Miss Represented: Caylie Simmons [Episode 57]

Summary

Episode 57: Miss Represented – Kaylee Simmons’ Journey of Pageantry, Advocacy, and Adventure

Introduction

In Episode 57 of the "Miss Represented" podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes the inspiring Kaylee Simmons, Miss West Virginia USA. This episode explores Kaylee’s extensive journey in pageantry, her dedication to public health advocacy, her adventurous spirit, and her personal endeavors that aim to make a significant impact in her community.

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Early Pageant Journey

Kaylee Simmons has been immersed in the world of pageantry since childhood. Reflecting on her early experiences, she shares:

“I've been competing in pageantry since I was seven years old. I am now 25. So 18 years of pageantry and growth” ([03:41]).

Despite initial challenges, including not placing in her first attempt, Kaylee's unwavering determination led her to win the Miss West Virginia USA title on her fourth try. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief:

“I shared the quote that if it's for you, it will never pass you by. And I have lived by that many times” ([05:41]).

Kaylee’s approach evolved over the years, becoming calmer and more self-assured, which ultimately contributed to her success in the pageant.

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Miss USA Experience

Transitioning from Miss West Virginia USA to Miss USA, Kaylee describes the experience as a "whirlwind." Traveling to Hollywood and connecting with fellow contestants from every state enriched her journey. One of the most memorable moments was an unexpected chilly beach outing:

“We ended up like, freezing to death because it was super cold” ([07:01]).

This humorous yet memorable incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of pageant events and created lasting bonds with other contestants.

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Community Initiatives: Miles for Smiles and Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship

Beyond the stage, Kaylee is deeply committed to community service. As a dental hygienist, she founded "Miles for Smiles," an initiative aimed at improving oral health in underserved communities. She elaborates:

“I've been able to collect donations throughout West Virginia. So I've been able to donate toothbrushes and toothpaste thousands to students” ([09:37]).

In addition to her health advocacy, Kaylee co-founded the Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship in honor of her late brother. This scholarship supports high school students in West Virginia pursuing higher education:

“We have been able to award thousands of dollars to those students to be able to further their education” ([11:29]).

This initiative not only honors her brother’s legacy but also empowers the next generation of students to achieve their educational goals.

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Mental Health in Pageantry

Addressing the critical topic of mental health in the high-pressure environment of pageantry, Kaylee offers valuable insights:

“Stay true to yourself in the process... always stay true to your values and what you want to exemplify as a person” ([08:30]).

She acknowledges the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages contestants to utilize available resources and find their voice:

“It's so important to find your voice whenever it comes to talking about mental health” ([12:37]).

Kaylee advocates for prioritizing mental wellness to maintain overall well-being and performance in pageantry.

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Adventures and Personal Life

Kaylee's adventurous spirit is evident in her numerous adrenaline-filled activities. From ziplining in the Dominican Republic to whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge, she seeks thrill and challenge. She recounts a memorable fishing trip in Panama:

“I had a little Kate Spade purse with me at the time... swatting at the bugs... it was like a movie” ([13:52]).

In her personal life, Kaylee is preparing to marry her middle school sweetheart after 15 years together, blending her pageant life with forthcoming marital bliss.

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Advice and Insights

Throughout the conversation, Kaylee imparts valuable advice to aspiring pageant participants, emphasizing authenticity, resilience, and stress management. Drawing from her experiences, she advises:

“If it's for you, it will never pass you by” ([05:41]).

Kaylee highlights the importance of balancing personal well-being with competitive drive, ensuring that contestants remain true to themselves.

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This or That Segment

In a light-hearted "This or That" segment, Kaylee reveals her preferences:

• One on one interview over stage questions
• Confidence from within before experience
• Dental floss over whitening strips, emphasizing the importance of oral health ([18:33])
• Hands-on outreach instead of public speaking events
• Mental wellness prioritized over physical health
• Rafting a wild river rather than hiking through a rainforest
• Snowmobile in the snow over terrifying ziplining
• Summer person rather than winter
• Exploring remote places instead of relaxing at home
• Fishing over a beach day
• Night owl rather than an early riser

This segment showcases Kaylee's personal preferences and underscores her down-to-earth personality.

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Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Kaylee reflects on her future endeavors beyond her reign as Miss West Virginia USA. She aims to expand "Miles for Smiles" nationwide and is excited about her upcoming marriage, inviting listeners to support her journey.

This episode of "Miss Represented" offers a comprehensive look into Kaylee Simmons’ multifaceted life, highlighting her dedication to service, resilience in pageantry, and zest for adventure. Kaylee’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how courage, kindness, and perseverance can lead to meaningful accomplishments both on and off the stage.

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Notable Quotes:

• “I've been competing in pageantry since I was seven years old... 18 years of pageantry and growth” ([03:41])
• “If it's for you, it will never pass you by... I went in really calmly” ([05:41], [05:41])
• “We ended up like, freezing to death because it was super cold” ([07:01])
• “Always stay true to your values and what you want to exemplify as a person” ([08:30])
• “It's so important to find your voice whenever it comes to talking about mental health” ([12:37])

Transcript

[Lisa Opie]

Dive into summer with Vizkaya Swimwear. Stylish, comfortable, unforgettable. Make a splash with Vizkaya Swimwear. Discover your beauty with Lady Code cosmetics. Bold colors, flawless finishes. Unleash your confidence with Lady Code. Hello and welcome back to Misrepresented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie. And of course, before we start today's episode, I have to thank our sponsors. So thank you, Pink Apple dresses for dressing us in these gorgeous hot pink outfits. I feel like a Barbie doll. And of course, the Code creatives for the production and beauty by Lady Code for our glam. And of course, JC From Lady Code did this ponytail. I love it so much. So now I'd love to introduce today's guest. We have Ms. West Virginia, USA, Kaylee Simmons. She is a registered dental hygienist, public health advocate, and fearless adventurer with a heart for service. A proud, honors graduate of the WVU School of Dentistry, Kaylee created Miles for Smiles, an initiative bringing oral health education and care kits to underserved communities across the state. She's also the co founder of the Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship, created in loving memory of her late brother. Helping students across West Virginia pursue higher education. When she's not on stage or serving her community, Kaylee is chasing adventure. From ziplining in the Dominican Republic to hiking Panama's remote rainforest. Whether she's championing confidence, help, or healing, Kaylee uses her platform to lead with purpose and proves that courage, kindness, and a little grit go a long way. Welcome, Kaylee.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Hello.

[Lisa Opie]

I'm so happy you're here. I feel like Miami, like the Miami trip for J. Scott is always like the highlight of the year for the queens right here.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yes. I'm so excited to be here.

[Lisa Opie]

How's it been so far?

[Kaylee Simmons]

It's been a amazing leaving the mountains and being here at the beach. It's always, always a good time.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my God. So walk me through your whole trip so far. Like, tell me everything you did.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So we arrived really early on Thursday morning. And then live, my teen and I, we have really been enjoying Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We've been exploring a little bit, going to the beach, and it's just so beautiful here.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. So yesterday you shot Biscaya Swimwear on the beach.

[Kaylee Simmons]

We did. That was a big. Yeah, that was a big. That was a big deal. That was amazing. That was such an incredible shoot. We also got to do it with the Indiana teen and Queen as well, which was amazing. That was so fun and just a good time. Anytime you can get in a swimsuit and feel confident and get some shots in Miami. Who gets to say they do that. Right.

[Lisa Opie]

So fun. Do you have a chance to bond with the Indiana queens? I know you've been through two sets of queens because you had a longer reign.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yes, 14 months I've had this title, which has been incredible. I wouldn't trade it for the world. But, yes, I've gotten two sets of Indiana queens. They've both been so great. The new ones, Sydney and Caitlin, I haven't gotten to know super well, but I'm excited to get to know them. They're coming to West Virginia here in two weeks, so.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my God. And, like, I feel like you bonded today, right? Being on set, everything together.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yes, and I bonded really well with Stephanie, the 2024 queen. We were roommates at Miss USA, and we just really.

[Lisa Opie]

How did that work out?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Oh, J. Scott. Yeah. Yeah. Him being over both of the titles, he had a little bit of pool, I guess, when it came to. To the roommate situation, which was great.

[Lisa Opie]

Because, like, you already knew her and even more family.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. Keeping it in power to production family. So it's super great.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. So I want to start from the beginning, because I know you've been doing pageants for a while now. So what made you sign up for West Virginia, usa and how did you end up winning the title?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, so I have been competing in pageantry since I was seven years old. I am now 25. So 18 years of pageantry and growth. Absolutely. Yeah. It's been my entire life. I remember when I entered my first pageant, my mom was like, what the heck are you doing? Like, no one in my family was really in pageantry.

[Lisa Opie]

So it was your idea?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. And my first pageant was like a fundraiser pageant, and I literally ordered my dress off ebay, and I didn't get anything. But I told my mom I wanted to keep going until I won a crown, but here I am. I actually have won. I think it's 33 crowns now. But I always like to share that I have lost a lot more than I've ever won, and that's what's made me who I am today. I didn't win Miss West Virginia, USA until my fourth attempt. So I kept coming back stronger each year. There were years I didn't place or years that I was just a semifinalist. There were years I didn't get anything at all. And so I just had to remember to just kind of stay true to myself, keep working at it. And I knew it was my. My lifelong dream. So I wanted to accomplish it, and I did.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. And I feel like you're still, like, very young for a Miss, right? Really? Oh, yeah.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Well, I feel like I'm kind of. I feel like I'm kind of, like, right in the middle, but, you know, perfect age.

[Lisa Opie]

And I feel like God's timing is always right.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Absolutely. Absolutely. Always his timing.

[Lisa Opie]

So in those four years, did you, like, consistently move up or were there, like, years where you did really well and then the next year you went down and then, like, back up? Like, what was it like?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, so my first year that I competed, I didn't place at all. Didn't make the semifinalist either, so didn't even make top 10. And then the second year I came back, I was fourth runner up. And then the third year, I came back, I was just in the top 10 again, so I wasn't. Not super, super close. Yeah. So I always like to share that because it's encouraging for other contestants to hear that that are out there competing. You just never know. The results can vary. Different panel of judges every single time could change the results every single time.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so true. I've witnessed that so many times.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Absolutely.

[Lisa Opie]

Was there anything you did differently when you came back that last time that you think helped you win?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, I always love sharing the quote that. That if it's for you, it will never pass you by. And I have lived by that many times. But I actually really applied it this go around. I went in so calmly. I had a great time with my team. We had a local title together at the time. Her name was Sophia. And we just went in really calmly, had a fun time, did a lot of photos, did a lot of shoots with each other, and just made the most of it. And I think that's why I ended up coming out with the crown, because I just went in really calmly.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so true. And I feel like sometimes you're not so stressed, like, less pressure, and then you get to, like, truly be yourself. And I feel like that sets lot a you apart too, and, like, just being relaxed and at peace.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. The years before I went in, I was very uptight, very hard on myself. Like, you got to do better this time, you know, holding myself to that standard of, like, you got to do better each time. And I think that really hindered me in. In those years previous.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. So now I want to hear all about Miss usa. So walk me through your entire experience.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, it was definitely a whirlwind. I am so Blessed with the opportunity to go to Hollywood, California. I've never been out west, so that was an opportunity itself. And then just getting to meet all the girls from each state. I think we had a wonderful class. Everyone was so kind, so polite, and a lot of people from the outside also said that, that we were all such a great class. And I'm so fortunate for that. And now I can say I have a friend in every state.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. What's your favorite memory from Ms. USA?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would have to say. I wouldn't say that this is my favorite memory, but it's the most memorable. I was on the beach with hamamvi, Ms. Virginia, USA, and we ended up like, freezing to death because it was super cold. This is in Aug at the time.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so crazy.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. We were bundled up under this little teeny, tiny towel, wasn't big enough for two people. We were like sitting there cuddling. We're like strangers at the time. We're like, oh, I guess we're close now. But no, it was such a memory. And then, you know, of course, our photo shoot turned out wonderful. Being in our swimwear and, and such. But it was just so funny that we were literally in August on the beach and shivering.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. Did you feel like completely prepared to go on that stage and compete? Like, when you were on that stage in your evening gown, like, what was going through your mind?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, so I actually had a conversation with my director, Jay Scott, a few days ago talking about how when I was about to step on the stage for the first time during prelims, I remember, you know, you're getting caught up in the production. They're like, you know, calling your state out, like, West Virginia, you ready? You ready? You on board? You know, and you're just feeling all the feelings. And I remember shutting my eyes and taking myself back to when I was seven years old, just like picturing that little seven year old girl. And I'm like, I made it. And I just was so proud. And it just. I know.

[Lisa Opie]

I just was so.

[Kaylee Simmons]

I know, like, you really take it in. In that moment. I'm like, let's do this, you know? And that was. It was. That moment will forever stick with me.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. That is so beautiful.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

So now for the girls going into Miss usa, do you have any advice on, like, what they can expect? Like something that might help them out?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Absolutely. I would always recommend just staying true to yourself in the process. It can feel so easy to get caught up and comparing yourself to Others on social media and during your preparations in your wardrobe and you know, who you should utilize to work with, coach with, etc. It can be very exhausting and overwhelming. But just always stay true to your values and what you want to, you know, exemplify as a person. And I think that will showcase the true version of yourself.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that so much. And like spending the day with you, actually two days with you now, I feel like you're so grounded and like so down to earth. So I want to know, like, how do you manage so staying grounded in the spotlight?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Thank you. Yeah, I definitely take a lot of time for myself being in healthcare and working with lots of patients daily. I always remember I have to take care of myself before I can take care of others. So just finding ways to, to keep myself grounded and that's spending time with family and friends and just being at home and making sure that I'm getting the mental, the mental well being state that I need to be in before, you know, being around others.

[Lisa Opie]

And speaking of everything that you do, I want to hear all about Miles first. Miles. I think it's so amazing.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So year I have one of my goals as Miss West Virginia USA was to visit all 55 counties in the state of West Virginia. And I visited a school in every single county of West Virginia. So it was so amazing seeing those children and being able to make a difference. I've also been able to collect donations throughout West Virginia. So I've been able to donate toothbrushes and toothpaste thousands to students. And that has been life changing. So I can't wait to even continue that even after the crown.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so beautiful. And I feel like it's a little unexpected. Right? But it's such a good platform and I think it's so important. Student?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yes.

[Lisa Opie]

What inspired you to start Miles for Smiles?

[Kaylee Simmons]

So I am a dental hygienist and I think that's what kind of spiked my interest. Also, no one in my family is in dentistry, so it was kind of wild that I chose that route. But I just started to realize like the first impression you get from someone is their smile. And then once I was in school, I started to understand how important it is take care of your teeth and how it relates to your overall systemic health as well. So I became very, very passionate about it and have expanded to creating an initiative called Mouths for Smiles.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh my gosh, that's so awesome. And that's not the only non profit that you do. You also have the Corey Simmons Memorial Scholarship Yes.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So this scholarship is extremely special. It's in honor my brother Corey, who passed away in an automobile accident at the age of 25, which is my age now, being the age that he is now. It is so super difficult to, you know, sit here now and realize how much life is ahead of me and how much life he had ahead of him. So my mom and my dad and I just decided that we wanted to honor him in a very special way. And that's giving back to our local community. So every single year, we hold a fundraiser that raises money to give to two exceptional high school students at our local high school. And we've been able to award thousands of dollars to those students to be able to further their education.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that his legacy is just like changing lives, literally. How do you choose your winners? Or was there someone that you chose that really stood out to you?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So we always try to choose candidates that exemplify the characteristics of my brother Corey. And that is something that is really special to me because he was so kind hearted. He always had the biggest smile and could really make anyone laugh. So there was a really close family friend that we ended up awarding. She ended up going on to college, but she was. Had tears in her eyes whenever we awarded her. So happy. Yeah. It's a very, very special award. It's always emotional every year and I always do the presenting and that's never the easiest thing to do, but it is very near and dear to my heart. And I always say that Corey's legacy will forever keep in my heart. I mean, I think it's lit a fire under me to do the things and accomplish things in my life for sure. He always said that I would become the next Miss usa. Well, I tried. I hope he'll be okay with me being Miss West Virginia. US.

[Lisa Opie]

So amazing. Oh, my gosh.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Very supportive.

[Lisa Opie]

So mental health has been like a really big topic in pageantry lately. Do you have any advice for people that are competing, that are in the spotlight and how they can manage their mental health?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So definitely utilize your resources. I think that's super, super important. That's for any, anybody, for anything that you do. There's resources all around. You can always reach out to people. And I think that it's. It's so important to find your voice whenever it comes to talking about mental health, because it's not easy because it's. There's such a stigma around it that it, you know, you just feel like you have to just bury it. And I'm one of Those people. So I can really relate to that. I have to find a way that I can take care of my mental health. So, like I said earlier, that I can take care of others and be the best version of myself.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so true. I feel like I relate to you so much because I'm also, like, I'm too busy to worry about my mental health. But then when I slow down, I'm.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Like, yeah, yeah, yeah. I just try to occupy my mind, and eventually that'll start to catch up.

[Lisa Opie]

Is that unhealthy?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Like, yeah, it is, but it's hard. I do the same thing. I do the same thing.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. Well, that's a topic for another time. We're busy.

[Kaylee Simmons]

So.

[Lisa Opie]

Speaking of, you are an adrenaline junkie. You travel all over the world, and you do some crazy things, like, you're living on the edge. So tell me, like, what's the wildest thing you've ever done?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, so I've done quite a few wild adventures. I would have to say the most wild adventure was going on a large fishing trip with my father in Panama. We were about 100 miles from the nearest road. It was a super isolated resort. We actually had to take, like, a jungle bus and then had to go on a little canal. And it was so funny. I always shared this story. I had a little Kate Spade purse with me at the time, and everyone's laughing at me because, you know, I'm like, with a bunch of fishermen, and they're all laughing at me because I'm, like, swatting at the bugs. Like, it was like a movie. It was hilarious because I'm like, you know what?

[Lisa Opie]

Like, two diva to be there a little bit.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Got my Kate Spade back, and I'm like, stepping on this. I'm like, what are we doing? Like, we're on a little.

[Lisa Opie]

Did you like it?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I was very skeptical at first, and then once we got on the. On the. You know, the actual fish and boating and went out and. And caught fish and such, it was so much fun. Me and my dad had the time of our lives. I was actually able to catch a rooster fish, which is a unique fish. It's actually got, like, a rooster comb on the top of its head. So it's a super beautiful and unique fish, and I don't think a lot of people can say they caught that.

[Lisa Opie]

So what did you think when you saw it, like, coming out of the wild?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Oh, my gosh. I was like, that is just. Is this real?

[Lisa Opie]

Like, is it, like, a big fish or.

[Kaylee Simmons]

They can get pretty big. They actually have like a competition every year. I think it's like sp time. I don't know. I could be wrong about that. But they can get up to, I think, like maybe around £100 or a little bit more. But yeah, they get to be pretty large. Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

And then yours.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Mine was very small. It was like 30 pounds, I think 25 pounds. 30 pounds, which, it's not gigantic, but it's still pretty cool to catch.

[Lisa Opie]

What else have you done?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So I've also been whitewater rafting down the new New River Gorge. Excuse me. And that was. Was quite an experience, I will say. I kind of got peer pressured into this one. There was an extra ticket and my, my friends were all like, come on, you gotta go. We can't waste this money. And one of our friends actually got tossed out of the boat. So that was.

[Lisa Opie]

Was she okay, though?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yes. Yeah. Yeah. But it was just pretty scary, like, you know, going down these ripples and you're like, what the heck?

[Lisa Opie]

Do you have to wear, like helmets and stuff?

[Kaylee Simmons]

It's like, yeah, yeah, yeah. And like the only thing keeping you in the boat is your foot. Like, you don't have handles because you have a little paddle that you. Yeah. So it's pretty terrifying.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. I would do a lot of things, but that one, I'm like, I better live.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. Yeah. And I, I've done some zip lining in the Dominican Republic and.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh my God.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. I like to be adventurous, but sometimes when it's life risking, I'm kind of out. But my friends usually call it, come on, let's do it.

[Lisa Opie]

Would you ever go like bungee jumping or have you.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Oh, I don't. I don't know if I could do bungee jumping. I don't. That's. That's pretty terrifying. I just did a, a bridge walk, which is in the. At the New River Gorge as well, which is.

[Lisa Opie]

My palms are already slight. I'm so scared of height.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Super high. It was like over 800ft in the air. You're harnessed in. I just did that. I'm actually, I haven't posted about it yet, but I'm getting ready to post my reel from it.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh my gosh. So you're giving up your crown very soon and a lot of people are going to be asking you this question, but I want to ask you first, what's next for you?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, so of course I want to evolve my career. I'm a dental hygienist. I want to really reach out to continue My initiative, Miles first. Miles. I'm hoping that I can really expand it not just only through the state, but also nationwide. That's one of my big dreams that I want to accomplish. I am also getting married to my middle school sweetheart. So I'm really excited. We've been together. We've been together for 15 years, but we are getting married this October. So pretty quickly after. How's the plan going? It's pretty crazy, but it's great when you have a director that's also a wedding planner, so.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, is he helping you plan your wedding? He is.

[Kaylee Simmons]

He's giving me all the tips and tricks. Oh, my gosh.

[Lisa Opie]

That's perfect.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So that's super helpful.

[Lisa Opie]

So now that you're kind of doing both, what's, like, more stressful? Pageant prep or wedding?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Oh, I would say they both are in different ways. I would say probably the wedding, because I feel like with pageantry, I've had, like, some experience, so I can kind of apply that. Whereas wedding is like all like, I've never done this before, so don't know what to expect. But no, it has been fun, and I'm looking forward to entering the bridal era after the crown.

[Lisa Opie]

Have you found your gown?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I have, yes. Yes. I'm super excited. It's. I believe it's one of a kind currently, so I'm. I'm excited.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, that's so exciting.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, so now we're going to go to our this or that portion of the show. So the first question is on stage question or one on one interview?

[Kaylee Simmons]

One on one interview? I would say.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. Confidence through experience or confidence from within?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would say confidence within. I think that comes first before experiences. I would say.

[Lisa Opie]

I think so, too. Dental floss or whitening strips?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I'm always gonna say floss. I have patients that come in all the time saying they want to whiten their teeth, and I'm like, we got to take care of the gingivitis first.

[Lisa Opie]

You see a lot of that.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Oh, my goodness. Yeah, it's a large ray.

[Lisa Opie]

And I mean, I think everywhere I went through a phase where I was like, I don't need to floss. And then I realized I do need to floss.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, well, it's one of those things, too. I always share that. Like, people don't know what's going on inside their mouth because you can't see in there. You don't see what I see, you know, when I've got magnifying glasses on. So I know I always trick.

[Lisa Opie]

We should look out for when I'm like, wait, can I make this a consultation?

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. So I mean, always using floss, like that's super important because you're not always going to feel everything that's between your teeth. And if something hangs out in there between your teeth too long, you can start to get inflammation in the gum, swelling, bleeding, and then, oh my gosh, worst case scenario, you can, you know, start to lose bone and teeth later in life.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, so floss, Floss your teeth. Whitening is for later.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Whitening comes once you have great oral health.

[Lisa Opie]

Yes. Public speaking event or hands on outreach?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would say hands on outreach.

[Lisa Opie]

Yes. And that's what you're doing. I mean, you do both.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, yeah. Probably more hands on outreach, though. It's really personal.

[Lisa Opie]

Mental wellness or physical health?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would say mental wellness. I think that comes first.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, we just talked about that. That's so important. Hike through a rainforest or raft a wild river. I know the answer.

[Kaylee Simmons]

We just talked about this hike through a rainforest. I've done both. I did the hike in Panama as well, through the rainforest. That was also a really unique time too. Going through the rainforest and not knowing what kind of creature you're gonna see.

[Lisa Opie]

Are there like jaguars or panthers?

[Kaylee Simmons]

They said that they had one like on camera. They have like tree came and they said that there was one and I was like, I don't know if we should be on the side.

[Lisa Opie]

Right. Like, I don't care about the monkeys and stuff, but like something that could eat.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay. Terrifying zipline in the mountains or snowmobile in the snow?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would have to say snowmobile in the snow.

[Lisa Opie]

It's so fun. Are you a summer or winter person?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would say more summer. Yeah, more summer. Just because I like, you know, like the feeling warm and having a nice tan and doing all the beachy, fun things. Whereas, like winter, like, I. I get over it very quickly. Maybe that's because I live in West Virginia too, because there's always like very cold months.

[Lisa Opie]

Like, oh, it gets really cold.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. Like probably like November through March and April, it's pretty cold. And you can expect snow through any of those periods of time.

[Lisa Opie]

Wow. Yeah, that's like, that's a state I've never been to. I'm excited to go next week.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm excited for you to experience it.

[Lisa Opie]

Exploring remote places or relaxing at home?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would have to say probably exploring remote places. I always like to see new things and like to go on hikes and adventures.

[Lisa Opie]

So cool. Fishing trip or beach day.

[Kaylee Simmons]

I'M I'm gonna lean towards fishing. I love a good beach day, but I feel like if I do too many of them, then I either get sunburned or I'm over it. And fishing, you just never know what's going to be on the line. A rooster fish, for example.

[Lisa Opie]

Are you an early riser or a night owl?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I would say a night owl.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay. Quiet time with Myla and moose or a full day with your community.

[Kaylee Simmons]

This one's really tough. I do a lot of community outreach, but also my babies are my mini golden doodles, and I love them so much. They're so crazy, but so fun. So I don't know if I could pick, but, I mean, who doesn't like to be home with their dogs? I know mine like the puppy. Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

Telling your story or amplifying someone else's?

[Kaylee Simmons]

I think amplifying someone else's is. Would come first for me personally. I think sometimes we can learn more from when we listen to others.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. So true. That's why I do what I do.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. Yeah, it's definitely great. You can learn a lot when you. You listen to others.

[Lisa Opie]

Awesome. Well, I know you've had a long day, so thank you for sharing your last brain cell with me.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Right.

[Lisa Opie]

You shot all day today, all day yesterday, so I think it's like 9pm here, so we're gonna wrap it up. But thank you so much for coming on this podcast.

[Kaylee Simmons]

I can't wait to see you in.

[Lisa Opie]

West Virginia next week.

[Kaylee Simmons]

Yeah. Thank you so much for having me. It's been the best day. Yay. The best time.