Fuel Your Purpose

To be something different than what you are right now- takes sacrifices.  We all have dreams, visions of a better tomorrow, goals to get too, but when it comes down to it some of us will make the sacrifices and some of us won’t. Listen to this episode to join me on my journey of more.  We can’t say we want something, but are not willing to make the sacrifices it takes to get it.  It...

Are you always in the grind mindset?  Searching for the next opportunity, hitting your next big goal, or living in the mindset of “doing”.  This is totally me - so I’m hoping you can relate. I never take the time to celebrate the wins- simply because I don’t slow down enough or on to the next thing.  I am changing and inviting you along to change with me.  Let’s start valuing o...

Do you ever find yourself comparing and competing?  On the search for what some else has accomplished, hoping to follow the same path? There have been many times I have found myself wishing and hoping for the same accomplishments someone else has achieved.  Then one day I heard something that helped me to tell my own story and live out my own journey.  No one can ever out-run me in...

This Minute with Amanda is intended to light a fire under your butt as you reflect back while moving forward.  Amanda talks about how summer is a reset, reflect, and revision time for her as she shifts through the year.  We place too much emphasis on timelines within the year and we go in auto-pilot mode.  Stop!  Take a listen and reset now with Amanda. Living life in Autopilot...

Envision who you want to be in 10 years -- why are you not starting to be that person now? Discover strategies to make it happen now.

Throughout COVID, we have seen a regression in individuals with disabilities. Learn strategies to move forward in 2021 and help regain the skills lost through the pandemic.

Two women. Two different backgrounds. Each has a sibling with a disability. Learn how they forged similar paths and live on mission through their nonprofits.

Amanda shares how our mindset is a powerful tool.  Are we using it to set us forward or to hold us back?  Your mindset is everything- take a listen and see if you can walk away with ideas on shaping your mindset in order to shift to a life that fulfills and serves you.

Myra Oliver started her career as a hairstylist and grew a real estate business that made her a millionaire. Discover the mindset and habits she cultivated in order to achieve her biggest goals.

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you want to change careers or build your own business? Learn how and when to have the courage to create your own opportunities.

Amanda talks about how she fears having certain conversations with her children. She talks about how she is in a different phase in her life of being a mom- it went from trying to keep them alive to trying to make an impact- and she is scared she is doing it all wrong.  Take a listen and see if you can relate and provide insight on this topic no one really talks about- Are we being surface le...

Guest, Cindy Wimsatt, provides insight and support to other parents and she shares her story of being a mom to Sweet Anna Sue. Anna Sue was born with Down Syndrome. This episode is perfection just like Anna Sue!

As women, it’s important to connect with other women. They hype us up and celebrate us when we succeed and are available to provide support and advice when we don’t. Learn how to grow your circle of women and step out of your comfort zone in growing your network.

Too many times we place timelines on dreams which make us think right now is not the time.  We often get lost in the day to day routines and lose our identity, which takes our dreams hostage.  Amanda dives into her if you are breathing you should be dreaming.  Take a listen and see if you can make your dreams come back to live. Amanda loves to inspire and be real with how she lives...

Therapist Lindsey Lanham and I talk about mental health related to moms, COVID-19, special needs parents and more. This conversation gave me the mental health check I needed -- can it do the same for you?

After coming off of a girl’s trip, Amana reflects how she feels she has been misled about the meaning of friendships.  She talks about how one person cannot be your everything, and shares how we shouldn’t have best friends.  Take a listen!

Amanda talks with friend Lindsey Dunn who grew up with a brother with Down syndrome and then had a son born with Down syndrome as well. Her unique perspective as a sibling and mom is not something you want to miss!

Hearing the R-word used never gets easier to process.  Amanda addresses how recent events whether is language or actions devalues those with disabilities- and she speaks out on how it makes her feel.  Advocacy is a tough seat to be in at times, but Amanda takes the hot seat and shares with you today. The post she references can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/piecesofmebyamanda/...

Discover Amanda's next chapter, a children's book for parents and teachers to use as a tool to teach children about disabilities and being different.

Before Amanda and her husband, Justin, married 12 years ago, they had a conversation most newly engaged couples don’t have. Was he ready to be a full-time caretaker for her brother with a disability when her parents could no longer care for him? Navigating marriage that involves the long term care of someone with a disability is challenging. Learn how Amanda and Justin have made it work while rais...

I can’t believe we are coming up on the season finale to Season #1!  What a whirlwind of emotions- I did the damn thing and started a podcast!  I think now I can say I’m a podcaster!  Say What! It’s official! There is no time to slow down-Season #2 will kick-off on March 19th- with a HUGE announcement!  Crushing goals and chasing dreams-and I’m sharing them with you.  This...

Having a sibling with a disability brings about a lot of emotions, but guilt is one of the most prominent. Listen to three siblings on how they learned to cope with the guilt they felt as they hit life milestones that their brothers never would. Follow Open Arms on Instagram and Facebook to connect with the unique vocational, educational, and social services they offer to those with disabilities i...

Join Amanda as she speaks with Kitty Jones, Director of Employment Opportunities, who helps place individuals with intellectual disabilities in the workforce. Learn about what this looks like from a parent/guardian role as well as from the company’s perspective. The bottom line is that supported employment is a win-win-win situation for all involved. Learn more about Supported Employment by visiti...

Before Amanda was running a nonprofit for those with disabilities, she was a middle school special education teacher. That’s where she met, then 8th grader, Lauren. It was in Amanda’s classroom that Lauren met Karlie, a student with non-verbal cerebral palsy. A friendship quickly formed, changing the trajectory of Lauren’s life. Nearly 12 years later, Lauren and Karlie are still best friends and L...

I am sure everyone has heard the phrase- You are a direct reflection of the five people you spend the most time with.  Today’s episode, Amanda reflects on the historical day of the inauguration when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman Vice President.  She reflects on how important it is for women to empower each other and stop cheering from the nosebleed section for other women...