The Warm-Up with Melanie and Andrew

Melanie Herrera + Andrew Bridges
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Performing Arts

Helping artists be content at every stage of the journey

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Making Art After 40, Motherhood & Starting Late (with Lee Ash)

    Novelist Lee Ash shares her perspective on the balance between motherhood, her publishing career, her lifelong dream of being a novelist, and so much more! Check out her debut Favor Angeles & The Rise of the Hidden Ones out now! Chapters00:00 - Intro, author reveal, and the Lee Ash name confusion 00:54 - Amanda Ashworth introduces herself and her debut novel 03:07 - Publishing background and the origin of Epiphany Press 04:11 - Why she writes fiction with hidden meaning and spiritual layers 06:34 - Fiction, culture, and the neuroscience of what we consume 08:53 - Naming Favor Angelus and the Rise of the Hidden Ones 10:16 - Favor’s disability, strengths, and NVLD 12:12 - Neuroplasticity, thought patterns, and repeated self-perception 14:23 - Anxiety, social media pressure, and modern adolescence 16:08 - The novel’s tension between technology and tradition 17:06 - Classical education, the great books, and division in society 19:01 - Becoming a reader and deciding to study English 21:26 - South Africa, life experience, and finding a voice 23:14 - What success as an author looked like early on 24:32 - Why authorship feels powerful through invisibility 26:07 - Learning to take criticism seriously without losing yourself 27:45 - School, grading, and why performance culture can be harmful 29:45 - Writing before publication and the road from publishing to novels 31:03 - Building a trilogy and balancing art with family life 32:25 - Harriet Beecher Stowe, unintended meaning, and authorial responsibility 33:43 - Motherhood, artistic identity, and rejecting the either-or mindset 37:47 - Timing, age, and why artistic value does not depend on youth 40:38 - Writing as healing, processing life through art, and giving back later 43:34 - Motherhood as a central theme, biological and chosen 45:42 - Finding joy outside art through novelty and projects 48:22 - What surprised her most about author life and meeting readers 49:39 - Teen readers, being seen, and cross-generational conversation 53:00 - How the novel was written and finding her voice 54:38 - Single POV, suspense, and how the book handles villains 55:38 - Planning versus intuition in writing 56:59 - Introvert and extrovert dynamics while writing a novel 58:55 - Protecting writing time and refilling the subconscious 62:10 - Seasonal writing rhythms and preparing for book two 64:14 - Editing, perfectionism, and the long work after drafting 67:12 - How Amanda defines artistic success now 69:06 - A listener response: forgiveness as the book’s most powerful theme 74:54 - The show’s vocal warm-up and the “Mandelily Cynthia Ash” finale https://www.instagram.com/epiphanypressbooks/

  2. Oct 6

    Failure, Regret, and Learning to Live with Career Mistakes (Andrew + Mel)

    This is one is all about FAILURE! AND MISTAKES! Not always a fun topic - but Melanie and Andrew break down some of Andrew's mistakes in his pursuit of his acting career. What they were, why he made them, and how he grew from them. A note to our listeners: This episode includes a brief discussion of suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. 00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Artistic Failure and Growth 02:06 Personal Stories of Failure and Regret 06:02 Lessons Learned from Early Career Mistakes 10:01 The Industry's Role in Artist Development 15:03 The Power of Mindset and Self-Compassion 20:09 Strategies for Moving Forward After Failure 30:12 Balancing Humility and Self-Promotion 39:56 The Importance of Detaching Self-Worth from Success 44:54 The Role of External Forces and Personal Agency 50:14 Sharing Lessons to Help Others in the Arts 53:25 Conclusion: Embracing the Artistic Journey with Grace

  3. Sep 22

    Redefining Success & Building a Creative Life You Love (with Tiger Darrow)

    We had an amazing conversation with Tiger! She shares her journey from child actor to accomplished music producer, arranger, and artist. She discusses her creative process, mental health, balancing artistry with practicality, and the importance of relationships and mental health in sustaining a creative life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tiger Darrow's Journey 01:47 Tiger's Early Interests and Career Path 03:47 Balancing Art, Family, and Practicality 06:54 The Role of Mental Health and Medication 11:52 The Evolution of Artistic Identity and Sound 15:59 Joy in Nesting, Collaboration, and Creativity 21:52 The Impact of Mental Health Guardrails 30:02 Advice to Younger Self and Future Goals 39:55 The Importance of Relationships and Presence 50:14 Reflections on Success and Life Balance Links Tiger’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tigerdarrow?stkn=cnpnMnk2bWExNng2 Tiger's Website - https://tigerdarrow.com/

  4. Sep 8

    How to Keep Going when No One's Watching (with Dan Toomey)

    In this episode, Dan Toomey shares his journey from college to becoming a successful content creator and comedian. We explore the challenges, joys, and lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of rest, community, and staying true to oneself. Key  Topics Dan Toomey’s journey from journalism to comedy The importance of community and support in artistic careers Balancing mental health and creative work The role of routine and small joys in happiness Lessons learned from early career struggles and successes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up 02:12 Dan Toomey’s Background and Career Path 04:34 The Season of Life and Recent Experiences 07:22 Finding Joy in Daily Rituals 10:08 The Challenges of Stand-Up Comedy 19:58 Transition from Journalism to Content Creation 24:03 Progression and Growth in Creative Work 30:29 Hardships and Support Systems 42:41 Contentment and Success in Artistic Life 53:26 Advice to Artistic Self and Reflection Guest Links Instagram - https://instagram.com/dantoomey Good Work YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodWork

  5. Aug 25

    I Spent 10 Years Waiting for My Life to Start (Andrew + Mel)

    In this episode, Andrew shares his transformative journey from pursuing a career in musical theater and acting to embracing a new path as a wine director. His story highlights the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and redefining success beyond societal expectations. Key  Topics Andrew's background in musical theater and acting The moment of clarity and spiritual conviction to change careers The struggles with mental health and identity during transition Redefining success and self-worth outside of art The role of faith and support in personal growth Balancing multiple passions and careers Lessons learned from George Bailey and It’s a Wonderful Life The importance of living a life aligned with personal values Takeaways Self-worth is not defined by career success or societal validation Listening to inner convictions can lead to profound life changes Joy can be found in unexpected places when you redefine your purpose Support from loved ones is crucial during major life transitions Life is a journey with ups and downs, and embracing the ride is key Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 04:23 Andrew's background in musical theater and acting 08:40 The moment of clarity and spiritual conviction 10:36 Deciding to take a break from acting 16:22 The importance of self-identity outside of art 24:14 Finding fulfillment as a wine director 29:09 Living a full life beyond career success 36:35 The societal pressures on artists 44:30 The message of hope and embracing unpredictability 50:41 Final thoughts and encouragement for listeners

  6. Aug 11

    Feeling Behind & Learning to Go After What You Want (Mel + Andrew)

    In this episode, Melanie shares her journey from self-doubt to successful content creator and pop musician, emphasizing the importance of creating a personal world and redefining success and failure. Key topics Melanie Herrera's journey as a late bloomer in music and content creation The importance of creating a personal brand and visual identity Redefining success and failure in the artistic industry The role of mindset and self-organization in achieving goals The impact of social media, especially TikTok, on artistic careers Building a cohesive artistic world that combines music and content Overcoming self-doubt and neurodivergence to pursue passions The significance of research and strategic planning in launching a career The narrative of success often portrayed in media and its effects The importance of persistence and resilience in artistic pursuits Takeaways Success is not just about major milestones like awards or sold-out venues. Creating a cohesive personal brand helps in building a recognizable artistic world. Failure is a natural part of growth and should be redefined as a learning step. Mindset shifts, such as believing in your capability, are crucial for progress. Social media can be a powerful tool for artists to build their worlds. Persistence and continuous effort are key to overcoming setbacks. Research and strategic planning can significantly impact career success. Artists often face societal narratives that distort the reality of success. Overcoming neurodivergence and self-doubt requires intentional effort. Your destiny is waiting to be found, not to find you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and Melanie Herrera 02:09 The circle of life and raw authenticity in recording 03:00 Melanie's journey as an artist and her current success 09:24 Societal definitions of success in music and art 12:39 Melanie's personal success milestones and goals 13:42 Intersection of music and content creation in Melanie’s world 18:55 Creating a visual and conceptual brand identity 23:58 Thinking of oneself as a unified artist and creator 25:01 Overcoming the feeling of being a late bloomer 29:07 Origins of self-doubt and neurodivergence in Melanie 35:12 The turning point: TikTok and reorienting her career 37:20 Learning to set goals and redefine failure 40:45 Why artists struggle with failure and societal narratives 46:19 The message: Destiny is waiting to be found 47:20 Final thoughts and encouragement to take action Keywords artistry, success, failure, content creation, music, mindset, perseverance, branding, late bloomer, TikTok

  7. Trailer

    Introducing The Warm-Up: Trailer

    A new podcast about joy, passion, and learning how to be content in the pursuit of both. Tricky stuff! We'll dive in soon – subscribe so you don't miss it. Streaming everywhere this August 📌🎙️. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthewarmup/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsthewarmup

  • 1 Trailer
    6 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Helping artists be content at every stage of the journey

Information

  • Creator
    Melanie Herrera + Andrew Bridges
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Melanie Herrera + Andrew Bridges
  • Show Website
    The Warm-Up with Melanie and Andrew

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