Play for Adults is Essential, Not Childish
One Spark Stories
"Curiosity isn’t a distraction from real life. It’s often the doorway back to it." Notable Moments [00:35] The Power of Childhood Memories [02:22] How the movie "Big" Influenced Maintaining Childlike Wonder [04:15] Traditions and Nostalgia to Stay Connected to Childhood Joy. [05:38] The Essential Nature of Play [06:35] Play in Professional Settings to Enhance Creativity and Collaboration [08:02] Breaking Down Barriers and Overcoming Stigmas Around Play [11:15] The Shift from Curiosity to Efficiency [12:09] Reclaiming Joy Through Play [13:31] Seeing the World Through a Child's Eyes...
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Build Connection and Create Life Magic
One Spark Stories
“Sometimes you just have to take it out of the group chat and book it.” Notable Moments [00:47] Meet Kristen and the spark of lifelong fandom [03:15] From aspiring lawyer to creative entrepreneur [07:22] Leadership, connection, and why culture matters [11:36] A summit, a podcast, and a 10-year friendship [18:12] Longneck Manor and seeing a dream come to life [30:17] What we need to unlearn about growing up You never know which experience or what conversation will change everything. Sometimes, a little bit of both happen and create major life magic. In this conversation, Kristen Johnson...
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The Slippery Slope Known as Spotlight Effect
One Spark Stories
“We are way more forgiving to others than we tend to be with ourselves.” 00:27 Introduction to the Spotlight Effect 01:07 Personal Struggles with Self-Perception 03:05 Understanding the Spotlight Effect 06:02 Overcoming the Spotlight Effect 09:06 Building Confidence and Self-Awareness 11:46 The Role of Supportive Relationships 14:38 Embracing Authenticity and Moving Forward This episode explores a common psychological trap known as the Spotlight Effect. It convinces us we’re being watched, judged, and evaluated far more than we actually are. This mindset has kept solo episodes...
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Discovering Purpose Through Story and Community
One Spark Stories
“Transformation doesn’t happen alone. You might put in the work, but real change begins when you let others in.” Discover how transformation and storytelling intertwine in part two of this conversation between Katie Currens and James Warda. They explore how Disney’s sense of wonder reminds us to reconnect with who we truly are and why sharing our stories can help others do the same. Notable Moments [01:12] Reframing what it means to be our truest selves in places of joy. [07:59] When one person shares vulnerably, it gives others permission to do the same. [09:28] The How Does Disney Do...
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Let Yourself Rediscover Wonder
One Spark Stories
"The way the crowd gasps, it's not the kids, it's the adults. They are the ones that are yelling 'It's Tinkerbell!' And in that moment, it's clear that we all still have that child inside." Katie Currens reconnects with author, speaker, and returning guest James Warda, who shares insights on transformation, storytelling, and the emotional connections people have with Disney. During part 1 of their conersation, they discuss the power of curiosity, the importance of community, and how personal experiences can lead to profound changes in life. James emphasizes the significance of sharing stories...
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Building Bridges by Networking with Students
One Spark Stories
"Networking isn’t just for grown-ups in suits. It’s a way to help students find their spark." Notable Moments: 00:00 – Why teaching kids to network matters 01:10 – Connection starts with listening, not lecturing 02:45 – 5 curiosity-building questions to ask students 04:40 – What’s in it for professionals and businesses 06:00 – Practical, non-creepy ways to connect with youth 08:35 – Embrace the weird: students’ career dreams and slime collections 10:19 – You don’t need credentials to make an impact 11:08 – How to take action today in your community In this episode,...
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Balancing Business Growth and Family by Creating Traditions
One Spark Stories
"As much as our kids need their parents, we need them probably just as much, if not more." Sometimes the simplest traditions, like a tent made of blankets in the basement, become the rituals that fuel our creativity, strengthen our connections, and help us rediscover that spark of childlike wonder. This week, I sat down with my friend Tim Dyck, owner of Best Culture Solutions and co-host of World at Work Podcast. We talk about what happens when we let ourselves slow down and make room for joy, even when life and business feel relentless. Tim’s journey from the structure of a salaried job to...
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It’s the Simple Things That Ignite a Spark
One Spark Stories
“We’ve been taught that joy has to be earned, but sometimes joy is found in the pause.” In this solo episode Katie Currens shares a reminder that it’s the simple things that matter most. Inspired by recent life events, she reflects on how the most magical moments of life often come in between the big plans. Read more about this episode . From letting go of perfect itineraries to recognizing the quiet power of everyday connection, she invites listeners to embrace the beauty in the small stuff. Much of her insights are sparked from a previous conversation with Bob and Rick...
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Creating Magic by Reframing Women’s Retirement
One Spark Stories
"Every woman deserves to become, believe in, and share her best self with the world in ways that are uniquely hers." After a 35 year career with Disney, Camille Wolsonovich is on a mission to help women create their own paths, especially during life's big transitions. She has combined her business experience with her gift of helping women recognizing their hidden gifts and find purpose. Join our conversation to hear how she's transforming the idea of 'retirement' and encouraging women to prioritize their dreams over outdated assumptions. As the founder of MyAspirement, Camille is dedicated to...
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Discovering How Disney Creates Memorable Worlds
One Spark Stories
"In the world of themed experience design, the most important aspect of your design is does it make people want to come back and see it and experience it again?" Have you ever found yourself wondering "How does Disney do that?" James Warda, columnist, speaker, professor, and author of the book "How Does Disney Do That?" has that experience on a ride. He turned his curiosity into a passion to uncover the spark behind the experiences. He teamed up with Theron Skees, a former senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, to discover more stories from people helping create immersive...
info_outline"We really have come to think that it's selfish to love or find things that bring meaning to us, when in reality, the depth by which we love ourselves is what creates that capacity for us to love other people."
[00:00:47] Uncertainty of future aspirations
[00:03:33] Authentic connection impacts success
[00:09:25] Speaking up, belief in yourself, and walking away
[00:10:27] Ask meaningful questions and let go of burdens
Finding happiness isn't always an easy journey. It involves challenges, setbacks, and heartbreak. But trust me, going through it all is what shapes us into the person we're meant to be. This solo chat details experiences and insights on how to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Three Key Takeaways:
- Make Authentic Connections
- Ask Better Questions
- Be Willing to Walk Away
Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on embracing change, asking better questions, and having the courage to make tough decisions. You've got this! đź’«
Connect with Katie
About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/
Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/