#30SecondMom Live from the @RickiLakeShow with #FriendsofRicki! by Elisa Schmitz

Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Los Angeles, where several 30Second Mom contributors and I participated in the “Power of Social Media” episode of the Ricki Lake Show. What an absolute blast! As a founding member of the #FriendsofRicki social/TV community, it was amazing to meet up once again with other founding members and meet more of the growing community.

Ricki with our section of the audience full of social media influencers.

With the fabulous Dabney Porte and Elizabeth Traub.

With the sensational Christine Hinkley Trice and Meredith Schneider.

My amazing friend Bryan Moore, director of social media for the Ricki Lake Show.

Monday it was off to the show bright and early, with Elizabeth driving our crew of Dabney, Meredith Schneider and me to the Culver City Studios.

With my lovely friend Lori Moreno.

And I can’t forget my brotha, the fabulous Stephen Dimmick! He’s one of those people who simply make you smile,

With my brotha Stephen Dimmick.

I could talk all day about the pure fun of these relationships, but I don’t want to forget about the primary reason for being there, which was Ricki herself! Quite simply, being on Ricki’s set was like hanging out with a bunch of girlfriends. Her crew makes you feel right at home, and then the moment you see her, you feel like you’re a part of her inner circle. She does her best to make everyone feel special, despite the demands on her as host of a new (and very cool) talk show.

With my 30Second Mom sisters Joani Plenty, Angela Chee and Susan Cross.

The theme of the show was the “power of social media.” Everyone in the audience was a social media influencer and we were all encouraged to photograph, Facebook and tweet live from the show. It was an incredible experience to combine our passion for social media with the power of broadcast television, and it truly felt like we were making history, as Ricki said.

After the taping, we toasted the premiere of the show with personalized cupcakes and cookies, and then, alas, I had to be on my merry way to the airport. But I took with me amazing memories and deepened relationships with wonderful people I am grateful to call my colleagues, and friends. Be sure to watch the show today – check your local listings for time and channel – and let me know what you think!