A casting call for Starting Over, a daytime reality show, draws dozens looking for help with their next step.
By AMBER MOBLEY
Published October 9, 2005
TAMPA - A simple second-floor conference room became a place of hope Saturday for dozens of women seeking a mental makeover and a chance to start over.
They were auditioning for a program called Starting Over, a daytime reality show where participants could receive counseling from life coaches and a psychologist for about eight weeks.
On the show, six women from across the country stay together in a house, working to overcome personal issues.
In the room at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Tampa, the women who were waiting said hardly a word. Though they've struggled with prolonged mourning, family conflict, physical pain and slanted self-perceptions, they were optimistic.
"I actually see changes in people on the show," said Tamla Davis, 33. "I'm in awe sometimes."
And Davis wants the same experience. "I'm at a place in my life where I'm ready to do some changing on the inside."
She's already changed a lot on the outside. This time last year Davis weighed 357 pounds. One gastric bypass surgery and 117 pounds later she wants to lose 83 more pounds, but more important, resolve family issues. Her father's death in August - and his life insurance money - caused a rift in her family.
"If I don't do this through the show, it's still something I'm going to need to deal with," said Davis. "It's not so much about being on TV but about working with the counselors."
Nora Troxell, 45, of Palm Coast, which is about 40 minutes north of Daytona Beach, feels the same way.
"Probably the least thing I want to do is be on TV, but I've seen the success," said Troxell. The former runner, bicyclist and swimmer now uses a wheelchair scooter for mobility since having a walk-in cooler door slammed on her back three years ago while working at a grocery store.
"That's what makes it so difficult because my mind tells me I can still do it, but my body won't," Troxell said.
Currently taking seven different medications, Troxell said she had to sell her house to pay medical expenses. She wants help conqueroring her illness.
Women on Starting Over receive counseling from "life coaches" Iyanla Vanzantand Rhonda Britten, and psychologist Stan Katz. Vanzant is a motivational speaker and author of numerous self-help books, such as One Day My Soul Just Opened Up: 40 Days and 40 Nights Toward Spiritual Strength and Personal Growth. Britten is the author of the national bestsellers Change Your Life in 30 Days, Fearless Living and Fearless Loving. Katz has more than 25 years of experience as a clinical psychologist.
Ann Homme, 59, came to the casting call because "I would like to know what it feels like to love myself," said the Clearwater woman. "I never liked myself, much less loved myself. I don't know how to."
Homme, who is divorced, said she has "sabotaged" numerous relationships with men, is "always on the verge of tears," has issues with her father and even after 20 years of therapy with four specialists said she is dealing with depression and anxiety.
"What you see is definitely not what you get," said Homme, a silver-haired woman with flawless makeup dressed in a colorful silk shirt. "I'm probably the most screwed up person in this room."
Women interview for the show in groups of eight in closed group sessions with Starting Over casting associates, as well as fill out a multipage application.
"The main point is not exposing their personal business to the public, but helping these women get through these hardships in their lives," said Starting Over casting associate Kai Bowe.
"And then it's therapy for the viewers," Bowe said. "Especially in the Midwest and in the South, where people don't really talk about sensitive issues."
Generally, women selected for the show will be on TV within two months of applying, said Bowe.
Currently in its third season, Starting Over is holding casting calls in seven cities throughout the country, including Houston, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio. Tampa is the show's third stop.
Bowe said casting calls usually attract 100 to 200 women. More than 50 women had applied for the show in the first hour of auditions, which were held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday.
June Hawkins, 55, of Lakeland, came to the casting call because "it's time I started taking care of myself."
Since Hawkins' husband died of colon cancer 41/2 years ago, she has been leaning on her daughter, Ryce Hawkins, 27.
"It's not fair for her to have to be a mama to her mama," said June Hawkins.
Even though Hawkins came to the audition in hopes of becoming self-reliant, her daughter and her 6-year-old grandson Draydan Perry, came Saturday for support.
June Hawkins said she simply wants "to start over."
For more information about Starting Over and auditioning for the show, log on to www.startingovertv.com or call toll-free 1-888-633-8149. Starting Over airs Monday through Friday on the ABC network at 9 a.m. and independent station WMOR at 5 p.m.
