Episodes

  • 36: Former MLB Agent Joshua Kusnick & Podcast Co-Host Sarah Of Do Damage Control

    36: Former MLB Agent Joshua Kusnick & Podcast Co-Host Sarah Of Do Damage Control
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with former Major League Baseball agent and current viral truth-teller Joshua Kusnick, and his brilliant partner-in-chaos, Sarah Ann — co-hosts of the Damage Control podcast and one of TikTok's most unpredictable creative duos. With over 75 million views across platforms and a reputation for being completely unfiltered, Joshua isn't here to win popularity contests. From taking down media grifters and political hacks, to exposing the dark side of professional sports, to writing a book and gearing up for a comedy tour — he's doing it all his way. Sarah brings balance to the madness with her lived experience in mental health, addiction recovery, cruise travel, and the beauty industry. Together, their energy is raw, unscripted, and surprisingly heartfelt. Meredyth, Josh, and Sarah dive into: ✅ What it really takes to be "uncancelable" in today's world ✅ Why Josh left behind a high-profile MLB career to speak the truth online ✅ The childhood trauma, medical history, and fire that made him who he is ✅ Why the sports industry is more sociopathic than you think ✅ Mental health, ECT therapy, and surviving the darkest moments ✅ Sarah's story of addiction, recovery, and eight years clean ✅ Navigating chaos, TikTok trolls, and being real in a curated world ✅ Why some stories are easier to tell to strangers than family ✅ The rise of Aaron Parnas and the danger of fake experts ✅ Israel, antisemitism, and the cost of speaking out ✅ Making space for dark jokes, love, and complex people They also talk about starting their podcast Damage Control, building a life with both boundaries and brutal honesty, and why Sarah refuses to watch Josh's content (but still makes fun of his hot tub videos anyway). Whether you're a politics junkie, a creator trying to find your voice, or someone who just appreciates real talk — this episode will make you laugh, cringe, nod your head, and maybe even scream into the void. 00:00:00 Welcome to the show. Meet Joshua Kusnick and Sarah Ann 00:01:00 Going from MLB agent to fearless online commentator 00:03:20 Childhood illness, 44 surgeries, and finding fire in survival 00:05:00 Why Josh was built for politics, not just baseball 00:07:10 The obsession with truth and hatred of lying 00:10:15 The emotional cost of commodifying athletes 00:12:40 Inside the mind of a "sociopathic" agent turned activist 00:15:00 How Sarah met Josh and survived the first six months 00:17:30 Being in a relationship with someone who refuses to be fake 00:20:00 Aaron Parnas, grifters, and what's wrong with the left too 00:23:10 Bill Maher, norm Macdonald, and chasing applause over truth 00:25:45 Why Josh doesn't debate — and never will 00:28:10 Mental health, burnout, and knowing when to unplug 00:30:00 Content creation, shadowbans, and giving zero shits 00:33:15 Why Sarah refuses to watch Josh's TikToks 00:36:30 Balancing truth-telling with partnership and business 00:38:00 Addiction, sobriety, and Sarah's journey to eight years clean 00:40:00 Sarah's travel business, future sober cruises, and big dreams 00:42:00 Finding purpose in multiple passions without fitting a mold 00:44:30 Why Josh will never stop calling himself "Former MLB Agent" 00:47:00 Damage Control podcast origin story 00:49:00 What Josh is working on — book, tour, and big energy 00:52:00 Creating for yourself, not the algorithm 00:54:30 Why the news is broken and comedians are filling the gap 00:57:10 The Israel-Palestine conversation and speaking as a Jewish creator 01:00:00 Getting hate online and not letting it stop you 01:02:30 When people say you "can't complain" if you have money 01:04:30 The uncensored joke that broke the show 01:06:45 TikTok's weirdest metrics and why the dumbest video always wins 01:09:00 Will Josh and Sarah ever live together? 01:11:30 The secret behind Joshua's tagline, his podcast style, and future plans 01:14:30 Closing thoughts. Speak the truth, be who you are, and take up space 🔗 Connect with Joshua Kusnick ✨ TikTok: @joshuakusnickexperience ✨ Instagram: @joshua_kusnick 🔗 Connect with Sarah Ann ✨ TikTok: @sarahann3757 ✨ Instagram: @sarahannwhat 🎧 Listen to Their Podcast: 🎙️ Damage Control with Josh and Sarah 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations with the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 35: Anne Abel - Sweaters, Springsteen and Storytelling

    35: Anne Abel - Sweaters, Springsteen and Storytelling
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with author, storyteller, and Springsteen superfan Anne Abel to talk about transformation, finding your voice in your 60s, and why it's never too late to change your life. After enduring decades of depression, perfectionism, and family dysfunction, Anne took a solo trip to Australia to follow Bruce Springsteen on tour — and it changed everything. That journey sparked her bestselling memoir High Hopes, a story of healing, humor, resilience, and finally taking up space in the world. Together, they talk about: ✅ Why 60 was the perfect age to change everything ✅ The danger of perfectionism and people-pleasing ✅ What it's like to survive ECT, depression, and emotional abuse ✅ How Bruce Springsteen became her emotional lifeline ✅ What improv taught her about confidence ✅ The moment she stopped playing small and claimed the word "author" ✅ Her viral rise on TikTok in her 70s and how storytelling saved her ✅ How to quiet the inner critic and embrace self-worth ✅ The sweater story, the guitar, and the unexpected twists of going viral ✅ Why it's never too late to heal, connect, and be seen This episode is for anyone who's ever struggled with feeling "not enough," and needs a reminder that reinvention, joy, and even a new career can begin at any age. 00:00:00 Meet Anne Abel and the book that changed everything 00:03:30 Growing up with a mother who weaponized shame 00:06:15 The deep toll of perfectionism and generational trauma 00:08:50 Why Anne took a solo trip to follow Bruce Springsteen 00:11:45 The moment everything changed at a Springsteen concert 00:14:30 Writing her memoir and healing through storytelling 00:16:50 How improv in Chicago helped her reclaim her voice 00:20:00 Becoming a storyteller and discovering The Moth 00:24:15 Going viral on TikTok in her 70s 00:27:10 "You're not nobody" – how strangers helped reframe her self-worth 00:31:00 Getting a signed guitar from Bruce Springsteen 00:34:30 The sweater story and social media backlash 00:38:45 On grief, judgment, and how others project their pain 00:41:30 Navigating criticism, mental health, and privilege online 00:44:10 "It's never too late" – on persistence and purpose 00:48:30 Japan, New York, and what's next for Anne 00:51:30 A TEDx Talk, book tour, and second acts 00:54:00 Why Anne's story is a reminder for all women to take up space 00:57:00 Final thoughts on healing, identity, and being seen 📚 Grab Anne Abel's Books: 📖 High Hopes: A Memoir 📖 Maddie, Milo and Me Available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold. 📲 Connect with Anne Abel: Instagram: @annesimaabel TikTok: @annesimaabel Facebook: Anne Sima Abel 🎙️ Follow Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast YouTube: Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 34: Amber Chiapetto: Adopted at 2, Returned at 14

    34: Amber Chiapetto: Adopted at 2, Returned at 14
    Dec 4 2025

    Amber Chiapetto was adopted at age 2 and returned to the foster care system at 14. In this gripping and emotional conversation, she opens up about the trauma, the confusion, and the moments that changed everything. From growing up in a strict and often abusive household to being removed from her home with no warning, Amber shares how she found her voice and purpose through telling her story on TikTok, where she now reaches over 800,000 people. This episode is a raw, eye-opening look into the flaws of the foster care and adoption system, the hidden truth about "unadoption," and what really happens behind closed doors.

    We discuss:

    • What it means to be "unadopted"

    • The reality of being returned to the system as a teenager

    • Emotional and physical trauma in foster care homes

    • Grieving safety, identity, and belonging

    • Why the system often fails both children and parents

    • Her healing journey through advocacy and storytelling

    • The truth behind Fa La La Foster and how to help kids today

    Amber's bravery in telling her story is changing lives and shaking up the system. Her story isn't just powerful—it's necessary.



    00:00:00 Introduction to Amber's story

    00:01:35 The shocking truth about being "unadopted"

    00:04:10 What it was like to be adopted by her grandmother

    00:06:50 Physical and emotional abuse growing up

    00:10:00 The moment Amber was "given back" at 14

    00:15:20 Three foster homes in one year

    00:20:40 Feeling blamed for her trauma

    00:24:10 Foster families and the expectation to "fit in"

    00:28:50 Abuse and emotional neglect in foster care

    00:34:20 Why many foster kids are treated as "broken"

    00:39:30 The anti-adoption movement and what she learned

    00:44:00 The business behind foster care

    00:47:40 What needs to change in the system

    00:50:30 Starting Fa La La Foster to help kids feel seen

    00:53:10 How sharing her story helped her heal

    00:56:50 A powerful reminder for every foster and adopted child

    01:00:00 Final thoughts and how to support the mission


    ✨ Support Amber + Fa La La La Foster:

    🛒 Amazon Wishlist: via Linktree on TikTok
    💸 Venmo: @falalalafoster
    📘 Facebook: Fa La La La Foster 2025
    💬 Learn more via Amber's content on TikTok and Instagram

    📲 Connect with Amber Chiapetto:

    Instagram: @amber_chiapetto
    TikTok: @amber.chiapetto


    🎙️ Follow Meredyth Willits:

    Facebook: @MeredythWillits34
    Instagram: @meredyth_willits
    TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why
    YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS Podcast
    YouTube: Meredyth Willits

    🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.
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    59 mins
  • 33: Leonie Von Ungern-Sternberg - The Modern Baroness

    33: Leonie Von Ungern-Sternberg - The Modern Baroness
    Nov 27 2025
    In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the effortlessly elegant and deeply thoughtful Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg, known online as @leonievungern. A creator whose presence is both grounded and magnetic, Leonie is part of one of Europe's oldest aristocratic families, but her message is refreshingly modern. Intention, curiosity, and connection matter more than ever. Fresh off her feature in The Times, Leonie is challenging the noise of digital culture by reintroducing grace, nuance, and substance into online storytelling. From her personal story of overcoming an eating disorder and relearning how to walk, to her take on long-distance love, curated friendships, and embracing the sacred rhythms of life, this conversation is a gift. Together, Meredyth and Leonie explore: ✅ How growing up between Dubai, London, and Europe shaped her worldview ✅ Why intentional living, wardrobe curation, and patience matter ✅ The real story behind her family name and the myths it creates ✅ The truth about content creation, burnout, and resisting the algorithm ✅ Why she doesn't chase virality and what she chases instead ✅ Her past struggle with an eating disorder, wheelchair recovery, and healing ✅ Long-distance love, emotional maturity, and holding space for true connection ✅ Why brands, books, and elevated conversations are on the horizon ✅ The magic of standing out by being deeply, unapologetically yourself Whether you're 22 or 62, this episode will leave you inspired to slow down, zoom out, and live more beautifully starting now. 00:00 Meet Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg, fresh from The Times feature 01:30 Redefining influence, elegance, and grace in a crowded digital world 04:00 Why modern conversation feels exhausting and how to shift it 07:30 Being a good listener, not just a good talker 09:00 Holding space, curiosity, and reclaiming thoughtful dialogue 11:10 Growing up aristocratic, but losing everything 13:00 "You are not your last name" — lessons from her parents 15:00 How classical music and art develop emotional intelligence 17:30 The case for slow fashion, slow culture, and slow everything 20:45 Every item has a story, from perfume to gifting to family heirlooms 24:10 Why curating friendships is just as important as curating style 27:00 Surviving an eating disorder, wheelchair recovery, and the power of truth 30:00 The dangers of "What I Eat in a Day" culture 32:15 Long-distance love and why it builds better foundations 35:00 Reverse engineering your life, goals, and five-year self 37:45 Why women over 30 finally start hearing their own voice 40:10 Letting go of perfection and learning to love your flaws 42:00 Embracing heritage while stepping into your own story 44:00 Real friendship vs. performative relationships 46:15 The future is books, brands, storytelling, and intention 49:00 MBA graduation, next steps, and creating a curated life 52:00 Why she's not chasing brand deals and what she's doing instead 54:30 Being the modern baroness without the box 57:00 Final thoughts on being exactly who you are 🔗 Connect with Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg ✨ TikTok: @leonievungern ✨ Instagram: @leonievungern 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 32: One Time... With the Incredible Jaimie Steck

    32: One Time... With the Incredible Jaimie Steck
    Nov 14 2025
    From behind the bar to center stage, pop powerhouse Jaimie Steck is rewriting the rules of what it means to go viral and still grind like hell. You've probably seen her hilarious One Time bar skits on TikTok — now she's stepping into her full pop star era with her latest single Red Rum and a music video that delivers choreography, spectacle, and serious star power. In this raw, inspiring episode, Jaimie sits down with Meredyth to talk about: What it really takes to self-fund a music career in 2025 How bartending became both survival job and creative goldmine Her obsession with true pop showmanship and why it's missing today The power of relentless self-belief and homegrown hustle How her content bridges generations — from teens to moms The behind-the-scenes drama, doubt, and drive that fuels her art Why being underestimated is actually her biggest weapon Whether you've dreamt of making it big, or you're just tired of waiting for permission, this episode is a masterclass in creating your own stage — and owning it. 00:00 – Meet Jaimie Steck, her viral "One Time" series, and stepping into her pop star era 02:10 – Turning bartending chaos into TikTok gold 05:00 – Why she writes notes on shift and turns real stories into content 09:15 – Finding the balance between content and music — and going viral with both 10:40 – The problem with today's music scene and her mission to bring back the pop show 13:30 – Her first video shoot, low budget, high impact 16:00 – Why she pays dancers full price and refuses to cut corners 19:10 – Dealing with assumptions about "silver spoon" success 21:00 – Working double shifts to self-fund her dreams 23:20 – Red flags in the industry and breaking through anyway 26:30 – What it's really like going viral — and being recognised in real life 30:00 – How her bar job turned into a stage (literally) 34:40 – Viral videos, fake ID stories, and customer service chaos 38:15 – Her perfect creative storm: a job that lets her perform 42:10 – Why she's not looking for development — she's already done the work 44:45 – Meredyth's advice: hook them with a ballad, then show them the fire 46:10 – The business of being ready before the industry notices 49:30 – Her plan: more content, more videos, and the next big move 51:00 – Why you need to repost, comment, and support indie artists you love 53:00 – Final words on being deliberate, genuine, and ready for the moment 🔗 Connect with Jaimie Steck ✨ Facebook: @jaimiesteckmusic ✨ Instagram: @jaimiesteck ✨ TikTok: @jaimiesteck ✨ YouTube: Jaimie Steck ✨ Website: www.jaimiesteck.com 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.
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    53 mins
  • 31: REV KARLA Talks Faith Beyond Dogma to Reclaim Spiritual Autonomy

    31: REV KARLA Talks Faith Beyond Dogma to Reclaim Spiritual Autonomy
    Nov 7 2025
    What happens when you walk away from the institution but not your spirituality? In this raw and powerful episode, Meredyth sits down with Rev Karla, an ordained interfaith and interspiritual minister with nearly 1 million followers across platforms. Known for her radical honesty and compassionate rebellion, Rev Karla opens up about religious trauma, deconstruction, reclaiming spiritual autonomy, and how leaving the church became the beginning of her real spiritual path. Together, they dig into: The difference between being spiritual vs. doing spirituality Why deconstructing isn't the same as walking away The parallels between church trauma and toxic relationships Racism, patriarchy, and why white women must confront both How Christianity became weaponized for control Why the feminine voice is rising now more than ever If you've ever felt like you didn't belong in the religion you were raised in or you're seeking a deeper, freer relationship with the divine, this episode will meet you right where you are. 00:00 - Meet Rev Karla, her journey to almost a million followers, and the power of raw authenticity 02:45 - How her grandson pushed her to try TikTok and what happened when she told the truth 05:10 - Spiritual breadcrumbs and why so many of us silenced our intuition as kids 09:00 - Breaking down deconstruction, leaving church vs. healing from indoctrination 12:30 - The loss of spiritual autonomy and how to reclaim it 17:05 - From Baptist abuse to Catholic exclusion, how church creates hierarchy and control 21:00 - The dangerous myth of "church is good if it does good" 23:50 - Spiritual wilderness, solitude, and what Jesus in the desert teaches us 27:30 - "Jesus is what is possible" — mystical vs. mythical understanding of Christ 30:00 - Releasing God from rules and reclaiming a personal connection to the sacred 36:00 - Why curiosity is essential for spiritual expansion and healing 39:50 - Spirituality is political — and so is deconstructing racism, whiteness, and patriarchy 44:20 - Matriarchy vs. patriarchy and the true purpose of collective power 50:00 - Raising anti-racist, spiritually conscious children 55:00 - Religion as a tool for control, spiritual bypassing, and the power of sitting in discomfort 01:00:00 - "You are not a good person because of church. You are good because you woke up worthy" 01:04:00 - Rev Karla's book and final reflections on the divine feminine, war, and what's next 🔗 Connect with Rev Karla ✨ TikTok: @revkarla ✨ Instagram: @revkarla ✨ Facebook: Reverend Karla ✨ Website: https://revkarla.com 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 30: Gabriella Gomez: From Marketing Exec to #2 Live-Streamer!

    30: Gabriella Gomez: From Marketing Exec to #2 Live-Streamer!
    Oct 30 2025
    In this powerhouse episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with Gabriella Gomez, former corporate marketing exec turned full-time TikTok live-streamer, currently ranked among the top 100 streamers in the U.S. every single day, and known for her intelligence, warmth, and marathon streaming sessions that bring in thousands of loyal viewers. With a background working at iconic brands like Beats by Dre, Monster, and K-Swiss, Gabriella left the boardroom behind and now dominates a space many still don't understand, TikTok LIVE. From fashion-forward fit checks to community-centered conversation marathons, she's building a new kind of platform... one stream at a time. Together, they unpack: ✅ What it takes to go from 9–5 to full-time live-streamer and why she walked away ✅ The secret art of not burning out while streaming 8–12 hours a day ✅ Why most streamers fail before they even begin ✅ How to handle gifting, stalkers, and streaming boundaries like a boss ✅ Why livestreaming is the new television and how brands still don't get it ✅ The real reason consistency matters more than charisma Gabriella also opens up about… ✨ Being on live every day for a full year and what it taught her ✨ Her time working with Bella Thorne, Hugh Jackman, Denzel Washington, and Robert De Niro ✨ How she built an entire team culture around safety, strategy, and shared purpose ✨ The pressure of "niching down" vs. letting your audience show you who you are ✨ Why she's done chasing the algorithm and ready to launch her own talk show format If you've ever dreamed of turning your voice into your brand or wondered if livestreaming was only for teenagers and gamers, this episode proves there's space for you to build, teach, lead, and earn. It's business. It's personal. It's the future of digital storytelling, and Gabriella is building it in real time. 00:00 Meet Gabriella Gomez: from marketing exec to TikTok livestream queen 01:20 Holding rank in a cutthroat, male-dominated streaming leaderboard 03:00 Her backstory in branding with Beats by Dre, Monster, DC Shoes & more 05:45 Leaving corporate America for content—when and why she jumped 08:10 What creators get wrong about consistency and stamina 10:30 How she built momentum through fashion content and daily livestreams 13:15 From Black Friday to battle rankings: building stream endurance 15:30 The gift economy: how streamers really make money on TikTok 17:40 What viewers want vs. what you think you need to give them 20:10 From Facebook Live to TikTok—how she learned to sell without burnout 22:00 Setting boundaries: why she calls it a "team," not a "family" 24:00 Coaching new streamers and decoding TikTok's ranking algorithm 26:45 What makes a streamer flame out—or stay on top 29:00 Audience fatigue, moderation, and keeping the stream safe 31:30 Streaming is the new TV: what brands still don't understand 34:00 Creating consistency for an audience that treats you like a show 36:00 Viewer delusions, limerence, and why streamers must protect themselves 39:00 When to teach, when to entertain, and when to pivot 41:20 Why TikTok shop isn't always the goal—and what's next instead 43:00 Could the Gabriella Gomez Show be the next Oprah moment? 45:00 Behind the scenes: live-streaming agencies, burnout, and brand deals 48:30 The art of subtle influence: cookies, clothes, and content that sells 50:15 Protecting viewers from themselves: gifting ethics and blocking boundaries 53:00 Livestreaming as purpose, platform, and a whole new career path 56:30 Final thoughts: risk, reinvention, and betting on yourself 🔗 Connect with Gabriella Gomez ✨ TikTok: @thegabriellagomez ✨ Instagram: @gabriellag0mez 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • 29:Broadway actress to Viral Fame, Tina Maddigan

    29:Broadway actress to Viral Fame, Tina Maddigan
    Oct 23 2025
    In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with Tina Maddigan—Broadway actress, award-winning performer, and the original Sophie in Mamma Mia!—for an unforgettable deep dive into the chaos, glory, and resilience behind a life on (and off) the stage. From curtain calls to character creation, Tina shares her incredible journey from being rejected as a theatre usher to leading a major Broadway show, the vocal cord injury that nearly ended her career, and how she reinvented herself online with viral characters, a crown-wearing alter ego, and a TikTok following that now spans across generations. Together, they explore: ✅ What it really feels like the night your Broadway dream comes true ✅ How 9/11 changed the meaning of theatre for Tina and her audience ✅ The grueling, emotional, and funny truths of being a swing, standby, or understudy ✅ How Tina lost her singing voice—and why she came back stronger ✅ The evolution from Broadway to content creator to acting coach ✅ Why kids (and adults) need safe spaces to feel and express ✅ What it means to navigate motherhood, second acts, and finding your spark again Plus, Tina dishes on: ✨ Meeting Hugh Jackman and Robert De Niro (spoiler: yes, there was waltzing and flirting) ✨ Why Paul Rudd is exactly as nice as you'd hope ✨ What Denzel Washington taught her about the real work of acting ✨ Her philosophy on helping kids embrace their weird, wonderful selves ✨ Why she created Stupid Face Studios to help others reclaim their voice Whether you've dreamed of Broadway, lost your voice (literally or metaphorically), or you're simply navigating the next chapter of life—this episode will inspire you to keep stepping into the spotlight, however it shows up. 00:00 Meet Tina Maddigan, Broadway actress and viral creator 01:45 That moment when Mamma Mia! changed her life 04:00 What it means to perform during 9/11 06:15 How the cast supported grieving fans at the stage door 08:30 What swings, standbys, and understudies really do 10:40 Getting called to perform with no wig or costume prep 13:20 Life as a Broadway standby: Thai food, surprise stage time, and making it work 16:30 From vocal paralysis to TikTok comedy queen 18:40 Creating "The Queen" character and healing through laughter 21:10 How childhood loss shaped her creative voice 24:00 The surreal full-circle moment: rejected as an usher, cast as the lead 26:30 A year of callbacks and firing her agent 29:00 Balancing Broadway and motherhood 31:00 Why she walked away from NYC for family life 33:00 Losing her voice, fighting to get it back 36:45 The healing power of performance and persistence 38:15 Teaching kids today: acting, confidence, and safe emotional spaces 40:00 The bittersweet end of her son's marching band season 42:10 From Wedding Singer to Gypsy to whatever's next 44:30 Building Stupid Face Studios to help young performers shine 47:20 Her second act: creativity, coaching, and chasing new joy 49:15 The TikTok trap: social media shifts and staying true to yourself 51:00 Why she's proud of what she's done—and still dreaming 53:10 Podcasting, parenting, and rediscovering identity 56:00 Final thoughts: Everything is improv, so keep showing up 🔗 Connect with Tina Maddigan ✨ Instagram: @tinamaddiganmayer ✨ TikTok: @tinamadlibs ✨ YouTube: TinaMadlibs ✨ Website: www.stupidface.com (Acting coaching + character work) 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
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    1 hr