The Good, The Bad and the Bearys

The Art of Trial and Error

Hello and welcome back to another episode of  Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted! We’re diving headfirst into the messy, uncomfortable, beautiful world of trial and error. Because apparently I can thrive in a chaotic rehearsal room full of constant changes and creative risks…but the second real life feels uncertain, I suddenly want a color-coded five-year plan. This week, I’m exploring why I’m so comfortable embracing imperfection in a rehearsal room, but struggle to give myself that same grace in my actual life. We’re talking perfectionism, self-worth, creativity, and learning how to treat life a little more like a rehearsal process. Maybe life feels less terrifying when we stop expecting opening-night perfection from ourselves on day one. Make the choice. Try the thing. Take the note. Adjust. Try again.  Chat with you next week! xoxo

The Quiet Kind of Bravery

Hello and welcome to another episode of Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted!  This week’s episode is a little heart-to-heart about bravery…the kind that doesn’t always look loud or heroic. I’m chatting about traveling to Richmond for a new theatre contract, navigating long-distance marriage, the anxiety that comes with unfamiliar spaces, and realizing that fear doesn’t make you weak—it often means you’re growing. We talk about the idea of “quiet bravery” and how courage can look like introducing yourself to new people, sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, trying something new, messing up and trying again, or simply showing up for yourself when your brain is convinced everything unfamiliar is danger. Also in this episode: - my current gratitude list - a little reading update + what I’m reading now - theatre life, routines, and learning to celebrate myself a little more If there’s something you’ve been putting off because it scares you just a little…maybe this is your sign from the universe to do it anyway. Because bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to move forward while fear is sitting right next to you. Chat with you next week! xoxo

We Did It Jo!

Hello and welcome back to Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted! After three months in Virginia playing Jo March in Little Women, I’m finally back in New York… briefly. In this episode, we’re doing a full life catch-up: auditioning for a literal dream role right before my wedding, navigating imposter syndrome in rehearsals, surviving the vocal Olympics that is Jo March, hotel living, body image struggles, period costumes (literally), and the emotional whirlwind of balancing performance, marriage, friendships, and burnout all at once. It’s a vulnerable one, a theatre-heavy one, and honestly just a long overdue catch-up between friends. Thanks for being here. xoxo

Hibernation

Hello and welcome back to SEASON FOUR of Nevertheless. Shlee Persisted! It’s a new year, and honestly? I’m easing into it. In this episode, I’m sharing some life updates after a rock-and-roll end to 2025, and obviously, we dive headfirst into some gratitude as well!  I’m also talking BINGO cards, vision boards, and why—even with new goals, dreams, and intentions for deeper connection—this season of life feels like hibernation. Less pressure, more rest. If you’re starting the year slowly, gently, or under a blanket…this one’s for you 🤍

Christmas Spirit & Big Feelings - A 2025 Reflection

Hello friends, and welcome back to Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted. This week we’re leaning fully into the Christmas spirit — snow days, the Charlie Brown Christmas album on repeat, nesting while Snoopy bakes in the background, and a whole lot of gratitude. I’m sharing my current reads, a few holiday favorites, and what’s been filling my cup lately, before diving into a reflection on 2025 — a year that somehow felt like both a blur and one of the most emotionally full seasons of my life. We’re talking vision boards (what worked, what didn’t, and why specificity matters), BINGO 2025 and why this past year truly became the year of decision.  2025 was really hard… and also really beautiful. From job pivots and learning new boundaries to planning a wedding long distance while life stayed consistently inconsistent, this episode is a reminder that opposite feelings can exist at the same time — and that joy can still live alongside the mess. Grab something cozy, light a candle, and let’s look back, give thanks, and gently start dreaming ahead. xoxo