Ep 997: Kate Flannery on The Office, Taking Risks, and Refusing to Quit

What if the breakthrough you’re waiting for is still ahead?

Linda Mitchell welcomes actress, comedian, and singer Kate Flannery, beloved for playing Meredith Palmer on NBC’s The Office. Kate brings her quick wit and years of experience to a conversation about pursuing a creative career, finding success at 40, and playing a character who never worries about being appropriate.

Linda and Kate explore the journey before The Office, Meredith’s unforgettable moments, and the confidence it takes to keep putting yourself out there. They also discuss Kate’s upcoming memoir, Overserved: The Lucky Life of the Office Drunk.

Conversation topics:
• Working and auditioning before the big break
• Landing the role of Meredith Palmer
• Bringing outrageous physical comedy to life
• Finding confidence through an uninhibited character
• Pursuing dreams beyond an expected timeline
• The personal stories behind Overserved

Upcoming book:
Overserved: The Lucky Life of the Office Drunk
Pre-Order Now

Scheduled publication: December 1, 2026

Connect with Linda:
https://sisterhoodofsweat.com
https://listentolinda.me

 

Check out this episode!

Ep 997: Kate Flannery on The Office, Taking Risks, and Refusing to Quit

What if the breakthrough you’re waiting for is still ahead?

Linda Mitchell welcomes actress, comedian, and singer Kate Flannery, beloved for playing Meredith Palmer on NBC’s The Office. Kate brings her quick wit and years of experience to a conversation about pursuing a creative career, finding success at 40, and playing a character who never worries about being appropriate.

Linda and Kate explore the journey before The Office, Meredith’s unforgettable moments, and the confidence it takes to keep putting yourself out there. They also discuss Kate’s upcoming memoir, Overserved: The Lucky Life of the Office Drunk.

Conversation topics:
• Working and auditioning before the big break
• Landing the role of Meredith Palmer
• Bringing outrageous physical comedy to life
• Finding confidence through an uninhibited character
• Pursuing dreams beyond an expected timeline
• The personal stories behind Overserved

Upcoming book:
Overserved: The Lucky Life of the Office Drunk
Pre-Order Now

Scheduled publication: December 1, 2026

Connect with Linda:
https://sisterhoodofsweat.com
https://listentolinda.me

 

Check out this episode!

Ep 996: Harness Your Fear and Find Your Courage with Michelle “MACE” Curran

Harness Your Fear and Find Your Courage with Michelle “MACE” Curran

Fear can keep us standing still, even when we know we’re ready for something more.

This week on Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., I’m bringing back my conversation with Michelle “MACE” Curran, a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot, for another dose of courage and inspiration.

Michelle’s journey from a small town in Wisconsin to flying fighter jets reminds us that big dreams often require us to face uncertainty and self doubt. Together, we explore what it means to harness fear and take a brave step toward the life you want.

Whether you’re hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it with a new goal in mind, ask yourself: What have I been putting off because I’m afraid?

In this encore episode:

• Michelle’s journey to becoming a Thunderbird pilot
• Facing fear and self doubt
• Stepping outside your comfort zone
• Finding courage to pursue bigger possibilities

Thank You to Our Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Essential Formulas, the company behind Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Thank you for supporting Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T.

Connect with Linda

Visit sisterhoodofsweat.com for more episodes, training, and inspiration.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who’s ready to take her next brave step.

Check out this episode!

Ep 996: Harness Your Fear and Find Your Courage with Michelle “MACE” Curran

Harness Your Fear and Find Your Courage with Michelle “MACE” Curran

Fear can keep us standing still, even when we know we’re ready for something more.

This week on Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., I’m bringing back my conversation with Michelle “MACE” Curran, a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot, for another dose of courage and inspiration.

Michelle’s journey from a small town in Wisconsin to flying fighter jets reminds us that big dreams often require us to face uncertainty and self doubt. Together, we explore what it means to harness fear and take a brave step toward the life you want.

Whether you’re hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it with a new goal in mind, ask yourself: What have I been putting off because I’m afraid?

In this encore episode:

• Michelle’s journey to becoming a Thunderbird pilot
• Facing fear and self doubt
• Stepping outside your comfort zone
• Finding courage to pursue bigger possibilities

Thank You to Our Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Essential Formulas, the company behind Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Thank you for supporting Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T.

Connect with Linda

Visit sisterhoodofsweat.com for more episodes, training, and inspiration.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who’s ready to take her next brave step.

Check out this episode!

Ep 995: From Pretty in Pink to a Sci-Fi Nightmare: Andrew McCarthy

What happens when the person searching for the truth can’t trust his own memory?

Linda Mitchell welcomes actor, director, author, and travel writer Andrew McCarthy to Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T. for a conversation about his new sci-fi mystery thriller, Orion, and the curiosity that keeps a creative career moving.

Known for beloved films including Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, Mannequin, and Weekend at Bernie’s, McCarthy takes on an intense, mysterious supporting role in this latest project.

In Orion, an astronaut returns to Earth after a disastrous mission with fractured memories and unanswered questions. As he works with a space agency interrogator, the search for answers reveals a threat that reaches far beyond the mission.

Conversation topics:
• What drew Andrew to his role in Orion
• Creating tension while keeping a character’s intentions hidden
• Memory and trust at the center of the film
• How directing informs his approach to acting
• Exploring new roles beyond familiar audience expectations
• Staying curious across acting, writing, directing, and travel

Orion is directed by Jaco Bouwer, written by Anne Vithayathil, and stars Andrew McCarthy, Drew Van Acker, and Debby Ryan.

In theaters October 2, 2026.

Connect with Linda:
https://sisterhoodofsweat.com
https://listentolinda.me

Enjoyed this episode? Follow Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves a good mystery.

Summary

In this episode, Andrew McCarthy discusses his transition from iconic teen movies to darker, more complex roles, explores the impact of AI on acting, and shares insights into his latest sci-fi film Orion. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of acting, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of film.

• Andrew McCarthy's transition from teen movies to darker roles
• The influence of John Hughes on youth films
• The role of vulnerability and imperfection in acting
• The impact of AI on acting and creativity
• Storytelling in Orion and themes of trust and manipulation
• The importance of human connection in art and film
• Directing versus acting: insights from McCarthy
• Techniques for managing tension and deception in thriller roles

takeaways

• Andrew McCarthy believes that movies like Pretty in Pink took young people seriously, which is why they remain relevant.
• He emphasizes that the human element and imperfection are what make acting and storytelling compelling.
• McCarthy sees AI as the anti-actor, lacking the deep humanness that makes art meaningful.
• He values the simplicity of acting when directed well, focusing on authenticity rather than overthinking.
• The film Orion explores themes of trust, manipulation, and the uncertainty of memory, reflecting current societal anxieties.

Sound Bites

• "Vulnerability shows up on the screen."
• "Acting is the anti-AI."
• "Sci-fi reflects our future and fears."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew McCarthy and his career

01:56 What made teen movies like Pretty in Pink iconic?

04:42 McCarthy's experience working with James Spader and Molly Ringwald

07:14 The story's exploration of contact with the unknown

08:03 AI's role in acting and creativity

09:14 The value of directing experience for actors

10:44 Balancing reveal and conceal in thriller acting

11:35 How the Orion director helped McCarthy get into character

12:20 Why sci-fi is relevant and relatable today

13:15 Closing thoughts and thanks

Check out this episode!

Ep 995: From Pretty in Pink to a Sci-Fi Nightmare: Andrew McCarthy

What happens when the person searching for the truth can’t trust his own memory?

Linda Mitchell welcomes actor, director, author, and travel writer Andrew McCarthy to Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T. for a conversation about his new sci-fi mystery thriller, Orion, and the curiosity that keeps a creative career moving.

Known for beloved films including Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, Mannequin, and Weekend at Bernie’s, McCarthy takes on an intense, mysterious supporting role in this latest project.

In Orion, an astronaut returns to Earth after a disastrous mission with fractured memories and unanswered questions. As he works with a space agency interrogator, the search for answers reveals a threat that reaches far beyond the mission.

Conversation topics:
• What drew Andrew to his role in Orion
• Creating tension while keeping a character’s intentions hidden
• Memory and trust at the center of the film
• How directing informs his approach to acting
• Exploring new roles beyond familiar audience expectations
• Staying curious across acting, writing, directing, and travel

Orion is directed by Jaco Bouwer, written by Anne Vithayathil, and stars Andrew McCarthy, Drew Van Acker, and Debby Ryan.

In theaters October 2, 2026.

Connect with Linda:
https://sisterhoodofsweat.com
https://listentolinda.me

Enjoyed this episode? Follow Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves a good mystery.

Summary

In this episode, Andrew McCarthy discusses his transition from iconic teen movies to darker, more complex roles, explores the impact of AI on acting, and shares insights into his latest sci-fi film Orion. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of acting, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of film.

• Andrew McCarthy's transition from teen movies to darker roles
• The influence of John Hughes on youth films
• The role of vulnerability and imperfection in acting
• The impact of AI on acting and creativity
• Storytelling in Orion and themes of trust and manipulation
• The importance of human connection in art and film
• Directing versus acting: insights from McCarthy
• Techniques for managing tension and deception in thriller roles

takeaways

• Andrew McCarthy believes that movies like Pretty in Pink took young people seriously, which is why they remain relevant.
• He emphasizes that the human element and imperfection are what make acting and storytelling compelling.
• McCarthy sees AI as the anti-actor, lacking the deep humanness that makes art meaningful.
• He values the simplicity of acting when directed well, focusing on authenticity rather than overthinking.
• The film Orion explores themes of trust, manipulation, and the uncertainty of memory, reflecting current societal anxieties.

Sound Bites

• "Vulnerability shows up on the screen."
• "Acting is the anti-AI."
• "Sci-fi reflects our future and fears."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew McCarthy and his career

01:56 What made teen movies like Pretty in Pink iconic?

04:42 McCarthy's experience working with James Spader and Molly Ringwald

07:14 The story's exploration of contact with the unknown

08:03 AI's role in acting and creativity

09:14 The value of directing experience for actors

10:44 Balancing reveal and conceal in thriller acting

11:35 How the Orion director helped McCarthy get into character

12:20 Why sci-fi is relevant and relatable today

13:15 Closing thoughts and thanks

Check out this episode!

994: What Black Bears Can Teach Us About Fear and Respect with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant’

 Summary

In this episode, wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynne Grant shares her insights on black bears, conservation, and the importance of respecting wildlife. Discover how animals like bears and cheetahs adapt and learn practical tips for coexisting safely with wild animals.

 

Show Notes

What can black bears teach us about the impact humans have on wildlife? In this episode of Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T., Linda Mitchell talks with wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant about her research on large carnivores, her journey into science, and the importance of seeing more women represented in the field.

Dr. Rae is a co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild and host of Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. She shares what drew her to wildlife as a child, what studying bears has taught her about living alongside animals, and why local communities are essential to conservation.

They also look ahead to Season 4 of Wild Kingdom, which brings viewers stories from Alaska, Costa Rica, Australia, Puerto Rico, and other remarkable places.

In this conversation:
• How a childhood fascination became a career in wildlife ecology
• What human activity can change about black bear behavior
• The difference between fearing an animal and respecting it
• Why representation matters in science and storytelling
• Simple ways families can connect with and help protect nature

Season 4 of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild premieres October 3 on NBC’s “The More You Know” weekend programming block. Check local listings for the time. Learn more at wildkingdom.com.

key topics

• The concept of 'better' as a continuous journey rather than a destination
• The 1% principle and its application in daily life
• Reframing nerves and fear as fuel rather than obstacles
• The importance of speaking kindly to oneself and rewriting negative tapes
• Playing to win versus playing not to lose and its impact on performance
• The difference between a giving and a getting mindset in relationships and work
• Strategies for managing nerves and using them to enhance performance
• The role of joy in sustaining growth and maintaining motivation

Sound Bites

• "Speak to yourself more kindly and rewrite those tapes"
• "Play to win, not just to not lose"
• "Nerves are fuel, not a sign of failure"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joseph Ariel Town and his work

02:04 Why the idea of being the best is limiting

04:05 The 1% principle and daily small shifts

05:37 Playing to win versus playing not to lose

06:52 The giving versus getting mindset in relationships

07:47 Overcoming nerves and performance anxiety

09:10 Reframing nerves as fuel and staying present

10:26 Experiencing joy during the process, not just the outcome

11:18 Where to find Joseph's book and podcast

12:13 Final thoughts: growth is a direction, not a destination

Check out this episode!