COREY STRONG

As we move into the holiday season, I wanted to sit down with you and share a little moment before everything gets busy. I had a slow, peaceful weekend and decided it was finally time to see Wicked since the internet has been buzzing nonstop. When the entire online world starts arguing, sometimes you just have to pause, trust yourself, and experience something with your own eyes.

Why Wicked Hits Different This Year

Watching Wicked reminded me of something many of us feel but do not always talk about. This story is rooted in being misunderstood. Elphaba is judged long before anyone takes a moment to understand her. People make assumptions based on appearance, rumors, and whatever narrative is easiest to grab. That theme sits close to home because we see it every day, especially online where labels can become entire identities.

The film brought that to the surface in a really gentle way. Elphaba’s journey teaches us how powerful empathy can be, and how looking beyond that first impression can change everything. Her story reminded me how important it is to remember that every person has layers, history, and truth behind what we see on the surface.

A Solo Movie Trip and a Small Boundary That Helps Me Breathe

I did my usual thing and bought two seats at the theater. It is my small way of protecting my peace. Some folks have meditation or peppermint tea, I have an empty seat buffer. And honestly, it works. I ended up having the sweetest conversation with a couple sitting nearby, talking about Broadway, the original cast of Rent, and that magic that happens when theater makes its way onto the screen.

We laughed about adaptations that never stick the landing, and then chatted about how Wicked actually surprised us. Ethan Slater as Boq took me out for a second. I did not expect his Tin Man arc at all. The mix of humor, heart, and emotional moments made the movie more layered than I expected.

The Moment That Stayed With Me

When Elphaba and Glinda sang For Good, it hit me in a way I was not prepared for. My sister Anna loved Wicked and introduced it to me years ago. Hearing that song felt like she was sitting right next to me again. Grief shows up quietly, but sometimes that softness is exactly what you need. It reminds you of the people who shaped you and the love that never leaves.

Why One Action Matters More Than Ever

We live in a time where the internet tells us what we should love or avoid, and we forget that we are allowed to have our own experiences. Seeing Wicked for myself reminded me that one moment can shift something inside you. One word, one kindness, one intention. Everything we put into the world creates a ripple.

Holiday seasons can be beautiful and heavy at the same time. Many people are walking into November and December carrying things we will never see. If you can offer something gentle, even something small, let that be your focus this week. It matters.

How to Move Forward With Intention

Here are a few ways to bring intention into the week:

• Ask yourself what energy you are sending out
• Slow down before reacting
• Listen with care
• Offer something supportive, even if it feels tiny
• Remember that your one action might be someone’s turning point

Listener Questions and Reflections

Gael from Portland, Oregon

Question:
Does Wicked teach us anything about how people can be misunderstood, like how Elphaba was judged from the beginning?

Corey:
Gael, absolutely. Elphaba lived her whole life being mislabeled before anyone learned her heart. We see that every day in real life. People judge based on looks, rumors, or whatever the internet decides is the truth. Wicked reminds us that you never know someone’s full story, and the ones who look like outsiders are often the ones carrying the most compassion. It made me check myself and notice where I might be judging too quickly.

Alexander from Charlotte, North Carolina

Question:
You mentioned buying two seats to calm your anxiety. Do you think Wicked connects to the idea of boundaries and emotional safety?

Corey:
Alexander, you are spot on. Wicked has so many boundary moments. Elphaba refusing to perform for the Wizard, Glinda choosing to do what feels right instead of what gets applause, these are all decisions rooted in clarity. That extra seat I buy is my tiny version of the same thing. It helps me feel grounded. Boundaries are not selfish. They are a way of honoring what keeps you steady.

Denise from Chicago, Illinois

Question:
Why do certain songs or scenes hit us harder when they connect to people we have lost?

Corey:
Denise, it is because those moments touch a memory that still lives inside you. For Good made me think of my sister Anna in the most tender way. Some stories bring us right back to the people who shaped us. That is the power of storytelling. It gives us a space to honor the love that changed us.

Final Thoughts and Gratitude

As we head into Thanksgiving, I hope you eat everything you love and then go back for more. I will be celebrating too, and since Thanksgiving is also my birthday, I would not mind a little extra love floating in my direction.

Thank you for listening, supporting, and showing up every week. If you check out Wicked, tell me what you think. I want to know if Boq caught you off guard the way he did me.

Here is to intention, connection, and choosing kindness whenever we can.