The Good, The Bad and the Bearys

It's Giving Frustration

Hello and welcome back to Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted! We're talking about one of the least glamorous but most universal human experiences: frustration. After last week's conversation about embracing trial and error, life decided to hand me a few opportunities to practice what I preached. In this episode, I'm sharing how I navigate frustration in professional settings without letting it take over my day. We're also diving into something I've been thinking about a lot lately: protecting your energy. Have you ever walked into a room feeling great and left carrying emotions that weren't even yours? Turns out there's a psychological concept for that. Together, we'll explore how to separate your emotions from everyone else's, conduct an energy audit when life feels heavy, and remember that one frustrating moment doesn't deserve ownership of your entire day. So grab your coffee, your crossword puzzle, or whatever is getting you through the week, and let's talk about frustration, boundaries, and protecting your peace.

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 🤍