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

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

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

How do you build a community that actually connects—not just scrolls, likes, and disappears?In this special Do The Thing Podcast panel episode, Stacey Lauren brings together seven brilliant women from across industries who’ve built activated, purpose-driven communities. Together, they unpack the real patterns behind deep connection and consistent engagement—and what most people get wrong when trying to lead a group, grow an audience, or “find their people.”You’ll learn:✔️ Why shared transitions matter more than shared interests✔️ The #1 mindset shift that turns passive members into co-leaders✔️ How digital platforms can actually make connection deeper✔️ What community looks like when it runs on purpose, not egoFeaturing:• Jane Stecyk – VP Marketing, Mighty Networks• Nicole Haase – CEO, Modern Prairie• Amanda Black – Founder, Solo Female Traveler Network • Eileen Wilder – Founder of Wild & Free• Christina Rowe – Founder, Women Helping Women Entrepreneurs• Felena Hanson – Founder, Hera Hub• Laura Carney – Author of "My Father's List"Timestamps:00:00 – Stacey’s opening: Why “find my people” matters now06:12 – Jane on transitions as the key to belonging12:45 – Amanda on creating courage locally and globally18:05 – Nicole on safety and softness in digital space23:20 – Christina on generosity and platform-sharing28:50 – Felena on scaling support for entrepreneurs34:30 – Eileen on voice, confidence, and virtual energy40:15 – Laura on legacy, loss, and finding connection through action47:00 – Closing reflections and challenge preview