170: Pageants, Parenting, And The Power Of Strong Family Connections
Podcast Guest: Kilie Tomadakis
March 2nd, 2026
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
In this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale welcome Kilie Tomadakis—Mrs. South Valley and a 2026 Mrs. Utah America contestant—to share her story of resilience, faith, and building stable families. Kilie opens up about her early childhood, including her parents’ divorce, her biological father’s struggles, and the life-changing moment when her stepfather adopted her and helped create the loving, steady home she advocates for today.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:04 – Welcome and guest intro
01:06 – Podcast mission and welcome
01:52 – Childhood and parents’ marriage
02:27 – Divorce, instability, adoption
04:52 – Farm life and work ethic
06:33 – Dating, meeting her husband
08:36 – Parents set up their love story
10:00 – Marriage and kids today
11:26 – Cosmetology career choice
13:30 – Building Allure Hair & Co
14:40 – Matchmaking and relationships
15:22 – Mrs. Utah America overview
16:20 – Pageant categories explained
17:50 – Platform over prize money
18:35 – Pageant dates and location
19:22 – Family Stability Alliance mission
21:20 – Partnering with UMC resources
23:00 – Miracle pregnancy story
24:56 – Why pageants give women voice
26:18 – What pageants taught her
27:40 – Hashimoto’s and health changes
29:59 – Growth over winning mindset
30:38 – Advice for young women dating
32:21 – Where to follow and resources
33:24 – Key: connection over distraction
38:52 – Closing and how to connect
Insights
Kilie's
Strong nations are built one home at a time. When we strengthen relationships and connection inside the home, we raise strong individuals who become strong leaders. Strong leaders build healthy communities, healthy communities strengthen states, and strong states create a strong nation. It all begins with the foundation of the family.
Liz’s
Healthy relationships start with a healthy sense of self. Before building a strong “we,” each person needs to develop a strong, confident “me.” That foundation—learning to have a voice, trust your instincts, and stay true to your goals—can and should be taught early at home. Staying committed to your passions, even when others doubt you, is part of building that strong foundation.
Dave's
Your story highlights resilience, passion, and the courage to push past obstacles in pursuit of meaningful goals. Whether it’s pageants, career choices, or pivoting in a new direction, you’ve shown that we only get one life—and it’s worth living intentionally. What stands out most is that you’re not motivated by prizes or recognition, but by a genuine passion for strengthening families and healthy relationships. That purpose clearly drives everything you do.
About Kilie
I’m 27 years old, raised in Benjamin, Utah, and currently reside, in Spanish Fork with the love of my life, Shon, and our three beautiful children—Branson, Trey, and Lennon. I am the proud owner of Allure Hair & Co., where I’ve spent the past 10 years as a cosmetologist offering a variety of beauty services. I’m also a certified matchmaker, which aligns perfectly with my passion for relationships and helping people feel supported and connected.
My story is deeply tied to my purpose. When I was three years old, my birth father gave up his parental rights. My mom’s husband legally adopted me and, together with my mom, created a stable, loving home for me to grow up in. That foundation shaped who I am and fuels my platform, Family Stability Alliance. Through FSA, I advocate for creating successful, stable homes for children—because I know firsthand the lifelong impact that stability, love, and intentional family connection can provide.
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Dr. Dave Schramm:
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Facebook Parenting Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642
Dr. Liz Hale: