Episodes

  • The Power of Kindness: NewsNation's Markie Martin Shares Her Story
    Oct 30 2024

    In this inspiring episode of House of Style, host Grant Alexander sits down with the dynamic and charismatic Markie Martin, the national news anchor of NewsNation’s Morning in America. Known for her authentic on-air presence and vibrant personality, Markie opens up about her remarkable journey from pre-med student to becoming one of America’s most engaging morning show hosts.

    As the nation approaches the upcoming election, Markie shares exclusive insights into the pressures and excitement of covering such a pivotal event on a national platform. She discusses how she maintains objectivity and inclusivity in today’s polarized media landscape, ensuring that every viewer feels welcome and heard during these critical times.

    But there’s more to Markie than her professional achievements. Recently embracing motherhood, she delves into how becoming a new mom has transformed her perspective on life and work. Markie candidly discusses the challenges and joys of balancing a high-pressure career with the responsibilities of parenthood, and how this new chapter has influenced her personal style both on and off the camera.

    Highlights of the Episode:

    • 📝 From Pre-Med to Journalism: Discover how a twist of fate led Markie to find her true calling in the world of news.
    • 🎤 Authenticity On-Air: Learn about her commitment to genuine storytelling and how she connects with viewers through sincerity and warmth.
    • 🗳️ Behind the Scenes of Election Coverage: Gain insight into how she prepares mentally and emotionally to report on one of the most significant events in the nation.
    • 👩‍👧 Navigating Motherhood and Career: Explore the strategies Markie uses to balance her demanding role as a news anchor with the joys of being a new mom.
    • 👗 Evolution of Personal Style: Hear how her style has evolved over the years, reflecting her personal growth and life experiences.
    • 💪 Empowering Women in Media: Understand her perspective on being a role model for aspiring female journalists and the legacy she hopes to leave.

    Throughout the conversation, Markie and Grant delve deep into topics of personal growth, the importance of staying true to oneself, and how embracing authenticity can lead to profound success both personally and professionally.

    Why You Should Listen:

    • Get inspired by Markie’s unconventional career path and how she turned unexpected opportunities into a fulfilling career.
    • Learn practical advice on maintaining authenticity and inclusivity in any profession, especially in high-pressure environments.
    • Gain motivation from her ability to balance multiple roles and her insights on finding harmony between work and personal life.
    • Discover how personal style is more than fashion—it’s about expressing your true self and evolving with life’s experiences.

    Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Markie Martin’s story—a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and embracing one’s unique style in both life and career.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Style Behind Josh Ocean Thomas' RISE to Comedy Stardom
    Oct 23 2024

    With a reputation for his high-energy performances, quick wit, and unique perspective, Josh Ocean Thomas has quickly become a rising star in the comedy world. In this episode of House of Style, host Grant Alexander welcomes the electrifying and incredibly talented comedian known for his ability to bring a room to life with vibrant stories and bold physicality. Josh has captivated audiences nationwide, performing to sold-out crowds and quickly growing a [big] loyal fanbase on social media.

    From a childhood magician to a stand-up sensation, Josh reflects on how his unique style and personal experiences have shaped his comedic journey. He dives into the importance of staying present, the value of genuine connections, and how his Tunisian-American background informs his storytelling. With a magnetic stage presence and captivating anecdotes, Josh emphasizes the power of positivity and kindness in comedy and life alike. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation that reveals the secrets behind Josh's rise to social media fame and what exciting ventures lie ahead for this dynamic performer.

    Josh Ocean Thomas, a vibrant stand-up comedian with a knack for captivating storytelling, shares the evolution of his comedic journey from a child magician to a social media sensation. Known for his dynamic stage presence and quick wit, Josh discusses how his background as a Tunisian-American shapes his comedic style, infusing his performances with a unique cultural perspective. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity in comedy, with Josh emphasizing the value of being true to oneself, especially in an industry that can often feel overwhelming and judgmental. He reflects on the challenges of navigating family expectations while pursuing his passion and how embracing his identity has become a cornerstone of his success.

    Listeners are treated to insights about the often-unseen pressures that come with growing social media followings and the expectations that accompany them. Josh recounts a recent camping trip that helped him reconnect with his roots and find clarity in his purpose as a performer. This journey of self-discovery allowed him to realize that the joy of comedy comes from genuine connections with his audience, rather than the pursuit of viral fame. The discussion flows into the idea of community, highlighting how having a strong support system can ground an artist and remind them of their intrinsic value, regardless of external validation.

    The episode culminates in an exploration of how Josh's experiences have shaped his approach to performance. He articulates his belief that comedy is about more than just making people laugh; it’s about providing an escape and a moment of joy in an often chaotic world. With humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, Josh encourages aspiring comedians to embrace their unique styles and reminds them that the journey is as important as the destination. This episode serves as both an entertaining listen and a motivational guide for anyone looking to carve their own path in the world of comedy and beyond.

    High-energy and hilariously insightful, Josh Ocean Thomas opens up about his comedic journey in an engaging conversation with Grant Alexander. From his early days as a backyard magician to his current status as a rising star in the comedy world, Josh shares the pivotal moments that shaped his unique comedic voice. Listeners get a front-row seat to his experiences navigating the complexities of identity, particularly as a Tunisian-American, and how these elements have enriched his storytelling on stage.

    The discussion takes a fascinating turn as Josh reflects on the pressures of social media fame and the expectations that come with it. After experiencing a moment of overwhelm, he embarked on a camping trip that provided him with a fresh perspective on life and comedy. This break allowed him to reconnect with the joy of performing, emphasizing that

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Real Talk & Live Music: How YASSiN & Sean Terrio Defied the Odds
    Oct 16 2024
    Summary:

    This podcast episode dives deep into the creative process of YASSiN & Sean Terrio as they unveil the journey behind their debut album, "Just Try". The duo shares personal insights on overcoming creative burnout and the struggles of keeping inspiration alive in a challenging industry. They emphasize the importance of showing up and giving yourself—and each other—the time needed to explore creativity, even when the path doesn’t unfold as planned.

    Listeners will appreciate their candid discussion about the pressures of artistry and the joy found in live performances, which often transform their studio recordings into something entirely new. Join them as they reflect on their experiences, the evolution of their sound, and the exhilarating ride of being emerging artists.

    Takeaways:
    • Creative journeys come with ups and downs, but showing up consistently is crucial for success.
    • The importance of collaboration in music cannot be overstated; it's about building a team that understands your vision.
    • Every artist should embrace their unique style and understand that there's no single path to success.
    • Finding joy in the creative process is essential; celebrate small wins along the way.
    • Overcoming creative blocks requires patience and sometimes stepping back to reassess your goals.
    • Don't let age or societal expectations dictate your timing; pursue your passion whenever you're ready.
    • Your unique style is what resonates with fans; don’t try to fit into molds.

    About the Episode

    YASSiN & Sean Terrio take listeners on a compelling journey through their creative process in this engaging episode of House of Style. As they discuss the making of their debut album, 'Just Try', the duo reveals the intricacies of their songwriting techniques and the collaborative magic that happens when they blend their ideas. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final polished tracks, YASSiN and Sean share insights into how they navigate the complexities of music creation. Their deep connection and understanding of each other's strengths are evident as they talk about the importance of communication and trust in their partnership.

    The conversation delves into the challenges they faced, including creative burnout and industry setbacks, illustrating how resilience and passion can reignite one's artistic flame. YASSiN and Sean offer valuable advice for aspiring musicians on how to overcome creative blocks and maintain inspiration, emphasizing that the journey to success is not a straight path. They encourage listeners to embrace their authentic selves and stay true to their unique style, carving their own paths in the music industry.

    Listeners are treated to exclusive live performances of their original songs, "Caroline" and "Take My Time," showcasing the infectious energy that YASSiN and Sean bring to their music.

    This episode is a treasure trove of insights, motivation, and heartfelt conversation, reminding everyone that with dedication and authenticity, dreams can manifest into reality.

    Support YASSiN & Sean Terrio!

    Pre-save their album on your favorite platform

    Album on Spotify

    Watch them on YouTube

    Links to all socials and streaming platforms

    Support House of Style

    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • Just Try: The Secrets to Getting Discovered With Yassin & Sean Terrio
    Oct 9 2024

    Success doesn’t come easy, but if you're willing to just try, you can find your way—even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

    In Part 1 of this exciting House of Style episode, Grant Alexander sits down with the genre-crossing music duo Yassin & Sean Terrio to explore their inspiring journey in the music industry. Yassin and Sean share the story of how they met and the unique bond that fuels their creative partnership. They discuss the struggles they faced trying to get their music heard, including rejections from labels and navigating a challenging music landscape. Despite the obstacles, they used organic, hilarious social media content to grow a loyal following, staying true to their sound and personalities.

    Throughout the episode, Yassin and Sean open up about the creative process behind their viral success, their passion for music, and how they managed to keep their creative fire alive even during tough times. The duo also treats listeners to live performances of their original songs “All Summer” and “Happy It Exists,” showcasing their distinctive sound and powerful lyrics.

    Tune in to hear how these two rising stars have managed to stay authentic, build a growing audience, and overcome industry challenges while staying true to their style. If you’re an aspiring artist or just looking for inspiration on staying motivated in the face of adversity, this episode is for you! Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation filled with music, creativity, and raw honesty about what it really takes to succeed in the music world today.

    Support Yassin & Sean Terrio!

    Check out their socials and stream from any platform on LinkTree

    Pre-save their album JUST TRY on your fave platform, out October 18th!

    Album countdown on Spotify

    Learn more about House of Style and Grant Alexander

    Visit houseofstyle.com for great content and exciting updates. Support us on Patreon.

    See what Grant is up to on Instagram, TikTok , and LinkedIn.

    Takeaways:
    • Surrounding yourself with funny, outrageous people can make life's challenges easier to handle and environment to thrive.
    • Success wasn't just about achieving big numbers, but about the right feeling and needing to enjoy the process and little moments along the way to success.
    • Navigating the music industry requires resilience; knowing it's your purpose and using that to push through rejection is key.
    • Viral fame can be unpredictable; focus on creating content that resonates with you.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Real Link Between Style And Confidence
    Oct 2 2024

    Key Takeaways:

    • How personal style and confidence are deeply connected
    • The role of authenticity in building a confident style
    • Practical tips for aligning your style with your identity
    • Why style is a form of non-verbal communication
    • Personal stories and insights from Grant’s own style journey

    In this solo episode of House of Style, Grant Alexander explores the secret connection between style and confidence, discussing how personal style goes far beyond fashion and can be a powerful tool to boost confidence in all aspects of life. Many people think of style as simply the clothes they wear, but in this episode, Grant reveals how aligning your outward appearance with your inner identity can transform how you feel about yourself — and how others perceive you.

    Grant shares insights into cultivating a personal style that reflects your true self can naturally build confidence. He explains how embracing authenticity in how you present yourself makes you feel more comfortable in your own skin and projects confidence to the world around you. Whether it’s in your professional life, social interactions, or even in casual settings, style can serve as a visual representation of who you are and what you stand for.

    This episode goes beyond fashion, as Grant emphasizes how style connects with your mindset, attitude, and daily habits. From posture and body language to choosing outfits that align with your personality and values, Grant breaks down the small, intentional choices that can greatly impact your overall confidence.

    He also touches on the power of first impressions and how to use style as a form of nonverbal communication. Whether you’re stepping into a meeting, attending a social event, or just going about your day, Grant explains how the right style choices can help you feel more empowered and ready to take on any challenge. Confidence, after all, is contagious — and when you feel good about your style, it radiates to everyone around you.

    In addition, Grant shares personal anecdotes about how his style journey has shaped his confidence, from the outfits he chooses to how he carries himself in different settings. He provides actionable tips for listeners to align their style with their personal goals, including breaking free from external pressures and trends that don’t serve them.

    This episode is perfect for anyone looking to explore the deeper connection between style and confidence, especially for those who might feel unsure about how to build a personal style that reflects their true self. By the end, you’ll better understand how embracing your style can lead to greater self-assurance, success, and authenticity in all areas of life.

    Tune in to find out how style can be the key to unlocking your complete confidence and learn practical steps to start building a personal style that supports who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re new to the concept of personal style or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable insights into why style isn’t just about clothes — it’s about showing up as your best self, every day.

    Learn more about House of Style at https://houseofstyle.com.

    Check out Grant on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • The Secret to Celebrity Photographer Zoe Rain's Timeless Style
    Sep 25 2024

    First truth: Zoe Rain is so much more than a celebrity photographer; that label barely scratches the surface of her incredible work and unique style! But it’s what brought you here, so let’s dive in!

    She has immortalized iconic moments for stars like Christina Aguilera, Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, Chance the Rapper, Zac Efron, Drake, Carrie Underwood, Russ, Steven Tyler, and Miley Cyrus, all while her signature style propelled her to stardom. And guess what? Our very own future celebrity, Grant Alexander, is lucky enough to be on that list too!

    In this exciting yet chill episode of House of Style, we have the amazing Zoe Rain, a celebrated celebrity photographer who has carved her niche in the cutthroat realm of music and fashion photography. Join us as we explore how she honed her signature style and captured some of the most unforgettable moments from global superstars!

    Whether you’re a photography lover, seeking inspiration, or just a fan of creativity, this episode offers an exclusive look at the artistic process, the formation of her personal style, and the journey to success while remaining true to oneself and her style. Zoe's insights remind us that style transcends aesthetics — it's about authenticity, vision, and expressing your true self through your art.

    Zoe’s journey is captivating, showcasing how she cultivated her authentic approach to photography, breaking barriers and collaborating with the biggest names in entertainment. In this episode, she shares her creative process, the highs and lows of her path, and how she learned to trust her instincts in a fast-paced, unpredictable industry.

    Starting from shooting local shows and honing her craft step by step, Zoe reflects on her early days and the driving force behind her visually compelling creations. From her roots in Seattle to becoming a sought-after celebrity photographer, she shares her perseverance and how her keen eye for detail led to incredible partnerships with world-renowned artists.

    Zoe also reveals the pivotal moment that changed everything: collaborating with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. This partnership opened doors to massive shows, intimate experiences, and creative opportunities she had never dreamed of. She shares the exhilarating behind-the-scenes moments of capturing their most iconic performances and press photos, including the Rolling Stone cover that skyrocketed her career.

    The episode also explores how Zoe crafted her distinctive style — one that fuses raw authenticity with high energy, resulting in images that feel spontaneous yet perfectly composed. She explains her techniques with lighting, composition, and understanding her subjects to create images that tell a story beyond the frame. Zoe emphasizes connecting with the artist’s energy and mood to capture those unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

    For Zoe, style is about more than just photography; it’s about embracing your true self as an artist and a person. It’s about being bold in your creative choices, trusting your instincts, and being open to growth, even when the journey is uncertain.

    Her story reflects the themes we explore on House of Style — the idea that style encompasses how you live, create, and express yourself in every aspect of life. Zoe's ability to narrate stories through her photography is what makes her work resonate with so many. She shares how she approaches every photoshoot as a chance to capture not just a person, but a moment frozen in time — an embodiment of the artist’s essence in that very instant. Zoe's journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, creativity, and the courage to carve your own path, even when it diverges from the norm.

    Tune in to hear Zoe Rain's full story on House of Style — from her humble beginnings behind the camera to shooting global icons, and everything in between. This episode is brimming with inspiration, creativity, and invaluable lessons for anyone eager

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Joking With Billionaires, Lines, And Finding Inspiration
    Sep 18 2024

    In this solo episode of House of Style, Grant Alexander dives into the idea of “Why Not Both?” — a concept that explores how two seemingly contrasting things can be true at the same time and, when embraced, can help build a more authentic and multifaceted personal style. We often think we need to choose one thing or the other when defining our identity or style, but the truth is, we don’t have to be boxed in. Our style, just like our personality, can be complex, contradictory, and still make perfect sense.

    Throughout this episode, Grant explores how embracing contradictions can add depth to personal style. Whether it’s being both bold and understated, or polished yet relaxed, the key is recognizing that you don’t have to limit yourself to one side of the spectrum. You can — and should — be a blend of different energies, moods, and expressions. Style, after all, is about reflecting your true self, and no one is one-dimensional. The more you accept the contrasting elements that make you unique, the more authentic your personal style becomes.

    Grant also shares tips on how and where to find inspiration for developing your own style. Inspiration is all around us, and sometimes it comes from the most unexpected places. It could be in the way someone approaches their work, how they communicate, or even in moments that seem ordinary on the surface but spark something inside you. He discusses the importance of staying open to different influences — whether that’s from art, music, conversations, or experiences — and how you can turn those inspirations into actionable steps to enhance your personal style.

    One personal story Grant shares is about an unexpected moment of inspiration that came from joking around with billionaires. Yes, billionaires. This story is a perfect example of how he treats everyone with the same level of respect and humor, no matter their status. For Grant, it’s about authenticity and treating people like human beings, whether they’re a CEO, a celebrity, or someone you meet in your day-to-day life. He believes that status doesn’t change how you should treat someone, and this mindset has become a key part of his personal style — both in how he presents himself and how he interacts with others.

    The “Why Not Both?” approach is a big part of how Grant has developed his own style — combining professionalism with playfulness, formality with friendliness. You don’t have to be rigidly defined by one role or one way of being. He explains how this mindset has helped him in both personal and professional settings, and why he believes it’s the secret to unlocking a more fulfilling, expressive, and confident version of yourself.

    By the end of this episode, Grant hopes to inspire listeners to embrace the contrasts in their own life and style. Whether it’s in how they dress, how they act, or how they connect with others, he wants to show that you can be both serious and playful, both polished and laid-back, and still have a cohesive and authentic personal style. Life isn’t about fitting into a single mold — it’s about embracing the complexity and richness of who you are and using that to express yourself fully.

    So, if you’ve ever felt torn between two contrasting sides of your identity, this episode is for you. Grant is here to show that not only can both things be true, but when you allow yourself to embrace both, you unlock a deeper and more authentic version of yourself.

    Tune in to discover how embracing contradictions can help build your personal style and how to find inspiration from the world around you. Get ready to rethink the rules, push the boundaries, and ask yourself: “Why not both?”

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Journey to Authentic Living: Start Now
    Sep 11 2024

    In this powerful solo episode of House of Style, Grant Alexander opens up about the importance of living an authentic life and what that truly means. Grant shares his personal journey toward discovering his true self, some early obstacles he encountered along the way, and how embracing authenticity has shaped both his life and career.

    Living authentically isn’t just a concept—it’s a powerful way to experience more joy, confidence, and fulfillment in everything you do. It's creating strong, meaningful personal branding. Grant discusses his mission to inspire others to live authentically, offering thoughtful and practical advice on how viewers can begin their own journey to authenticity TODAY.

    Whether you’re seeking personal growth, entrepreneur inspiration, or just a little boost of courage, this episode will provide the insights you need to start living a life that’s true to who you are.

    Subscribe for more insights on personal growth, style, and authentic living.

    Show more Show less
    18 mins