One Spark Stories

"Maturity is realizing that you don't have to lose your sense of wonder. You get to learn how to integrate it." Episode Chapters [00:09] Why wonder matters in adulthood [02:06] Hook: Rediscovering play and purpose [03:46] IF: Finding the imagination we forget [04:36] The Power of Imagination [05:43] Jumanji: Courage and life's uncertainty [07:17] Inside Out: Carrying emotions through life [09:38]...

"The best moments are the ones you experience for yourself."   Episode Highlights 00:53 The Basics of  Disneyland and Walt Disney World 02:44 Nostalgia and Experiences at  Disneyland and Walt Disney World 04:03 Nuances of Iconic Rides: Pirates, Small World, Space Mountain 07:03 Impact of R efurbishments and Seasonal Overlays 11:07 Theming and Park Atmosphere Differences 14:38 The Simplicity of Dis...

"The unexpected moments, often not on the itinerary, are the ones that create the lasting memories." [00:32] Exploring connection through travel [01:14] Meeting a competitive puzzler [04:32] A surprising encounter with Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde [09:35] What makes someone meaningful or memorable to you [17:47] Cruise connections turns strangers into friends [21:20] Why small interactions create la...

"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] B...

"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 g...

"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...

"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 Moment...

"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...

"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 w...

"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...

"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 in her blog .   From letting go of perfect itineraries to reco...

"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 c...

"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 uncov...

"Our childhoods are so tragically short to begin with. And then we're adults and we forget what it's like to just play." Notable Moments 03:27 A Childhood Spent Exploring the Outdoors 09:25 From Teacher to Science Blogger 13:57 Removing the Emotional Attachment to Ideas 18:17 Launching National Parks Educational Series 20:31 Creating Educational Resources Platform 29:16 Social Media Impact and Str...

"What's my job? That's not the right question. It should be 'what am I really good at ?' and 'what makes me happy?' and 'what gets me excited?' Lead with those questions. The job that fits those answers may be very different over the course of your life, but they are where the answer lies." Rick and Bob Allen are incredible innovators who have made significant impacts within the Walt Disney Compan...

"When we learn to view failure as that stepping stone rather than a setback, that is when we open ourselves to new possibilities, launching us even closer to our purpose. Notable Moments 03:06 Where Creativity Became Disconnected 08:11 Redefine What Creativity Means to You. 10:47 Revisit Childhood Passions 13:52 Embrace Your Curiosity About the Unknown 18:12 Take Risks and Celebrate Failure 22:09...

"Use this profession based lens as the method to get to self discovery. It helps students  make some assumptions about what they like, what they are good at, then gives them a chance to cross check that with professionals that get to know them." Connect witn CAPS CAPS Network website:  https://yourcapsnetwork.org   CAPS Network "The Network" podcast Coming soon:  Experience.work One Spark Stories...

"Impactful leaders embrace the diversity of people sitting around the table. They know that everybody brings something different to the table, which only enriches what you're doing." Key Moments 05:52 Nonprofits funding nuances. 09:27 Pocket-sized book for nonprofit leaders. 11:40 Allowing others ownership, supporting and promoting them. 15:44 Leadership can be lonely but community helps. 17:47 De...

"With the right support, your vision really can become a reality even when many others can't see it." Notable Moments 00:22 Walt Disney's inspiring vision. 01:52 Challenges for visionaries and the key to success. 04:21 Balancing dreams with responsibilities.. 07:46 Walt Disney faces setback, the creates Mickey Mouse with the support of Roy. 12:28 The impact of vision and support on achieving dream...

"In a world that seems focused on titles, recognition, and money, there is no doubt that the title these two work hardest to earn is 'Dad'." Even though Father's Day has come and gone, I am finally able to sit and reflect on why the work I do, connecting kids with their purpose, seems so personal. It's because it is.  During this episode I share the story of two men, my dad and my husband, and the...

 "When you live your life in a way that stands out and you're really good at something, that success will come to you." Key Moments 01:07 Imagining theme park, building contraptions, childhood fun. 05:13 Benefits of technology to access mentors 08:39 Struggled in college, found mentors in career. 10:00 Soft skills are crucial for success in life. 14:47 Committed, aware, and growing beyond traditio...

"Every time you martyr yourself, where you don't make a change you desire because you think you will let others down, you are actually dimming a light inside of you." Key Moments 03:16 Business is in year three, focused on refinement. 08:58 Respect time, work in 15-30 minute chunks. 11:12 Pay attention to the ideas and regrets that you repeatedly revist. 14:47 Belief in self martyrdom dims your li...

"You can do it. Just start asking the hard questions and having the hard conversations. Sometimes all it takes is a person to listen." What better way to celebrate the return of One Spark Stories than with a special episode. Join Katie as she commemorates her 40th birthday 🎂 by sharing 40 life lessons she's gathered over the years. She shares insights from her own observations and experiences tha...

"You do have experience. You're getting it. You might not have done it in a professional setting, but the whole point of school, the whole point of your studying, the whole point of doing all this is to get that professional exposure to gain the skills." Key Moments 00:52 Start creating a resume for practice and future use. Many college students lack awareness and feel inadequate. 05:04 Resumes sh...

"Use the safety that you have around you to allow you to be courageous." This episode is full of insights and experiences from a recent Creating Magic Mastermind hosted by Lee Cockrell, retired executive vice president of Walt Disney World. The mastermind concept is focused on bringing your own needs to the table and the impact of new perspectives while collaborating with a diverse group of indivi...