Former fighter pilot turned keynote speaker Michelle “Mace” Curran joins me for a conversation about fear, resilience, and making bold career pivots. After flying lead solo for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and performing for millions, she walked away from the cockpit to step into a new mission—helping others turn fear into fuel. If you've ever felt stuck in self-doubt or waited for the "perfect" moment to take action, this episode is for you!

We chat:
• How she became one of the first women to fly lead solo for the Thunderbirds
• The mindset shifts that helped her push past fear and imposter syndrome
• What it was really like to leave a prestigious military career behind
• How an unexpected speaking gig led her to her next purpose
• Dealing with internet trolls, visibility, and owning your story

This episode is all about taking action before you feel ready, reframing fear, and stepping into the next chapter of your life with confidence.

00:00 Introduction to AmandaFest Podcast

00:12 Meet Mace Curran: A True Badass

01:11 Grounding Exercise: Get Present

02:54 The Importance of Being Present

03:37 Hollywood Connection

06:24 Journey to Becoming a Fighter Pilot

10:55 Life as a Thunderbird Pilot

14:26 The Physical and Emotional Toll

15:44 Transitioning to a New Mission

16:03 Finding Love and Family

19:19 Inspiring the Next Generation

21:48 Taking the Leap into Public Speaking

25:18 Inspiring Success Stories

29:19 Facing Online Trolls

30:25 Embracing Change and Intuition

33:24 The Journey to Becoming a Speaker

37:19 Building a Personal Brand

40:39 Balancing an Unpredictable Career

42:41 Advice for Aspiring Dreamers

43:40 Promoting the New Book

48:10 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals

50:43 Conclusion and Farewell

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

Connect w/ Mace on IG @mace_curran 

https://macecurran.com/flipside/

In this episode, I share my latest travels, lessons, and the power of listening to your intuition.

We chat:
• Why I left Playa del Carmen
• Finding conscious community through dance & synchronicity
• The game-changing decision to prioritize solitude and personal alignment
• Hosting an intentional club experience at Miami’s Space nightclub
• Bringing the AmandaFest magic to unexpected places—like a rave for seniors!

This one’s all about honoring your needs, staying open to change, and following what lights you up. Tune in! 🎧✨

00:00 Introduction and Grounding Exercise

01:45 Life Updates and Personal Reflections

03:15 Journey to Mexico: Playa del Carmen and Tulum

07:03 Finding Community and Personal Space

09:40 Lessons in Healing and Self-Discovery

33:41 Returning to Miami and Upcoming Events

44:55 Conclusion and Inspirational Message

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

Pregame Meditation: https://amandafest.myflodesk.com/kjrtifb1vf

In this mind-blowing episode, I sit down with Calvin Wayman, host of Cultured Boy, who grew up in a fundamentalist Mormon cult with 4 moms, 1 dad, and 44 siblings. At 30, he made the terrifying choice to leave everything behind—his family, marriage, and entire belief system—to chase a life that felt true to him.

We dive into:

✨ The one philosophy class that shattered his reality
✨ How travel & plant medicine helped him reconnect to himself
✨ The wild journey of rebuilding from zero in NYC

This episode is all about courage, curiosity, and breaking free. 

Tune in now & tell us: Have you ever questioned everything you thought you knew? 👀

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Fest Podcast

00:11 Guest's Background: From Fundamentalist Mormonism to Entrepreneurship

00:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Leaving the Cult

01:12 Settling in New York and Starting Cultured Boy Podcast

01:41 Meditation and Grounding Exercise

03:39 Discussion on Living Your Dream Life

04:03 Exploring the Concept of Predetermined Paths

07:54 Philosophical Insights: Plato's Allegory of the Cave

15:10 The Realization and Questioning of Core Beliefs

25:01 The Decision to Leave and Its Aftermath

38:35 Reprogramming Beliefs and the Role of Plant Medicine

46:12 Following the Ants: A Journey of Acceptance

47:05 Childhood Memories and Self-Discovery

49:27 Curiosity as a Guiding Principle

52:40 Leaving the Cult: A New Beginning

56:41 Embracing New York City

01:02:40 Manifesting Dreams and Taking Action

01:10:55 The Power of Authenticity and Aligned Action

01:23:26 Conclusion and Reflections

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

Connect w/ Calvin on IG @calvinwayman

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialcalvinwayman

In this solo episode of the AmandaFest Podcast, I take you through the highs, lows, and life lessons from my recent Tulum adventure—a trip filled with divine timing, spontaneous connections, and profound personal growth.

We dive into:
✨ How I navigated Tulum with no set plans, trusting the universe to guide me
✨ My reflections on masculine vs. feminine energy—finding the balance between structure and flow
✨ The magic of meeting strangers who turned into mirrors, teachers, and companions
✨ Big lessons on staying true to yourself, setting boundaries, and embracing change
✨ The art of integration—bringing the wisdom of travel and experience into everyday life

This episode is all about showing up as your most authentic self, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected. Whether you’re curious about solo travel, craving more alignment, or seeking lessons in self-trust, this one’s for you.

Let’s explore the beauty of staying open to possibility and saying yes to life’s invitations. 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:12 Breathing Exercise and Setting Intentions

01:31 Struggles and Lessons from Solo Episodes

02:28 Recap of Tulum Trip Begins

03:52 New York Romance and Reflections

05:46 Navigating Romantic Connections

09:31 Tulum Adventures and Friendships

12:32 Unexpected Shifts and Lessons

33:02 Masculine vs. Feminine Duality

42:47 Final Reflections and Takeaways

49:30 Conclusion and Gratitude

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

Pregame Meditation: https://amandafest.myflodesk.com/kjrtifb1vf

In this episode of the AmandaFest Podcast, I’m joined by Kade Peterson—viral content creator and creator of the Uncomfortable 30 challenge. We explore how stepping outside your comfort zone transforms your life, the power of starting messy, and why fear feeds off time. Kade’s viral car dancing videos carry a deeper message: life begins when you stop caring what others think.


We chat:

* The story behind Kade’s viral car dancing videos

* The Uncomfortable 30 challenge and building resilience through discomfort

* Discipline vs. motivation and showing up when it’s hard

* Leaning into fear and excitement to unlock growth

* The power of authenticity and inspiring others by being yourself


This episode is your reminder that growth starts at the edge of your comfort zone. 🎧

00:00 Introduction and Grounding Exercise

02:06 Meet Kade

03:01 The Deeper Meaning Behind the Dancing

04:41 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Discomfort

06:48 Discipline vs. Motivation

07:52 The Journey to Living Your Dream Life

13:58 The Uncomfortable 30 Challenge

21:33 Unlocking Opportunities by Saying Yes

21:59 Embracing Childlike Fun and Authenticity

23:54 The Science of Neuroplasticity and Personal Growth

25:25 The Power of Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

29:24 Facing Fears and Building Resilience

34:24 Starting Small and Taking Action

39:37 Conclusion and Ways to Connect

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

Connect w/ Kade on IG @kade_peterson & TikTok @conquercomfort

It’s 2025, dreamers! 🎉 I’m kicking off the new year with a solo episode to set the tone for what’s to come. This one is packed with real talk, big shifts, and that juicy magic of intentional living. If you’ve been feeling stuck, seeking inspiration, or ready to make 2025 your year, this episode is for you.

We dive into:


• The duality of nomadic living—freedom, fun, and the challenges that come with it


• How 2024 became my year of clarity, launching my LLC, podcast, and embracing aligned action


• Why intentionality is the ultimate game-changer for how you show up—whether in dating, social spaces, or your day-to-day


• My word for 2025: ABUNDANCE—and how I’m calling it in across all areas of life


• The power of community, surrender, and staying open to unexpected magic

This episode is all about embracing change, stepping into alignment, and creating the life you’ve been dreaming of—starting now. Tune in, ground down, and let’s make it happen. ✨

00:00 Welcome to the AmandaFest Podcast

00:39 Grounding and Setting Intentions

02:24 Reflecting on 2024 and Embracing Change

02:57 Nomadic Life and Personal Evolution

07:59 Intentional Living and Dating

20:34 Manifesting Abundance in 2025

22:15 Travel Adventures and Community

31:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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

Pregame Meditation: https://amandafest.myflodesk.com/kjrtifb1vfhttps://amandafest.myflodesk.com/kjrtifb1vf

Serial entrepreneur and coach Maureen (co-founder of the Rejecto app) joins me for an episode packed with inspiration, mindset shifts, and tactical tools for growth. Get ready to dive into rejection therapy and game-changing strategies to crush your goals. This conversation is loaded with actionable insights and high vibes!

We chat:

* How she turned rejection into a superpower, building a viral brand with 20M+ views

* The journey from small-town beginnings to creating a thriving personal brand and tech startup

* Why "duct tape and fruit snacks" might be the secret weapons for productivity

* The inspiration behind Rejecto: a revolutionary app helping users conquer rejection fear

* Balancing the grind and play—how intentionality creates the freedom to live your dream life

* Practical tips for auditing your relationships and habits to elevate your energy and success


This episode is all about rejecting limits, taking bold action, and realizing that life is a game where the rules are yours to rewrite. Tune in for the juice! 🎧✨

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:35 Grounding Exercise

02:21 Maureen's Recent Travels

03:59 Early Entrepreneurial Journey

04:46 Rejection Therapy and Delusional Goals

11:11 Balancing Work and Play

16:14 Embracing Rejection and Persistence

19:07 Projecting Future Outcomes

19:52 The Power of Social Circles

22:02 Intentional Living and Auditing

24:12 Creating Engaging Content

29:49 Introducing the Rejecto App

36:42 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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

Connect w/ Maureen on IG + TikTok @maureensmarketing

In this solo episode, I dive into my transformative experience in Toronto, where I stepped out of my comfort zone, embraced change, and navigated the highs and lows of stepping into my most authentic self. This episode is packed with vulnerability, inspiration, and actionable insights to empower you to create your dream life.

✨ How I trusted my intuition to say yes to a DM invite from a stranger—and why it led to one of the most magical experiences of my life
✨ Hosting an opening activation for 150 incredible women at an all-women, sober dance event and stepping into my dharma
✨ The beauty of intentionality in social experiences and how it can transform your life
✨ Navigating post-event lows and embracing the duality of independence and connection
✨ The importance of not settling and trusting every “no” is closer to the right “yes”
✨ Preparing for 2025 with gratitude, reflection, and aligned intentions

This episode is all about trusting yourself, embracing the unknown, and taking intentional action toward the life you want.

P.S. I’m sharing a sneak peek of my new Pregame Meditation to help you infuse intentionality into your experiences—whether it’s a party, date night, or networking event.

Tune in, reflect, and get ready to manifest magic in 2025. ✨

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Intentions

00:32 Grounding Exercise

01:52 Toronto Experience Recap

02:25 Building AmandaFest

03:11 Connecting with Rachel

05:21 Hosting the Toronto Event

06:53 Event Day Activities

07:58 Reflections on Community and Connection

15:12 Leading the Amandafest Live Experience

22:29 Navigating Highs and Lows

28:50 Preparing for 2025

32:37 Conclusion and Future Plans

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

Pregame Meditation: https://amandafest.myflodesk.com/kjrtifb1vf

Kyla Jorgensen, nomadic soul and self-proclaimed "bougie hippie," joins me for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about carving out your unique path in life. From snowy Toronto streets to the Costa Rican jungle, Kyla’s journey is a testament to the magic of following your intuition and living on your own terms.

We chat:
• How Kyla went from city life in Toronto to running a bed and breakfast in Costa Rica
• The transformative power of microdosing psychedelics and how it helped her reconnect with herself
• The balance between embracing nature and loving life’s little luxuries—think jungle living with a glamping twist
• The role of environment and community in cultivating happiness and creativity
• Her big dreams of inspiring others

This episode is a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t have to fit into a box. It’s about finding what lights you up and creating a life that feels uniquely yours. Tune in for all the magic! 🌿✨

00:00 Welcome to AmandaFest: Inspiring Your Dream Life

00:14 Meet Kyla: Embracing Life's Joys and Challenges

01:16 Grounding Exercise: Finding Presence and Letting Go

03:47 The Miami Connection: How Amanda and Kyla Met

06:34 The Bougie Hippie Lifestyle: Balancing Comfort and Nature

07:56 Kyla's Journey: From Toronto to Costa Rica

09:32 Father-Daughter Adventure: Embracing Freedom and Respect

12:27 Envision Festival: A Unique Experience with Dad

17:08 Living the Pura Vida: Kyla's Life in Costa Rica

17:44 Starting with Positivity

18:09 Embracing Fear and Leaning In

18:26 The Importance of Environment

18:53 Human Connection and Loneliness

19:40 Travel and Self-Discovery

20:13 Impact and Energy in Different Spaces

22:11 Recharging and Finding Your Light

23:53 Growing Up and Finding Your Tribe

29:20 Microdosing and Personal Transformation

30:17 The Psychedelic Experience

31:58 Unlocking New Possibilities

35:29 Dreams for YouTube and Future Plans

37:12 Connecting and Collaborating

38:08 Conclusion and Farewell

——————

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

Connect w/ Kyla @kylajorgensen

Subscribe on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Kylajorgensen

Cozy up with me for the third-ever solo episode of the AmandaFest Podcast! This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on my wild, unpredictable year, sharing my journey from feeling lost and terrified at the start of 2024 to stepping into alignment and launching AmandaFest live experiences. It’s real, unfiltered, and full of insights for anyone chasing their dream life.

We chat:
✨ Why procrastination almost got the best of me—and how I pushed through
✨ The power of reflecting on your wins (even when you feel like you’ve done "nothing")
✨ My year of aligned action, including nomadic travels, starting AmandaFest LLC, launching a podcast, and stepping into my dharma
✨ How saying no to distractions and creating "The Menu" keeps me in alignment
✨ Why keeping commitments to yourself is the ultimate trust-builder

This episode is your reminder to feel the fear and take action anyway. You’ve got this, dreamer. Let’s dive in! 💫

00:00 Introduction

04:09 Life Updates and Reflections

06:30 The Menu: A New Approach to Commitments

08:03 Travel Recap of 2024

08:52 Notable Events of the Year

10:11 The Importance of Aligned Action

16:52 Upcoming Events and Exciting Collaborations

20:13 Creating the AmandaFest Live Experience

28:50 Final Thoughts and Commitments

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