Episode Description
Did you know Van Halen's famous "no brown M&Ms" demand had
nothing to do with being a diva? It was a test. And it changes
everything about how we think about our own non-negotiables.
In this solo episode, Tracy Smaldino introduces The Rider — the
list of requirements every artist puts in their contract before
they perform — and shows you how to build yours for your own
healing journey.
Because you have been performing without a rider. Showing up for
everyone else's needs while completely ignoring your own. And
that stops today.
In this episode:
- The real story behind Van Halen's brown M&Ms
- Why a rider is professional necessity — not selfish behavior
- How trauma taught you your needs were too much
- The fawning response: people pleasing as a survival strategy
- The 4 clauses of your personal rider:
Physical, Emotional, Mental & Relational requirements
- How to communicate your rider and hold it
- What to do when your rider is violated
"A rider without consequences is just a preference. The reason
it's called a non-negotiable is because it is NOT negotiated."
— Tracy Smaldino
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