Most people spend years trying to fit into systems that were never designed for how they think, create, or dream. The moment you step into an environment that values curiosity, courage, and creativity, everything changes.

Interlochen Center for the Arts isn’t just a school. It’s a launchpad. In 2026, it was ranked the #1 School for the Arts in America - and today, we're all getting to attend.

Mercedes and Anastasia sit with Trey Devey, the president, and Tristan Lysonge, a senior student actor. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to grow in a high-pressure, high-performance environment, and how to stay grounded while doing it. This episode isn’t just about the arts. It’s about resilience, identity, pressure, belonging, and building a life with meaning.

After this episode, you’ll know:

– How to build resilience when you’re overwhelmed, homesick, or facing a major life transition.

– The mindset shift that turns passion into purpose.

– How to think on your feet and stay calm when the pressure is on.

– Hacks for managing nerves + handling criticism.

– What Interlochen is really teaching their world-changing students.

Whether you’re navigating a big transition, raising a teen, chasing a dream, or trying to figure out where you belong, this conversation is for you.

Explore our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Shop the Manta Sleep Mask⁠⁠⁠

Visit the Interlochen website

Follow Tristan on Instagram

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with jazz singer, Stacey Kent. In this episode, Stacey shares her road to fame, advice for managing judgement, and hacks for pursuing your passion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠listen + watch now!⁠

(00:00) Welcome, Trey and Tristan!

(01:42) Why is Interlochen Center for the Arts Unique?

(03:14) Interlochen's FORMULA For Creativity(05:36) How Can I Be More Creative?

(08:15) Tristan's Passion For Acting

(09:53) Moving Out For High School

(12:28) Hacks For Handling MAJOR Change

(13:52) Turning Passion & Potential Into Purpose

(17:11) Attend Interlochen For A Day - Here's What You'll Learn

(19:28) Regular School vs Interlochen Center for the Arts

(22:01) Pause For A Second!

(22:21) Tips For Avoiding Burnout (at any age)

(25:15) How Can Build Resilience & Empathy?

(28:00) Wifi + Internet On Creativity and Productivity

(30:03) Storytime: Rejection As A Young Actor

(33:13) 100 Year Anniversary: Important Changes Over the Last Century

(36:34) How Can I Pursue My Passion?

(38:39) On AI: How Trey Views Creativity & Careers Changing

(40:59) On AI: How Tristan Views His Future

(43:22) Looking At Tristan's Horizon

(44:14) Don't Miss Out On Your Best Sleep

(44:46) Rapid Fire!

(50:13) Find Interlochen & Tristan Here

(51:09) Your Next Stop