Behind the Scenes: Bringing Calmily to Local TV

There are moments in life when a dream feels like it steps out of your head and into the real world. For me, one of those moments happened recently when I packed up a duffel bag full of Calmily weighted pillows and headed to the studio to tape my very first TV segment.

Preparing for the Big Day

The morning was anything but glamorous. After a night spent at a family member’s house, sleeping on the pullout sofa  and YES as you can imagine a rough night, but was it nervous, excitement or the thin mattress?? I grabbed a Dunkin’ tea and told myself I’d wait until after I was settled at the studio before eating breakfast less chance of spilling anything. That plan lasted about five minutes. I caved, ate a sandwich in the car, and then just as luck would have it the lid popped off my tea and it poured all over the front of my brand-new Calmily t-shirt. I said a few choice words to the parking lot air before deciding I could tuck it in and roll with it. Crisis semi-averted.

With my duffel bag of Calmily pillows in hand, I walked into the studio, checked in with the front desk (where they confirmed the spelling of my name for the lower third graphic another surreal moment), and was shown into the green room.

Inside the Studio

The green room felt like a patchwork quilt of styles couches of every shape and color, a random daybed, eclectic artwork, and even what looked like an old band practice room tucked in the corner (though I didn’t realize what it was at the time). That’s where I met Jenna, the VP of Bookings who had first DM’d me about coming on the Donna Drake Show. She was wearing a walking boot, and of course, as a physical therapist, I had to ask about it. She laughed and explained that she’d sprained her ankle slowing her down in a way that was very unlike her. I could relate, but she was thankfully nearing the end of her boot-wearing days.

Just down the hall was a small kitchenette with coffee, juice, and snacks. And it was there, unexpectedly, that I met Donna Drake herself smiling, toothbrush in hand, brushing her teeth and getting ready to go on air.

At about ten minutes to eight, a staff member brought me into the studio. Suddenly, I was surrounded by bright lights, swiveling cameras, and a half-dozen crew members adjusting angles, shifting covers, and perfecting the set. I’d never seen a TV set up close before, and watching all the moving parts click into place was fascinating.

Then it was my turn. Donna asked me a few warm-up questions before we rolled, making sure she understood the heart of Calmily. Once the cameras were on, the nerves kicked in but I found my rhythm. I explained how Calmily was born from my work as a pediatric physical therapist, and how its unique graded weight design meets sensory needs in a way that traditional weighted blankets can’t.

A Moment of Connection

The most moving moment came when I shared Calmily’s connection to breast cancer survivors. As I spoke, Donna grew emotional she had recently lost her godmother to breast cancer. It was raw, real, and reminded me why Calmily isn’t just a product. It’s a tool for comfort in some of life’s hardest moments.

Afterward, I went back to the eclectic green room to film a short post-interview segment. Technical issues made that part more stressful, and honestly, it was the hardest part of the morning. But once it was over, I could exhale. I sat, watched the next guests record their segments, and even struck up a conversation with another interviewee about her line of dog food.

An hour and a half after arriving, I packed up my pillows, picked up another family member, and drove back upstate.

Why This Moment Matters

Being able to share Calmily on TV isn’t just a milestone it’s a reminder that people are listening. Nervous system health, sensory needs, and the simple but powerful act of deep pressure are conversations that matter. And this was just the beginning of bringing Calmily into that bigger spotlight.

The show will officially air later this fall, and I can’t wait to share the segment. In the meantime, Calmily continues to grow one pillow at a time, one nervous system at a time.

Want to know when the segment airs? Join our email list for updates, calming tips, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Or explore Calmily today and see how weighted calm can travel with you this holiday season.