#1 School: The Skills Everyone Needs! | Interlochen Center for the Arts

Most people spend years trying to fit into systems that were never designed for how they think, create, or dream. The moment you step into an environment that values curiosity, courage, and creativity, everything changes.

Interlochen Center for the Arts isn’t just a school. It’s a launchpad. In 2026, it was ranked the #1 School for the Arts in America - and today, we're all getting to attend.

Mercedes and Anastasia sit with Trey Devey, the president, and Tristan Lysonge, a senior student actor. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to grow in a high-pressure, high-performance environment, and how to stay grounded while doing it. This episode isn’t just about the arts. It’s about resilience, identity, pressure, belonging, and building a life with meaning.

After this episode, you’ll know:

– How to build resilience when you’re overwhelmed, homesick, or facing a major life transition.

– The mindset shift that turns passion into purpose.

– How to think on your feet and stay calm when the pressure is on.

– Hacks for managing nerves + handling criticism.

– What Interlochen is really teaching their world-changing students.

Whether you’re navigating a big transition, raising a teen, chasing a dream, or trying to figure out where you belong, this conversation is for you.

Explore our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Shop the Manta Sleep Mask⁠⁠⁠

Visit the Interlochen website

Follow Tristan on Instagram

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with jazz singer, Stacey Kent. In this episode, Stacey shares her road to fame, advice for managing judgement, and hacks for pursuing your passion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠listen + watch now!⁠

(00:00) Welcome, Trey and Tristan!

(01:42) Why is Interlochen Center for the Arts Unique?

(03:14) Interlochen's FORMULA For Creativity(05:36) How Can I Be More Creative?

(08:15) Tristan's Passion For Acting

(09:53) Moving Out For High School

(12:28) Hacks For Handling MAJOR Change

(13:52) Turning Passion & Potential Into Purpose

(17:11) Attend Interlochen For A Day - Here's What You'll Learn

(19:28) Regular School vs Interlochen Center for the Arts

(22:01) Pause For A Second!

(22:21) Tips For Avoiding Burnout (at any age)

(25:15) How Can Build Resilience & Empathy?

(28:00) Wifi + Internet On Creativity and Productivity

(30:03) Storytime: Rejection As A Young Actor

(33:13) 100 Year Anniversary: Important Changes Over the Last Century

(36:34) How Can I Pursue My Passion?

(38:39) On AI: How Trey Views Creativity & Careers Changing

(40:59) On AI: How Tristan Views His Future

(43:22) Looking At Tristan's Horizon

(44:14) Don't Miss Out On Your Best Sleep

(44:46) Rapid Fire!

(50:13) Find Interlochen & Tristan Here

(51:09) Your Next Stop

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(136)

Do THIS the Next Time Fear Freezes You! (It Takes 2 Seconds): Pro Skier Lynsey Dyer

Mercedes and Anastasia call today's episode one of the most powerful conversations about fear, courage, and self-worth ever to happen on the podcast.They say this is THE conversation for anyone who lo...

16 Jul 1h 10min

The Simple Habits That Make Your Family HAPPIER! Co-founder of The Elf on the Shelf, Christa Pitts

Today's episode is about something every single one of us is searching for:What's the secret to creating a life filled with moments you'll never forget?Our guest is Christa Pitts, co-founder and co-CE...

9 Jul 54min

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Her Body! Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple

In this episode, you will learn the truth about women's health + hormones, along with the misinformation that keeps so many women confused, overwhelmed, and constantly questioning their bodies.Today, ...

18 Jun 58min

Best Money Advice You'll Ever Hear! Build Wealth, Stop Feeling Behind, Enjoy Your Life! Chloe Elise

In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a healthier relationship with money.Not just how to save it. Not just how to invest it. But how to stop letting money control your confidence, your happiness...

11 Jun 1h 10min

I Spent 340 Days in Space! Here's What I Learned About Life: Astronaut Scott Kelly

Today, you’re going to learn what it really takes to become the person you want to be.In this episode, we sit down with astronaut, engineer, author, and former commander of the International Space Sta...

4 Jun 1h 3min

Stop Feeling Mentally Cluttered & Overwhelmed! Organization Expert Shira Gill

If your room is messy, your schedule feels overwhelming, your mind won’t slow down, and you constantly feel behind in life, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, Mercedes and Anastasia sit...

28 Mai 52min

Navy SEAL: The SECRET to Staying Calm When Everything Feels Out of Control! Rich Diviney

Prepare to unlock the key to staying calm under pressure, never spiraling in uncertainty, and building real confidence - even when life feels overwhelming.If you constantly overthink the future…If you...

21 Mai 59min

Nutrition Lies You’ve Been Told + What’s Actually True! Dr. Jessica Knurick

YOU need to hear this. If you’ve ever felt confused about food, overwhelmed by health advice online, or guilty every time you eat something “unhealthy,” you need to hit play.Because the truth is: nutr...

14 Mai 58min