resonated with you, tell us your small victory or tag someone you’ll cheer on today. Remember, momentum loves company!
Get obsessed with your growth—tune in, level up, and surround yourself with the right energy!
Listen now and start building your loyal support system!
💞CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE SKINCARE LINE- THE ORGANIC SKIN CO. The Organic Skin Co
Your skin will thank you for it AND the world will thank you- as they plant a tree with each product bought!
🔥 Are you ready to become the best version of yourself? Tune into Obsessed with Humans on the Verge of Change — the life-changing podcast that explores healing, purpose, empowerment, and bold transformation. Each episode is designed to help you level up with real tools, real stories, and real conversations that matter.
💥 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and follow us on YouTube for LIVE episodes!
✨ What We're Obsessed With
We are OBSESSED with humans who are ready to break through fear, trauma, and limiting beliefs. Hosted by thought leaders and transformational experts Julie Lokun, Tia Morell, and Mika Altidor, this show is a vibrant community for dreamers, doers, and those craving deeper meaning.
🧠 From mindful nutrition and confidence building to trauma healing and vibrational energy, we bring you high-level discussions and guest interviews that empower your personal evolution.
🎤 Featuring World-Class Guests & Experts
You’ll hear from inspirational thought leaders and bestselling authors, including:
- Dr. Laura Berman – Relationship expert from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)
- Gary Vaynerchuk – Marketing mogul and motivational powerhouse
- David Meltzer – Entrepreneur and author of Connected to Goodness
- Evan Carmichael – Top YouTube strategist and purpose-driven coach
- Michael Losier – Author of The Law of Attraction, Oprah Radio Host
- Dr. Sherrie Campbell – Psychologist and author of But It's Your Family
These visionaries share their journeys, wisdom, and unfiltered insights that will inspire you to become 1% better every day.
💖 Your Personal Growth Entourage
Meet your hosts:
- 🎙️ Julie Lokun, JD – Mast...
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