One Spark Stories brings conversations with innovators, creators, and unsuspecting risk takers. They share about navigating highs and lows, laughter and tears, and how sometimes all it takes is one *spark* of inspiration to find your way to happiness
One Spark Stories Podcast
Discovering How Disney Creates Memorable Worlds
James Warda, a columnist, speaker, professor, and author of the book "How Does Disney Do That?" and Theron Skies, a former senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, team up to share what it takes to create memorable worlds that resonate with people of all ages. This conversation explores the emotional and transformative power of storytelling and experience design that brings Disney's magic to life.
The OutSCIder's Guide to Adventure and Education
Chris Anderson is the educator, creator, and incredible mind behind the web series "Outsider Classroom." Our conversation navigates through Chris's journey from exploring local parks, to being a classroom teacher, to creating engaging science content in our national treasures. Hear how he is teaching environmental stewardship by turning his travels into digital content and downloadable resources.
Stories of Mouse and Men
Bob Allen and Rick Allen join for a conversation of personal tales and inspirational lessons from their family’s 102 years of Disney experience. The conversation will ignite a spark in the heart of creatives, purpose driven leaders, and Disney lovers everywhere. They share stories such as providing a voiceover for Figment, growing up with a Disney Legend, shifting gears after a 43 year career with a global company, acquiring your business from Disney, and so much more.
7 Ways to Connect with Your Definition of Creativity
Struggling to find your creative spark? This one's for you. In this episode, I'll share 7 powerful ways to ignite your creativity and become more aligned with your purpose.
Transforming Education through Profession-Based Learning
Corey Mohn is a true advocate for reshaping the way we think about education and career readiness. Corey shares his story from being a perfectionist student to becoming an entrepreneurial leader and director of the CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) Network. This conversation highlights the necessity and beauty of embracing uncertainty, especially in education.
Guiding Nonprofit Leadership, Relationships, and Success
Jeff Conroy is a coach, consultant, and author who brings over 34 years of invaluable experience in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from nonprofit CEO to consultant, shedding light on the unique challenges small nonprofits face and the vital role of relationship-building in effective leadership.
Four Reasons to Have a Roy by Your Side
Ever felt the weight of big dreams, unsure who truly gets it? Finding your 'Roy' is key. Walt Disney balanced his vision with Roy’s action. In order to turn our dreams into a reality, especially with the weight of responsibilities, we need relationships that support and ground us. Find the “dream lifters”; the ones who believe in us when dreams feel impossible.
A Tale of Two Fathers Finding Purpose
Katie shares the story of two men, her dad and her husband, and their nontraditional pathway to professional success. Despite neither one having a formal 4-year degree, they both have careers that have lead them to work for Forbes 500 companies, local, state, and federal teams, while also staying deeply committed to their family. Their stories offer a relatable perspective on the magic that happens when people are able to align their work with their unique passions and purpose.
Backyard Dreams, Mentorship, and Persistence in Building a Theme Park Career - Matthew Miller
As a kid, Matthew tinkered, created, and turned his backyard into a make-believe theme park. It wasn’t just child’s play. It was the foundation for his incredible career in the theme park industry. From creating interactive experiences for global destinations to leading Orlando Informer, he shows us that grit and curiosity can truly transform dreams into reality.
Rediscovering Yourself in Business
Entrepreneurship is like the ultimate roller coaster ride, moving from initial excitement to the grind of year two, with an eventual importance point of reaching stability. Tim Dyck is back almost two years later to share his insights on scaling up as an entrepreneur, the significance of delegation, and staying connected to your passion.
40 Lessons Learned by my 40th Birthday
This special episode of One Spark Stories celebrates Katie’s 40th birthday. She put together 40 lessons based on observations and experiences in her life. Take a listen as Katie dives deep into the importance of self-advocacy, embracing our uniqueness, and the continuous journey of self-improvement.
3 Lessons to Turn Rock Bottom Into a Solid Foundation
This episode I highlight three major lessons I’ve learned that will shift your mindset from a feeling of rock bottom to setting a solid foundation for your future.
How Adversity Can Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Success
This conversation with Will is a unqiue perspective into what drives someone to entrepreneurship and how to overcome unexpected challenges.
Three Ways to Get What You Want
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.
Personal Growth Through Consistent Creativity
Thank you to Mike Brennan for this incredible conversation. It served as a great reminder of why we should not neglect our passions and creative side.
Dumb Luck, Desktop Publishing, and Creating Theme Park Thrills |Tim Bernardi
Tim Bernardi is an experienced writer and entrepreneur who has been working in the construction industry for the past 25 years on some pretty epic theme park attractions. He may also be one of the best examples of someone that has followed their passions and embraced the spark each and every time it comes.
Keep Your Cool on the Frontlines of Hospitality | Eleanor Erickson
When Eleanor, a serial entrepreneur at heart, leaves her 20 year career in daily hotel operations to empower frontline teams in the hospitality industry, she discovers a challenging yet innovative journey to bridge the divide between decision-makers and those on the frontline.
Find Yourself and Fulfill Your Life | Letty Benavides
Letty Benavides is a passionate people person and self-development coach who loves to help others discover their purpose and passions.
Embrace a Serendipitous Life | Rob Midiri
After a momentary pause it only made sense to jump back into things by having a conversation with a dear friend and previous podcast guest (ep. 11), Rob Midiri.
Six Failures in 2022 and What to Do Next
Failing is what leads to your next biggest success. As we wrap up the new year I share some of my biggest failures and what we can all take away from them.