Do The Thing

In this in-depth conversation, Stacey Lauren, founder of Do The Thing and creator of the Find Your Voice Challenge, shares with Chrissy McDannell how a simple, repeatable challenge framework has become a global force for action, collaboration, and transformation.From college students to CEOs, this episode unpacks how Find Your Voice and other Do The Thing challenges are helping people stop overthinking and start leading. Stacey reveals how this method has activated teams, deepened connections, and even raised funds for nonprofits. Whether you lead a community, run a company, or simply want to make a bigger impact, this episode is for you.Watch to discover:- The challenge framework powering movements and momentum- How it works across platforms like Facebook, Circle, and WhatsApp- Real-world transformations from dating cohorts to corporate teams- How companies can train internal challenge hosts or partner with trained pros- Stacey’s plan to raise $1 billion for charity through these challengesTimestamps:2:36 — What is Do The Thing? Why it works across industries5:10 — Inside the Find Your Voice Challenge10:42 — Why this works for introverts and high-level execs alike18:09 — Real-world challenge success stories: dating, bookkeeping, aerospace33:54 — Stacey’s 3-part vision: challenge hosts, nonprofit partnerships, and global change

YouTube: https://youtu.be/UuQmXgtpF8M

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-stacey-lauren-is-activating-communities-and/id1618590178?i=1000723240775

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PlEJBQGq9QnD5aKLYRJRl

If you’ve been spinning in circles wondering what to name your offer or waiting until your website is perfect, this conversation will snap you out of it. Lyn Diane, the Dream Launch Queen, joins Stacey Lauren for a walk-and-talk that turns into a masterclass on bravery, simplicity, and getting your dream off the backburner. You’ll hear how Lyn got unstuck by hosting a Find Your Voice Challenge and how you can do the same.Learn how challenges create community, clarity, and momentum and why your overthinking isn’t helping anyone. This is for movement makers who are ready to show up and finally do the thing.Timestamps:0:54 – Why overthinking keeps us stuck2:18 – The power of instant feedback5:07 – How hosting a challenge activates clarity10:13 – Promote your book or business the easy way16:28 – What a Super Bloom has to do with your dream

YouTube: https://youtu.be/OmmvyAO9buE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyn-diane-thought-she-had-to-be-ready-she-didnt/id1618590178?i=1000720422312

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZAlgNFSmZDzVMw5nBHRow

What if your love of comics could change the world? Gareb Shamus, founder of Wizard Magazine and Comic-Con, joins Stacey Lauren to share how he created a global movement that redefined what it means to be a fan, and how he helps others unlock their creative expression today.

In this episode, Gareb opens up about:

0:00 - The comic that changed everything

5:52 - Starting Wizard Magazine with a fax machine

11:14 - Building Comic-Con into a global phenomenon

18:03 - Why self-expression is key to personal growth

24:20 - How art and community fuel transformation

#DoTheThing #GarebShamus #ComicCon #WizardMagazine #MovementBuilder #SelfExpression #BuildCommunity #CreativeLeadership #PopCulture #PurposeDriven

YouTube: https://youtu.be/LDtPr-EBSxU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-gareb-shamus-built-comic-con-and-changed-pop/id1618590178?i=1000719216419

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HTFiiDrzJZ8XaT3psjRxq

What if keeping your word could change your life and someone else’s?In this episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren sits down with Alex Sheen, the founder of Because I Said I Would, to explore the story behind his global movement, viral promise cards, and new grief recovery retreat center.From the eulogy that launched a worldwide nonprofit to the challenges of building a sustainable impact model, Alex shares powerful lessons on resilience, vulnerability, and the simple act of showing up.In this conversation:• How “Because I Said I Would” began with a eulogy• Why promise cards are about mental health, not motivation• What grief, growth, and generosity have in common• Why Alex built a camp instead of a media empire• How collective action and community create real changeTimestamps:00:00 How Stacey met Alex and what inspired this episode02:05 The origin of "Because I Said I Would"09:10 Why Alex created a retreat center instead of a show14:00 Grief as a humanitarian issue, and what helps24:30 Alex’s advice on doing the thing, without needing motivation

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gj0q1K3Kmyw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alex-sheen-on-how-to-keep-promises-that-change-lives/id1618590178?i=1000717573061

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Dn8vNqcEkmyXUdOwRVUNN

What does it really mean to Own Your Play?For these five inspiring women, it meant learning to show up, take chances, embrace creativity, and build connection, all on their own terms.In this Own Your Play Expert Panel on The Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren and cohost Laura Carney lead an incredible conversation about what it really means to Own Your Play—how to stop chasing perfection, lean into creativity, and how play becomes a catalyst for courage, leadership, and growth.

This conversation is part of a special challenge happening inside the Modern Prairie community right now. If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on what’s possible for you, this will absolutely inspire you.In this conversation you will hear:- How to stop waiting for permission- Why embracing play fuels connection, leadership, and healing- The ripple effect of small acts of courage- How owning your play helps you find your people and purpose- The power of community-centered challengesTimestamps:00:00 How the Own Your Play panel came to life03:25 What owning your play means for each panelist12:10 How small, playful actions build confidence and leadership21:00 Breaking free from perfection and finding your voice32:15 Why community challenges accelerate connection and courage

YouTube: https://youtu.be/8aGkw3xzKGE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/own-your-play-how-5-leaders-turned-play-into-purpose/id1618590178?i=1000714244526

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PMhIZaw4XknjYTI6Qvv6a

Jami Dubs didn’t set out to lead—but when she found a challenge that made her feel alive again, she couldn’t help but bring others with her.In this episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Jami and host Stacey Lauren explore how Jami went from participant to leader to leader of leaders in the Modern Prairie community. She shares how journaling transformed her classroom, how she used her background in education to spark connection, and why leadership is more about listening and trust than direction and rules.They also talk about how challenges like “Find Your Voice” are making their way into schools, how to meet people exactly where they are (even when they can’t go outside), and what happens when women create fun, thoughtful, inclusive spaces—together.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: How Jami got started and met Stacey03:10 – Using journaling to transform connection in the classroom07:45 – Helping students explore loneliness, joy, and identity12:50 – The power of prompts and emotional safety18:30 – Bringing Do The Thing Challenges into schools23:00 – From “just watching” to co-leading and leading leaders27:15 – The magic of group dynamics and trust31:45 – What real community leadership looks like36:05 – Adapting dares for accessibility (and how it changed everything)42:20 – The power of fun, freedom, and feedback49:00 – Advice for anyone thinking about stepping into leadership

YouTube: https://youtu.be/SyylUiPPwrk

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jami-dubs-became-a-leader-of-leaders-without/id1618590178?i=1000711941450

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wsMOc5pd8oakdGQmtnLQk

What does it really take to build a thriving online community? (Hint: It’s not more content.)

In this episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren talks with Jane Stecyk, VP of Lifecycle Marketing at Mighty Networks, about the strategy behind successful communities—including the common pitfalls people make, and the magic that happens when you connect people through shared transitions.

We cover:✔️ Why successful communities are built around transitions, not niches✔️ How to turn quiet groups into buzzing ecosystems of support✔️ What “people magic” means—and how to engineer it with tech✔️ The 9-step framework Mighty Networks uses to power million-dollar communities✔️ How AI can enhance connection without replacing people

🎧 Listen in and discover how real communities are built—from the inside out.

Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Stacey on community building and activation03:18 – Jane’s role at Mighty Networks and how she defines “community”08:10 – Why content alone won’t build connection12:30 – What “people magic” is and how Mighty uses AI to spark it17:15 – The transition principle: how to design a community that works24:55 – The 9-step framework that powers Mighty’s million-dollar communities33:40 – How to craft your offer and create a “magical first experience”40:05 – Pricing psychology: why charging makes communities more valuable47:22 – Final thoughts on curiosity, weird niches, and the value of doing the thing

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ABHAokFbp2k 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jane-stecyk-how-to-build-a-million-dollar-community/id1618590178?i=1000708827264

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fgwKFjYIfgvKSUHe8s68J

When most kids in her sport had million-dollar ponies, Sam Beiter had something else: grit, patience, and a deep love for the horses no one else wanted. In this episode of Do The Thing, Sam shares how she turned that scrappy beginning into a career as a trusted horse trainer and lease specialist—proving that you don’t need privilege to build power.

We talk about her path from "late bloomer" to professional rider, what horses can teach us about leadership, and how she trains animals (and people) to trust again. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to meet someone—or something—where they are, this one’s for you.

Timestamps:0:00 – Sam’s first podcast ever (and how she got here)3:32 – The early days: used ponies, big lessons6:10 – Why every horse has value (and every person does too)10:55 – Leadership without domination: how horses taught her to lead17:12 – Horses, heart rate, and healing: the science behind the magic

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IEejoacbKTw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sam-beiter-turned-unwanted-horses-into-champions/id1618590178?i=1000707880716

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rA6htjIhwOOL8ytf5jhP0

What if starting a movement didn’t require an audience, a strategy, or a business plan—just a willingness to be seen?

In this impromptu live episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren chats with Mike Rinehart, a quiet force in the Find Your Voice Challenge, whose simple decision to show up and say yes sparked a ripple effect. Together, they talk about what it means to lead with love, move through comfort circles, and build momentum by doing the thing before you’re ready.

You’ll hear:✔️ How Mike went from hiding to helping others find their voice✔️ The moment he decided to stop waiting and start creating✔️ What “let love lead” really looks like in messy, daily action✔️ How movements start with one person—and why that’s enough

Timestamps:00:00 – Why Stacey felt pulled to go live with Mike03:40 – Mike’s experience in the Find Your Voice Challenge07:55 – The power of sharing your voice even when it’s not polished13:25 – “Let love lead”: what it means and where it came from19:40 – The new comfort circles and how Mike is moving through them26:50 – Monetizing with meaning: Stacey’s take on doing it with integrity33:10 – Creating a movement without a massive audience38:05 – What’s next for Mike—and how the community can support him

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ee3xuWTZQgo

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-mike-rinehart-let-love-lead-and-sparked-a-movement/id1618590178?i=1000705996320

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WE5b5szn4xZ7y0GYjUrtD

What if your dreams aren’t just wishes—but living intentions that can guide you toward a bigger life?

In this inspiring episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Mare Brighton joins Stacey Lauren to share the art and practice of Dreamlifting—a method for identifying, supporting, and activating your dreams (and the dreams of others).

You’ll learn:✔️ How to create your “Living List” of 50 dreams✔️ Why witnessing and sharing dreams accelerates their growth✔️ How to reactivate your confidence by celebrating your done list✔️ How Dreamlifting can transform relationships, family dynamics, and community impact

Whether you’re looking for personal motivation or a new way to connect with others, this conversation will spark new energy around what’s possible.

Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dreamlifting04:45 – How a tragedy inspired Mare’s mission to lift dreams10:12 – Why having 50 active dreams changes everything15:50 – The difference between a "nudge" and a "dare"22:10 – The magic of sharing and witnessing dreams28:00 – How Dreamlifting heals isolation and boosts action34:18 – How to get started with your own dream list40:00 – Mare’s live bootcamp and how to join44:30 – Closing: What dreams are you ready to lift?

YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbqYg8pgxBY

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mare-brighton-how-to-activate-your-dreams-and-lift/id1618590178?i=1000705050022

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DGobPbKvSOqmAP8eNKL1m