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We had so much to talk about with Jeanette that I needed a little more time with my friend. In this episode, we dive deeper into Jeanette's story. If it was a book, I'd buy it!

Ibn Battuta said "Traveling -- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." Jeanette has been given the gift of storytelling long before any of her travels. Her story may leave you speechless, but hopefully it will inspire you to tell your own story.

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

Keep an eye out for Season 6 of "Buried in the Backyard" on Peacock. Jeanette has some other amazing projects coming up that I wish I could share her but my lips are sealed, so make sure to follow her:

IG: @reeltraveller * TikTok: @reeltraveller * website: reeltraveller.com

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Jeanette Jolley - an award-winning TV producer and creative force behind shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin. With over 26 years in the industry, she’s shaped stories for CBS, TLC, FOX, Discovery, and more, while also leading national campaigns for top brands like Chevrolet, Hilton, and La-Z-Boy. (full bio below)

Jeanette and I have been friends for a little more than 7 years and I'm so glad she agreed to share her story with us. In this episode, we're introduced to Jeanette's childhood, as she shares what it was like growing up as a foster child. We'll also dive into her illustrious 26 year career and where her travels have taken her. I may have even sidetracked a bit to talk about her work on one of my favorite shows. Okay I definitely did.

Jeanette has such a magnetic presence, a smile that you can feel when listening to her speak, and a story that I believe is going to hit home with lots of people.

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

To be concluded...

Bio:

Jeanette Jolley — an award-winning TV producer, visionary creative director, and strategic communications expert whose story is as inspiring as it is accomplished. With over 26 years of experience in the fast-paced world of television and commercial production, Jeanette has brought unforgettable stories to life for major networks like CBS, TLC, FOX, HGTV, Discovery, NBC, and Paramount.

She’s the powerhouse behind some of TV’s most beloved shows, including the Emmy Award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Emmy-nominated Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin. As the former Creative Director for a Fortune 500 outdoor brand, Jeanette also orchestrated over 55 national campaigns, capturing hearts and earning prestigious accolades like the Telly, Communicator, and Davey Awards. Brands like Chevrolet, La-Z-Boy, Kraft, Hilton, and Marriott have trusted her to craft narratives that connect deeply with audiences.

But Jeanette’s story isn’t just about success — it’s about relentless hope and resilience. Navigating a fiercely competitive entertainment industry, she never gave up, even when doors closed or the path forward seemed unclear. She believes in the power of pushing through, adapting, and staying true to your voice no matter how tough the climb.

In 2023, Jeanette faced one of her greatest personal battles yet — a life-threatening blood clot in the center of her brain, landing her in the hospital for four days and confining her to bed for seven grueling months. Yet again, she rose. Her journey through recovery strengthened her mission to live with intention, to tell meaningful stories, and to inspire others to persevere through their own storms.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jeanette is a regional Emmy judge, a film festival panelist, a sought-after university guest speaker, and a passionate advocate for orphan and foster care children — drawing from her own experience as an adoptee. She’s also a globe-trotter who has traveled to over 80 countries, documenting culture, adventure, and the human spirit with breathtaking authenticity.

Jeanette Jolley brings heart, wisdom, and an unshakable belief in second chances — both in life and in storytelling. Today, she’s here to share her remarkable journey of creativity, resilience, and hope.

Follow Jeanette:
Instagram: @reeltraveller
TikTok: @reeltraveller

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Have you ever randomly reached out to someone whom you didn't know yet they were gracious enough to respond? Then 8 years of silence by you and out of the blue you reach out to them once more and yet again they are gracious to respond. Well, that's a quick recap of how our conversation with our friend Sandy Pagnotti came to be.

Sandy has been President/CEO of the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, MD, since 2010. Before that, Sandy spent 15 years with Feats, Inc. and also worked for the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. A frequent speaker and panelist and colleges and professional settings all over, has won multiple awards and honored three times as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

I have known Sandy since around 2018 when our goal back then was to film inside the Baltimore RMHC since that is a place my family knows all too well. 99% of our conversation has been via email but today Sandy carved out some time to chat with me. Sandy is a sweet, genuine person who has a larger than life smile and an even bigger heart and I’m stoked to share our conversation with all of you.

This is Why We Pod.

(Thank you to Vicky Laws, Brenda Brown & Emily Zikorus for playing a key in role in making sure my initial 2018 email got to the right person!)

Learn more at https://rmhcmaryland.org/

#whywepod #whywepodpodcast #childhoodcancer #cancercharities #whywehope #cancer #rmhcmaryland

Follow us on IG @whywepodpodcast and learn more about my family's story at www.whywehope.org

Thanks for listening!