What happens when two brothers decide to reimagine what partying could look like?

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Joel Atchison, experimental producer, community builder, and co-founder of Deep Tropics, Nashville’s premier music, art, and style festival. Recognized by the New York Times and Forbes as the greenest festival in North America, Deep Tropics is setting a new standard for what’s possible when music meets mission.

From soil science and sustainability to bass drops and biohacking, Joel shares how a dream turned into a movement. What started as a local event has evolved into a global example of how festivals can uplift people, planet, and purpose… all while still going off.

We get into:
✨ The full origin story of Deep Tropics and why sustainability was always part of the plan
✨ How Deep Culture became the festival’s beating heart
✨ What regenerative partying actually looks and feels like
✨ Tools for integration so the magic doesn’t end when the music stops
✨ The rise of sober-friendly spaces and year-round community building
✨ Behind the scenes of AmandaFest x Deep Tropics and why the pregaming ritual matters

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build something meaningful that still moves people, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introduction to the AmandaFest Podcast

00:12 Meet Joel: Sustainability Pioneer and Festival Co-Founder

01:21 Guided Meditation: Arriving in the Present Moment

04:52 Joel's Personal Practices and Breathwork

06:16 The Deep Tropics Festival Experience

08:21 Joel's Journey into Sustainability and Festival Creation

10:00 The Birth of Deep Culture and Its Mission

12:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Building a Festival

20:03 Deep Tropics: A Gateway to Transformational Experiences

22:18 The Magic of Integration

23:04 Building a Year-Round Community

23:37 Sustainable Partying and Intentional Use

26:30 The Importance of Sobriety and Self-Awareness

30:55 Manifesting Intentions and Festival Magic

36:08 Deep Tropics: A Model for Regenerative Celebration

41:16 Future Visions and Exciting Collaborations

44:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Connect w/ me on IG @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

Connect w/ Joel & Deep Tropics + Deep Culture on IG  @re.gen.er.ate @deep.tropics @deep.culture 

Deep Tropics Ticket Discount Code: AmandaFest 

What do a drum circle, a Broadway show, a sauna rave, and a serendipitous subway adventure have in common?

They were all part of my first wild week back in New York City.

In this episode, I’m catching you up on everything. From helping a stranger navigate NYC with Google Translate to a backstage Broadway moment that left my dad speechless. From reconnecting with podcast guests turned collaborators to locking in new dream clients. This is the behind-the-scenes of building a life filled with intention, connection, and play.

I share:
✨ My exact process for choosing where to travel (hint: it’s music and magic led)
✨ How I’m balancing three major clients while staying grounded
✨ A peek into my upcoming festival partnerships and creative collabs
✨ Why this chapter of my life feels chaotic, exciting, and aligned all at once
✨ Lessons on saying yes to the nudge, leaning into community, and letting the city show you who you are

If you’re in a season of building, becoming, or simply craving inspiration, this one is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Grounding Exercise

02:07 Challenges of Consistency and Travel

03:45 Travel Recap: From Tulum to New York

05:51 Arriving in New York: A Series of Fortunate Events

07:51 Building Connections and Embracing New Experiences

18:34 First Weekend in New York: Events and Reflections

22:33 A Journey Through Musical Theater and Personal Growth

22:58 Revisiting 'Book of Mormon' and Emotional Healing

24:39 Inspiration from PJ and Broadway

26:27 Networking and Creative Collaborations

27:50 Daybreaker and Sauna Rave Adventures

28:57 Reunions and Serendipitous Encounters

32:35 Wholesome Moments and Family Connections

34:22 Balancing Work, Travel, and Personal Projects

40:40 Exciting Upcoming Events and Collaborations

43:23 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Connect w/ me on IG + Tik Tok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

What if partying could be a portal to presence?

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Pearl — state optimization coach, founder of Bio Rave, and raver-turned-regulator — to explore what it means to actually party with purpose. From burnout and breakdowns to breathwork and biohacking, Pearl shares her powerful journey of healing, embodiment, and entrepreneurship.

We dive into:
✨ Building a sober rave movement rooted in connection, community & nervous system safety
✨ The truth about entrepreneurship no one talks about (spoiler: it’s not all highlight reels)
✨ Why your joy matters now, not just when you “make it”
✨ Tools for moving through emotional lows without bypassing your humanity
✨ How dance became her most powerful form of healing
✨ Starting before you feel ready — and why that’s the whole point

Whether you're in your healing era, your building era, or somewhere in between, this episode is a big exhale and a reminder that you don’t have to figure it all out before you begin.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:38 Grounding Exercise

02:55 Meet Pearl: The Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur

03:47 Pearl's Journey and Mission

05:36 Somatic Work Explained

08:24 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Mindset

16:03 Balancing Business and Personal Wellbeing

18:49 The Importance of Joy and Play

23:41 The Power of Dance and Movement

24:12 Finding Your Path and Passion

26:04 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

28:37 Taking Action and Overcoming Fear

32:52 Building a Vision and Brand

36:30 Embracing Play and Connection

41:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Connect w/ me on IG @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

Connect w/ Pearl on IG  @pearlcicci

This week’s solo episode is a vulnerable share—from leading my first 30-minute workshop at a festival to navigating a surprising moment of romantic tension that tested everything I’ve been working on.

It’s about choosing alignment over ego, self-respect over attention, and walking away even when part of you wants to lean in.

Inside the episode:✨ Navigating sticky energy with radical honesty and clean communication✨ The moment I almost chose connection over self-respect—and didn’t✨ What family gatherings taught me about autopilot small talk✨ Behind the scenes of my first 30-minute Party with Purpose workshop✨ Nostalgia, inner child healing, and realizing you bring the magic—not the place✨ The launch of my new short-form wisdom series The Beat Drop✨ A reminder that slowing down might be the most rebellious thing you doIf you’ve ever questioned your standards, felt tempted to shrink, or needed a reminder that walking away is a win—this one’s for you.00:00 Introduction and Grounding Exercise02:44 Amanda's Vlogging Process04:05 The Beat Drop Series06:06 Graduation Party Reflections13:55 Homecomings and Friendships18:15 AI and Human Connection22:29 Sound Bath and Friend Connections26:33 Upcoming Events and Collaborations28:05 Planning the Trip to St. Pete29:05 Deep Conversations with Friends32:25 Navigating Male-Female Friendships36:35 Ecstatic Dance and Conscious Community39:16 Workshop Preparation and Execution45:53 Handling Romantic Temptations with Integrity53:25 Reflecting at the Tea Ceremony57:11 Upcoming Adventures and Closing Remarks____Connect w/ me on IG + Tik Tok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

What happens when a legendary Miami nightclub becomes home to a weekly wellness ritual?

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Levy—aka Tifftopia—the founder of Yogi Invaders and the force behind 420 Yoga at Club Space, a movement that’s redefining what Miami nightlife can look and feel like.

From burnout and bad relationships to breathwork and global retreats, Tiffany shares her journey of radical self-healing and how she turned one of the world’s most iconic party venues into a sanctuary for mindfulness, movement, and connection.

We dive into:
✨ How Club Space became an unlikely home for yoga, 420, and conscious community
✨ Tiffany’s personal path from party girl to embodied leader
✨ The balance between nightlife and nervous system regulation
✨ Reclaiming wellness spaces for everyone—not just the “spiritually elite”
✨ Why mindfulness belongs in the places we go to escape
✨ Integration > escapism, and what it means to party with purpose

If you’ve ever felt like you’re somewhere between the rave and the retreat, this conversation is your reminder: you don’t have to choose.

00:00 Introduction and Mission of the Amandafest Podcast

00:15 Meet Tiffany Levy: A Journey to Purpose

01:31 Grounding Exercise: Arrive in the Present Moment

04:47 Tiffany's Miami Wellness Scene and Yogi Invaders

08:32 The Intersection of Party Culture and Wellness

14:48 The Role of Technology and AI in Wellness

23:31 Impact of News and Media on Mental Health

31:24 The Futility of Spiritual Competition

31:45 Living with Intention and Mindfulness

32:46 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

35:24 Healing and Personal Growth

37:37 Balancing Work, Life, and Self-Care

40:05 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

42:53 Integrating Fun and Mindfulness

46:08 The Journey to Self-Discovery

57:59 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

———

Connect w/ me on IG + TikTok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

Connect w/ Tiff on IG @tifftopia & @yogiinvaders

What started as a month of movement, music, and magic turned into something much deeper—a messy, beautiful, unexpected lesson in choosing myself again and again.

In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of a month that stretched me, humbled me, and brought me home to myself.

From celebrating the one-year anniversary of the podcast to hopping across 5 cities and 2 festivals, this episode is packed with real talk, raw reflection, and the kind of lessons you only learn by living them.

 Inside the episode:
✨ A surprise reunion that stirred up everything—and how I chose to show up differently
✨ What Breakaway and Lightning in a Bottle taught me about connection, clarity, and emotional safety
✨ Rekindled friendships, unexpected encounters, and the beauty of being seen—then letting go
✨ Choosing myself in real time, without the need for a why
✨ A reminder that growth is less about changing who you are—and more about honoring who you’ve become

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, waited on a message, or found yourself in the same story but with a different name… this one’s for you.

00:00 Welcome and Grounding Exercise

02:11 Podcast Milestones and Guest Highlights

03:15 The Power of Your Circle

04:59 Travel Adventures and Reflections

06:35 Atlanta Music Festival Experience

08:50 Reconnecting with Old Friends

10:04 Unexpected Reunion and Festival Fun

13:22 Manifesting Connections and VIP Perks

27:01 From Atlanta to LA: Non-Stop Adventures

30:19 Navigating Friendships and Festival Logistics

40:09 Unexpected Babysitting Adventure

42:55 Festival Ant Invasion

44:24 Morning by the Lake

46:57 Reconnecting with an Old Flame

52:47 Navigating Mixed Signals

01:09:24 Embracing Self-Worth

01:13:20 Concluding Reflections and Future Plans

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Connect w/ me on IG + Tik Tok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

This one is a powerful masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and redefining success—at any age. Ellen Latham, the founder of Orangetheory Fitness, built one of the most impactful fitness brands in the world after getting laid off at 40 as a single mom. 

What began as a spare-room Pilates studio eventually became Orangetheory: a global fitness movement with nearly 1,500 studios.

In this episode, we explore:
✨ How getting laid off sparked the creation of a wellness revolution
✨ The science behind the Orangetheory workout—and why it works for every body
✨ What it took to build a global fitness empire from the ground up, starting as a solo entrepreneur
✨ How Ellen overcame imposter syndrome in a male-dominated fitness industry
✨ Why she believes your best chapter can start after 40—and how to prepare for it now
✨ The power of believing in your potential, taking one step at a time, and letting the staircase appear

This conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and reminders that it's never too late to build your dream life. If you've ever felt like you're behind, this episode will light a fire in you.

00:00 Introduction to the Amandafest Podcast

00:12 Meet Ellen Latham: Founder of Orange Theory Fitness

00:57 Ellen's Journey: From Setback to Success

01:26 Grounding Exercise: Setting Intentions

03:29 A Personal Connection: Ellen and Amanda's Mom

06:03 Ellen's Early Career in Fitness

08:45 The Birth of Ellen's Ultimate Workout

14:32 Creating Orange Theory Fitness

19:25 The Franchise Opportunity

23:10 The Power of Partnerships

23:54 Tony Robbins' Business Insight

25:11 Organic Growth and Success

26:35 Believing in Your Potential

28:37 Franchising Challenges and Solutions

33:54 The Secret Sauce of Orange Theory

37:57 Ellen's Passion and Legacy

41:37 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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Connect w/ me on IG + Tik Tok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

This solo episode is a wild behind-the-scenes ride through the last month of living, loving, and leaning into aligned opportunities. From facilitating at Ecstatic Dance Mexico City to serendipitous connections that have opened doors I never expected, this one is packed with the real, raw journey of building my dream life as I live it.

✨ Facilitating AmandaFest Pregame Meditation at Ecstatic Dance Mexico City—how a rooftop rainstorm turned into pure magic
✨ The power of community on the move—how intentionality helps me build deep, soul-aligned connections, even while traveling full-time
✨ Manifesting everything from free tickets to music festivals, to perfect accommodations, and aligned travel partners
✨ Visiting Parque Quetzalcóatl, the Alice in Wonderland meets Burning Man dreamscape I had to see to believe
✨ Reflections on dating, deep connections, and releasing attachment while soaking up the beauty of fleeting moments
✨ Why I’m building a global community, one city at a time, and how I’m weaving intentionality and play into every experience

This one is all about saying yes, trusting the process, and being so present for the magic that unfolds when you follow the call.

00:00 Welcome and Grounding Exercise

01:51 Amanda's Life Update: Travels and Reflections

03:04 Podcast Mission and Episode Structure

04:31 Insights on Wealth and Impact

06:35 Dating Adventures in Mexico City

15:31 Facilitating Ecstatic Dance in Mexico City

24:43 Back to Miami and Family Time

27:19 Exciting Business Updates and Future Plans

30:36 Upcoming Travels and Events

34:27 Conclusion and Gratitude

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Connect w/ me on IG + Tik Tok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

The Story Behind Soul Expansion: A Concert-Meets-Sound-Healing Experience with Freddy Gervasi is now live on Spotify, Apple & YouTube!

This one is a raw, unfiltered look into the power of healing through music and the wild, unexpected synchronicities that happen when you surrender to your path. Freddy, the visionary behind Soul Expansion, shares his journey from college hockey player to international facilitator, weaving music, meditation, and community into unforgettable experiences. His path is a testament to the magic that unfolds when you follow the call—even when it doesn’t make sense.

In this episode, we explore:
✨ How a spontaneous tea ceremony in Mexico City sparked a Soul Expansion event within 24 hours—and why trusting the unknown can change everything
✨ The rise of Soul Expansion—a concert-meets-sound-healing experience that’s transforming communities in NYC, Toronto, Tulum, and beyond
✨ Why real, raw community matters and how Freddy finds it in every city he visits
✨ The art of intentional manifestation: how to turn bold ideas into real-world magic
✨ How Freddy picked up a guitar at 23 and, through pure passion and persistence, began performing live and creating powerful music experiences
✨ His journey from toxic patterns and self-doubt to healing, leading, and creating safe spaces for men to express and expand

This one is a masterclass in saying YES to your calling, trusting the path, and creating magic out of the mundane.

If you’ve been craving proof that life gets wildly expansive when you follow your heart, you don’t want to miss this one.

00:00 Introduction to the Amandafest Podcast

00:13 Meet Freddy: The Creative Force Behind Soul Expansion

01:02 Grounding Exercise to Get Present

03:33 Freddy's Recent Event and Connection Story

05:14 Adventures in Tulum and Mexico City

06:36 The Spontaneous Mexico City Event

12:53 Freddy's Journey: From Hockey to Music

14:54 The Boston Experience and Music Beginnings

19:58 Boston Marathon Bombing and 'Boston Strong'

23:32 Navigating Fame and Friendship

27:16 Viral Success and Live Performance Struggles

29:09 Transition to Real Estate and Personal Challenges

30:34 Journey to Self-Discovery and Wellness

33:28 Discovering Breathwork and Othership

40:58 Creating Soul Expansion

42:26 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

57:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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Connect w/ me on IG + TikTok @amandalaurena & @amandafestpodcast

Connect w/ Freddy & Soul Expansion @freddysounds & @soulexpansion_

This one’s a whirlwind recap of my last two transformative weeks solo traveling in Mexico City—and let me tell you: it has been equal parts wild adventure, manifestation masterclass, and soulful download on the power of persistence, presence, and play.

In this episode, I share:
✨ Why I plan my travels around music & how it’s shaping my long-term vision
✨ The story of how I ended up going to every Cercle show for FREE
✨ The importance of not taking “no” for an answer when going after what you want
✨ How to use WhatsApp groups to instantly find aligned community anywhere
✨ Behind the scenes of pitching dream collaborations—and getting responses
✨ A reminder that while you're building your dream life, you might already be living it
✨ Why I skipped a MonoLink show (!!!) for connection, intuition, and Soho House burlesque
✨ How my pregame meditation offering is going international

This one is a love letter to dream-chasing, solo adventuring, trusting your gut, and never being afraid to take up space.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:24 Mindfulness and Breathing Exercise

01:44 Mexico City Adventures Begin

02:57 Building and Living the Dream Life

05:25 Entrepreneurial Journey and Inspiration

10:52 Networking and Circle Events

14:00 Exploring Mexico City

24:15 Meeting Internet Friends IRL

25:24 Balancing Work and Fun

26:08 The No-Phone Concert Experience

28:17 Unexpected Ticket Blessings

29:29 Reconnecting with Old Friends

31:34 Navigating Multiple Events

34:33 The Blaze and Jungle Shows

38:35 Exploring Mexico City's Unique Experiences

42:04 Persistence Pays Off

43:44 Exciting Upcoming Events