The Meredith Patterson Podcast

Welcome to The Meredith Patterson Podcast, where we dive into the stories of remarkable human beings and artists. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Phillip Brandon, a multifaceted singer, songwriter, and actor known for his dynamic solo career and touring the country as the beloved Narrator with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Welcome, Phillip!

Let's start at the beginning. Growing up in Inglewood, California, with a mother who toured with Ray Charles as a Raelette, music must have been a significant part of your home life. Your journey has been incredibly diverse, from studying at Morehouse College to performing in the Broadway National Tour of "The Color Purple," and now, over a decade with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra as their Narrator. How have these varied experiences influenced your artistry?

You just released a 5-song EP titled "Deja Vu" on October 25th.

How do you stay positive with creating content, music, putting yourself out there on social media.

Phillip Brandon is more than an artist; he is a brand that embodies authenticity, passion, and connection. His music and performances are a testament of his dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to his audience. Phillip's brand is built on a foundation of genuine artistry, emotional depth, and an unrelenting drive to connect with people through his work.

5 Things You've Learned Along The Way - From Instagram Post

Little Dance you did on Instagram before a TSO Show

www.phillipbrandon.com, and on social media platforms.

Thank you, Phillip, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. We eagerly anticipate your upcoming EP and the continued impact of your artistry.

And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in to The Meredith Patterson Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, join me on Patreon for exclusive content and join us next time for more incredible conversations. Until then, remember Bliss is Your Birthright. Have vision for what you want and be grateful for where you are every single day.

Hi, beautiful listeners. Today's episode is deeply personal. I hesitated to share this because it's raw, vulnerable, and still so fresh. But if there's one thing I've learned in my life, and in just being human—it's that our stories have power. They connect us. And sometimes, just knowing you're not alone can make all the difference.

This is a story I never thought I'd be telling. But here I am.

The Moment That Changed Everything:

I am 49 when I found out I was pregnant.

At first, I thought my body was just shifting into that next chapter—perimenopause, hormones changing, the usual. But something felt… different. And then, the test. Positive.

I remember staring at it, trying to process what this meant. Forty-nine. A baby. A whole new life. And me? At this stage? I wasn't prepared for this moment, for this possibility. And yet, there it was.

The emotions came in waves. Shock. Fear. Wonder. A tiny flicker of excitement. And then the realization: this wasn't going to last.

The doctor confirmed my fears—it wasn't viable. My body, my age, my everything—it just wasn't in the cards. And within days, the cramping started, the bleeding followed. A miscarriage.

The Complicated Feelings of Relief and Guilt:

I thought I would be devastated. And in a way, I was. But here's the part no one really talks about—the relief.

I felt relieved.

And then, the guilt for feeling that relief. Because what kind of person is relieved at losing a pregnancy? At losing a life?

It's hard to admit. But it's the truth.

I thought about the "what ifs." What if I had carried this pregnancy to term? What if I had a baby at 50? What would my life look like? How would I do this? And beneath all that wondering was a quiet voice whispering… maybe this is for the best.

And that voice—oh, how I hated that voice. Because it felt cruel. Selfish. But was it? Or was it just my body, my mind, my heart protecting me from what I knew deep down?

The Physical Pain, The Emotional Toll:

The miscarriage didn't happen all at once. It dragged on. And I needed a D&C to remove the remaining tissue.

That procedure. The sterile room. The soft voices of the nurses. The aching emptiness that followed. I remember lying there afterward, breathing through the pain, the hormones, the physical and emotional rollercoaster that no one ever really prepares you for.

Grief. Relief. Shame. Gratitude. They all coexisted, tangled up inside of me.

Mental Health and Miscarriage – Support for Women and Men:

One thing I realized during this experience is that we don't talk enough about the emotional and mental health aspects of miscarriage. And not just for women—for men too.

We often forget that miscarriage is a shared experience. If there is a partner involved, they are grieving too, in their own way. They may not have felt the physical shifts, the hormones raging, the body changing—but they felt the loss. They felt the fear. They imagined the future that suddenly disappeared. And often, they don't know where to put their grief.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the mental health impact of pregnancy loss—for both women and men:

• For women, miscarriage can trigger depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. The hormonal crash, the physical pain, the emotional weight—it's a lot. You are not weak for struggling. You are not broken for grieving. If you need help, seek it. Therapy, support groups, even just talking to someone who understands can make all the difference.

• For men, the emotional toll is real. But society doesn't always give men permission to grieve. They may feel they have to be "strong," to support their partner, to push aside their own sadness. But miscarriage isn't just a woman's loss—it's a shared loss. And their grief is valid. If you are a man who has gone through this, know that your emotions matter. Don't bottle them up. Find someone to talk to.

There are incredible resources out there: 📌 Postpartum Support International (PSI) – offers help for pregnancy and infant loss 📌 The Miscarriage Association – online forums, helplines, and support groups 📌 Still Standing Magazine – a beautiful space for stories of loss and healing 📌 Counseling and therapy – finding a professional who specializes in grief and loss can be life-changing

And if you have a friend or loved one going through this, just be there for them. Sometimes, the best thing you can say is simply: "I'm here. You don't have to go through this alone."

Finding Peace in the Aftermath:

I don't have some perfect bow to tie around this story. There's no grand lesson or moral here. Just honesty.

I am 49. I was pregnant. I lost it. And I felt relief.

And maybe that's okay.

Maybe it's okay to feel all the things—to mourn what could have been while also knowing, in some way, that it wasn't meant to be. Maybe it's okay to let go of the guilt, to trust our bodies, our lives, our journeys.

For anyone listening who has been through this—who has felt the crushing weight of loss or the quiet, unspoken relief—you are not alone. You are allowed to feel it all. And you are allowed to heal in whatever way you need to.

Closing:

Thank you for holding space for me today. For listening. For being part of this journey with me.

Life doesn't always unfold the way we expect. But even in the messiness, the pain, and the unexpected turns, we find ourselves.

Take care of your heart, take care of your body, and remember—bliss is your birthright. Be grateful for where you are, and have vision for what's ahead.

Until next time.

Welcome to The Meredith Patterson Podcast, the show where we dive into life's challenges and explore how to make the most of every moment. I'm [Your Name], your host, and today we're talking about minimalism and decluttering — not just our homes, but our minds, schedules, and lives. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of "stuff" in your life, this episode is for you. Let's simplify, shall we?

Let's start with a simple question: What is minimalism? For some, it's about owning as few items as possible. For others, it's a mindset — focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest. Minimalism doesn't have to mean living out of a suitcase. It's about making conscious choices that align with your values.

Why Decluttering Matters

So why should you care about decluttering? Here are a few reasons:

1. Mental Clarity: A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. When your space is clear, you're more likely to feel calm and focused.

2. Time Savings: How much time do you spend looking for things you've misplaced? Decluttering can save you hours — and a lot of frustration.

3. Financial Benefits: The less you buy, the more you save. Plus, selling unwanted items can put extra cash in your pocket.

4. Environmental Impact: By consuming less, you reduce waste and help the planet. Win-win, right?

How to Start Decluttering

Now that we know the benefits, let's talk about how to get started. Here are five practical steps to kick off your decluttering journey:

1. Start Small: Choose one drawer, shelf, or corner. Don't try to tackle your entire home at once.

2. The Four-Box Method: Label four boxes: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. As you sort through your belongings, decide which box each item belongs in.

3. Ask Questions: When deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself: Do I use this regularly? Does it bring me joy? Would I buy it again today?

4. One In, One Out: Adopt the rule that for every new item you bring into your home, one must go.

5. Celebrate Progress: Remember, decluttering is a process, not a one-time event. Celebrate small wins along the way.

Minimalism Beyond Stuff

Minimalism isn't just about physical items. Let's talk about decluttering other areas of your life:

• Digital Decluttering: Clean up your inbox, organize your files, and delete apps you don't use.

• Time Management: Simplify your schedule by saying no to commitments that don't align with your priorities.

• Emotional Decluttering: Let go of grudges and relationships that drain your energy. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

Minimalism and decluttering aren't about perfection. They're about creating space for what truly matters. By letting go of the excess, you make room for joy, creativity, and peace. So, what will you let go of today?

Thank you for joining me on this journey to simplify our lives. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little less clutter in their life. Stay simple, stay intentional, and stay inspired.

Welcome back to The Meredith Patterson Podcast! I'm your host, Meredith Patterson, and I'm thrilled you're joining us today. On this podcast, I love celebrating people with extraordinary journeys through life, and our guest today is no exception. She's a Broadway dancer turned Hollywood stuntwoman, turned actress and producer.

Born in Andrews Airforce Base, Burgio booked her first job only two weeks after moving to New York City, making her Broadway debut in Starlight Express. After breaking in her skates on Broadway, Burgio moved to Los Angeles, where she became one of the industry's most sought after stunt women, appearing in over 100 films and TV shows, including fan boy favorites like Blade, Batman Forever, and serving as stunt double to Carrie Ann Moss' iconic 'Trinity' character in the Matrix sequels. Burgio's winning streak continued with a book, 'The Stuntwomen's Workout,' and invitation to co-host TBS' 'Worst Case Scenario,' where, as 'Gear Girl,' she performed some of the most thrilling stunts of her plane-jumping, car-crashing, skyscraper-dangling career, and got the opportunity to display her daredevil skills during appearances from Entertainment Tonight to Good Morning America. In addition to her career as a top stunt woman, the host of the Women Kick Ass podcast has become a successful actress in her own rite, appearing in nearly 50 credits. The expert martial artist has also channeled her creativity behind the camera, writing, directing, and producing two short films, Lucy Falls and Girl Trip, which screened at festivals across the US.

Please welcome the one and only, Danielle Burgio!

www.danielleburgio.com

Thank you again, Danielle, for being here. And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in to The Meredith Patterson Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, join me on Patreon for exclusive content and join us next time for more incredible conversations. Until then, keep dreaming big and going after your own spotlight!

The Meredith Patterson Podcast Episode 3: Gratitude

I am so thrilled to have you join me today for a solo episode that's near and dear to my heart. We're diving into a topic that has the power to transform your outlook, elevate your happiness, and bring more joy into your daily life. Yes, I'm talking about gratitude.

Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you." It's a mindset, a practice, and a way of being that can shift how we see and experience the world. In today's episode, I'll be sharing my personal thoughts on gratitude, its benefits, and practical tips you can use to cultivate more gratitude in your life.

So, grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and let's get into it.

What Is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the recognition and appreciation of the good things in our lives, big or small. It's about shifting focus from what we lack to what we have. Whether it's a supportive friend, a beautiful sunrise, or simply the ability to breathe deeply, there's always something to be thankful for.

When we make gratitude a habit, we retrain our minds to look for the positives, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Research even shows that practicing gratitude can improve your mental health, enhance relationships, and increase resilience. Who doesn't want that?

My Personal Gratitude Journey

Let me share a little about my own experience with gratitude. Like many of you, I've had seasons in life that felt overwhelming and, honestly, disheartening. But it was during those times that I leaned into gratitude. I started with small things—a kind word from a stranger, a warm cup of coffee, a moment of clarity. And before I knew it, I found myself not only surviving but thriving. Gratitude became my anchor, my light in the dark.

And trust me, if I can do it, you can too.

Tips for Cultivating Gratitude

Here are some practical tips to help you infuse more gratitude into your daily life:

1. Start a Gratitude Journal: Every day, write down three things you're grateful for. They can be as simple as "a good hair day" or as profound as "my family's love."

2. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to be fully present. Notice the little things around you, like the sound of birds or the smell of fresh air.

3. Say Thank You More Often: Whether it's to your barista, a colleague, or a loved one, make it a point to express your gratitude out loud.

4. Reframe Challenges: Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask yourself, "What's the lesson here?" or "What am I learning from this experience?"

5. Create Gratitude Rituals: Maybe it's a nightly prayer, a morning mantra, or even a post-it note on your mirror reminding you of what you're thankful for.

Meredith Patterson: These practices might feel small, but their impact is monumental. When you commit to gratitude, you start to see how much beauty there really is in the world.

Now, I'd like to challenge you: For the next week, try incorporating one of these gratitude practices into your life. Keep track of how it makes you feel and the shifts you notice in your mindset. And don't forget to share your experiences with me on social media! Use the hashtag #GratitudeWithMeredith so I can see how you're doing.

Meredith Patterson: Remember, gratitude is a journey, not a destination. It's about finding joy in the process and embracing the imperfection of life.

Before we wrap up, I want to say how grateful I am for you, my listeners. Your support, your messages, and your energy mean the world to me. This podcast is a labor of love, and it's because of you that I get to do what I love every single day.

Meredith Patterson: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps the podcast reach more people who might benefit from these conversations. And if you know someone who could use a little more gratitude in their life, share this episode with them.

Thank you for spending this time with me. Until next time, keep shining, keep striving, and remember: gratitude changes everything. Bliss is your birthright, and remember to have vision for what you want but be grateful for where you are every single day. www.meredithpatterson.com

Introduction

Welcome to The Meredith Patterson Podcast, where today we explore the tools, habits, and mindset shifts that can help you create the life you truly desire. Today, I am thrilled to have a very special guest joining us: Ashley Griffin—an accomplished Broadway writer, performer, and (as we have to be in the entertainment industry) mindset master. Ashley has appeared on and off - Broadway, as well as in T.V. and Films in New York, L.A., London, Stratford and Chicago. As a writer, Ashley's work has been developed at New World Stages, Broadway's Manhattan Theater Club, Playwrights Horizons and more. Ashley has taught at NYU, and is a member of AEA & the Dramatists Guild. Ashley's unique perspective bridges the worlds of creativity and personal development, and she's here to help us dive into today's topic: motivation.

Ashley, welcome to the show!

Six Steps To Achieving Your Goals

1. Define what you want - be specific

2. What does it mean to you to have fulfilled that goal?

3. Write it Down physically/Put it where you see it every day

4. Find the Formula/Mentor - Copy or be coached by someone else that has already done it, follow step by step

5. Do the quiet work, boring work, compound effect of step by step, if you stop, just start again

6. Don't QUIT

You can find Ashley on all social media platforms and on her website www.ashleygriffinofficial.com. And for our listeners, here's your challenge: Spend just 5 minutes today visualizing one goal. Imagine it in vivid detail and see how it shifts your mindset.

Thank you for tuning in to The Meredith Patterson Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with someone who needs a little motivation today.

Until next time, remember Bliss Is Your Birthright, keep dreaming, believing, and creating your best life.

Hello, and welcome to The Meredith Patterson Podcast

Happy New Year, this is the perfect time to reflect on what this year has taught us and decide what we want to take with us into the new year—and just as importantly, what we're ready to leave behind.

Today's episode isn't just about reflection; it's also about action. I'm sharing three practical tips to help you manifest your goals, let go of what you can't control, and allow people in your life to simply be who they are. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive in together.

What I'm Taking with Me

Let's start with what I'm taking with me into the new year—because it's important to honor the growth we've experienced.

Resilience This year has thrown its share of curveballs, but every challenge has helped me strengthen my resilience. I'm carrying forward the confidence that I can bounce back and adapt, no matter what.

Stronger Relationships I've deepened connections with the people who truly matter in my life. Whether through better communication or simply spending more quality time together, these relationships have become a foundation for me, and I intend to keep nurturing them.

Mindfulness and Self-Care Prioritizing self-care has been essential this year. Simple moments of mindfulness—whether through meditation, journaling, or even just deep breathing—have helped me stay present and grounded.

Learning Agility I'm also embracing the joy of learning and staying curious. Life is a classroom, and I'm excited to carry that openness into the future.

A Positive Outlook Finally, I'm bringing a hopeful perspective into the new year. Challenges will come, but choosing to see opportunities in every situation keeps me motivated and inspired.

What I'm Leaving Behind

Of course, to make room for all these wonderful things, we need to let some things go. Here's what I'm consciously leaving behind.

Unnecessary Stress Stress is inevitable, but unnecessary stress? That's something I can choose to avoid. Whether it's overthinking or worrying about things beyond my control, I'm learning to let it go.

Self-Doubt This year, I've worked hard on silencing that inner critic. I'm replacing self-doubt with affirmations that remind me of my worth.

Overcommitment I'm also setting boundaries. Saying "no" isn't about letting people down; it's about honoring my energy and focusing on what truly matters.

Procrastination and Negative Thoughts I'm actively working on tackling tasks promptly and reframing negative thoughts into empowering affirmations. These small changes make a big difference.

3 Practical Tips for the New Year

Before we move forward, I want to share three practical tips that can help you as you reflect on what to take and leave behind.

1. How to Properly Manifest

Manifestation isn't just about wishing for something—it's about aligning your thoughts, actions, and intentions. Here's how:

• Be specific. Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, "I want to be successful," say, "I want to grow my business by 20%" or "I want to perform in three new shows this year."

• Visualize and feel it. Take time to imagine what achieving your goal feels like—emotionally and physically. That energy helps bring your goals closer.

• Take inspired action. Manifestation isn't magic; it requires action. Break your goal into manageable steps and take them one by one.

2. How to Let Go and Let People Be Who They Are

This one is huge, especially when it comes to relationships. Here's what I've learned:

• Accept people as they are. Stop trying to change or fix others. Everyone is on their own journey, and it's not your responsibility to control their path.

• Set boundaries. Loving someone doesn't mean tolerating harmful behavior. Healthy boundaries allow you to protect your peace while respecting their individuality.

• Practice compassion. Recognize that we're all human and doing the best we can with what we know. Letting go of expectations can free you from disappointment and strengthen your relationships.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

One of the most freeing lessons is understanding what's within your control—and what isn't.

• What you can control: Your reactions, your thoughts, your actions, and your boundaries. These are your power zones.

• What you can't control: Other people's actions, opinions, or feelings. Recognizing this allows you to let go of unnecessary stress and focus on your own growth.

Your Turn

Now, I want to ask you: What are you taking with you into the new year? What's helped you grow, made you stronger, or brought you joy? And just as importantly, what are you ready to leave behind?

Take some time to reflect. Write it down if you can. These practices aren't just about planning for the future—they're about honoring yourself and creating a life that feels aligned and meaningful.

Closing Thoughts

As we step into this new year, let's do it with clarity, purpose, and gratitude. Let's take the lessons, the love, and the resilience, and leave behind the stress, self-doubt, and negativity. Together, we can create a year that's more aligned, joyful, and fulfilling.

Thank you for spending this time with me today. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections, so feel free to share them with me on social media or through the podcast website.

Until next time, take care of yourself, embrace your worth, remember bliss is your birthright and keep shining.