Starting Today

About Starting Today

Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold? Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On the ”Starting Today” podcast, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams come true in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY! Starting Today is created and hosted by Amanda Mai. Our theme music is written and performed by Maxwell Emmett Ward. Please subscribe and leave a review if you enjoy the podcast! Please also follow us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok.

Publisher

Amanda Mai

Category

arts · education · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Apr 2024

Latest episode

17 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Feb 2025

   Goals Change and That's Okay! with Indigo Leigh

   On this episode of Starting Today, I have a heart to heart with Miss Indigo Leigh about the challenges and freedoms that come when you decide to move on from one goal to pursue another. Indigo Leigh (she/her) Is a performer turned costume technician/bridal alterations specialist/burlesque dancer. Some of her work on costume teams include (Broadway) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Harmony, Hamilton, and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. (National Tour) Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise, and Disney on Ice. (Corporate Entertainment) Disney, Universal, Walmart, and Mary Kay. As a burlesque artist she has performed across central Florida and NYC as Queenie L’Amour! If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

2. 

   1 Feb 2025

   Let's Get Therapized with Mariah Lord

   In this episode of Starting Today, I sit down with Mariah Lord of Evoke Therapy Services to discuss the benefits of therapy, the internal beliefs that may be holding us back, and her experience opening up her own practice! Mariah is a feminist therapist offering online therapy to private-pay clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She also offers Nature-Based sessions to clients in the Twin Cities metro area. Through her newly launched practice, Evoke Therapy Services, Mariah enjoys collaborating with clients to explore new possibilities for their therapy sessions, including incorporating creative approaches like geek-therapy interventions. You can find Evoke Therapy Services on Instagram, Facebook, Psychology Today, or you can check out evoketherapyservices.com! If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

3. 

   15 Jan 2025

   Seeing the World with Doni Marinos

   Join hosts Alex and Doni Marinos on Starting Today as they share travel tips and tricks, from earning miles with top credit cards to making dreams a reality through inspiration and motivation.

4. 

   1 Nov 2024

   Getting Out the Vote with Kristina Mitchell

   On this episode of Starting Today, I chat with Kristina Mitchell about her past experience working in politics, the importance of this upcoming election, and how to get involved and do your part! Kristina Mitchell is an advocate, activist, and political strategist. She holds her masters degree from George Washington University in political management. She has worked for several nonprofits focused on electing more women into office nationally. In 2016 she worked for the Hillary Clinton campaign. Last year she ran the campaign for Minneapolis council member Andrea Jenkins. She currently works as a policy aide for council member Jenkins. Want to volunteer to help get out the vote? Check out the resources below: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/695281/ https://go.kamalaharris.com/?utm_source=hfp_w_kh_menu https://swingleft.org/take-action?utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=google-search&utm_term=volunteer_democrats&utm_campaign=volunteeracquisition24&keyword=swing%20left%20events&gbraid=0AAAAACPzQq9jbGUks6yG2mAXbOOKc9MZZ https://www.etsy.com/shop/VoterMailbag If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

5. 

   15 Oct 2024

   Capturing The Moment with P&D Portraits

   On this episode of Starting Today, I speak with Paran and Dillon of P&D Portraits about their photography business, how they make their subjects feel like a million bucks, and we even get into some horror stories about being in front of the camera! P&D Portraits is a Twin Cities photography duo founded by Paran and Dillon, who are both software developers and theatre performers, stage managers, and directors. With a shared passion for storytelling and photography, they offer personalized sessions where every client feels empowered and confident, creating a comfortable and inclusive experience for all. You can contact them at pndportraits@gmail.com and you can follow them @pndportraits on Instagram! If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

6. 

   1 Oct 2024

   DIY Dream Home with Bradley and Sam

   On this episode of Starting Today I talk to my dear friends, Brad and Sam, about the many DIY home renovation projects that they have taken on since moving into their house!  In this informative and inspirational episode we discuss trying new things, saving money, and turning your home into your sanctuary.  This episode will have homeowners and renters alike itching to update their space! You can follow Brad and Sam @bradleyandsam on Instagram and @bradleyandsamuel on TikTok to hear more about their home projects!  You can also follow Sam at @samastoll on Instagram if you want to follow along with his performing career. If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

7. 

   15 Sept 2024

   Breaking Through with Daniel "Ultra" Rosas

   This conversation with Daniel ”Ultra” Rosas was so insightful and interesting.  On this episode, we discuss Daniel’s history with breakdancing, the importance of community, and Daniel’s company Break Inc! You can follow Daniel on Instagram @_m.k.ultra and you can follow Break Inc @_break.inc!  Make sure to follow to see some cool moves and hear more about their upcoming Break the Hate event in November. If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold? Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

8. 

   1 Sept 2024

   Chronically Single and Singing About It with Natalie Dulka

   On this episode of Starting Today, I speak with Twin Cities performing artist Natalie Dulka about her upcoming cabaret, Chronically Single: A Comedy Cabaret!  We discuss the excitement of creating your own work, self promotion and finding your audience, and the perils of modern dating! Natalie Dulka is Twin Cities based vocalist, actor, and director whose voice has been heard on stages and at churches all around the midwest. She has been seen on stage and directed shows with many theatres in the area including Lakeshore Players, Children’s Performing Arts, and Lyric Arts. You can follow Natalie on Instagram @nataliedullka or you can visit her website, nataliedulka.com. Chronically Single: A Comedy Cabaret has one performance at the Lakeville Area Arts Center on September 8th at 4pm. Use code "SINGLE" for 20% off when you purchase tickets HERE! If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

9. 

   15 Aug 2024

   Wake Up and Smell the Copy with Delaney Rietveld

   On this episode of Starting Today, I speak with Delaney Rietveld about her copywriting business, Dark Roast Copy Co.  We discuss being your own boss, the impact of AI, and the power of asking for what you want! Dark Roast Copy Co is a brand that helps ambitious entrepreneurs and personal brands craft website copy that sells their services with empathy. Through strategic, conversational copywriting, Delaney transforms online spaces into tools that attract more attention and build connections with audiences. You can follow along on Instagram @darkroastcopy.co or visit darkroastcopy.co for more information! If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold?Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

10. 

    1 Aug 2024

    Let's BFITTE with Bridgette Karl

    Bridgette is a NYC-based personal trainer and online coach with certifications including NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Kettlebell Specialist, and 200hr Yoga Teacher. A former Division II Track & Field athlete and musical theatre actress, she uses her diverse background to help others achieve their fitness goals. Driven by the joy of movement and living life to the fullest, Bridgette infuses every session with boundless energy, motivation, and technique. In this motivational episode, Bridgette and I talk about her fitness business, the many benefits of exercise that aren’t appearance-based, and how to get started if you’re new to fitness! Take a listen and get inspired to move your body! You can find Bridgette @bridgettekarl_ or @letsbfitte on Instagram or you can visit bridgettekarl.com. If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please subscribe, rate, review, and tell your friends about the show!  You can find us @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a goal or a dream that you’ve been putting on hold? Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life, like you’re just going through the motions? Do you want to break this cycle but you’re not sure where to begin? If you answered ”YES” to any of these questions, I’ve been there too and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I’m interviewing movers and shakers who are out there making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too!  These aren’t a bunch of billionaires and nepo babies, they’re regular people who started at the very beginning, just like you.  So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, make a lifestyle change, start a business, or anything in between, I’m here to say you can do it, and you can start TODAY!

11. 

    15 Jul 2024

    What's The Buzz? with Eric Morris and Laura Rudolph Morris of The Hive Collaborative MN

    Eric Morris and Laura Rudolph Morris are Twin Cities music theater artists who each have vast careers within many spectrums of the arts community. Together, they created Buzz Music Theater, and founded The Hive Collaborative (@thehivecollaborativemn on socials) in 2023, their forever theater-home.  In this episode we discuss the realities of owning a theatre space, the importance of low-stakes performance opportunities, and lifting up the next generation of theatre makers in the Twin Cities! For ticket's to Amanda's show, Girlhood: a Half-Baked Jukebox Cabaret for Nostalgic Millennials, click HERE (https://www.simpletix.com/e/girlhood-a-half-baked-jukebox-cabaret-for-tickets-169080)! If you enjoyed this episode of Starting Today, please rate and review and share with your friends!  You can find details about upcoming episodes @startingtodaypodcast on Instagram and TikTok or at amanda-mai.com/podcast! Have an idea for an upcoming episode?  Send an email to startingtodaypodcast@gmail.com! Theme music is written and performed by Maxwell Emmett Ward.

12. 

    1 Jul 2024

    Book Review - Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

    On this episode, I'm discussing one of my favorite books; Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap!  I reveal the ways in which this book has changed my life and finances and also provide some of my favorite advice that Tori imparts. Start your journey to improve your relationship with money by listening to this episode today and then going to pick up your own copy of the book! Interested in opening up a high yield savings account?  You should be!  Here is the link to the one Tori recommends that I also use: SoFi Bank High Yield Savings Account (https://www.sofi.com/invite/money?gcp=70112c75-c1df-43e9-903e-1df5fdcae352&isAliasGcp=false)

13. 

    15 Jun 2024

    Becoming a Drag Starlet with Luna Muse

    On this episode, I talk to Luna Muse about the life of a full time drag artist!  We discuss Luna's witchy origins, the golden era of drag we're living in, and much more! You can follow Luna Muse @thelunamuse on socials and you can find "Bravo, Queen!" wherever you listen to podcasts! Book of the Month Club: https://www.mybotm.com/fu8ehzqv254 (https://www.mybotm.com/fu8ehzqv254) Theme music written by Maxwell Emmett Ward.

14. 

    1 Jun 2024

    Following The Cosmic Breadcrumbs with Hannah Bakke

    On this episode, I chat with Hannah Bakke about her original musical, The Garden.  We talk about how to keep creating when inspiration ghosts you, the importance of community, and cosmic breadcrumbs from the universe that lead you in the right direction.  It's a wonderful conversation full of practical advice and a good dose of whimsy. You can follow Hannah on Instagram @bannah_hakke and you can follow The Garden @thegardenfolkmusical to stay up to date!

15. 

    15 May 2024

    Releasing an EP with Jake Nelson

    On today's episode, I'm chatting with singer-songwriter and actor Jake Nelson (A.K.A. Jakey Jakes) about releasing his first EP, Sandbox.  We discuss the process of writing and releasing original music and the importance of telling joyful LGBTQ+ stories!  You can find Sandbox on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you like to listen. Music heard during the interview includes Intro by Jakey Jakes and Sam Stoll, Tiny by Jakey Jakes, and Fine for a Man by Jakey Jakes.

16. 

    1 May 2024

    Body Positivity with Gianna Schiller

    On the first episode of Starting Today, I chat with Gianna Schiller about Body Positivity and how embracing this movement might help us love ourselves and achieve our goals!  You can follow Gianna @thegiannaschiller on Instagram and TikTok!

17. 

    15 Apr 2024

    Starting Today Trailer

    Do you have a goal that you've put on hold? Do you feel uninspired in your day-to-day life?  Do you want to break this cycle? If you answered YES to these questions, I've been there and I want to help!  On Starting Today, I'm interviewing go-getters who are making their dreams a reality in service of showing you that you can do it too and you can start today!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

4

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

Contact Starting Today

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.