Latest news with #BreakfastTelevision
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eamonn Holmes inundated with support after huge GB News shake-up
Eamonn Holmes has been inundated with messages of support following a career announcement on Friday GB News: Eamonn Holmes takes a swipe at Lizzie Cundy Eamonn Holmes has been inundated with support after a huge GB News shake-up was announced on Friday (July 11). Eamonn is well known for anchoring the channel's breakfast show from 6am, which saw a recent shift in dynamic, with Isabel Webster making way for Ellie Costello to join. Currently, Ellie teams up with Eamonn from Monday to Wednesday, while Anne Diamond and Stephen Dixon step in on Thursdays and Fridays. Now, it seems the duos will be merging, as Eamonn took to Instagram this afternoon to reveal that he'd be hosting this weekend's breakfast shows with Anne. A beaming photo of the pair was accompanied by the caption: "We never worked together on Breakfast Television... but we do now," reports the Express. The post continued: "Eamonn & Anne starting the day on @gbnews tomorrow and Sunday 6 - 9.30 am. Hope u can join us on Telly or Radio." The announcement stirred excitement in the comments section, with one fan writing: "This will be good. My favourite duo!" Another chimed in with anticipation: "Looking forward to seeing you both," while a third said: "Two of the best morning folks we could want to start our day with." A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "Love u pair, you will be great together," while another expressed delight: "We are being spoilt Eamonn." This collaboration isn't new, as Anne previously stepped in for Ellie during a midweek show last month. Both Anne and Eamonn were visibly upbeat throughout the show as they tackled topics like the controversial clash between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the D-Day remembrance events, and Labour's unexpected victory in Scotland. Fans expressed their delight at seeing Eamonn in good form following his battle with health issues. The veteran broadcaster, aged 65, has faced challenges with his mobility, stemming from a health scare in 2021 that led to him using a walking stick. Eamonn recently alarmed fans with an update on his health after he suffered a fall in May that left him fearing he was "dead". He recounted the incident, describing it as the "sorest and most powerful" blow to his head and shared his fears, saying: "I was very worried about me. [I] fell on the bathroom floor and once I was down, I couldn't get up."
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We asked 7 celebrities what being Canadian means to them — here's what they said
Oh, Canada! Between keeping our elbows up, trying to make ends meet during a trade war and navigating a federal election, it's been a difficult year for many — and we're only halfway through 2025. But amidst the growing political tensions and the talk of annexation, there's been an undeniable resurgence of Canadian pride; the collective love for our country and our autonomy has bridged the gap between political parties. Although there's no denying that Canada still has its issues, the country also deserves celebrating. As part of our My Canada series, we spoke to Canadian celebrities, public figures, athletes and more about what it means to be Canadian for a special edition of Unapologetically. Scroll down to see what celebrities, athletes and changemakers say being Canadian means to them. Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Best known for: Host of Breakfast Television "Canada is my birthplace. It's my family, my friends, my career. It's my heart," the daytime television host told Yahoo Canada. "It's a whole bunch of people coming together in this beautiful cultural mosaic, learning together, growing together." Pugliese is quick to note that "there's been hurt" and "pain" for many Canadians. "But there's also healing," she said. "And there's beauty!" Pugliese is a first-generation Canadian who was raised to be proud of her Italian heritage. "To be Canadian is really about my roots. It's the family tree, it's, it's our roots," she said. "And then all of these beautiful trees come together in this beautiful Canadian forest, and here we are, hopefully flourishing together." Hometown: Regina, Sask. Best known for: Professional snowboarder, three-time Olympic medalist and 24-time Winter X Game medalist "I love being able to travel around the world and say I'm Canadian," McMorris said in an interview with Yahoo Canada. "It's the best thing ever. We are such a great nation..." Although he can "vividly remember" having Canadian pride as a kid, "everything really changed" after he won his first Olympic medal in 2024. That's when the athlete could fully appreciate the immense privilege of representing his country. "Those are really special things, and a huge honour," he said. "I'm proud to be a Canadian and proud to be setting an example for younger Canadians. It's a cool role to play." McMorris said his success was partly fuelled by his "determination" to prove to people that the flatlands of Saskatchewan can produce one of the world's most talented snowboarders. "Being from the Prairies has made me who I am and it's made me have a ton of grit... .," he said'. "And that has given me a lot of extra motivation to make it happen. I am super proud of where I come from and the people who hail from Saskatchewan. I feel like most people there, just the way we grow up, makes you humble and I'm thankful to come from a place like that." Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont. Best known for: Cityline and Breakfast Television "Every time we're in a situation where there's some kind of national threat, we all remember that we're so proud," Moore recently told Yahoo Canada. The former Cityline host said while other countries may have a "base level of humanity," there's something intrinsically special about Canadians "At our core, people actually care about each other here," she said. "I see examples of it every day." Moore said acts of kindness might not always make headlines, but if you really pay attention you'll see that they're everywhere you look. "I see people helping the elderly take their groceries to the car. I see cars stopping to let people go across. I see people asking, 'Are you OK?' on the street to strangers….," she said. "There's a level of politeness there that's an unspoken rule and I respect that about Canadians." Hometown: Caledon, Ont. Best known for:The Social on CTV "Right now — to me — being Canadian means being able to speak your mind," Grelo said, adding that although it sounds "so simple" one only has to look at the political unrest in the United States to see that not everyone is afforded the same freedom of expression. "Not everybody likes what everybody is saying [in Canada], but I can appreciate the fact that we're all allowed to say what we want to say," she continued, while noting that her feelings don't extend to hate speech.""It it feels like something so simple, but you can see how quickly that right can be easily removed…." Grelo said the recent federal election was proof that while we may be a "divided country" there are some principles that Canadians agree on. "I think we still value what people will say Canada was built on: diversity in nationalities and diversity in thought," she said. "We're still allowed to have diversity of thought to a much greater degree... [compared to] the U.S. where there's actual consequences for that.' Hometown: Brantford, Ont. Best known for: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2025 cover star 'Being Canadian means so much to me. I didn't realize how proud I am to be Canadian until I moved away over a decade ago," said Chan, who now resides in New York City. "I'm very proud that being Canadian has instilled in me the impulse to act in a way that considers others. I've realized living abroad that it's not something that everybody in the world does... I am the way that I am because I'm Canadian. ' Hometown: St. Catharines, Ont. Best known for: Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight fighter - ranked 6th in the world Jasudavicius recently told Yahoo Canada that she became more aware of her Canadian pride when she started fighting internationally. "I am very proud to be able to represent Canada on the international stage," she said. Given her strength in the octagon, it's hard to believe that Jasudavicius had never tried her hand at mixed martial arts (MMA) or any kind of training until 2015. In the span of a few short years, she's risen through the ranks to boast an impressive professional record of 14 wins to three loss — all of which were by decision. "I hope to inspire other Canadian females to challenge themselves," Jasudavicius said. "To make a goal that initially seems out of reach, work hard everyday towards that goal, and watch it get accomplished.' Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Best known for: Playing guitar for The Beaches "I think our country really came together this year, and it makes us feel prouder than ever to be Canadian," Earl recently told Yahoo Canada. Earl and her bandmates are no strangers to braving the elements for a show. The Juno award-winning group makes the best of it, even in the country's coldest temperatures. "The first time we ever played Quebec City it was negative 30 outside and we all went for a walk before the set," she said. "We thought it would be fun to get the maple syrup on a stick snack that they make in the snow.'
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We asked 7 celebrities what being Canadian means to them — here's what they said
Yahoo Canada asked our favourite celebrities to help us celebrate Canada Day. (Images via/Canva) Oh, Canada! Between keeping our elbows up, trying to make ends meet during a trade war and navigating a federal election, it's been a difficult year for many — and we're only halfway through 2025. But amidst the growing political tensions and the talk of annexation, there's been an undeniable resurgence of Canadian pride; the collective love for our country and our autonomy has bridged the gap between political parties. Although there's no denying that Canada still has its issues, the country also deserves celebrating. As part of our My Canada series, we spoke to Canadian celebrities, public figures, athletes and more about what it means to be Canadian for a special edition of Unapologetically. Scroll down to see what celebrities, athletes and changemakers say being Canadian means to them. Dina Pugliese is staying true to her roots Image via Yahoo Canada Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Advertisement Best known for: Host of Breakfast Television "Canada is my birthplace. It's my family, my friends, my career. It's my heart," the daytime television host told Yahoo Canada. "It's a whole bunch of people coming together in this beautiful cultural mosaic, learning together, growing together." Pugliese is quick to note that "there's been hurt" and "pain" for many Canadians. "But there's also healing," she said. "And there's beauty!" Pugliese is a first-generation Canadian who was raised to be proud of her Italian heritage. Advertisement "To be Canadian is really about my roots. It's the family tree, it's, it's our roots," she said. "And then all of these beautiful trees come together in this beautiful Canadian forest, and here we are, hopefully flourishing together." Unfiltered conversations with the names you know: Unapologetically is a Yahoo Life series in which people get the chance to share how they live their best life — out loud and in colour. Every week, check back for a new feature. Mark McMorris is proud of his prairie upbringing Image viaHometown: Regina, Sask. Best known for: Professional snowboarder, three-time Olympic medalist and 24-time Winter X Game medalist "I love being able to travel around the world and say I'm Canadian," McMorris said in an interview with Yahoo Canada. "It's the best thing ever. We are such a great nation..." Although he can "vividly remember" having Canadian pride as a kid, "everything really changed" after he won his first Olympic medal in 2024. That's when the athlete could fully appreciate the immense privilege of representing his country. Advertisement "Those are really special things, and a huge honour," he said. "I'm proud to be a Canadian and proud to be setting an example for younger Canadians. It's a cool role to play." McMorris said his success was partly fuelled by his "determination" to prove to people that the flatlands of Saskatchewan can produce one of the world's most talented snowboarders. "Being from the Prairies has made me who I am and it's made me have a ton of grit... .," he said'. "And that has given me a lot of extra motivation to make it happen. I am super proud of where I come from and the people who hail from Saskatchewan. I feel like most people there, just the way we grow up, makes you humble and I'm thankful to come from a place like that." Tracy Moore recognizes the good in Canadians Image viaHometown: Richmond Hill, Ont. Advertisement Best known for: Cityline and Breakfast Television "Every time we're in a situation where there's some kind of national threat, we all remember that we're so proud," Moore recently told Yahoo Canada. The former Cityline host said while other countries may have a "base level of humanity," there's something intrinsically special about Canadians "At our core, people actually care about each other here," she said. "I see examples of it every day." Moore said acts of kindness might not always make headlines, but if you really pay attention you'll see that they're everywhere you look. Advertisement "I see people helping the elderly take their groceries to the car. I see cars stopping to let people go across. I see people asking, 'Are you OK?' on the street to strangers….," she said. "There's a level of politeness there that's an unspoken rule and I respect that about Canadians." Melissa Grelo values her freedom — and yours Image viaHometown: Caledon, Ont. Best known for:The Social on CTV "Right now — to me — being Canadian means being able to speak your mind," Grelo said, adding that although it sounds "so simple" one only has to look at the political unrest in the United States to see that not everyone is afforded the same freedom of expression. Advertisement "Not everybody likes what everybody is saying [in Canada], but I can appreciate the fact that we're all allowed to say what we want to say," she continued, while noting that her feelings don't extend to hate speech.""It it feels like something so simple, but you can see how quickly that right can be easily removed…." Grelo said the recent federal election was proof that while we may be a "divided country" there are some principles that Canadians agree on. "I think we still value what people will say Canada was built on: diversity in nationalities and diversity in thought," she said. "We're still allowed to have diversity of thought to a much greater degree... [compared to] the U.S. where there's actual consequences for that.' Lauren Chan moves through the world differently Image viaHometown: Brantford, Ont. Advertisement Best known for: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2025 cover star 'Being Canadian means so much to me. I didn't realize how proud I am to be Canadian until I moved away over a decade ago," said Chan, who now resides in New York City. "I'm very proud that being Canadian has instilled in me the impulse to act in a way that considers others. I've realized living abroad that it's not something that everybody in the world does... I am the way that I am because I'm Canadian. ' Jasmine Jasudavicius proudly fights for Canada Image viaHometown: St. Catharines, Ont. Best known for: Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight fighter - ranked 6th in the world Advertisement Jasudavicius recently told Yahoo Canada that she became more aware of her Canadian pride when she started fighting internationally. "I am very proud to be able to represent Canada on the international stage," she said. Given her strength in the octagon, it's hard to believe that Jasudavicius had never tried her hand at mixed martial arts (MMA) or any kind of training until 2015. In the span of a few short years, she's risen through the ranks to boast an impressive professional record of 14 wins to three loss — all of which were by decision. "I hope to inspire other Canadian females to challenge themselves," Jasudavicius said. "To make a goal that initially seems out of reach, work hard everyday towards that goal, and watch it get accomplished.' Leandra Earl feels united with Canadians Image viaHometown: Toronto, Ont. Advertisement Best known for: Playing guitar for The Beaches "I think our country really came together this year, and it makes us feel prouder than ever to be Canadian," Earl recently told Yahoo Canada. Earl and her bandmates are no strangers to braving the elements for a show. The Juno award-winning group makes the best of it, even in the country's coldest temperatures. "The first time we ever played Quebec City it was negative 30 outside and we all went for a walk before the set," she said. "We thought it would be fun to get the maple syrup on a stick snack that they make in the snow.' Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We asked 7 celebrities what being Canadian means to them — here's what they said
Oh, Canada! Between keeping our elbows up, trying to make ends meet during a trade war and navigating a federal election, it's been a difficult year for many — and we're only halfway through 2025. But amidst the growing political tensions and the talk of annexation, there's been an undeniable resurgence of Canadian pride; the collective love for our country and our autonomy has bridged the gap between political parties. Although there's no denying that Canada still has its issues, the country also deserves celebrating. As part of our My Canada series, we spoke to Canadian celebrities, public figures, athletes and more about what it means to be Canadian for a special edition of Unapologetically. Scroll down to see what celebrities, athletes and changemakers say being Canadian means to them. Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Best known for: Host of Breakfast Television "Canada is my birthplace. It's my family, my friends, my career. It's my heart," the daytime television host told Yahoo Canada. "It's a whole bunch of people coming together in this beautiful cultural mosaic, learning together, growing together." Pugliese is quick to note that "there's been hurt" and "pain" for many Canadians. "But there's also healing," she said. "And there's beauty!" Pugliese is a first-generation Canadian who was raised to be proud of her Italian heritage. "To be Canadian is really about my roots. It's the family tree, it's, it's our roots," she said. "And then all of these beautiful trees come together in this beautiful Canadian forest, and here we are, hopefully flourishing together." Hometown: Regina, Sask. Best known for: Professional snowboarder, three-time Olympic medalist and 24-time Winter X Game medalist "I love being able to travel around the world and say I'm Canadian," McMorris said in an interview with Yahoo Canada. "It's the best thing ever. We are such a great nation..." Although he can "vividly remember" having Canadian pride as a kid, "everything really changed" after he won his first Olympic medal in 2024. That's when the athlete could fully appreciate the immense privilege of representing his country. "Those are really special things, and a huge honour," he said. "I'm proud to be a Canadian and proud to be setting an example for younger Canadians. It's a cool role to play." McMorris said his success was partly fuelled by his "determination" to prove to people that the flatlands of Saskatchewan can produce one of the world's most talented snowboarders. "Being from the Prairies has made me who I am and it's made me have a ton of grit... .," he said'. "And that has given me a lot of extra motivation to make it happen. I am super proud of where I come from and the people who hail from Saskatchewan. I feel like most people there, just the way we grow up, makes you humble and I'm thankful to come from a place like that." Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ont. Best known for: Cityline and Breakfast Television "Every time we're in a situation where there's some kind of national threat, we all remember that we're so proud," Moore recently told Yahoo Canada. The former Cityline host said while other countries may have a "base level of humanity," there's something intrinsically special about Canadians "At our core, people actually care about each other here," she said. "I see examples of it every day." Moore said acts of kindness might not always make headlines, but if you really pay attention you'll see that they're everywhere you look. "I see people helping the elderly take their groceries to the car. I see cars stopping to let people go across. I see people asking, 'Are you OK?' on the street to strangers….," she said. "There's a level of politeness there that's an unspoken rule and I respect that about Canadians." Hometown: Caledon, Ont. Best known for:The Social on CTV "Right now — to me — being Canadian means being able to speak your mind," Grelo said, adding that although it sounds "so simple" one only has to look at the political unrest in the United States to see that not everyone is afforded the same freedom of expression. "Not everybody likes what everybody is saying [in Canada], but I can appreciate the fact that we're all allowed to say what we want to say," she continued, while noting that her feelings don't extend to hate speech.""It it feels like something so simple, but you can see how quickly that right can be easily removed…." Grelo said the recent federal election was proof that while we may be a "divided country" there are some principles that Canadians agree on. "I think we still value what people will say Canada was built on: diversity in nationalities and diversity in thought," she said. "We're still allowed to have diversity of thought to a much greater degree... [compared to] the U.S. where there's actual consequences for that.' Hometown: Brantford, Ont. Best known for: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2025 cover star 'Being Canadian means so much to me. I didn't realize how proud I am to be Canadian until I moved away over a decade ago," said Chan, who now resides in New York City. "I'm very proud that being Canadian has instilled in me the impulse to act in a way that considers others. I've realized living abroad that it's not something that everybody in the world does... I am the way that I am because I'm Canadian. ' Hometown: St. Catharines, Ont. Best known for: Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight fighter - ranked 6th in the world Jasudavicius recently told Yahoo Canada that she became more aware of her Canadian pride when she started fighting internationally. "I am very proud to be able to represent Canada on the international stage," she said. Given her strength in the octagon, it's hard to believe that Jasudavicius had never tried her hand at mixed martial arts (MMA) or any kind of training until 2015. In the span of a few short years, she's risen through the ranks to boast an impressive professional record of 14 wins to three loss — all of which were by decision. "I hope to inspire other Canadian females to challenge themselves," Jasudavicius said. "To make a goal that initially seems out of reach, work hard everyday towards that goal, and watch it get accomplished.' Hometown: Toronto, Ont. Best known for: Playing guitar for The Beaches "I think our country really came together this year, and it makes us feel prouder than ever to be Canadian," Earl recently told Yahoo Canada. Earl and her bandmates are no strangers to braving the elements for a show. The Juno award-winning group makes the best of it, even in the country's coldest temperatures. "The first time we ever played Quebec City it was negative 30 outside and we all went for a walk before the set," she said. "We thought it would be fun to get the maple syrup on a stick snack that they make in the snow.'
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dina Pugliese says people 'have no idea' what her life was like before she left TV due to burnout: 'I felt like a failure'
Dina Pugliese's warmth is contagious. When the 51-year-old speaks, it's as if you're sitting with a beloved aunt at her kitchen table, being fussed over and offered anything you could possibly want or need. It's her uncanny ability to move through the world creating an instant familial atmosphere that has led to her success as the host and executive producer of Breakfast Television (BT). For almost 20 years (save for a two-year hiatus in 2023), the Toronto native has been a constant on morning television, willingly giving herself and her energy in hopes that viewers begin their day on the right foot. With a rejuvenated career and an upcoming panel talk at the Women's Healthy Living Show in Toronto next weekend, Pugliese remains determined to connect with her audience. But this time, she's no longer looking to distract viewers from their problems. She's sitting with them in their struggles by sharing her own — and reminding them that they're never alone. Yahoo Canada recently spoke to Pugliese about burnout, caregiving and more. In 2023, a demanding career and years of shouldering the weight of private stressors had taken its toll; she felt as though she had nothing left to give. In February of that year, Pugliese announced on air that she was leaving BT. While she says her decision was necessary — it wasn't one she took lightly. 'I felt like I was disappointing so many people, including myself. I couldn't believe I let myself get to that point of burnout. The last couple months were a complete fog,' she said. 'For years I had gone through different family health crises and I'd been spending all night in the ER or hospital wards. I was with my family during their chemo treatments and radiation and then I would show up on BT. I looked at it as compartmentalizing pain.'Pugliese recalled an author once saying that during a difficult time, she gave herself 15 minutes a day to cry in the shower before moving on with her day. Soon, she began her day the same way before heading to the studio to film BT. "I would cry in the shower and I would pray for strength, then I'd go out there and I'd say, 'I need to laugh. I need this as medicine,'" she recalled. pray before composing herself for a day in front of the cameras. Although it was difficult, her career was her 'medicine' that helped her soldier on for as long as she could. 'When I got to a point where I couldn't draw from that well anymore, I felt this incredible sense of failure,' she said. 'Like I was letting myself down, letting others down. … How could I leave a job that I loved so much?' Soon it became obvious to Dina, her husband, Alex Mirkovich, and her doctor that her body was crumbling due to stress. The first months after leaving BT were dedicated to sleep. Then she began reconnecting with nature and going to church to 'fill her spirit.' 'It was centring and grounding. Reconnecting with God gave me strength,' she said. But like many people, Pugliese's identity had become inextricably tied to her career. If she wasn't working, who was she? Who was the real Dina? 'I didn't know what it meant anymore because I was so defined by this job that I loved. And then I felt like that person was gone. I don't know if I'll ever see that person again,' she said. 'I didn't even know who that person was.' Pugliese's personal life in the years leading up to 2023 was challenging to say the least. In 2014, her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which required surgery in 2021. Pugliese took a temporary leave from BT to support him and other family members experiencing health issues. Acting as caregiver is something that comes naturally to Pugliese. Her first recollection of taking care of others is her beloved nonna, Dea. When Pugliese's grandfather died, she began sleeping next to her nonna so that she would never feel lonely. She cared for her maternal grandmother, who she calls her "kindred spirit" throughout her life. It was a formative bond that she holds dear, even now. 'It stayed with me that life is short. It's finite, and you have to care for the people you live with,' she said. Her husband's health struggles, which the couple kept private for years, required a different level of care. It's an emotional topic for her but one she feels called to share. 'He's so strong and he's so resilient and he's so stubborn. That all helped him recover as well as he did. But it was really hard being in the hospital by myself, having the responsibility to care for him.' Without outpatient care, Dina was around the clock caring for her husband. 'I was watching him like a hawk…,' she said. 'He had to learn how to do everything again.' Almost two years after she left TV, Pugliese was contacted to participate in a talk about her personal experience acting as caregiver for family members. 'I was so nervous,' she said. 'I used to do this stuff in my sleep. I was like, what do I do? They [told me], 'Just be Dina!'' Once she was on stage, she felt something reignite inside of her. 'It was like muscle memory and to hear the crowd laugh and connect with them in that way… The connectivity with good people was what I missed…. It was still there.' When Pugliese decided to return to BT in early 2025 she needed to ensure that she wasn't headed for burnout again. That meant creating a different schedule for her day, building in breaks for herself and saying 'no' to more than she used to. Pugliese's focus remains dedicated to her family, rest and work. It also included a lifestyle change. Now that she's in her 50s, Pugliese is navigating perimenopause and learned from her doctor that she needed to overhaul her lifestyle and get moving. 'That's part of the holistic process, right? You have to keep your heart strong," she said. "You have to try and go for walks to clear your mind and do all of the things that we know to do, but sometimes forget to do.' Although her time away from TV forced her to slow down, she's happy to be back in front of the camera, doing what she loves. 'It's a blessing to be a part of people's lives every single day in the morning, when they're at their most vulnerable and for them to let you in. You bond and connect in a way that very few other shows can," she said. No matter where she goes, Pugliese takes time to stop and talk to people. Whether they're viewers that she meets while running errands or people that she meets while travelling, she manages to form a connection. It's not uncommon for Pugliese to share a laugh or a few tears with those she comes across. 'All of my emotions in my 50s are right at the surface," she said. "I don't know if it's burnout… I'm just raw. All somebody has to say is something nice and I'm bawling… because people don't have to be [nice], so often you only hear about the negatives. When somebody just shoes their kindness and their decency, it goes right to my heart." As a public figure, Pugliese has faced more than her fair share of criticism and hurtful comments from strangers. A glimpse into her social media account shows Pugliese with her family, travelling, smiling and enjoying life. Her followers never would have known that privately her family was in the trenches, fighting to hold on to one another. "There's so many things people don't know. They have no idea. I remember for years people would look at Alex and I, we'd share photos when we would travel, because we both love to travel and they'd be like, 'Must be nice' or asking why we don't have any kids," she said. "They had no idea that we tried... It would have been the biggest blessing. The only reason why I stopped trying is because [my husband] was diagnosed with a brain tumour." Now that she's on the other side of things, Pugliese reminds followers often not to rush to judgement. "We really have to be careful because we never know what anybody's going through," she said. "It's curated and it looks a certain way, but they don't now the real truth." While her struggles and public-facing career could have left her hardened, Pugliese remains unapologetic about leading with kindness. "'I've been called 'too nice' like it's a bad thing by bosses… If that's the problem then I am not fixing it because the world needs more nice...," she said. "Just because you're nice, doesn't meant mean you're weak. Just because you're nice doesn't meant mean you're a pushover. "Nice has gotten me burned. Nice has gotten me in some serious predicaments. … You're going to get hurt no matter what, but I choose to still and always lead with kindness."
