Miss Represented: Miss Earth USA 2025 - Haley Poe [Episode 64]

Summary

Miss Represented: Miss Earth USA 2025 - Haley Poe [Episode 64]

Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Lisa Opie
Guest: Haley Poe, Miss Earth USA 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Miss Represented features a heartfelt and energetic conversation between host Lisa Opie and Haley Poe, the newly crowned Miss Earth USA 2025. Together, they explore Haley’s unique journey through pageantry and reality TV, her environmental advocacy focused on microplastic pollution, and her academic ambitions in the field of endocrinology. The discussion also dives into the highs and challenges of competing in a pageant-based reality show, the realities of being a woman in STEM, and the power of authentic leadership and womanhood.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. The Miss Earth USA Journey & Reality TV Experience

• Pageant Structure & Initial Experiences
  Haley shares her experiences from competing in Miss Earth USA – describing the traditional competition rounds, impactful speeches, and the transition into filming the reality series Pretty Down to Earth.

  • “It was traditional pageant style, so it was a little bit different than everything that happened following it. That was the easy part, I think.” (Haley, 02:08)

• Adjusting to Reality TV & Pageant Mode

  • Turning off the ever-present “pageant mode” was a challenge.
    • “The focus is to say the perfect thing at the perfect time…Learning to just be yourself and exist in front of camera is tough.” (Haley, 03:04, 03:11)

• Behind the Scenes: Challenges, Cold Shoots, and Bonding

  • Filming included unexpected cold weather, quirky challenges like digging through worms and milk bath photoshoots, and memorable bonding through adversity.
    • “We were troopers. The milk bath one was tough for me. I’m not a milk person. Truthfully, that was probably the hardest one for me.” (Haley, 05:14)
    • “The only thing that went wrong was just it being cold. But we all huddled together for warmth…and I think we got to bond a little bit more just because of proximity.” (Haley, 04:50)

• Surprise Interviews & Emotional Responses

  • The show included a dramatic “surprise interview” twist, creating genuine, high-adrenaline moments.
    • “We were told our interviews would be via Zoom after filming concluded. Obviously, that did not happen.” (Haley, 07:31)
    • “It was the best interview I’ve ever done in my life. I actually won high point interview.” (Haley, 10:46)

2. Sisterhood, Waiting, and the Reality of Competition

• Bonding with Contestants

  • A deep sense of camaraderie and emotional openness existed among the contestants.
    • “I probably need two hands to count the number of meltdowns I witnessed at filming because we were just very open with each other and I love that.” (Haley, 13:01)

• The Long Wait for Results

  • The format required contestants to wait months for the final results, fostering both anxiety and connection.
    • “We were able to openly talk about our feelings...That was nice. So it wasn’t that usual competition atmosphere.” (Haley, 12:31)

3. Science & Sparkle: Haley’s Academic Path and Advocacy

• Pursuing Medicine & Endocrinology

  • Haley is a biology graduate with early acceptance into medical school, planning to specialize in endocrinology.
    • “I actually got into medical school when I was 19 as an early acceptance program student.” (Haley, 15:30)
    • “I have polycystic ovary syndrome...It took me seven years to get a diagnosis...That made me want to be a doctor.” (Haley, 16:21)

• Microplastic Awareness Project (MAP)

  • Her environmental platform, MAP, educates about and advocates for action on microplastic pollution—a topic she connects to health via hormone-disrupting chemicals.
    • “My goal with MAP is to remove microplastics from the environment to keep them out of our bodies, and that'll protect our health and the planet at the same time.” (Haley, 16:47)

• Vital Education on Microplastics

  • Haley gives a candid breakdown of how ubiquitous and dangerous microplastics are in daily life—from water bottles and food containers to air and synthetic clothing.
    • “But they're also in the air all the time...Most of your clothing has some form of synthetic in it...they're just everywhere, all the time.” (Haley, 17:43)

• Changing Policy and Legislative Action

  • Haley has successfully advocated for microplastic legislation in Pennsylvania (House Bill 1415) and is pushing for federal action and warning labels.
    • “I had House Bill 1415 introduced back in April...that will require annual water testing for PFAS, which is a cancer-causing chemical found in microplastics.” (Haley, 20:02)
    • On legislative impact: “The best thing about being a pageant girl is the title and the crown gets you in whatever door you want to be in.” (Haley, 20:02)

4. Challenging Stereotypes: Womanhood in STEM & Leadership

• Overcoming Bias in Science and Medicine

  • Haley discusses discouragement from mentors who suggested she pick less rigorous paths simply for being a woman.
    • “I had physicians that I shadowed that told me to become a PA or to not go into medicine or to choose an easier specialty because I'm a woman.” (Haley, 22:18)
    • “Really, it doesn't matter. It's my choice what I want to do with my time.” (Haley, 22:51)

• Redefining Beauty and Brains

  • The importance of showing that women can be both “beautiful and smart,” serving as role models and changing perceptions in and out of STEM fields.

• Handling Criticism and Growing Through Visibility

  • Authenticity is central to Haley’s approach, especially in the face of online attention and criticism.
    • “Preparing for Pretty Down to Earth...one of the main things was that we all needed to learn how to calm down and just open up and just talk about our feelings.” (Haley, 28:57)

5. International Representation and Ambition

• Prepping for Miss Earth in the Philippines

  • Haley is focusing on media training and public communication, embracing interviews and speaking events to sharpen her skills for the global stage.
    • “The interview component weighs really heavily at Miss Earth. So I'm doing as many TV interviews and podcasts like this as I can.” (Haley, 26:53)

• Global Environmental Impact

  • Haley aims to use her platform to encourage both personal action (reducing plastic use) and policy change worldwide.

6. Personal Growth, Impact, and Advice

• Growth from the Crown

  • The journey has made Haley more confident, entrepreneurial, and impactful—both online and in person.
    • “It feels like I’m a different person than I was before I won just because I've elevated in so many ways.” (Haley, 31:02)

• Inspiring the Next Generation

  • Haley treasures opportunities to connect with young girls and serve as a real-life role model.

• Best Pageant Advice

  • “You are the one who determines whether or not you are enough. Just be yourself and put the work in.” (Haley, 34:14)

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Being Yourself On Camera:
  “Learning to just be yourself and exist in front of camera is tough.”
  – Haley [03:11]

• On Pageant Bonding:
  “The only thing that went wrong was just it being cold...But we all huddled together for warmth and they would throw blankets on us between takes.”
  – Haley [04:50]

• On Advocacy and Change:
  “The best thing about being a pageant girl is the title and the crown gets you in whatever door you want to be in to talk about whatever you want to talk about.”
  – Haley [20:02]

• On Female Leadership:
  “We have women who are setting the example that you can be smart and beautiful at the same time and be taken seriously.”
  – Haley [22:49]

• On Dealing with Criticism:
  “Sometimes people don’t like to see you succeed, and you have to see that when it happens and move forward from it.”
  – Haley [24:35]

• On Authentic Growth:
  “It feels like I’m a different person than I was before I won...there is no limit to how much you can grow.”
  – Haley [31:02]

• On Pageant Advice:
  “At the end of the day, you just have to be yourself and put the work in.”
  – Haley [34:14]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:08] – Competing at Miss Earth USA: traditional format and transition to reality TV
• [04:05] – Fun (and cold!) reality show challenges & bond formation
• [07:31] – Surprise interviews: adrenaline, authenticity, and best-ever performance
• [12:25] – Sisterhood: daily Facetimes & emotional openness
• [15:30] – Academic journey: early med school acceptance & gap year for Miss Earth
• [16:21] – Advocacy: microplastics, environmental health, and personal connection
• [20:02] – Legislative wins, policy advocacy, and industry pushback
• [22:18] – Challenges as a woman in science and medicine
• [24:35] – Facing negativity and outgrowing unsupportive relationships
• [26:43] – Preparing for international competition: media & messaging focus
• [31:02] – Personal growth, legacy, and the role of a titleholder
• [34:14] – The best pageant advice for success (“Be yourself”)

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Tone & Style

The conversation is open, enthusiastic, and supportive—full of “girl power” energy, practical wisdom, and real emotions. Haley and Lisa keep things candid, occasionally playful, and always rooted in the mission to uplift and empower.

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Final Thoughts

This episode provides an inspiring look behind the crown, highlighting Haley Poe as both a passionate advocate for environmental health and an ambitious medical student—a perfect example of “science and sparkle.” The discussion seamlessly balances the glamour of pageantry with the importance of policy-driven activism and female empowerment, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the modern intersection of pageants, science, and social change.

Transcript

[A]

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 before I introduce today's guest, I want to thank our sponsors, Pink Apple Dresses for dressing us in these fabulous red outfits today. The Code Creatives for production, and of course, Beauty by Lady Code and Lady Code Cosmetics for getting us glam today. So now I'm really excited because she represents one of my favorite pageants, Miss Earth usa. We have Haley Po here with us. Haley is the newly crowned Miss Earth USA 2025 and the breakout star of Pretty down to Earth, the first ever pageant based reality series in the United States. A recent biology graduate with plans to become an endocrinologist, Hayley is passionate about the intersection of human health and environmental wellness. Her environmental platform, the Microplastic Awareness Project map, promotes cleanups, legislation and education around the dangers of microplastic pollution as she prepares to represent the USA at Miss Earth in the Philippines this fall. And Haley continues to use her brain to spark real world impact. One conversation, one cleanup, and one empowered woman at a time. Whether she's in scrubs, on set or on stage, Haley is living proof that science and sparkle can coexist. And that purpose makes the crown even more powerful. Welcome, Haley.

[B]

Thank you so much for having me.

[A]

Of course. Oh, my gosh. I'm so excited you're finally here because I feel like I got to know you through the process of getting ready for Miss Earth Earth Through Glam. Even your photo shoot leading up to the first national competition, because there were kind of two or three.

[B]

I would say two. Two that were scored. Three events total.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So let's actually rewind and go back to the first national pageant in Orlando. Yes. What was it like competing at Miss Earth usa?

[B]

It was traditional pageant style, so it was a little bit different than everything that happened following it. Yes, that was the easy part, I think. So we. We had impact statements that were 90 seconds long, so we gave speeches and then we had swimsuit evening gown, and then we gave 30 second speeches for top 20, and then they narrowed it to a top 12. And the very next morning, we had a photo shoot with Viz, Kaia Swimwear and the Code Creatives and immediately did our first confessionals.

[A]

No way.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Were they aired in the.

[B]

No, they were not.

[A]

Because I was like, I don't Think I saw that, but I would have loved to see that.

[B]

We needed a trial run on IC.

[A]

So that if they needed to like change people out. Cause they're like, they're not good on camera. Do you think they would have done that?

[B]

That? No, I think it was more of a. None of us have done reality TV before. So like doing a confessional for the first time and turning off pageant mode was very important. So I'm glad we got a little practice run in January.

[A]

Oh my gosh. Is it hard for you to turn off pageant mode?

[B]

Always.

[A]

Really? Yeah.

[B]

I think for pageant girls it's always the focus is to say the perfect thing at the perfect time. All the time. Yep.

[A]

Like right now.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Learning to just be yourself and exist in front of camera is tough.

[A]

Yeah, it's really hard. So after you called into the top 12, you knew that you were going to go and start filming pretty down to earth. Did you have any other details about the real issue?

[B]

None at all. So one of the things we were asked in our first confessional was what we're most afraid of. And a lot of us said heights. So we were told in January that they thought they would be doing some trivia. Definitely something with heights for entertainment. And neither of those things happened by the time we got to May for filming, so. So we were kind of preparing for some things. And in general, I was treating it like maybe it's Survivor, maybe it's, you know, speeches, maybe we're visiting schools. I kind of left it open and trained for any possible thing that could happen because we didn't know what the challenges would be.

[A]

I thought the challenges look kind of fun. Watching the show, I was like, you know what the worst part was? Probably digging in the bucket of worms. Did you have to do that a lot?

[B]

We did that three times. It wasn't too bad. I would say that was the easy part. I think the cold was the hardest because we shot swimsuit not once but twice out there and it was pretty chilly.

[A]

Oh no, because it was in New York. So I guess. Cuz they should be warm, right?

[B]

It's temperamental though. In the northeast, between Pennsylvania and New York, you'll have weeks that it's like 40 degrees and then you'll have weeks where it's 75 and it goes back and forth. So you don't really know. They were hoping it would be warm. We were hoping it would be warm.

[A]

I was expecting it to be warm.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

No, at Nationals, like. Well, at the finals in D.C. when we were all there. I was like, you know, I saw Taya and Kiara and you and everyone. And I'm like, how was filming? And literally everyone's like, it was just cold.

[B]

That was really the only thing that went wrong was just it being cold. But we all huddled together for warmth and they would throw blankets on us between takes. So I think we got to bond a little bit more just because of proximity.

[A]

But did anyone get sick from the cold?

[B]

No one got sick.

[A]

Okay, good.

[B]

Okay, that's too strong.

[A]

But I love watching it. And honestly, you never would have known. Like, seeing your Visaya photos, seeing the milk bath photos. Like, I had no idea you guys were cold.

[B]

We were troopers. Yeah. The milk bath one was tough for me. I'm not a milk person. Truthfully, that was probably the hardest one for me, to be honest.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Cuz, like, you can smell it.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

So, yeah, and then it was really chilly and I was actually the last one to go. Oh, my God. So we did that and then our hair was full of milk and we went back to the condo and they told us that we had about an hour, hour and a half to get ready and then go shoot for Viz Kaya. So all the swimsuit stuff was done in one day. And so, you know, if you walked around the house, you would find people trying to curl their hair and it just smelled like burnt milk. Yeah, it was rough cuz we didn't have time to shower. So I was like, we're slicking this into a ponytail and we're calling it a day. There's nothing else we can do.

[A]

Wow. Well, it looked really good.

[B]

Thank you very much. It all glam by me for most of it.

[A]

We had make so proud of you. Like, thank you.

[B]

Thank you very much.

[A]

So you won a lot of challenges, right? How many challenges did you win?

[B]

I won the milk bath photo shoot challenge and the. The first one, right, the fitness one. Yeah, I won the first episode. Well, no, there were no challenges the first episode. I won medals. Episode two and episode three. Okay. And I also won our World Wildlife Day videos. So that was like a social media post thing that we did leading up to filming. So there were actually challenges between January and May too.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. My favorite was the Runway when you guys were in the train station. That was so stunning.

[B]

It was beautiful.

[A]

Yeah. What was that like?

[B]

Well, we really loved the location. It was a long night. We got our shoes on site, so everybody was learning how to walk in those, but we persevered. So it was a Lot of fun. It was late. I think we wrapped around 12:31.

[A]

Probably, like, around that time. I remember. I like FaceTime, Ariel. And you guys were filming, and I was like. It was like, midnight, so. And you were still going.

[B]

Yeah. They gave us pizza.

[A]

Yay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm so hungry. I'm, like, thinking about food right now. I'm probably going to get a pizza now.

[B]

Yeah, I might get pizza after this.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Thinking about it.

[A]

Pizza party. I'll order one, actually. Okay, so then once you were done filming. Actually, no. One more question, because they kind of breezed over it on the show. But the surprise interviews, what was that actually like for you?

[B]

Okay. I have so much to say about this. So we were told that our interviews would be via zoom after filming concluded, Obviously, that did not happen.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

So we were told that morning that we would be going to group media. So, like, we do a media appearance all together and be interviewed at the same time kind of by a TV station or something. And we were in the car, driving there because we were kind of caravanned everywhere. We would be in two vehicles. And Holly was driving the car that I was in, and she was telling us that they were local news and that they would really want to know. Oh, she was very convincing. And she was like, so here are the names of the places that you went, just so you remember how to pronounce them and everything. You know what you did this week, Right?

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Very convincing. So we get there and we're, like, running through, okay, this is what we did this week. This is how to pronounce everything. This is what I want to talk about. And we were chilling in this ballroom, okay. And they had snacks there. And I was like, excellent. I'm going to eat a pastry because I love a cheese Danish. And they were available, and I was hungry, so. So I'm snacking. People are taking photos. Eventually I go take some photos, and an hour and a half has kind of gone by, and I'm looking around, like, where'd everybody go? Because, like, six or seven people were kind of missing and looked in the bathroom, didn't find my friends, like, walked around. There were only a few people near me. And I was like, something's up. Because people were being pulled to go to confessionals. And eventually I was told, okay, Haley, you're gonna be next to go to confessional. And. And Gianna comes out, and she was actually the first one to do her surprise interview. And she came and found all of us and made sure our hair and makeup Was on point that our outfit was good. Gia was literally asleep on the floor. Gianna woke her up and, like, fixed her makeup and everything. So she.

[A]

What a girl's girl.

[B]

She did such a good job. Yeah. And she didn't let on at all what we were going to be doing. So, like, she helped me take some pictures and everything. And then I went in there all confident and ready to go, and she seemed like something was maybe a little bit wrong. Wrong. But I was like, we've been here for a week. We're leaving today. Everybody was crying the previous night because we didn't want to leave each other. And so I go in to my confessional, and Britney walks me down this hallway. Okay. To a set of French doors that are glass. One of them is open. And she grabs my hands. Okay. And she goes, just remember that I love you. She turns me around and pushes me, and I'm facing a room that has just, like, a conference table, and four judges are sitting right there, and Laura's on the side.

[A]

And I would pass out.

[B]

I immediately said, black out a little bit. No. I said, oh, you guys are hilarious. Because I was like, oh, it's. It's a surprise interview. Great. Oh, my God. Yeah. I knew right away it registered. And I was like, okay. And Laura was like, haley, this is your interview. And I said, yeah, I see that. And she, like, helped me get a chair pulled out so I could sit down. So I sat there, and I was like, how are you guys doing today?

[A]

Oh, my God. So how did the interview go?

[B]

It was the best interview I've ever done in my life. I actually won High point interview. I was very grateful because I do better, I think, off the cuff and rehearse. Like, I'd rather not know I'm interviewing that day because I'll get in my head about it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I was excited. I had a great time. And then as soon as I got up and I walked out of the room, I went into the actual confessional room.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And they were getting the frame set up so you could see me, like, at the right height and everything. And the videographer stepped away for a second, and I literally laid on the floor and, like, just had to box breathe for a second because all of the adrenaline hit me like a wall. So, my God, I remembered every question and everything I said within 24 hours after I left my interview because I was locked in. But, like, that initial wave of adrenaline as soon as I walked out of there was pretty heavy.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So I found Gianna afterwards And she comes over and she was like, I'm so sorry. Like, I wanted to tell you. They told us not to tell anyone. And I was like, you did the perfect thing. It's okay. Thank you so much. Honestly, we love you. And we all went and ate lunch together and then took the train home and that was the end of it. I did cry. I cried a little bit. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

I mean, you guys had such a bond, like watching the show, you could see that. And then seeing you guys at the finals, like, you could see that. And honestly, I feel like she shouldn't have told you because then you would get me more nervous. Like, that would have made it worse.

[B]

That's what I told her.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because it's like, would rather not know rather than have to walk in there and pretend to be surprised. Can you imagine? Like, that's just harder.

[A]

No, I agree. She did the right thing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, so now the waiting point. Right. So from wrapping filming to final, what was it like waiting?

[B]

I was on FaceTime with Sydney every single day for at least an hour.

[A]

She was your first runner up, right?

[B]

Yeah. Okay. Yeah. So we were really close and just having everybody around to process was great. Like, I'm glad we had that sisterhood and we were able to openly talk about our feelings and like, this is pretty nerve wracking, you know, and kind of deal with it together. That was nice. So it wasn't that usual competition atmosphere where you never want to see your competitors sweat. Like, I probably need to two hands to count the number of meltdowns I witnessed at filming because we were just very open with each other and I love that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Wow. It's just such a completely different format because usually it's like, okay, pageant week is like five days or like three days or even one day sometimes. Yeah, you're in, you either win or you don't, and then you're out.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But for this one, it was like a long process. Like, mentally, what was that like for you?

[B]

It was tough. Initially, I was posting every single day. And then I think in about April, I brought it down to five days a week because I needed to get through finals because I just graduated and I was like, we're wrapping up my bachelor's degree. I gotta lock in a little bit more. But learning to do social media was a big challenge for me because a lot of the competition did take place on social media because we had that whole six months between prelims and coronation. And we didn't know this, but Brittany told us when we arrived at coronation that the results had been tabulated by the end of, like, the week that we filmed. So it had been determined for almost two months. Yes. So funny enough, my first. Well, one of my first trips as Miss Earth USA after I was crowned was to go to Branson, Missouri, to judge Princess of America. And their director, Teresa, came up to me and she was like, did Laura tell you that? I knew that you had won before. You knew that you won because they set that up as an appearance.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

I knew. Yeah.

[A]

Wow. That's amazing. And no one told you?

[B]

No one told me.

[A]

So you were completely surprised?

[B]

I was completely surprised, yeah.

[A]

Because you would have told me, right?

[B]

I would have told you. Yes, Lisa, I would have told you.

[A]

Maybe I should have done a little more glam for crowning. I don't think we could have done more. That final look was everything with the bun.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Like, you were ready for that crown. It was such a good look. So. And now I've always used the crown holder as, like, holder. Yeah. Trademarked by Tom.

[B]

Yes. Yes. Tom. Nailed it on that one.

[A]

I love that. Okay, so that was, like, our first talking point. Like, that was a lot. And I wanted to ask you all these questions, like, from the heart. Like, I was, like, curious to know. So now I want to talk about your background in biology and your future in endocrinology. Totally different world.

[B]

Absolutely. Where do you want to start?

[A]

Tell me about your advocacy and what gave you the confidence. Wait, how that gave you the confidence to compete in pageants. Is that true?

[B]

I don't think so.

[A]

Oh, okay. Ignored that. What am I reading? It's been a long day.

[B]

That's really funny.

[A]

But, yeah, just, I guess, yeah. Your background in biology and, like, what you want to do with that.

[B]

Yeah. So I just graduated with my bachelor's degree in biology on a pre medical track. So my plan is to attend medical school at lecom to be an endocrinologist. I actually got into medical school when I was 19 as an early acceptance program student. So I've been accepted this whole time. But I did have to take a gap year to be Ms. Earth USA because the Philippines will require about a month of time to compete for Miss Earth, and you can't miss that much school, so.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah, I think it's good to take a year off.

[B]

Oh, for sure.

[A]

If you win Miss Earth, are you going to take another year off?

[B]

Oh, I would have to.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah, I'm okay with it.

[A]

Yeah. I think you just, like, go where. God Takes you and, like, not have, like, a crazy plan and just ride that wave and see what happens.

[B]

You never know. I'm very open to allowing the process to change. Me too.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So if it changes the trajectory of my life, I'm okay with that.

[A]

I love that. So why endocrinology?

[B]

So I have polycystic ovary syndrome, which is an endocrine disorder, and it's the most common endocrine disorder in women. So I got really passionate about medicine because it took me seven years to get a diagnosis for that, and that made me want to be a doctor. And from there, I started learning about other endocrine disorder disorders that also tend to come from environmental causes. So a good example of that is, like, reproductive issues from microplastics. So my goal with MAP is to remove microplastics from the environment to keep them out of our bodies, and that'll protect our health and the planet at the same time.

[A]

Wow, I'm so glad you hit on that topic, because microplastics freak me out. You know, like, if something's in a water bottle too long or even, like, drinking from a plastic water bottle, I'm like, I don't feel, like, really feel good drinking this or, like, microwaving like, Tupperware and things like that. What are some other, like, sources of microplastics that we should be avoiding?

[B]

I'm gonna out. I'm really sorry. But they're also in the air all the time. You're coming in contact with them 100% of the time. Especially food containers is the main one that you have to be careful of. So everyone thinks of the plastic bottles because you're drinking a liquid, and it seems like it would have microplastics in it. And that's true. But every time you get takeout and it comes in a plastic container and you eat it with a plastic fork, it's shedding microplastics into the food too.

[A]

Are you serious?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Whether it's hot or not.

[B]

Healing them, correct? Yes.

[A]

And we're inhaling them. Why?

[B]

How? Because they're in the air. So, like, most of your clothing has some form of synthetic in it. So when you touch it and the microplastics come off of it, they're in the air. Same thing for, like, different types of carpet that have synthetic in them. So you walk on it or you vacuum it, and microplastics get in the air. And most things that we have have some form of plastic in them. So they're just everywhere, all the time.

[A]

Wow. Now I'm like, scared to breathe things. Sorry. So what can we do to avoid, like, or at least decrease. Increase our exposure to that?

[B]

Yeah, the main thing is avoiding single use plastics. So that's the biggest thing with consuming them is, like, if you're a person who likes coffee, make your coffee at home every day. Use a recyclable K cup versus going and getting a coffee and having the plastic cup and the plastic lid and the plastic straw. So making food at home can really help too. But those are the biggest ones. And then I always like to tell people it just takes one person calling a representative to say, start policy change. And I don't think we're going to be able to make a really massive impact until we change policies and hold corporations accountable.

[A]

Yeah, definitely. And I feel like the lack of education, like, the fact that I'm 34 years old and I'm just finding out right now that we're breathing microplastics, like, no one's really talking about it. There's no education around that. The closest thing that I've seen is like, in California, right, if you buy like a new mattress or something, it'll be like, legally we have to tell you that you can get cancer or something from that. But that's the closest thing. And I feel like that should be almost everywhere. Just give us like a heads up.

[B]

Yes, Right. So one of the things I'm doing is working with the EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services on policy for plastic bottles that would require a warning label that states they contain microplastics and are harmful to human health and the environment. So I want to hit that awareness component because when we have enough public support, we can push for more effective laws that touch on extended producer responsibility. So if you're a corporation and you're producing things with plastic, you're also required to dispose of that plastic and keep it out of the.

[A]

Wow, that's just like, so much information. I'm like, wait, you know so much. You're so smart. And I just want to, like, keep asking you about these. So what have you done so far? Like, what has it been like? Talking and meeting with these lawmakers about this has been hard. Do they take you seriously because you're so pretty? Right?

[B]

They do take me seriously. I think the best thing about being a pageant girl is the title and the crown gets you in whatever door you want to be in to talk about whatever you want to talk about. And as long as you know how to argue for what you want, you should be successful. So I haven't had anyone tell me no. Which I'm very grateful for. So every time I get in there, I have a pitch ready for the laws I would like to see introduced. And we talk through it and how those things could be executed. And it's gone really well for me. So in Pennsylvania, I had House Bill 1415 introduced back in April. And if passed, that will require annual water testing for pfas, which is a cancer causing chemical found in microplastics. So they'll check all of our watersheds in the state of Pennsylvania to make sure that they're up to safe regulations of quantities of PFAs.

[A]

Why would they say no? It's like, why would that Right. Bill not pass?

[B]

You would think, except that Pennsylvania is one of the largest producers of petroleum in the world, which is the main ingredient in pfas. So there's a lot of corporate pushback for Haley.

[A]

That's crazy. And then that just like opens this whole, like, world of corruption that like, we really need to address. It's almost like we have to, like, start over. You have to really push something very corrupt.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you mentioned the cancer causing and obviously hormone disruption. Is there any other risks for your health with microplastics?

[B]

I think there are many that we don't know about yet. So that's something I'd like to see more research on. Right now we're really just learning how many are in your body at a given time and how many you consume in a given year and trying to figure out how to get them out of the environment. And I think that's the best thing to do is just focus on removing them. And that's not going to happen until we stop producing them.

[A]

Speaking of removing, is there a way to. Once they're in your body, can you get rid of microplastics or are they in your body forever?

[B]

We don't know yet.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

I'm sorry. Your immune system will take care of some of it.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah. Wow.

[A]

Well, thank you for doing everything like that you're doing. That's amazing. And I'm so glad you educated me a little bit and our audience a little bit. Hopefully we didn't bore you because I was learning a lot. I like talking about that. So now we're gonna move on to the beauty inside stem. So what does it mean to you to be a woman in science and a beauty queen? And how are you using your title to change the narrative about what smart driven women look like?

[B]

It means so much to me to be able to talk about this because there were so many mentors that I had and physicians that I shadowed that told me to become a PA or to not go into medicine or to choose an easier specialty because I'm a woman. Oh, and that was absolutely jaw dropping to see in 2021, 2022, when I was first starting college. And eventually, like, you know, I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'm going to go into the specialty that I'm passionate about because really, it doesn't matter. It's my choice what I want to do with my time. And I really think it's important that we have women who are setting the example that you can be smart and beautiful at the same time and be taken seriously so that women know they can go into whatever field they want because medicine is a male dominated field. But there are so many out there and there's so many women who want to do things and they don't even know that it's possible. Possible because there isn't that example.

[A]

Wow. You know what's crazy? It's so random, but Kevin O' Leary from Shark Tank said that I think like 75 or more of the companies he invests in are women led because he said women are smarter. And I'm like, you know what?

[B]

I would love to see there's science to support that information because we're actually capable of multitasking because we can use both sides of our brain at the same time. Men are completely incapable of that. That. And that's just a scientific fact. Okay, that's not biased. That's not biased at all, guys.

[A]

Okay, you can look it up.

[B]

But there's that component of it. And then I think in general, we would agree, and science would support this, that women tend to have more empathy in people skills and that makes them really incredible leaders.

[A]

Yes, definitely. I love to see women being successful and women taking leadership positions. And like, now more than ever, I feel like the only downside is that a lot of people hate to see pretty successful women. I feel like the Kardashians are part of that example because at the end of the day, it's like, okay, the sex tape thing is old. Like, what? Why really do you hate the Kardashians? Because they're rich, successful and beautiful. You know, relatively young also. And it's like, that's the only reason. So are you experiencing any of that right now as a woman in leadership or.

[B]

Occasionally, yeah. But for me, it's about surrounding yourself with people who are Positive and who want to see you succeed. And sometimes you outgrow relationships. Yeah. And you have to recognize where you can grow and who's there to support you and who you can also support. Because sometimes people don't like to see you succeed, and you have to see that when it happens and move forward from it.

[A]

Exactly. It's almost like upgrading your circle. And I feel like as I've gotten more successful, it's always been, like, more and more women in my circle. Like, I feel like when I was at the bottom, you know, like. Like, just starting out and no clue what I'm doing. Kind of, like a loser. Like, there were more men in my circle. Right. Because, like, they were comfortable around me. But as, like, I don't know, upgraded and, like, bossed up a little bit. Like, it's just women. And now, like, my whole circle is almost all women. And I'm like, men are a little scared of me. They hate me. They don't really like me, so that's okay. Yeah, we don't need them. Yeah, exactly. So I love to see it, and I love the support that we have for each other. And it's, like, the opposite of what people think. Like, we're not catty. We're not jealous. It's just. Yeah, support, like you said with Pretty.

[B]

Down to earth, and that's 100% something that people are surprised by when I talk about the reality show, because it's pageantry, it's pageant girls, and it's reality tv. But if you watch Pretty down to Earth, it's such a peaceful, uplifting show. There's no drama.

[A]

I love to, like, unwind and have it on and, like, end my day with that. I'm like, oh, Ms. Haley, thank you. Yeah, it was really fun to watch. And it was just, like, I could turn off my brain, you know, There was no stress.

[B]

Us. Other than the worm thing, what was your favorite episode? Do you have a favorite?

[A]

Okay, well, my favorite was the milk baths and then the bikini shoe, because Visaya was in it. But also the Runway one. I really like that one. Yeah, you guys did a lot of cool stuff. I liked milking the cows and watching everyone milk the cows. Yeah.

[B]

I shuttled manure.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

My job on that episode.

[A]

Yeah. We did a lot still.

[B]

We did.

[A]

But, yeah, probably the viscaya one, because.

[B]

I love this guy somewhere.

[A]

Okay, so the next talking point is representing the USA on the global stage. So how are you prepping to represent your country at Miss Earth in the Philippines? And what do you hope to share with the world while you're there.

[B]

One of the most important things is doing as much media as possible, because the interview component weighs really heavily at Miss Earth. So I'm doing as many TV interviews and podcasts like this as I can.

[A]

You really are. You've been so busy.

[B]

Yeah, I love it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And it's also really nice to think about when I was 16 and I first started pageantry, I was so anxious, and I was terrified of interviewing, and I hated on stage question. And now this is, like, my favorite thing ever. Like, can we do more tv?

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Wow. The development has been really fun to see for me and for my family, too, I think.

[A]

Yeah, definitely. I see myself in you because I hated on stage question. I was a nervous wreck all the time, and now I'm just, like, a professional yapper. Like, I have a podcast. Like, I love talking, so, yeah, it's really fun. But, yeah. Anything else you want to share with the world while you're in the Philippines?

[B]

I definitely want to talk about microplastics and the individual choices that we can all make, because there's a lot that we can do in terms of curbing our own plastic consumption. But I also want to see more people getting into policy and calling their representatives on a global scale, because we are all going to have to work together to make an impact on this. And every single country has a plastic problem.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. You were so good.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I see a winner here, but thank you very much. What country is doing the best right now? Is there, like, a tier?

[B]

That's an excellent question. Yeah, I actually don't know.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

I'm gonna have to look that one up.

[A]

I want to say Japan, because I'm proud of mine.

[B]

Oh, no, I'm so.

[A]

They're not.

[B]

They're one of the biggest ones for single use plastics.

[A]

Are you serious? But they're all about the environment. Like, they're crazy about it.

[B]

Yeah. Plastic, a big thing. Okay, yeah, fine. I'm sorry.

[A]

We'll look it up later.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. We might have talked about this a little bit already, but your vulnerability, visibility, and your viral moments from being on tv. Yes, it was both exciting and intimidating, but how are you embracing authenticity even when it comes to criticism or pressure?

[B]

That's a tough one. So preparing for Pretty down to Earth. I sat down with my team and I was like. Like, okay, here was my feedback after confessional because Holly came into the room. We were eating pizza. Pizza's a big thing today.

[A]

It's happening.

[B]

Yeah. After we all did our confessionals, she said that one of the main things was that we all needed to learn how to calm down and just open up and just talk about our feelings. Wow. And I was like, I don't enjoy talking about my feelings. Like, what do you mean? And I sat down with Tom and he said, okay, listen, I want you to take acting classes. And it's not because I want you to act. I want you to get comfortable expressing emotion in front of other people.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I was like, okay, if you. If you make me, I guess, because I hate acting. It's like up there in my top five worst fears. I don't enjoy it. It stresses me out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I took this acting class and it really helped because, honestly, it was hard for me to connect with other people very quickly. And I walked away from pretty down to Earth with 10 brand new that I felt close with, and that wouldn't have been possible for me otherwise. Just learning to push myself on an emotional level and learn to connect with the camera and connect with people and not be afraid to be emotional was a big deal.

[A]

Wow. How was acting?

[B]

It was hard.

[A]

Yeah. I can't imagine.

[B]

Yeah. So funny enough, one of my friends who is also someone who works with Tom, Izzy Sorensen, was in my acting class, and we did a scene together from Jennifer's body, and it was very emot. So it pushed my boundaries a lot. But it helped that I already knew her to get started with it. And it was fun. It was intimidating, but it was fun. And it's okay to, like, try it because you see other people struggling too occasionally. It's tough for everyone.

[A]

I would be so embarrassed because I think I'd be really bad. But I love Izzy. I'm so happy that she was there. She's literally like the sweetest person. So I would be comfortable with her too, right?

[B]

Yeah. So we were practicing and. And like, it helped that it was her. Yeah, for sure.

[A]

Oh, I love that. So last talking point for today is your growth after the crown. So tell me about your personal growth in this journey, and what are you learning about leadership, identity, and the kind of impact you want to leave behind?

[B]

I'm always learning how to do things better than I did them before. Every time I think I've peaked at something, I find a new way to do it. So that's one of the biggest things with social media, with my walk with interviewing, it feels like I'm a different person than I was before. I won just because I've elevated In so many ways. And I hope to continue doing that. It's like there is no limit to how much you can grow. So there's that component of it. And then I've also had to think a lot about the legacy that I want to leave and what kind of title holder I want to be. And learning to put that out there on social media, especially because that's one of the biggest ways that we connect with an audience. As a title holder has been new for me because I'm not a social media person. I'm a scientist. One of the most interesting things about being a title holder, I think, is going out in public and doing a experiences and having little girls stare at you. Yeah. And it's like they're a little scared to approach, so you have to be like, hi, do you want to take a picture? Like, can I meet you? And getting to see little girls and kind of have that influence is really interesting. And it's a lot of responsibility. And funny enough, when I was a kid, I never met a title holder in the wild.

[A]

Really?

[B]

No one ever came to my school. Like, I never met one, but I was raised by pageant girl, so, like, I get the exposure, but I never saw one in the wild. So being that experience for a little kid feels like a big deal to me.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's almost like you're doing that because you didn't have that right. Yeah.

[B]

And it's like, I want to be approachable. I want to be inspiring. I want them to see the crown and the dress and whatever and think, oh, it's a princess and be excited about it. But I also want to be able to leave an impactful message with them. And learning to connect with audiences of all different ages is a really important skill.

[A]

Wow. And being in the public eye, have you had any, like, weird experiences with fans? Yeah. Has it gotten worse after winning?

[B]

Yes. Yeah. The fan accounts are very active. We enjoy them. We love the support. We do. But I think for title holders, especially competing on an international stage, sometimes you gotta just turn off your phone.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like self care. Take those breaks. Because it's a lot of information all the time. Because we get new directions from Miss Earth on what we're going to be doing and I start working on that and coordinating things and then I'll see hot pics come out and it's hard not to pay attention to stuff like that. So sometimes I just need a technology free day to just go out and be in nature and not look at my phone.

[A]

I love That I love that you're prioritizing your mental health over being active on social media. It's so important.

[B]

Yeah, I love that.

[A]

Is there anything else you want to share with our audience before we go to this or that?

[B]

One of the biggest things I had to learn with competing was that you are the one who determines whether or not you are enough. So the judges are going to see confidence. And I think we get in our heads a lot about a one piece or a two piece or this color or that color, or if I say this, am I going to be perceived this way? And at the end of the day, you just have to be yourself and put the work in. And as long as you show up as the best you, you're doing exactly what you need to be doing. Just don't overthink it. Just be yourself.

[A]

That's the best advice I've ever heard.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

It's so true. And we always overthink, right? Like, we're like, which earrings? Like, oh, my gosh. Like, the earrings aren't gonna make or break your crowning moment. No, they don't.

[B]

They really don't.

[A]

It's so crazy. Like, I feel like I don't even remember, like, what color people are wearing when they get crowned.

[B]

I know.

[A]

It's just like, they got crowned.

[B]

Do you know what's so funny to me? I forgot there was a crown. So if you go back and you watch my crowning moment, Bea puts the sash on me, and then I think, Jess hands be the flowers, or she hands me the flowers, but I get my flowers, and I was, like, ready to do my first walk. And then Bea pulls out the crown, and I literally go, oh, right. So she can put the crown on me because I completely forgot.

[A]

Wow. Were you, like, aware what was happening, or did you just black out?

[B]

Oh, no, I was just looking at my family. I was like, hey, guys, you know we did it, right?

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And, you know, she put the crown on me. And I remember walking around, it was a little big, so I had to hold it. And then I turned around, and I think my favorite moment is the girls running up to hug me. That's like. I rewatch that over and over again. More than the crowning moment, honestly, because it's like the hug from the girls really means everything, you know?

[A]

That makes me so happy.

[B]

You know? Me too.

[A]

Okay, so this or that? Okay. Super fun, super easy Gown photo shoot or environmental cleanup day? There's no wrong answers. We won't judge you.

[B]

Environmental cleanup days. Okay. Yeah, I like the sneakers. Yeah.

[A]

More comfortable and you can eat whenever you want.

[B]

Yes. Pizza.

[A]

Yeah. Title holder duties or science class notes?

[B]

Really?

[A]

Really?

[B]

Oh, man. Okay. Science class notes is boring. However, if we were talking about lab, Lab is up there.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Yeah, I do like lab a lot.

[A]

But more than an appearance.

[B]

Okay, I'm gonna go title holder duties only. Because I'm thinking about all of the political meetings, and I have some stuff coming up. And then I also. Yeah. And then next month, I go to New York Fashion Week, and then right after that, I go to Delaware for the Goodwill Rethink Fashion Show. So September is gonna be really fun. So I think I'm gonna have to choose title holder, too. Duties. Okay. That's okay. That was a long answer.

[A]

Pageant stage or reality TV Spotlight?

[B]

Reality TV Spotlight. Because you get more time to compete, and I think that's fun. Like, you get to connect with the judges and the audience more that way.

[A]

Did you prefer this format?

[B]

I did.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, it's not for the week because it takes a long time to get through it.

[A]

I would be freaking out.

[B]

The stamina. Yeah. That it takes is. It's insane.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Plastic free swap or group beach cleanup?

[B]

Plastic free swap. What is that?

[A]

I think it's just, like, a clothing swap, but maybe no plastic involved.

[B]

That's interesting.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. I think I'm gonna go clean up because we can eliminate some plastic that way. Yeah, I like it.

[A]

Reusable water bottle or tote bag for life? Life.

[B]

Oh, reusable water bottle. Yeah.

[A]

What's your reusable water bottle?

[B]

I have a Stanley and she's bright teal. Okay.

[A]

I think there's no plastic in the Stanley. Right?

[B]

There's no plastic.

[A]

We're safe, Stanley.

[B]

We're safe.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah. She's aluminum.

[A]

Love that. Speak to Congress or speak to a classroom.

[B]

Congress easily love classroom. However, it's just being in those spaces, whether it's a Capitol building or it's kind of Capitol Hill, and you get to talk to a representative and genuinely get something introduced that's going to change the fate of the country or your state or the world. There is nothing like that feeling.

[A]

Wow. I love that. And I love that you're, like, educating us on, like, what truly makes a difference. Right. It's just you have to go to the legislative system.

[B]

Binge.

[A]

A science docu series or reality TV marathon.

[B]

Science docu series.

[A]

Oh, what's your favorite?

[B]

I like the ocean one. I don't have a specific one, but usually the Ocean ones or dinosaurs. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

So cool. I think the only dinosaur one I know is, like, land Before Time.

[B]

I think I've seen that one.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah. Mentoring younger girls or public speaking on stage?

[B]

Public speaking on stage. Because I think that, in a way, is also mentoring young girls. I agree. Yeah.

[A]

Representing your country or representing your cause?

[B]

Oh, that's rough. Okay. I'm going to go with representing your cause because no matter where you're from, you have the capacity to make an impact. So the most important thing is that you're using your voice for change. So it doesn't matter what the title is. It matters that you have an initiative that you're focused on.

[A]

Wow. Like, this is the best, like, answers I've ever heard in my life. So good. Like, I think you're, like, done with your interview prep. Like, you graduated.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you. That means a lot to little me who was scared of interview.

[A]

I know. You're doing so good now. Okay, last question. Packing for Miss Earth or prepping for med school?

[B]

Med school prep is many years. A lot of people don't know this, but med school is 28 to 32 credits a semester for four years. Then you do a residency that's at least two to three years. And you have an intern year before that, and then you do a fellowship. And then somewhere in my early to mid-30s, I'll be a doctor. So in terms of, like, being more enjoyable, I gotta go with Miss Earth Prep because I leave in October. And it's all fun things. It's all fashion, it's all interviews. It's very peaceful compared to medical school. So, like, people always ask me how I deal with the pressure. And honestly, pageantry is very chill compared to the other half of my life.

[A]

You're like, what? Pressure?

[B]

Sure.

[A]

What do you mean, what? Like, it's hard.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

I love that. Well, thank you so much for coming on. Where can our audience follow you and keep up with you on social media?

[B]

Yes. So Instagram or Facebook. Haley Grace Poe or Ms. Earth USA. And then I just started doing Tick Tock. It's also Haley Grace Poe. And then I started making YouTube videos. So I've been vlogging all of my trips as Miss Earth usa. Yeah, I wanted to have it to watch back after my reign so I'll always be able to go and revisit everything that I did as title holder.

[A]

What's your YouTube channel?

[B]

It's also Haley Grace Poe. I make it super easy.

[A]

So easy. And I'm surprised that's not taken. You're so lucky. No. Wow. But I can't wait to watch the YouTube vlogs, especially through Ms. Earth. Hopefully you're not too busy and you can stay consistent, because I want to watch that.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm thinking, like, weekly videos. So like, a week one at Miss Earth video. And then.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Too. And just go through it that way.

[A]

Yeah. Because daily I feel like you need to sleep.

[B]

Oh, yeah. For the editing purposes. And then I think if I just did the whole Mission Earth trip, it's probably too much content, so I'll think.

[A]

We'Re gonna love it, though. I'm gonna be subscribed, and I'll be watching.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Thank you so much for coming on, Haley.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Thank you so much for having me.