Meredith's final episode of her podcast. A final confession and a final goodbye....for now.

Meredith explains how she ended up in Whitefish, Montana as a professional actress, singer, dancer, author and now producer.

Do you have to pay your agent or manager 10% of residuals forever? If you aren’t sure or worse, you think you have to, listen to this episode.

Annie Sherman is a Los Angeles and Ventura County based actor/singer/dancer. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from California Lutheran University, where she performed with their resident company at the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival. Some of her favorite roles include Katherine in Taming of the Shrew, Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, Janet van de Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone (Ventura County Four Star Theatre Alliance Award-Female Lead Performance), Val and Bebe in A Chorus Line, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, Ethel Peas in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and 11 different characters in Spamalot. She is also a recent graduate of The National Holistic Institute, is a Licensed MT and Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapist in training. 

Our guest this episode is Broadway Singer & Actress, Martina Sykes. Martina is currently on tour with The Lion King as Shenzi. She made her Broadway debut in Motown the Musical, and also toured with the production.  Her brother is Broadway actor, Ephraim Sykes. Follow her on Instagram @ladysykes1 

Raquel Castro became a breakout star playing the lead role in Kevin Smith’s feature film, “Jersey Girl”, alongside megastars Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. While promoting the film Jersey Girl, Raquel charmed the talk-show circuit appearing as a guest on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, Ellen and The Sharon Osborne Show. She was also a guest star and first ever co-host with Ryan Seacrest on his show "On Air” with Ryan Seacrest.” By age 10 Raquel was appointed the youngest correspondent ever for Entertainment Tonight, where shehad the opportunity to interview high-profile celebrities, Paula Abdul, Jim Carey, Cameron Diaz, Queen Latifah, Adam Sandler, Mary Kate and Ashley, Hilary Duff and more at the “Kid's Choice Awards”. Raquel's acting career continued to flourish, as she appeared/guest starred in Law & Order SVU, and the world premiere of Broadway's "White Christmas" as Susan Waverly. She also made her first music video debut featured as "Little Nicole" in Ludacris/ Mary J. Blige video "Runaway Love.” More recently Raquel guest-starred on Blue Bloods, MTV’s Awkward, had a recurring role as Marisol on the Fox hit show “Empire” In Cookie & Hakeem’s Latin Girl group Mirage À Trois. Showing her comedic side, Raquel brought South Salamanca to life in Disney’s Liv & Maddie. Her recent feature film release “From NoWhere”, so relevant to today's immigrants has garnished several awards. Coming to a theatre near you, is the soon to be released feature "TEN" Based on the novel by Gretchen McNeil. Written & Directed by Chris Robert & Produced by Clay Pecorin, and Russell Geyser. Raquel will begin filming, the film "Green Dolphin" with Sean William Scott, Justin Skye, and executive produced by Keanu Reeves, then off to film a feature from the award winning Sundance short "Stronger Than Pretty" followed by Loving Brooklyn. As a finalist on Christina Aguilera’s team on NBC’s Emmy Award winning show, “The Voice, Raquel recalls her most memorable stage moment: "Performing "Lady Marmalade" with Christina Aguilera and the team. However, she credits the show, to pivotingher focus more on her music career & helping her becoming a talented songwriter.

In this episode, actress Tiffany DeMarco talks about how she developed her passion for film when she was very young.  Having grown up in Los Angeles, her father, always told her stories of the wonderful world of moviemaking.  As an actress, among many shorts and supporting roles in films, she's been the lead in the feature film "Anarchy Parlor" which headlined at Screamfest LA and is currently on SHOWTIME. She has graduated from California State University of Northridge with a Bachelors in Cinema and Television production. Tiffany also writes, directs, and produces her own YouTube Series The Life Of An Actress that has gone viral with over 13 million viewers. We talk about creating your own content, and how Tiffany hopes to illustrate to aspiring artists the importance of creating work for themselves instead of relying on others to do it for them.  #podcast #newepisode #confessions #confessionsofanactress #meredithpatterson #tiffanydemarco #thelifeofanactress #hollywood #broadway #showtime #youtube #actress #tv #film #lovewhatyoudo #new #instagood #andypagana #artist 

Meredith sits down with veteran Broadway & TV actress Ruth Williamson to discuss the highs and lows of life as an actress, her big break, the benefits of plastic surgery, stage vs television acting, and so much more! Follow her @wruthws #broadway #actress #confessionsofanactress #podcast #newepisode #explore #instagood #tv #meredithpatterson #love #work #real

This New York born, New Jersey raised actress received TONY and Drama Desk Award nominations and won a Helen Hayes Award for her portrayal of Mother in the Kennedy Center Revival of RAGTIME on Broadway. She is currently starring in the record-breaking First National Tour of DEAR EVAN HANSEN. She made her Broadway debut creating the role of Emma in JEKYLL & HYDE, receiving a FANY award for Best actress in a musical. Ms. Noll received her second Drama Desk nomination for her work in CHAPLIN on Broadway. She has been seen perennially as Sister Margaretta in NBC’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE with Carrie Underwood and she supplied the singing-voice of Anna in the Warner Brothers animated feature THE KING AND I.    She has also enjoyed starring in Broadway productions of ELF (at Madison Square Garden), IT AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT THE BLUES and on tour in URINETOWN (Ovation Award), THE MAMBO KINGS, GREASE!, MISS SAIGON and CITY OF ANGELS as well as a tour of Australia and Thailand of SOUTH PACIFIC. With a reputation for great versatility, Ms. Noll has performed a varied repertoire in Broadway, Operetta and Jazz. She has been a frequent guest soloist with symphony orchestras in every state in the USA, as well as international appearances with Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony, Sinfonica Brasileira in Rio, China Philharmonic with concert pianist, Lang Lang and orchestras in Hong Kong, Czech Republic and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She made her Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson, in his last pops performance with The New York Pops and sang with Steven Reineke SONDHEIM! THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT at Carnegie Hall. She made her Hollywood Bowl and O2 Arena debut singing with Julie Andrews in GIFTS OF MUSIC and her opera debut with Placido Domingo in THE MERRY WIDOW at the Kennedy Center as well as operetta performances in City Center Encores! THE NEW MOON, THE STUDENT PRINCE, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and THE MIKADO. Ms. Noll has premiered shows Off-Broadway and regionally: SNOW CHILD, OCTOBER SKY, City Center Encores! 1776, John Kander’s KID VICTORY, THE COTTAGE, THEY’RE PLAYING HIS SONGS, ACE (Helen Hayes nomination), THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, THE PIPER, FRANKENSTEIN, KEPT (Krieger/Russell), CALL THE CHILDREN HOME, A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE, TAKE FLIGHT (Maltby/Shire), LITTLE BY LITTLE and LIZZIE BORDEN.  And happily starred in favorites NEXT TO NORMAL (Connecticut Cristics Circle award), FOLLIES (St. Louis Critics Circle award), CLOSER THAN EVER (Off-Broadway Alliance award), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, MARY POPPINS, 1776, THE KING & I, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, INTO THE WOODS, MACK & MABEL (Connecticut Critics Circle Award), THE BAKER’S WIFE, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Salzburg Marionette Theare), and CAROUSEL. Ms. Noll as also enjoyed television performances on LAW & ORDER SVU, MADAM SECRETARY, and THE GOOD FIGHT.  Christiane has performed her solo shows in cabaret at 54 Below, The Metropolitan Room, Birdland, The Regency, The Nikko, The Plush Room, The Duplex, The Nevermore, Arci’s Place, The China Club, Peaches, B.Smith’s and The West Bank Café as well as appearing in Town Hall's BROADWAY BY THE YEAR and the Lincoln Center's AMERICAN SONGBOOK SERIES.  Along will many cast albums and compilation recordings, she has released five solo CD’s, CHRISTIANE NOLL – A BROADWAY LOVE STORY and THE IRA GERSHWIN ALBUM, both on Fynsworth Alley, LIVE AT THE WESTBANK CAFÉ on 2Die4 Records, MY PERSONAL PROPERTY on Jay Records and GIFTS – LIVE AT 54 BELOW on Broadway Records. Christiane is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University.  ChristianeNoll.com - Twitter: @christianenoll - Instagram: @christiane.noll

Get to know your host Meredith Patterson as she takes you through some personal childhood stories, describes her own headshot and resume while recalling Julie Andrews getting her a meeting with late director Garry Marshall and how she got the job of teaching Channing Tatum how to tap dance!

Why Hydration is Crucial for Long-Term Health

Water is the essence of life, constituting up to 60% of the human body. Every system, organ, and cell relies on adequate hydration to function optimally. From regulating body temperature to aiding digestion and nutrient absorption, water plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall well-being. Chronic dehydration can lead to a myriad of health issues, including fatigue, headaches, impaired cognitive function, and even more severe conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Factors Supporting Proper Hydration

Several factors influence our hydration levels, including climate, physical activity, diet, and individual metabolism. Hotter temperatures and increased physical exertion can elevate the body's water requirements, necessitating higher intake to compensate for losses through sweat. In addition to water , consuming hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables, along with avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, contributes to maintaining adequate hydration levels.

How Hydration Manifests in and on Our Bodies

The signs of dehydration are not always obvious, but our bodies communicate their need for water through various signals. Thirst is the most obvious indicator, but other symptoms like dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness also signal a deficit in hydration. Moreover, proper hydration reflects externally in glowing skin, improved complexion, and healthier hair and nails.

Recommendations for Staying Hydrated:

Set a Water Intake Goal
Aim for at least half of your body weight in water per day as a baseline, adjusting based on individual factors like age, weight, and activity level.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Keep a refillable water bottle with you throughout the day to make it easier to sip water consistently, whether you're at work, running errands, or exercising.

Hydrate Before, During, and After Exercise
Drink water before starting your workout, and continue to hydrate during and after physical activity to replace fluids lost through sweat.

Eat Hydrating Foods
Incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, strawberries, and celery into your meals and snacks to boost your water intake while enjoying essential nutrients.

Monitor Urine Color
Use the color of your urine as a simple indicator of hydration levels. Aim for pale yellow to clear urine, which indicates adequate hydration.

Limit Dehydrating Beverages
Minimize consumption of caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda, as well as alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.

Create Hydration Habits
Establish routines, such as drinking a glass of water upon waking up, before meals (try a tablespoon of ACV with water it also helps balance blood sugar), and before bedtime

My fav Arbonne products to stay hydrated:

Arbonne Energy Fizz Sticks

CleanTox Tea (Cold or Hot)

Green Elixir

and much more!

Click on this link to order your own!

Meredith talks at length about her own dealings with covert narcissism in her life and family. Please read VeryWellMind.com article about Understanding The Covert Narcissist. Follow @terricole and YouTube psychologist Barbara Heffernan for more information on signs and recovery tips for Narcissism.

This Wellness Wednesday dives into the 6 personality traits of addiction and addicts. If you need help and are an addict please reach out to your local facility, a family member or friend for help. RIP Matthew Perry 💔

Today Meredith talks about a disease that runs in her family, Huntington’s Disease (HD).

Huntington's Disease (HD) is a devastating genetic condition that affects the cells in your brain. It’s a progressive condition that gets worse over time. Common symptoms affect your movement, thoughts and feelings. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 30 and 50. Treatment is available to help you feel more comfortable.

Read more about Huntington's Disease

Click here for HDSA

Meredith gives tips on how to help obtain your goals and keep success momentum.

This wellness Wednesday, Meredith talks about releasing stored trauma from your body and gives you tips on how to do it.

In this episode, Meredith gets vulnerable and authentic about her journey as an actress in the entertainment industry and where she is today. Follow her on social media @confessionsofanactress @merpatterson @merieproductions

This Wellness Wednesday, Meredith discusses Mel Robbins techniques and her million dollar morning routine which takes you through six brilliant steps to start your day off right. Go to MelRobbins.com for more information

In this brief episode Meredith talks about how simply shifting your energy can bring what you want closer to reality!

In this bonus episode Meredith talks about depression, clinical and with her own personal experience

Meredith talks about her side hustle that she quit because it wasn’t bringing her joy and Broadway HD. And why she thinks shows should be streamed from the Lincoln Center archives citing the following article. https://playbill.com/article/why-you-cant-stream-broadway-shows

Want to be happier? Do things that scare you. This bonus episode is about facing your fears and diving in and the positive effects of getting out of your comfort zone. Meredith refers to the article https://medium.com/writers-blokke/want-to-be-happier-try-doing-things-that-scare-you-4b99e065c481

Merie Productions is Meredith’s new production company that is dedicated to providing quality stage, tv, film and literary projects worldwide. Donate to Merie with her current crowd funding page https://gofund.me/23a0d377 or via Venmo @meriellc. Thank you for your support of creativity and inspiration in the world 💋

In this bonus episode Meredith talks about the five stages of grief, from the famed Swiss psychologist Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ book On Death & Dying

Sarina Hart is an actor, percussionist, voice-over artist, and longtime resident of Whitefish, Montana.   She was just recently seen as Annie Wilkes in The Whitefish Theatre Company’s production of Stephen King’s Misery.  Directed by Kim Krueger  Other acting credits include:  Marianne Angel in The Revolutionists for WTC, Mrs. Muller in Montana Repertory Theatre’s national tour of Doubt, Puck in Midsummer Nights Dream for Montana Actor’s Theatre along with many other shows in Montana,  Seattle and San Francisco.  She also can be seen in Badfritter film’s features:  The Sighting, The Triangle and the 2020 film Your Musical is Cancelled-The Musical. Along with stage and screen work, she produces and narrates audiobooks and does voice-overs for commercials and video games.  She can be heard narrating The Anaconda series by Richard Hanners and Deadwind Sea by Josh Wagner among others available on Audible.   Sarina was the drummer for local bands Sapphire Shakedown and MYNXX and also plays percussion for Whitefish Theatre Company’s yearly musicals. Follow @s.a.r.i.n.a.hart

5 Steps to Reinvent Yourself: Create the Future You Visualize

Meredith discusses Napoleon Hill's Book Think & Grow Rich

Follow along in this Fearless Motivation article link

13 Principals of Think & Grow Rich 

Try to apply them yourself and watch your life change

Meredith talks about the transformation you can make with your life by joining The 5am Club, a method of starting your day from the book by Robin Sharma. Own your morning and elevate your life. 

How Do We Separate Professional and Personal Identity? 

From Article https://www.thoughtfull.world/post/separating-professional-and-personal-identity

Our roles at work and our personal identity are closely intertwined. Imagine this common scenario: When someone asks us: “What do you do?” Most of us naturally reply with what wedo for work even when the question isn’t work-specific.

In social situations like these, our jobs provide us with a quick way to define and position ourselves in relation to others. While there’s nothing wrong with basing ourselves off our 9-5, it becomes concerning when our self-worth becomes too entangled with our professional lives.

A study published in the Journal of Organizational Behaviour stated how losing our jobs (andeven the fear of it) can negatively impact our self-esteem and wellbeing (1). Apart from dealing with the financial stress of job loss, people tend to struggle to separate themselves from their professional identity. So, what can we do about it?

Meredith talks about the importance of separating your work from your self worth.
A crippling and toxic connection for self esteem in actors and artists.

Meredith talks about the emotional ups and downs of awards and striving for awards as an artist in this business.

Meredith talks about the importance of prioritizing your mental health, creating space and downtime for your body and mind, and gives you tips on how to do this. Referencing article https://selecthealth.org/blog/2021/01/5-ways-to-rest-and-refresh-your-brain

Meredith talks about why some people suppress negative emotions and how some feel being vulnerable is the most courageous way to show you are human. Research from Healthline.com

Meredith talks about self esteem, doubt and confidence as an actress in the entertainment industry.  Citing an article from TheCreativeMind.net 

Meredith guided you through 7 Journal Prompts to Question your limiting beliefs

Meredith talks about an incredible form of manual therapy called Viceral Manipulation she had performed at Fifth Avenue Massage in Whitefish, MT

Theta waves are the second slowest brain wave and are connected to your subconscious mind. Theta waves are the second slowest brain wave and are connected to the subconscious mind. They are present during sleep and wakefulness. During sleep, they are present during the REM cycle and are responsible for vivid dreaming. They are also present during interim non-sleep states. For example, the period of time when an individual is slowly drifting to sleep asleep or suspended in the stage of light sleep right before waking up. Theta waves are also strongly detected during other states of deep, relaxed, internal focus such as meditation, prayer, and daydreaming. During these states, an individual may describe the feeling of being on ''autopilot'' or in the zone.

What are the 5 brain frequencies?

The brain produces five different categories of brain waves. They are characterized by their frequency. The five types of brain waves are delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma waves. Delta waves are the slowest and gamma waves are the fastest.

The theta state is a period of time during which the body and mind experience deep relaxation and restoration. It enables the brain and body to rest and heal. It also encourages learning, memory storage, and creativity.

Theta waves are also described as the ''waves of healing''. They encourage rejuvenation, growth, healing, and restoration after illness, physical exertion, and mental burnout.

Brain waves are oscillating electrical impulses produced by bundles of neurons within the brain. There are five types of brain waves, characterized by their frequency. The five waves are delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.

Theta and delta waves are associated with sleep. Delta waves are associated with deep sleep. Theta waves are associated with light sleep and the REM cycle.

What happens during a theta state?Are theta waves good for healing?What are the 5 types of brain waves?Which is better for sleep theta or delta waves?

Read more about Theta Waves

Theta Waves Meredith Listens to 30 minutes a Day

I encourage you to learn more about Theta Waves and unlocking the benefits for your health & well being!

Happy #WellnessWednesday

Citing an article from PsychCentral.com, Meredith gives tips and insight on how to protect yourself from negative energy.

Meredith talks about ways to take care of yourself, body, mind and spirit

Meredith reads from one of her favorite websites https://tofubud.com/blogs/tips/wellness-tips

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and it’s connection to the Pandemic and Covid 19. Visit www.ptsd.va.gov for more information.

Meredith talks about the incredible chiropractic technique called NUCCA

Meredith talks about the benefits of Hot Springs. @fairmonthotsprings #fairmonthotsprings #hotsprings

Meredith talks about her getting fully vaccinated for the Covid 19 Virus 💚

Meredith talks about the new Netflix’s Documentary Seaspiracy and 9 Things We Should Never Minimize.

Meredith gives you advice from her own experience doing side hustles and recent articles from CastingFrontier.com about the best Side Hustles for actors and artists. Go to earnings.Arbonne.com for more information on being an Arbonne consultant. Go to www.MeredithBrayley.Arbonne.com to join Meredith’s digital business as a client or consultant.

Don't Quit by John Greenleaf Whittier When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is strange with its twists and turns As every one of us sometimes learns And many a failure comes about When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up though the pace seems slow— You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out— The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell just how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit— It's when things seem worst that you must not quit. #BlissIsYourBirthright #WellnessWednesday

State It / Claim It / Align Your Energy / Visualize / Find A Bigger Meaning.

Ever heard of Bachukiol? You will after today’s bonus episode. Learn how to #AgeWell and all about Meredith’s favorite company #Arbonne and their newest skin care line that Meredith is incorporating into her beauty routine. Purchase your own Age Well Skin Care Set www.MeredithBrayley.Arbonne.com

Meredith gives advice from one of her favorite websites www.becomingminimalist.com

Meredith talks about the price, both mentally and monetarily, of fame and being rich and famous. Citing quotes from celebrities and speaking of the new documentary “Framing Britney Spears” #freebritney #priceoffame #fame #celebrity