Fairytales usually rely on a fairy godmother and a bit of magic to get to happily ever after. Or do they? On this podcast, we talk to ordinary people living out dreams as everything from a mom who owns her own bakery to an Olympic athlete to a Hollywood stunt guy to a police officer. Join us as we find out how they made their own magic to get to happy ever after.
As for us? We're just two people who used to perform in shows and parades at Walt Disney World, who fell in love and got married and are now living out our own dreams as writers and entrepreneurs with our two daughters.
1.19 World-Renowned Disruption Strategist, Shawn Kanungo: Is There even a happily ever after?
Is there even such a thing as “happily ever after”?
On most podcasts, it’s the hosts asking the questions. But then again, disruption strategist Shawn Kanungo does everything a little differently. So, when he came on the HowToFairytale pod, he asked *us,* this simple question, “Is there such a thing as ‘happily ever after’?”
The bold question surprised us, but should it really have? After all, Shawn’s known for his boldness. He travels the country inspiring individuals to explore how they can step into something new, something disruptive, something they’ve dreamed about but lacked the courage to dive in on.
Follow along as Shawn talks about stretching, reaching, and boldly moving forward. . . always.
Get in touch with Shawn:
Website: https://www.shawnkanungo.com/ (https://www.shawnkanungo.com/)
Twitter: ShawnKanungo
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts or connect with us on social media @howtofairytale.
1 Dec 2022
1.18 Zach Miller: Trying to Reach Your Dreams But Feel Stuck? This One’s for YOU
Zach needed a job. So, he signed on to be a project manager for a construction company.
He showed up to the first day of work, not knowing what they would be building.
Turns out, it was Galaxy’s Edge, (aka, Star Wars land, at Disneyland). That unexpected experience was a key in leading him to his current role, what he calls a unicorn of a job at Storyland Studios since it combines all of his experiences from creative writing to business to the Disney Parks.
Zach loves what he does, but he’s been in the shoes of someone who’s a bit stuck – someone dealing with imposter syndrome or someone who’s discouraged because they’ve been trying to reach their dreams and they’re stuck. If that’s you, this is your episode.
Connect with Zach on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachamiller/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachamiller/)
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale (https://anchor.fm/howtofairytale)! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and on social media at @howtofairytale.
29 Nov 2022
1.17 Noah Schwartzberg, Editor, Penguin Random House: Is It Really Possible to Make $ Off Your Passion?
How do you find the intersection of passion and commercial viability? Said differently—is it possible to do what you love and make money on it?
That’s exactly what we asked editor Noah TK on this episode of #HowToFairytale. He has an interesting perspective—he’s an editor at Portfolio (a division of Penguin Random House, the largest publisher in the USA). From his vantage point, he gets to help authors’ dreams of getting published become a reality. But what about his dreams? Was being an editor what he always wanted to do?
Actually no. He had to find the intersection between his passion and what would pay the bills.
Join us for this very special —and candid—look at what it takes for creatives, artists, and others to “make it” in today’s world.
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and on social media at @howtofairytale.
22 Nov 2022
1.16 Johnathan Maloney: Around the World in 60 Days
Picture this. You’re 20 years old. You’ve just arrived in New Zealand. You’re spending the next 60 days traveling the world, to all the countries and places you’ve ever wanted to visit. That’s what Johnathan Maloney did.
Join us as Johnathan gives us a front row seat on all his travels and adventures. He talks about the importance of just making a decision, overcoming doubt from other people, and learning that you’re capable of doing what you dream.
Connect with Johnathan on Instagram: @heyitsjohnmaloney
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and on social media at @howtofairytale.
17 Nov 2022
1.15 Brandon Hunt: International Disney Performer Shares His 1 Ingredient to Success
Today, Brandon Hunt’s a voice actor, an international performer, and a story director for an upcoming hot video game. But you know what? He bombed his first audition, getting cut after a few hours. Then, he put his head down and got to work. He watched every piece of media ever created about Charlie Chaplin, studying him relentlessly for 6 months until he was eligible to audition for Disney again. This time, they loved him. That started his performing career, which took him across the globe.
In this episode, Brandon Hunt talks about going all-in—he calls it a non-negotiable for life. This 1 ingredient has led him to stages in the US, Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond. Halfway? Never an option for B-hunt.
Oh yeah, and 1 other thing about Brandon: He was one of my roommates at the infamous Wolf Den (just a fun name we called our house since there were 8+ of us living there)! And he's also responsible for introducing me and Miranda.
Show Notes:
Website: https://brandonhuntonline.com/
Twitter @huntbran
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale (https://anchor.fm/howtofairytale)! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and on social media at @howtofairytale.
15 Nov 2022
1.14 Timmy Bauer: This Best-Selling Children’s Book Author Talks About Finding What You Should Do With Your Life
Timmy didn’t want to wait for a year for a publisher to tell him he could (or could not!) write his children’s book.
So he did it himself.
He started by calling commercial printers, and he ended up publishing his own book, his own way, and then going to schools and reading his books to kids. Now, he owns his own children’s book publishing company. In this episode, he tells us all something interesting: He challenges the idea that we should just do “whatever we want with our lives.” Instead, Timmy lays out a plan we can all follow to find out what we should do with our lives.
Connect with Timmy at AuthorTimmy.com (http://authortimmy.com/).
Resources we mentioned during the show:
Timmy Reads Book (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_06wRzxLFiUET63HzP8jw) (This is Timmy’s YouTube channel where he reads and acts out books for kids!)
DinosaurHouse.com (https://dinosaurhouse.com/) (Timmy’s kid’s book publishing company!)
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
10 Nov 2022
1.13 Rep Dave Williams: On Finding Common Ground for the Greater Good
What does politics and fairytales---in fact, anything in *real* life---have to do with each other? How do we live our life to its fullest, surrounded by people with whom we (staunchly) disagree?
Well, we invited a real politician on our podcast to find out the answers to these questions and more.
As a student at the University of Colorado studying Political Science, Dave Williams never dreamt of joining politics. In fact, he doesn't even believe that politics and politicians drive most of the positive change in our society. But he found personal fulfillment in serving his district and having a family that keeps him grounded.
Lastly---and this is our favorite part---Dave talked about *why* it's so important to listen and engage with those we might really, *really* disagree with.
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
3 Nov 2022
1.12 Lindsay Dare Shoop: How this Olympian Went from Out-of-Shape to a Gold Medal
Want to build a castle? Start with one brick. Want to be a kinder spouse? Start with one word. Want to get to the Olympics? Start with one thing. Don’t believe us — believe Lindsay Dare Shoop — Olympic gold-medalist, world-record-breaker, elite rower, and author.
Oh, and here’s the thing, for anyone who thinks “it’s too late for me.” Lindsay hadn’t even stepped into a racing boat until she got to college. By the time she did, she was out of shape and searching for purpose.
Tune in to hear how an out-of-shape college student started small, practiced, kept improving in small doses, until one day, she made it to the Olympics.
Connect with Lindsay:
Instagram @lindsaydareshoop
Website: lindsaydareshoop.com (https://www.lindsaydareshoop.com/)
Her book, “Better Great Than Never,” tinyurl.com/bettergreatthannever (http://tinyurl.com/bettergreatthannever)
1 Nov 2022
1.11 Julien & Kiersten: The Couple Combining Talents to Dish Up Something Tasty
"As soon as Julien walked in, my heart did the wobble."
---Kiersten's words when she first saw her now-husband, Julien.
And that began their dance through life together -- which took them on a big fight about $$ and into the culinary delights of Julien's amazing cooking (he went to culinary school, the styles of which he combines with the flavors of his Jamaican heritage).
Today, they have a show they call "Money on the Table," where they combine the couple's two passions to serve their audiences a dish only they could cook up--- a culinary show that discusses finances.
If you've ever had a crazy idea, maybe two different dreams that you thought about combining into one, this is the episode for you.
Then again, if you like great food, better relationships, or having fun, this is also the episode for you.
"Money on the Table" show: tinyurl.com/JulienAndKiersten (https://tinyurl.com/JulienAndKiersten)
Julien & Kiersten's book, "Cashing Out": tinyurl.com/CashingOutBook (https://tinyurl.com/cashingoutbook)
Julien & Kirsten's website: RichAndRegular.com (//richandregular.com)
25 Oct 2022
1.10 Kendi Kimaita: On Being an Entrepreneur. . . in Kenya!
Kendi---our colleague who lives in Kenya---shares her incredible journey, from working at two multinationals (hint: you've probably sipped a beverage from one of them!) to getting married to becoming an entrepreneur. She talks about the challenges and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Follow @Dadabarke on IG and Kendi Kimaita-Shasuvila on Linkedin
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
20 Oct 2022
1.9 David Ridley: What Really is “Happily Ever After?”
You may know him from one of the most popular episodes of HGTV's hit show, Fixer Upper.
If you've been to Waco, Texas, you may know him as the fearless leader of the award winning tour company, Waco Tours.
A few years back, if you were a model in New York City, you may have recognized him at one of your Abercrombie & Fitch shoots.
And that's where his story seemed to start: in New York City, as a model. But the more money he made, the more he lost himself. Drugs and alcohol started seeping in, until he was at the end of the line.
Thankfully, he found something --- or Someone --- and it turned his life around. He moved back to Waco to be with his family, and then he bumped into Chip and Jo (yes, that Chip and Jo), and they redid his ranch-style home, and dubbed him "Waco's Most Eligible Bachelor."
Today, he's one of the most fun-loving, genuine, honest people you'll ever meet. And in this episode, he tells us what got him off of alcohol and on with his life.
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale (https://anchor.fm/howtofairytale)! For more, check us out on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2xBs2Sl7rMZQYQxKD9OMuO), Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-fairytale/id1645897509), or wherever you get your podcasts.
18 Oct 2022
1.8 Dr. Nancy Grayson: The Woman in the Overalls
If you walk down the streets of East Waco, Texas, you'd probably first notice that it is an underserved, impoverished community. But if you looked a little closer, you'd see homeless patrons mixing with college students and business owners at Lula Jane's cafe. You'd see elementary students, who's parents have been in prison or on drugs, launching two-stage rockets while learning about thrust. And, in the midst of it all, you'd see a woman in denim overalls painting, baking, gardening, or whatever else needs to be done. That woman is Nancy Grayson. She's done everything from earn a PhD in Psychology to start an award winning charter school in East Waco that's attracted the attention of the Gates Foundation.
She claims she's not living her dream -- she's just merely responding to injustice with action. All we know is that she's sparked something in a community that's been in the dark for too long. Join us as Dr. Grayson talks about having humility, shooting for excellence, and giving back to your community.
11 Oct 2022
1.7 Andy Williamson: The Guy We Met in the Coffee Shop. . .
One day, Andy sat down next to us at a coffee shop. Since then, we've learned that if you want to be where the action is, be where Andy is. Not only is he the hippest guy we know, he's dedicated to helping people reach their dreams, even those who don't have a home. Andy Williamson is the founder of Theory, a motorsport marketing agency (you know, with clients like NASCAR). They shoot incredible videos of high-speed cars racing. He’s got funky hair, a souped-up Jeep Wrangler and he dresses as hip as you’d expect someone should in his field. But he’s also the lead Pastor at Factory — a sort of underground church in the heart of Charlotte, where they help the homeless and reach out to the community.
A few resources Andy talked about: The Factory Andy’s agency, Theory
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
4 Oct 2022
1.6 What Tesla Advisor Chris Elkins Says About Helping Other People Achieve Their Dreams
Starbucks. Disney. Tesla.
Chris Elkins has worked for some of the world’s most prominent brands. On this episode he talks to us about how he got there, why you need other people to achieve your dreams, and why it’s your due diligence to then turn around and help others achieve theirs.
Connect with Chris anywhere on social media @itschriselkins.
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
28 Sept 2022
1.5 Ben Aycrigg: How the Guy Who Couldn’t Throw a Punch Became Captain America’s Stunt Double
Ben Aycrigg is the closest thing to Captain America most of us will ever know. Literally. Apart from being his actual stunt double, Ben is also a super fit Tom Cruise type with loads of integrity. But he wasn’t always like that. In fact, believe it or not, he wasn’t naturally gifted at stunt work, or even basics like throwing a punch. Ben joins us to talk about all the hard work, dedication, integrity, and even humor that goes into becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stuntmen.
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
27 Sept 2022
1.4 Wade Eyerly: From White House Staffer to Spy
White House Staffer in the Bush (W) administration. Spy. Airline Founder. Just to name a few.
How does one person accomplish so many things in one lifetime? Wade Eyerly talks about going for crazy ideas, changing your perspective of risk, and using what makes you unique as your superpower.
Connect with Wade: @degreeinsurance @wadeeyerly
Book discussed: Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World (https://www.amazon.com/Island-Lost-Shipwrecked-Edge-World/dp/1515952576)
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Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
22 Sept 2022
1.3 Darius Brown – How This Police Officer Is Helping Kids Dream Again
Gangs and police don’t usually mix well.
That’s not the case in East Waco where Law Enforcement Officer, Darius Brown, is pouring into kids in an underserved community to help them find and achieve their dreams.
Resources Darius talked about:
Hit up Darius on Insta @speakdee (https://www.instagram.com/speakdee/?hl=en)
His podcast (which also features his wife, Micah!) is Keeping Up with the Browns (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keeping-up-with-the-browns/id1503553390)
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
21 Sept 2022
1.2 Chelsea Hunt: From Banker to Cookier (Yeah, That’s a Thing)
They said, “Leaving your corporate job to bake cookies is a stupid idea.” She said:
“Watch me.”
Chelsea Hunt, Founder of Rolling in the Dough AZ, competitor Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge, and the world’s greatest encourager, shares everything you want to know about leaving a corporate job to pursue your dreams, betting on yourself, and why moms truly can do it all.
Connect with her on Instagram @thecookiechat (https://www.instagram.com/thecookiechat/?hl=en) or @rollinginthedoughaz (https://rollinginthedoughaz.com/)
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
19 Sept 2022
1.1 NFL Legend Vince Papale: ‘Do It for the Underdog’
“When I put the shoulder pads on, the helmet on, and the equipment. . . I did it for the fans, for the underdog.”
With his underdog spirit, a difficult home life, and little else, Vince Papale rose up from a rough neighborhood to the guy we’ve all seen on Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg wearing the famous Philadelphia Eagles #83. In this episode, Vince tells us all how we can be truly invincible. He told his secret formula (his 3As— Analyze, Adapt, Achieve). But you know what impressed me even more? Vince’s humility (he wouldn’t let me call him “Mr. Papale”). He did what he did not just for himself, but for his community. Don’t miss this one. This is Vince's fairy tale story.
A few resources Vince talked about:
Go to ThePapaleGroup.com (https://www.thepapalegroup.com/) to see Vince and his family’s real estate company!
Watch Vince’s movie, Invincible (https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/invincible/1IxmGlzNpoXD), starring Mark Wahlberg as Vince
Check out his book, "Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain (https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Journey-Fan-Team-Captain/dp/1401308848)"
Check out Vince's new book, "The Last Laugh: Vision to Victory (https://www.amazon.com/Last-Laugh-Vision-Victory/dp/1684016150)"
Thanks for listening to How to Fairytale! For more, check us out on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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