The Meredith Patterson Podcast

Meredith Patterson
  • 4.8 (16)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Meredith Patterson Podcast is a heartfelt and inspiring series that delves into illuminating the universal human condition. Hosted by Meredith Patterson—an accomplished actress, dancer, singer, and writer with over 25 years of industry experience—the podcast offers an insider's perspective on the triumphs, challenges, and life lessons of not only a creative career, but any walk of life with a focus on authenticity, vulnerability, and growth. Each episode features candid conversations with people from all industries, with honest reflections on mental health, and practical insights for overcoming obstacles and thriving. Meredith explores what it truly means to become the best version of yourself—no matter your background or journey. Whether you're a creative, performer, dreamer, or simply someone seeking inspiration and meaningful connection, The Meredith Patterson Podcast delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in every episode. Join Meredith once a week for empowering stories, actionable advice, and a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of being human.

  1. 1d ago

    Authentic, Not Performative: Women, Business, and Joy with Jennifer Colter

    What if the secret to a thriving business isn't being seen everywhere, but building something that's truly yours? This week I sit down with Jennifer Colter, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at Agnes Scott College and founder of The Colter Media Collective in Decatur, Georgia. Jennifer has spent more than 20 years helping brands and women entrepreneurs tell their stories with honesty and heart, through PR, publishing, and podcasting. Her publishing imprint, House of Ember Books, helps authors bring their personal stories from manuscript to market. We talk about why authenticity only works when it isn't a performance, and why the future belongs to women who choose ownership over visibility and infrastructure over influence. We get into the exhaustion of being "always on," the shift from mental health to mental fitness, and how women are finally carving out their own lanes in wellness, leadership, and business. Jennifer also shares why small, meaningful communities can matter more than big audiences, and how joy is making a comeback as a real business value. If you've ever felt pressure to hustle harder, post more, or be someone you're not to grow your work, this episode is your permission to slow down and build from wholeness instead. Because bliss is your birthright, and that includes the way you build your life's work. Connect with Jennifer Colter The Colter Media Collective: https://helloskip.com/b/the-colter-media-collective-llc-1 Business profile: https://www.alignable.com/decatur-ga/the-colter-media-collective-llc Email: jennifer@coltercollective.com Connect with Meredith Merie Productions: https://merieproductions.com If this conversation spoke to you, share it with a woman who's building something beautiful, and leave us a review wherever you listen. It helps so much. #MeredithPattersonPodcast #BlissIsYourBirthright #ColterMediaCollective #HouseOfEmberBooks #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #AuthenticBranding #PersonalBranding #BrandStorytelling #OwnershipOverInfluence #MentalFitness

    Authentic, Not Performative: Women, Business, and Joy with Jennifer Colter

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing She Escaped the Unthinkable and Chose Her Own Beginning from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOKS! I Choose My Beginning: A Story of Courage and Activism https://amzn.to/4j14o11 The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity, and My Fight Against the Islamic State https://amzn.to/4dwNaVF Nadia Murad was just 21 when ISIS attacked her village in northern Iraq. She was taken captive and endured unimaginable abuse before she escaped and went on to become one of the world's most powerful voices for survivors of genocide and wartime violence. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, Nadia first shared her experience in her bestselling memoir, The Last Girl. Now, in her new book, I Choose My Beginning, she explores what it means to move forward and build a life beyond her past. Oprah and Nadia talk about the difference between surviving and healing and why she continues to speak out for the victims of the Yazidi genocide who are still missing. Nadia also opens up about finding love, getting married and creating a life that includes both her activism and her own happiness. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney joins the conversation to talk about their work together seeking justice for ISIS crimes against the Yazidi people. 00:00:00 - Welcome Nadia Murad, author of “I Choose My Beginning” 00:05:40 - Why she chose to speak out 00:08:52 - Nadia wanted to rescue her niece 00:12:00 - Winning the Nobel Peace Prize 00:15:00 - Perceptions of survivors 00:18:00 - Online criticism 00:20:50 - Why Oprah admires Nadia 00:23:20 - Meeting Amal Clooney 00:27:00 - Cases for Yazidi women 00:31:30 - What Amal learned from Nadia 00:35:30 - Life in the refugee camp 00:37:35 - Falling in love 00:41:30 - Thousands of Yazidi people still missing 00:43:45 - The aftermath of war 00:51:00 - Nadia declined an operation 00:53:50 - Survival is not the end 00:56:00 - Building a new life Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/oprah/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

  3. 5d ago

    Always On: The Mental Load of Being Seen | Mental Health Monday

    Always On: The Mental Load of Being Seen | Mental Health Monday Have you ever rewritten a caption four times, not because it was wrong, but because you were worried about how it would land? In this Mental Health Monday episode, Meredith Patterson looks at the hidden weight of visibility: the constant, always-on effort of managing how we come across, and what it does to our minds and bodies. Whether you run a business, raise a family, or perform for a living, you probably have an invisible second job you never applied for. Meredith explains how "attention residue" leaves us mentally split and tired in a way sleep doesn't fix. She also explains why our ancient stress response can't tell an inbox from a threat, and why the conversation is shifting from mental health to mental fitness. She shares a preview of her upcoming conversation with brand strategist Jennifer Colter, founder of The Colter Media Collective, about a growing shift among women entrepreneurs toward sustainable building, ownership over visibility, and infrastructure over influence. Drawing on a lifetime on stage, Meredith explains the difference between performing and owning, and why real authenticity is about being rooted, not relatable. This week's mental fitness practice: The physiological sigh, a simple breath to calm your nervous system One "unseen" hour a day that belongs only to you The ownership question: "Am I performing, or am I owning this?" You're allowed to be seen without being consumed by it. Bliss is your birthright. Join us Friday for the full conversation with Jennifer Colter on authentic storytelling, building without burning out, and women claiming their own lanes in business and wellness. Where in your life do you feel "always on"? Send Meredith a message and tell her which practice you're trying this week.

    Always On: The Mental Load of Being Seen | Mental Health Monday

  4. Oct 9

    Spend Your F*cks Wisely: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Every Chapter

    ⚠️ Content note: This episode contains explicit language. Headphones on if the kids are in the car. Get the book and read along A few weeks ago, I broke down Chapter 1 of Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k, and you all showed up in a big way. So today I'm keeping my promise: we're going through the whole damn book. All nine chapters, in one honest, funny, foul-mouthed conversation. We'll meet Disappointment Panda, pick our flavor of shit sandwich, and break free from the tyranny of exceptionalism. We'll peel the self-awareness onion, hear the unbelievable story of Hiroo Onoda, and face Manson's Law of Avoidance. Then we'll get unstuck with the Do Something principle, learn why a clean "no" might be the most loving word you say, and look at why remembering you're going to die is the key to actually living. Along the way, I share my own stories: the shit sandwich I chose as a producer, letting go of needing to be the star, my biggest flops, and the identities I had to let die so I could grow. Every chapter ends with a simple practice you can take into your week. This isn't about becoming cold or careless. It's about caring so much about the right things that the wrong things don't stand a chance. Chapters Welcome and Chapter 1 recap Chapter 2: Happiness is a problem Chapter 3: You are not special Chapter 4: The value of suffering Chapter 5: You are always choosing Midpoint break Chapter 6: You're wrong about everything (but so am I) Chapter 7: Failure is the way forward Chapter 8: The importance of saying no Chapter 9: …And then you die Wrap-up Which chapter hit you hardest? Send me a message. I read every one. If you're carrying something heavy right now, please reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional. Bliss is your birthright, friends and spend your f***s wisely.

    Spend Your F*cks Wisely: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Every Chapter

  5. Oct 5

    Mental Health Monday — The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (Explicit)

    Fair warning: I swear a lot in this one. You're welcome. This week we're kicking off a two-part Mental Health Monday book club on The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, one of the books I keep coming back to (my copy is seriously dog-eared). Today we dig into Chapter 1, "Don't Try," and the big idea most people miss: this book isn't about caring less. It's about caring on purpose. In ten minutes, we cover: Why Charles Bukowski's tombstone says "Don't try," and what that means for the rest of us The "feedback loop from hell," or how feeling bad about feeling bad keeps us stuck (and how to break it) Alan Watts' backwards law: why chasing happiness makes us less happy Manson's three subtleties of not giving a f*ck What I cared about in my twenties as an actress, compared with what matters to me now as a mom, producer, and wife This week's homework: the F*ck Budget. Write down everything you gave a f*ck about this past week, ask whether each one is true, immediate, and important, and circle where you're overspending. Then grab the book (link below), read Chapter 1, and come back for Part Two, where we go through the whole damn thing together. Send me a message and tell me one thing you're done giving a f*ck about. Bliss is your birthright, so don't spend it on sht that doesn't matter.  📖 The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson: https://markmanson.net/books

    Mental Health Monday — The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (Explicit)

  6. Oct 2

    Connecting Through the Written Word: How Vic Reynolds is Revolutionizing Communication

    In this intimate conversation, Meredith Patterson sits down with Vic Reynolds, co-founder of ConnectingLives®, to explore the profound power of meaningful connection in our increasingly digital world. Vic shares the personal inspiration behind ConnectingLives® — a transformative exchange with his own father that revealed how written communication can deepen understanding, spark better conversations, and strengthen relationships in ways that texts and emails simply cannot. Together with his sister Krista Reynolds Norris, Vic created the 2-Way Card® — a revolutionary approach to greeting cards that bridges the gap between the speed of digital communication and the intimacy of handwritten connection. These innovative cards don't just deliver a message; they invite a response, creating a meaningful dialogue that both sender and recipient can keep and treasure. In this episode, you'll discover: How intentional communication can transform relationships The science and soul behind why people crave deeper connections Why slowing down to write creates space for authentic dialogue How one simple exchange with his father changed everything Practical ways to cultivate more meaningful connections with the people you love This is an essential conversation about the art of connection in a world that often feels disconnected — perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their relationships and live their bliss more fully. Learn more: Visit: www.ConnectingLives.com Shop 2-Way Cards®: www.ConnectingLives.com/collections/singles Read their story: www.ConnectingLives.com/pages/our-story

    Connecting Through the Written Word: How Vic Reynolds is Revolutionizing Communication

  7. Sep 28

    #MentalHealthMonday - The Lonliness Epidemic

    The Loneliness Epidemic We're more connected than ever—yet lonelier than we've ever been. In this Mental Health Monday episode, Meredith Patterson explores the paradox of modern isolation: how social media, busy schedules, and the invisible mental load have left us feeling profoundly disconnected. Discover why loneliness is a public health crisis, how it affects both mental and physical wellbeing, and what genuine connection actually requires. This episode unpacks the difference between being alone and feeling alone, and offers practical ways to build meaningful relationships that truly nourish us. Because bliss isn't just personal wellness—it's the profound sense of belonging we all deserve.

    #MentalHealthMonday - The Lonliness Epidemic

  8. Sep 25

    Tricia Paoluccio on Keeping Dolly Parton's Light Alive

    One month after Dolly Parton's passing, we sit down with Meredith's friend of 26 years, actress, writer, visual artist, and Here You Come Again star Tricia Paoluccio. Meredith and Tricia talk about what it means to embody an icon, create through loss, and remember the people who save us. Since age five, when Tricia first heard "Here You Come Again" on the radio, Dolly Parton has been more than a singer—she's been a practical guide for living. That childhood devotion became the heart of Here You Come Again, the two-person musical she co-wrote that's played sold-out theaters across the U.S., UK, and Australia. In it, Dolly appears as a "rhinestoned, hourglass-shaped Mary Poppins," helping Kevin—a struggling comedian in lockdown—remember that hope is always one song away. In this episode, Tricia opens up about playing the Queen of Country, the discipline of embodiment over impersonation, growing up on a farm like Dolly did, and why the show's core message—"everyone has a little Dolly inside, insisting it's all going to be alright"—feels more necessary than ever. We also talk about her multidisciplinary life as artist, activist, and chaplain; her pressed-flower art worn at the Met Gala; and what it means to create across disciplines without apology. A conversation about legacy, authenticity, and keeping the people we love close through the art we make. Instagram: @hereyoucomeagainmusical Websites: 🌸 Personal: triciapaoluccio.com 🌸 Domain of the Flowerings (visual art brand): domainoftheflowerings.com

    Tricia Paoluccio on Keeping Dolly Parton's Light Alive
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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Meredith Patterson Podcast is a heartfelt and inspiring series that delves into illuminating the universal human condition. Hosted by Meredith Patterson—an accomplished actress, dancer, singer, and writer with over 25 years of industry experience—the podcast offers an insider's perspective on the triumphs, challenges, and life lessons of not only a creative career, but any walk of life with a focus on authenticity, vulnerability, and growth. Each episode features candid conversations with people from all industries, with honest reflections on mental health, and practical insights for overcoming obstacles and thriving. Meredith explores what it truly means to become the best version of yourself—no matter your background or journey. Whether you're a creative, performer, dreamer, or simply someone seeking inspiration and meaningful connection, The Meredith Patterson Podcast delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in every episode. Join Meredith once a week for empowering stories, actionable advice, and a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of being human.

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