One Spark Stories

Katie Currens
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

One Spark Stories will leave you feeling empowered to live your purpose by taking action on your own dreams. Listen to innovators, creators, and unsuspecting risk takers share about the highs and lows, laughter and tears that lead to find their spark. From interviews to solo sessions, advice to hilarious mishaps, you will gain perspective and confidence to follow the beat of your own drum. Whether you are in pursuit of your own dreams, looking for hope to guide you through those challenges, or simply love hearing stories of everyday people living an extraordinary life, this podcast will inspire you to take action by connecting, creating, and celebrating unique sparks around the globe, once again proving that it is a small world, after all.

  1. 1d ago

    D23, Fan Expectations, and the Magic You May Have Missed

    "Expectations should not become so rigid that reality feels like a consolation prize." Episode chapters [00:09] Looking Beyond the D23 Recaps [03:20] When Fan Theories Become Expectations [08:15] Plan Enough to Participate, Stay Flexible to Experience [10:25] Why the Yeti Repair Was Worth An Announcement [17:15] Repeat Guests Aren't the Only Guests [22:45] Constructive Concern Versus Automatic Disappointment [26:05] Finding Progress Instead of Only Newness [29:50] When Fandom Creates a Spotlight Effect [32:40] Leaving Room for Unexpected Magic Disney D23 2026 brought new attractions, entertainment updates, Imagineering reveals, and plenty of opinions. But what happens when the announcement you expected was never actually promised? In this episode, Katie Currens looks beyond the traditional D23 recap to explore fan expectations, Disney rumors, social media speculation, and how our imagined outcomes can shape our reactions to what actually happens. Expectations can help us dream, but they can also cause us to overlook something quite magical simply because it looks different than we pictured. Ultimately, this conversation reaches beyond Disney fandom to vacations, careers, relationships, and the expectations we create for our own lives. What happens when reality doesn't match the version we've already imagined? And what might we discover if we stay open to something different that we expected? Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

  2. Jun 17

    Movies That Remind Us Not to Grow Out of Wonder

    "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] Matilda: Curiosity and finding your voice [11:24] What these movies teach us about wonder  Growing older is required, but living a mundane, dull, and spark-sucking life is completely optional. In this episode of One Spark Stories, host Katie Currens dives into five incredible movies that should not be reserved only for kids. Each of the movies has a unique way of reminding grown-ups that our inner child is still very much alive.  If you've been feeling like you're just going through the motions, pause the to-do list. Make space for imagination, curiosity, and wonder. From childhood favorites to recent box-office hits, Katie breaks down how these stories can help us navigate adult challenges, manage big emotions, and reclaim the magic we tend to leave behind. Read the blog for more from this episode. Connect with Katie Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram Connect with Katie on LinkedIn About Katie Order her Books

  3. Apr 29

    Creating Coast to Coast Disney Memories

    "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 Refurbishments and Seasonal Overlays 11:07 Theming and Park Atmosphere Differences 14:38 The Simplicity of Disneyland 17:15 Each Park Tells Its Own Story 19:24 Iconic Landmarks and Park Size 24:05 What Walt Disney World Got Right 26:30 The Things that Bring Meaning to Each Park  This conversation with Kristen Johnson goes beyond comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Instead of simply naming favorites, they explore why certain places, rides, and moments stick with us. From childhood memories to unexpected traditions and evolving park experiences, the episode highlights how personal history, relationships, and curiosity shape the way we experience Disney. Connect with Kristen Instagram @MagicMaker_KristenJ Facebook Magic Maker Kristen J Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Creating Coast to Coast Disney Memories

  4. Mar 25

    Meeting Unexpected People Creates Unforgettable Travel Moments

    "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 lasting travel memories   In this episode, Katie Currens is joined again by Kristen Johnson for a conversation centered around connection, curiosity, and the unexpected people you meet while traveling. They share how meaningful interactions can happen anywhere when you're open to them. Stories about a chance conversation with a competitive puzzler to a memorable encounter with Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde highlight the impact of being open to new connections. Together, they explore how personal interests shape who we admire, why stepping outside your routine creates opportunities for deeper connection, and how even brief interactions can leave a lasting impact. The conversation also touches on travel experiences like Disney cruises and park visits, where simple moments with strangers often become the most memorable parts of the trip. Connect with Kristen Instagram @MagicMaker_KristenJ Facebook Magic Maker Kristen J Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Meeting Unexpected People Creates Unforgettable Travel Moments

  5. Feb 19

    Play for Adults is Essential, Not Childish

    "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 Play is often treated as something we outgrow but it's actually exactly what many adults need. In this episode of One Spark Stories, Katie Currens explores how curiosity, imagination, and play support creativity, connection, and resilience. Through stories inspired by Big, spontaneous Zoltar moments, parenting insights, and a recent adult play session, this episode is a reminder: Play isn't childish, it's essential. If life has started to feel routine, this conversation will help you rediscover wonder and give yourself permission to play again. Connect with Katie About Katie Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram Order her Books

  6. Feb 11

    Build Connection and Create Life Magic

    "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 joins to share how much connection has made impact on our lives. This episode is about connection, courage, and saying yes. What happens when you stop overthinking and just book the trip? Unexpected friendship, Disney details, bold dreams, and why adults need permission to play again. Connect with Kristen Instagram @MagicMaker_KristenJ Facebook Magic Maker Kristen J Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Build Connection and Create Life Magic

  7. Feb 4

    The Slippery Slope Known as Spotlight Effect

    "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 unpublished. Eventually I realized that the real issue wasn't rejection, it was hesitation. We explore research that explains why our brains exaggerate attention, how social media amplifies this feeling, and why adults are just as vulnerable to it as kids. I also walk through simple, practical ways to interrupt the spiral, build confidence, and offer ourselves the same grace we freely give others. If you've ever delayed something meaningful because it didn't feel perfect yet, this episode is an invitation to step out of the imagined spotlight and into forward motion. Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

  8. 10/30/2025

    Discovering Purpose Through Story and Community

    "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 That? community [21:47] Discovering the heart of Give Kids the World Village [31:41] "Unlearn the lies that say you're not loved, you don't matter, you don't belong." [35:51] Transformation often lives in the smallest moments. Connect with James  howdoesdisneydothat.com jameswarda.com Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

    Discovering Purpose Through Story and Community
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

One Spark Stories will leave you feeling empowered to live your purpose by taking action on your own dreams. Listen to innovators, creators, and unsuspecting risk takers share about the highs and lows, laughter and tears that lead to find their spark. From interviews to solo sessions, advice to hilarious mishaps, you will gain perspective and confidence to follow the beat of your own drum. Whether you are in pursuit of your own dreams, looking for hope to guide you through those challenges, or simply love hearing stories of everyday people living an extraordinary life, this podcast will inspire you to take action by connecting, creating, and celebrating unique sparks around the globe, once again proving that it is a small world, after all.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Currens
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Katie Currens, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    One Spark Stories