One Spark Stories

Hosted by Katie Currens

Entrepreneurship EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 29, 202629 min

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

March 25, 202624 min

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

February 19, 202614 min

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

February 11, 202635 min

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

February 4, 202618 min

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

October 30, 202541 min

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

October 15, 202532 min

Let Yourself Rediscover Wonder

"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 by sharing many of his own, including the impact of organizations like Give Kids the World, which provides magical experiences for critically ill children. The conversation highlights the need for adults to reconnect with their childlike wonder and the importance of fostering a supportive community that encourages dreams and creativity. Episode Highlights 02:38 The Impact of Transformative Stories 08:12 Personal Transformations Through Curiosity and Experiences 10:30 The Power of Community and Connection 15:47 The Role of Music and Experience in Transformation 18:37 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions 21:21 The Journey of Writing and Discovery 24:08 The Emotional Connection to Disney 26:34 Rediscovering Our True Selves 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

July 16, 202512 min

Building Bridges by Networking with Students

"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, Katie dives into how professionals can build meaningful bridges with students, no resumes or PowerPoints required. She shares five simple questions to spark career conversations, highlights how student engagement benefits businesses, and offers real-world ways to connect with youth through schools and local organizations. Connection starts with listening, and every one of us has something to offer the next generation. Read the blog for more from this episode. Connect with Katie About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecurrens/ Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_currens/ Follow the Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onesparkstories/

July 9, 202511 min

Balancing Business Growth and Family by Creating Traditions

"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 the chaos (and freedom) of entrepreneurship has challenged him to be intentional: to say yes to what matters, and to create core memories with his daughters (even if that means falling asleep under a pile of giggling kids). We swap stories about finding balance, the magic in unplugging, and what using an old projector for backyard movie nights or listening to excited requests for tent nights can teach us about living with purpose. There's inspiration here for anyone needing permission to pause and play. There's also a gentle reminder that reconnecting with what lights us up is good for both our dreams and our souls. Connect with Tim and Best Culture Solutions: Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/ LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc Instagram: @best.culture.solutions Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca Connect with Katie About Katie Order her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow the Podcast on Instagram

June 25, 20258 min

It's the Simple Things That Ignite a Spark

"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 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 Allen, two incredible leaders who have made significant impacts within the Walt Disney Company.... and beyond. If you're navigating a tough season or just need a spark of perspective, this episode is your gentle nudge to slow down, reflect, and find joy in the unexpected. It also gives a peek at what's ahead for the podcast, including more solo episodes, guest stories, and spark-filled conversations. 🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, reflect a lot, and embrace the simple sparks. Connect with Katie About Katie: https://www.katiecurrens.com/about Order Her Books Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Follow Katie on Instagram Follow One Spark Stories on Instagram: Instagram