SEASON FOUR

EPISODE ONE: HAYLEY ARECENAUX

 

Thriver Thursday is back! Our first thriver of Season 4 is Hayley Arceneaux, a St. Jude physician assistant and cancer survivor, today’s premiere episode shares the story of her battle with childhood cancer. Hayley is a member of SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission making her the youngest American, and first-ever pediatric cancer survivor and person with a prosthesis, to travel into space.

 

EPISODE TWO: THE STANBACKS

 

Former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion Isaiah Stanback and his wife Natalie, are raising awareness for Type 1 Diabetes on behalf of their 9-year-old daughter Nadia.

Diagnosed at the age of 3, Nadia shares what it’s like for her to have to be very responsible for her health at such a young age and not letting the illness stand in her way.

They are using their story to inspire other families on how they can thrive in spite of diabetes and the importance of leading by example to influence your kid's healthy habits.

 

EPISODE THREE: MICHELLE TOLSON

 

Michelle Tolson is a dancer, a teacher, and a former reigning Miss New Hampshire who went on to find success as one of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. She used her diagnosis of #multiplesclerosis and the tragic loss of her husband to encourage others to never let anything in life keep them from their passion.

EPISODE FOUR: AARON PERRY

 

Once an avid college athlete, Aaron Perry began slipping into a sedentary lifestyle and it took a toll on his health. After he was diagnosed with #Type1Diabetes, he decided to take charge of not only his own health but the health of local African American men.

Perry founded the Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association and the Men's Health and Wellness Education Center, which operates out of Madison's largest black barbershop. Perry says this concept, a clinic in a barbershop, is effective because of the shop's significance within the community. His health and wellness center has seen such success that Men's Health magazine has named Perry one of five global leaders changing the world of health.

 

EPISODE FIVE: KARISSA BODNAR

Washington native #KarissaBodnar always had a love for beauty--but her passion was filled with purpose after losing her best friend to cancer at just 24 years old. She is now the founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics, a high-performance vegan, cruelty-free direct-to-consumer cosmetics brand. For every product you purchase, they donate to help a woman thrive and to date have donated over 100 Million dollars to empower and inspire countless women’s lives.

 

EPISODE SIX: LORETTA VENEY

 

November is #NationalCaregiversMonth, and in the season finale of Thriver Thursday, we are previewing the final episode featuring Loretta, a caregiver for her 92-year-old mother, Doris. When her mother was diagnosed with #Alzheimers disease in 2006 at age 77, she was shocked as no one in their family had suffered from a memory disorder. She shares how she used Legos to keep her mother's brain active. Loretta has helped countless others, learned more about memory disorders, and all their nuances through this experience.

SEASON THREE

EPISODE ONE: MARK HERZLICH

 BEYOND THRIVING: CANCER

 

It's #ThankfulThursday but also #ThriverThursday. That's right, Thriver Thursday is back for a third season, and I'm excited to bring you a preview of our premiere episode. Former New York Giants Linebacker and ACCN college football analyst Mark Herzlich, opened up to me about his battle with Ewing's Sarcoma as a college athlete and living his life now with a purpose.

 

In the premiere episode of #BeyondThriving our #thriverthursday producers sit down with doctors and cancer thrivers to discuss thriving beyond cancer.

EPISODE TWO: JASON KATZENSTEIN

BEYOND THRIVING: OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

 

EPISODE THREE: TIFFANY ALICHE

 

It's #InternationalOCDAwarenessWeek, and in this week's Thriver Thursday segment we tell the story of New Yorker magazine cartoonist and writer Jason Katzenstein and his struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Jason was a germaphobe who got his OCD diagnosis at age 15. After college he suffered terrible panic attacks and sought help through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. In the piece he shares the challenges of living with OCD and his hope to help inspire others to live better with whatever challenges they may face as well.

 
 
 

In this week's episode of #BeyondThriving our #ThriverThursday producers sit down with doctors ond #OCD thrivers to discuss thriving beyond Obsessive Complusive Disorder.

 
 

Tiffany Aliche grew up in a household where money and financial lessons were talked about all the time. When she got her first job as a teacher, she was budget conscious. However, at 27 major financial problems started when she invested $20,000 with a friend and it turned out to be a scam. She lost all her money. Shortly after the Great Recession hit and Tiffany lost her job and was unemployed. Her net worth became -$305,000 and she had to move in with her parents. She finally realized that she had to start to fix her financial situation and she used her skills that she had been taught early on.

In 2015 she launched an online financial course called The Live Richer Challenge where she helped women achieve their financial goals. The women became a part of her program called Dream Catchers. Collectively they have saved over $200 million dollars collectively, paid off $150 million in debt.

BEYOND THRIVING: FINANCES

 

Millions of Americans are faced with financial troubles. In this week's episode of #BeyondThriving our #thriverthursday producers Jade Anderson and Gabriel Kerr sit down with ABC News Chief Business Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis financial expert The Frugal Feminista and #thriver Nicole Howerton to share tips and resources on how to thrive financially.

 

EPISODE FOUR: ERIC ADAMS

 

Eric Adams has dedicated his life to helping and serving people, and building strong community. He was drawn to public service at 15 years old, after he and his brother were beaten badly by police officers. Determined to change the system from within, Eric Adams graduated from the New York City Police Academy and served in law enforcement for 22 years. He then went on to join the New York Sentate for four terms and is currently serving as the Brooklyn Borough President.

When he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, his life took a turn - that’s when he continueed to thrive by embracing the power of food. Adams practices mindfulness and is very involved in getting people healthy mentally and physically. He practices meditation and is bringing this to both schools and the police force to help with trauma and triggers.

BEYOND THRIVING: COMMUNITY

 

Education and nutrition are the cornerstones of a strong community. In this week's episode of #BeyondThriving our #thriverthursday producers Jade Anderson and Gabriel Kerr sit down with David Banks, President of the Eagle Academy Foundation and Michelle McMacken expert on treating and preventing chronic disease through nutrition to share tips and resources on how to build a strong community where everyone feels empowered to thrive.

 

EPISODE 5: CAMILA COELHO

 

November is #NationalEpilepsyAwarenessMonth. For years Brazilian beauty influencer and businesswoman

Camila Coelho kept her neurological disorder secret – but now she’s speaking out to help others understand what #Epilepsy is. With over 50 million followers combined on social media she wants to tell her story of epilepsy and break the stigma.

BEYOND THRIVING: EPILEPSY

 

November is #NationalEpilepsyAwarenessMonth. In this week's episode of #BeyondThriving our #thriverthursday producers Jade Anderson and Gabriel Kerr sit down with experts and thivers of epilepsy, including the parents of the late #CameronBoyce to share tips and resources on how to thrive with epilepsy.

 

EPISODE SIX: DANIELLA CARTER

 

Daniella grew up in foster care until she decided to leave at age 14 when her foster family wouldn’t accept her gender identity as well as to escape the abuse and trauma she was experiencing at home. Due to the lack of resources for trans youth in the foster system, she was forced to live in the subways and engage in survival sex work. Despite this, she still went to school each day since she knew an education would give her choices and freedom. Today she is thriving and using her story to inspire and uplift others in her community.

BEYOND THRIVING: THE BLACK TRANS EXPERIENCE

 

In this week's episode of #BeyondThriving our #thriverthursday producers Jade Anderson and Gabriel Kerr sit down with activists to bring insight into the Black trans experience and share tips and resources on how to thrive.

 

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THRIVER THURSDAY SEASON 3

 

On this #thankfulthursday, I am grateful for my production company Rock'n Robin Productions'digital series #ThriverThursday. In season three we were really able to broaden our series and show viewers what it means to be a thriver in so many areas of life. Here's a behind the scenes look of all that happened during this incredible season.

 SEASON TWO

EPISODE ONE: ROBIN ARZON

Our season two premiere of #ThriverThursday spotlights Robin Arzon, head instructor of the indoor cycling fitness craze, Peloton. Watch how Arzon’s life and future changed from one experience that took her on a mission of self-discovery where she ultimately found a passion for running and fitness. Arzon believes sweat transforms lives and helps people find their inner-athlete all around the world through her inspirational and motivational workouts. ​Get inspired to live 1% better every day!

EPISODE TWO: TRAVIS RICKS

 

Travis Ricks has been an athlete his entire life, but after fighting cancer when he was seventeen and in high school he would find out that he was destined to be so much more. After suffering an infection in his knee he was presented with two options, fuse his knee and never bend it again or to amputate above the knee...He chose the later.

Travis thought his life as an athlete was over until he was introduced to the Challenge Athletes Foundation where he was given a special prosthetic that not only allowed him to participate in many sports but also inspire the younger generation of “differently-abled” athletes following behind him.

EPISODE THREE: DR. OKANLAMI

 

In 2013, Feranmi Okanlami was on his way to becoming an orthopedic surgeon but his dreams were almost derailed after sustaining a spinal cord injury at a Fourth of July pool party. Despite breaking his neck and becoming paralyzed from the neck down, he never doubted he’d be able to live a productive and independent life. On top of earning a master's degree in engineering, he did reach his dream of becoming a doctor. Dedicated to the belief that disability does not mean inability, Okanlami created a social media campaign, #DocsWithDisabilities to raise awareness about doctors with disabilities while also working closely with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as a role in The Office for Health Equity and Inclusion.

EPISODE FOUR: SANAH JIVANI

 

At 12 years old, Sanah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of alopecia and bought a wig to cover her head. The bullying was endless and she missed 75 percent of the school year. A week before her freshman year, Sanah decided to ditch her wig and created a Day of Self Love at her school, challenging students to let go of the one thing that tied them down. She even started a non-profit organization, The Love Your Natural Self Foundation that provides free self-love and anti-bullying programming in 135 campuses and 28 countries.

EPISODE FIVE: YUSUF DAHL

 

EPISODE SIX: REV. STACEY EDWARDS-DUNN


We've got another great #ThriverThursday story for you. Meet Yusuf Dahl. His life journey took him from prison to Princeton University and now he's showing how education helped turn his life around and has inspired him to do the same for others.

 
 
 

Excited to share a special two-part finale of Rock'n Robin Productions digital series #ThriverThursday. This week we're spotlighting two women's journeys through the struggle of infertility. 

The first part shares the story of Reverend Stacey Edwards-Dunn. After her own experience, Reverend Stacey wanted to break the silence around infertility for women of color by creating an organization that provides services including educational programming, counselors, grants and support groups for under-served women and couples of color around the U.S.

EPISODE SEVEN: TRACY ZARATE

 

In our final episode of #ThriverThursday season 2 I invite you to meet Tracy Zarate. 

In 2015 Tracy was told that her body was no longer producing eggs and therefore she had a 2% chance of having a biological child. Her only treatment option was egg donation from a sibling or from an anonymous donor.

Tracy's younger sister offered to be her donor but it took about a year of processing to be ready for the treatment. During that time Tracy and her husband Miguel started a support group to help others going through infertility. 

After fighting through three failed transfers, Tracy and Miguel were blessed with their daughter Meredith Grace Zarate.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF SEASON 2

 

Enjoy a special behind the scenes look at Season 2 of Thriver Thursday.

SEASON ONE

EPISODE ONE: WINNIE HARLOW

For our premiere episode of #ThriverThursday, fashion model Winnie Harlow shares her inspiring story of thriving and being a trailblazer as the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria Secret Fashion show. 

#ThriverThursday celebrates their triumphs and ability to keep moving forward with a newfound purpose in life despite circumstance and setbacks. Watch new episodes every Thursday and join in the conversation with #thriverthursday

 

EPISODE TWO: DURONNE WALKER

 


In our second episode of #ThriverThursday New Orleans Native Duronne Walker shares his story of tragedy and triumph. He credits faith, family, and friends as his saving grace.

 
 

BEHIND THE SCENES OF #THRIVERTHURSDAY

Wishing you a #HappyThanksgiving 
For this episode, we're sharing a behind the scenes look of what takes to put #ThriverThursday together. 

 

EPISODE THREE: CLAIRE GRIFFITHS


For our third episode of #ThriverThursday, We’d like to introduce you to Claire Griffiths. At age 13, Claire was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. During her darkest times, she developed an eating disorder, hallucinated and at her worst attempted suicide. Through treatment, Claire has gotten better and is now sharing her story and working to change the stigma of mental health.

 

EPISODE FOUR: CRAIG POLLARD

Our next #Thriver Craig Pollard was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He survived that bout only to have it return when he was 19 years old. After receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant, he devoted his time and energy to creating his organization, Cancer for College which provides college scholarships and mentoring services for young cancer thrivers.

 

EPISODE FIVE: ED PULIDO


Major Ed Pullido was part of a convoy going into hostile territory when they hit a road side bomb. He sustained serious injuries that not only affected him physically but also mentally. He started Warriors For Freedom to educate people on the stressors of war and help people understand the importance of peer to peer support.

 

EPISODE SIX: JENNY PACANOWSKI

Jenny Pacanowski was a combat medic driving a military ambulance. Her experience on the front lines left her with PTSD and to cope she turned to alcohol and heroin. Years later, once she finally got clean she found a new path forward through writing and theater. Jenny now is an advocate for other veterans and helps other female veterans with their experiences and the challenges of coming home through the arts.

 

Behind The Scenes: A Special Episode of Thriver Thursday

A very special episode of #ThriverThursday. It features fellow Thrivers who are making their mess a powerful message of hope and resilience!

 

EPISODE SEVEN: KJ FIELDS

When KJ Fields was six years old he was struck by a car and left paralyzed from the waist down. This tragic incident did not break KJ's spirits. He has a zest for life and  did not let his circumstances stop him from his dreams. KJ helped form the first wheelchair basketball team in MS and is a decorated local athlete in track and field. 

 

EPISODE EIGHT: SHAMERE MCKENZIE

January is #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth. There are an estimated 20.9 million human trafficking victims worldwide and according to the United Nations Office of Crime and Drugs the most identified form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation. 

This #ThriverThursday we are sharing the story of Shamere McKenzie, a young woman who was a victim of sex trafficking and has now made it her mission to bring awareness and to advocate for those who have been forced into sex slavery.

 

EPISODE NINE: JULIE GUILLOT

Julie Guillot lost her 9-year old son, Zach, to acute myeloid leukemia. The pain and anguish of watching her son endure countless rounds of intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant made her determined to do what she could to find a cure. She realized there wasn't research being down on pediatric AML and has raised over 7 million for research and speaks across the country on the topic. 

 

EPISODE TEN: KAREN MILLSAP

 

Karen Milsap is a young woman whose life was turned upside down when her husband was murdered in a random act of violence. Through all the pain and loss - loss of husband, job, house, and car - she was able to raise her 2-year-old son and now works as a grief consultant to help countless navigate tragedy and provide hope and inspiration.


We’re always inspired by the magnitude of people who’ve reached out to us at thriverthursday.com to share a story of a thriver they know. Karen received over 40 nominations from people who have been moved by her strength.


 

EPISODE ELEVEN: KAREN NEWMAN


Karen Newman is a decorated national triathlon competitor who is battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her joy for life is stronger than ever because of her faith, family and friends. She believes that all her struggles in life, including anorexia, bulimia, and cancer have all allowed her to grow and transform. Her story inspires us to help others realize that you are never too broken to be healed.

 

EPISODE TWELVE: SEASON 1 FINALE

Today we share with you the last episode of #thriverthursday season one. I cannot express how inspiring every story has been...Join us as we take a look back at the incredible individuals we've met along the way and share the stories of a few more.