She grew up in Union Star, moved to the "big city" of Savannah, chased a corporate job, ended up in California, performed on America's Got Talent, went viral in a leotard — and somehow landed back in Northwest Missouri with 1.3 million followers and a neighbor who is not impressed.

Elisabeth Wykert is an actress, writer, director, and stand-up comedian who has built a creative career on her own terms. In this conversation, Host, Jodie O'Brien and Elisabeth talk about what it really takes to put yourself out there, how she uses data and psychology to navigate social media, and why she posted that letter from her neighbor instead of throwing it away.

We also get into her time in LA, what Hollywood actually looks like from the inside, raising kids in St. Joe after Disneyland was their McDonald's play place, and the teacher from Savannah who helped shape everything.

If you've ever talked yourself out of something because you were scared? This one's for you.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Union Star and Savannah — and why "400 people" "broke-up" an LA casting class
• Her winding path from psych major to accounting to public speaking to California
• America's Got Talent and what reality TV doesn't show you
• The Water Under the Bridge video and 10 million views
• 1.3 million followers, one day a week of filming, and her husband's day off
• The neighbor letter - and what she did next
• Women supporting women (or not)
• How to find the fun in Northwest Missouri

Thank you to our sponsors: Greater Than Financial, The Space Between, Gina's Cafe, El Crawford Construction, NCMC Savannah Campus, Scooter's Coffee, Pancakes Pups & Suds

Follow Elizabeth and find her content across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.