Smart, capable women don’t lose interviews because of one bad answer. They lose because of repeated patterns they aren’t aware of. In this episode, Megan unpacks the subtle habits that quietly cost points, why judges form an opinion in seconds, and how to swap those losing loops for winning ones rooted in clarity, presence, and integrity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why first impressions happen fast—and what judges are subconsciously scanning for.
• The hidden patterns that make strong contestants sound forgettable (and how to spot yours).
• The difference between “proving” and truly connecting in interview.
• How grounded identity (and faith) translates into concise, confident answers.
• A simple way to audit your own answers so you stop rambling and start landing the point.
• What to practice weekly so your delivery feels natural under pressure.

Learn the Full Interview Mastery System (complete in a weekend): howtowinyourpageant.com/interview

DM ‘PATTERNS’ for free guide to go along with this episode: www.instagram.com/powerhousepageantry

Apply to Work with Us: sessions.powerhousepageantry.com/strategy

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www.instagram.com/meganswansonrhodes

Watch on Youtube www.youtube.com/@powerhousepageantry

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nbUVyQqfT5CLYSZO6wWgs?si=abf5437f5e5c413b

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-podcast-how-to-win-your-pageant-how-to/id1448191693

On this podcast, we talk about…

pageant interview questions, how to answer pageant interview, pageant platform example, current events pageant questions, pageant storytelling, pageant coaching, miss interview tips, identity work for women, faith and identity, purpose over performance, self worth vs achievement, you are not what you do, values alignment, limiting beliefs, belief reprogramming, identity shift, core state change, inner child work, mindset reset, confidence from identity, purpose driven life, Christian identity coaching, life after pageants, life after big goal, rebuild confidence after failure, how to find purpose again, sustainable success habits, daily check-in routine, evening reflection practice, morning identity routine, goal setting that sticks, break perfectionism paralysis, progress over perfection, achievement addiction, identity work, mindset coaching, pageant mindset, dopamine trap, burnout recovery, confidence, Christian coaching, neurolinguistic programming

In Part 2 of “7 Types of Pageant Questions,” we break down the final four categories judges use to separate finalists from titleholders: philosophy & values, job-title questions, fun personality prompts, and curveball pressure tests. You’ll learn what judges are actually listening for in each, the common mistakes that sink scores, how to speak from your values without sounding polarizing, how to sound “hired” (not just hopeful), how to show real warmth without trying too hard, and how to stay composed when an unexpected zinger lands.

Learn the Full Interview Mastery System (complete in a weekend): howtowinyourpageant.com/interview

DM ‘365Q’ for our 30 Page Free Interview Workbook: www.instagram.com/powerhousepageantry

Listen to Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kgqMPpcu4mdZbgUpiRl36?si=-Z7YpjbBT32T5QPpp8i1jQ

Follow Me on IG:

www.instagram.com/meganswansonrhodes

Watch on Youtube www.youtube.com/@powerhousepageantry

PODCAST ESSENTIALS & GEAR I USE

Blue Yeti Microphone https://amzn.to/3ZodLfr

Webcam https://a.co/d/8lKR6TA

Silver Yeti Glitter Wrap: https://amzn.to/3LiTSjR

Awesome Computer-Attached Light https://amzn.to/3P5WByh

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nbUVyQqfT5CLYSZO6wWgs?si=abf5437f5e5c413b

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-podcast-how-to-win-your-pageant-how-to/id1448191693

On this podcast, we talk about…

pageant interview questions, how to answer pageant interview, pageant platform example, current events pageant questions, pageant storytelling, pageant coaching, miss interview tips, identity work for women, faith and identity, purpose over performance, self worth vs achievement, you are not what you do, values alignment, limiting beliefs, belief reprogramming, identity shift, core state change, inner child work, mindset reset, confidence from identity, purpose driven life, Christian identity coaching, life after pageants, life after big goal, rebuild confidence after failure, how to find purpose again, sustainable success habits, daily check-in routine, evening reflection practice, morning identity routine, goal setting that sticks, break perfectionism paralysis, progress over perfection, achievement addiction, identity work, mindset coaching, pageant mindset, dopamine trap, burnout recovery, confidence, Christian coaching, neurolinguistic programming

Think your pageant interview is random? It isn’t. Coach Megan reveals the first 3 of the only 7 question types judges reliably ask—what they’re really testing, the common ways contestants blow it, and simple frameworks to turn any prompt into a confident, memorable answer. Take notes and come ready to apply.

• How to spot a question’s type in seconds so your brain relaxes and your answer flows.
• The #1 question category that often comes first—and how to set the tone for your entire interview.
• A story framework that beats rambling bios and resume-dumps
• A calm, authentic way to handle current events & hot topics without sounding canned

Learn the Full Interview System (complete in a weekend): howtowinyourpageant.com/interview

DM ‘365Q’ for our 30 Page Free Interview Workbook: www.instagram.com/powerhousepageantry

01:00 Why judges ask what they ask (and how to read their intention) 02:00 #1 Personal Story questions + the “3 Identity Words” storytelling move

07:00 #2 Platform/Issue questions + the 3S formula 10:00 #3 Current Events questions + balanced, authentic stance template 11:30 Examples you can model + quick practice prompts

12:00 Free practice pack & interview course info + Part 2 teaser (types 4–7)

Follow Me on IG:

www.instagram.com/meganswansonrhodes

Watch on Youtube www.youtube.com/@powerhousepageantry

PODCAST ESSENTIALS & GEAR I USE

Blue Yeti Microphone https://amzn.to/3ZodLfr

Webcam https://a.co/d/8lKR6TA

Silver Yeti Glitter Wrap: https://amzn.to/3LiTSjR

Awesome Computer-Attached Light https://amzn.to/3P5WByh

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nbUVyQqfT5CLYSZO6wWgs?si=abf5437f5e5c413b

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-podcast-how-to-win-your-pageant-how-to/id1448191693

On this podcast, we talk about…

pageant interview questions, how to answer pageant interview, pageant platform example, current events pageant questions, pageant storytelling, pageant coaching, miss interview tips, identity work for women, faith and identity, purpose over performance, self worth vs achievement, you are not what you do, values alignment, limiting beliefs, belief reprogramming, identity shift, core state change, inner child work, mindset reset, confidence from identity, purpose driven life, Christian identity coaching, life after pageants, life after big goal, rebuild confidence after failure, how to find purpose again, sustainable success habits, daily check-in routine, evening reflection practice, morning identity routine, goal setting that sticks, break perfectionism paralysis, progress over perfection, achievement addiction, identity work, mindset coaching, pageant mindset, dopamine trap, burnout recovery, confidence, Christian coaching, neurolinguistic programming

This is a podcast episode that wasn’t on the schedule, but necessary in the wake of recent events. We love and respect all, every background and belief. But we also will not shy away from sharing ours.

howtowinyourpageant.com/interview and use coupon code CHARLIE through midnight Thursday night and we’ll donate a portion of the proceeds to TPUSA.

Follow us on IG

www.instagram.com/powerhousepageantry

www.instagram.com/meganswansonrhodes

Watch on Youtube www.youtube.com/@powerhousepageantry

PODCAST ESSENTIALS & GEAR I USE

Blue Yeti Microphone https://amzn.to/3ZodLfr

Webcam https://a.co/d/8lKR6TA

Silver Yeti Glitter Wrap: https://amzn.to/3LiTSjR

Awesome Computer-Attached Light https://amzn.to/3P5WByh

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nbUVyQqfT5CLYSZO6wWgs?si=abf5437f5e5c413b

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-podcast-how-to-win-your-pageant-how-to/id1448191693

On this podcast, we talk about…

identity work for women, faith and identity, purpose over performance, self worth vs achievement, you are not what you do, values alignment, limiting beliefs, belief reprogramming, identity shift, core state change, inner child work, mindset reset, confidence from identity, purpose driven life, Christian identity coaching, life after pageants, life after big goal, rebuild confidence after failure, how to find purpose again, sustainable success habits, daily check-in routine, evening reflection practice, morning identity routine, goal setting that sticks, break perfectionism paralysis, progress over perfection, achievement addiction, identity work, mindset coaching, pageant mindset, dopamine trap, burnout recovery, confidence, Christian coaching, neurolinguistic programming

One thought shouldn’t hijack your whole day. Or worse, you let one negative comment completely throw you off for the biggest pageant interview of your life.

In this episode, Megan breaks down a fast, reproducible four-step reset that moves you from spiral → stable in minutes. You’ll learn how to spot the exact thought that’s running the show, interrupt it on command, uncover the “positive intent” beneath unhelpful habits, and replace the lie with truth—grounded in scripture and backed by simple brain science. Two quick guided exercises at the end help you feel the shift in real time.

Mini Identity Reset (3 days, 30 min/day): Turn your inner voice from bully to coach and set a clear target with your renewed identity. DM RESET to @powerhousepageantry or @meganswansonrhodes

Follow us on IG

www.instagram.com/powerhousepageantry

www.instagram.com/meganswansonrhodes

Watch on Youtube www.youtube.com/@powerhousepageantry

PODCAST ESSENTIALS & GEAR I USE

Blue Yeti Microphone https://amzn.to/3ZodLfr

Webcam https://a.co/d/8lKR6TA

Silver Yeti Glitter Wrap: https://amzn.to/3LiTSjR

Awesome Computer-Attached Light https://amzn.to/3P5WByh

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nbUVyQqfT5CLYSZO6wWgs?si=abf5437f5e5c413b

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-podcast-how-to-win-your-pageant-how-to/id1448191693

On this podcast, we talk about…

identity work for women, faith and identity, purpose over performance, self worth vs achievement, you are not what you do, values alignment, limiting beliefs, belief reprogramming, identity shift, core state change, inner child work, mindset reset, confidence from identity, purpose driven life, Christian identity coaching, life after pageants, life after big goal, rebuild confidence after failure, how to find purpose again, sustainable success habits, daily check-in routine, evening reflection practice, morning identity routine, goal setting that sticks, break perfectionism paralysis, progress over perfection, achievement addiction, identity work, mindset coaching, pageant mindset, dopamine trap, burnout recovery, confidence, Christian coaching, neurolinguistic programming