Monica Leonelle has written over half a million words of fiction spread across several genres and series, most notably her young adult urban fantasy and paranormal romance series, Waters Dark and Deep. Monica started reading young adult books when she was seven and never managed to grow out of them. She LOVES Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, The Mortal Instruments, The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and more. Give her a movie, television show, or book aimed at young adults, and she’s totally there, ready to fangirl out.
Monica also writes about indie publishing at ProseOnFire.com. Her most recent nonfiction series, Growth Hacking for Storytellers, has helped thousands of writers write faster, become better storytellers, and find their way to success. She’s also the creator of the Breakout Author Masterclass.
Before becoming an independent author, Monica led digital marketing efforts at Inc. 100 companies like Hansen’s Natural and Braintree. She’s been an avid blogger of marketing and business trends since 2007. Her ideas have been featured in AdAge, The Huffington Post, the AMEX OpenForum, GigaOm, Mashable, Social Media Today, and the Christian Science Monitor.
Monica lives in a very, very old, 3-story home in St. Louis, MO with her husband and adorable westie, Mia. It possibly has ghosts. And definitely has a secret passage. She also drinks tea, not coffee, and spends a lot of her time journaling and even more of it in her head. To find out what she’s up to and get access to her latest fiction updates, exclusive giveaways, advanced review copies, and more, sign up at MonicaLeonelle.com
Connect with Monica Leonelle
Episode 303
]]>Monica also writes about indie publishing at ProseOnFire.com. Her most recent nonfiction series, Growth Hacking for Storytellers, has helped thousands of writers write faster, become better storytellers, and find their way to success. She’s also the creator of the Breakout Author Masterclass.
Before becoming an independent author, Monica led digital marketing efforts at Inc. 100 companies like Hansen’s Natural and Braintree. She’s been an avid blogger of marketing and business trends since 2007. Her ideas have been featured in AdAge, The Huffington Post, the AMEX OpenForum, GigaOm, Mashable, Social Media Today, and the Christian Science Monitor.
Monica lives in a very, very old, 3-story home in St. Louis, MO with her husband and adorable westie, Mia. It possibly has ghosts. And definitely has a secret passage. She also drinks tea, not coffee, and spends a lot of her time journaling and even more of it in her head. To find out what she’s up to and get access to her latest fiction updates, exclusive giveaways, advanced review copies, and more, sign up at MonicaLeonelle.com
Connect with Monica Leonelle
MonicaLeonelle.com
www.proseonfire.com
Instagram.com
Episode 303]]>
Connect with Derek Zardus
This week I am joined with the amazing Derek Zardus is who currently out there in America running 50 marathons across 50 states in 50 weeks! I am super happy that our mutual friend Laura connected us together. I know you are going to love his story and drive! Follow Derek’s journey at GloboRun.com
As you may have seen last week that I am now doing monologues in front of each episode. This week I have one of my brothers in the studio with me so I invited him to jump on a mic and chat about the past week, confidence, paying rent and so much more. This episode definitely ran a bit over weighing in at a hour and 20 minutes, but I promise you it is worth it! I even answered my first question from listener Jenna. I hope you all have a magical week!
Shoot me your questions to [email protected].
Read more about Derek Zardus
Derek Zardus’ mantra on the road is the running equivalent of Carolina Pulled Pork – Low and Slow. He believes we can run and improve ourselves without destroying the machinery that propels us forward. Downshifting on general runs by running and walking allows us to run more regularly and more consistently without the common maladies that plague many runners: shin spints, plantar faceitious, Ilio Tibial Band Syndrome, etc. Derek started running consistently about six years ago and suffered from a wide variety of those common problems until recovery from a herniated disc led him to commit to consistent run/walk strategies. Since then, he has completed 3 official marathons (Burlington VT, Bay of Fundy International, and Newport RI), paced a friend as race support for the Sugarloaf ME marathon, and completed 4 other marathon distances this past year as training for his 2016 goal of running 50 classic marathon routes in 50 states in 50 weeks. Derek has also paced a variety of half marathons with Beast Pacing starting in March of 2015.
Episode 215
]]>globorun.com
This week I am joined with the amazing Derek Zardus is who currently out there in America running 50 marathons across 50 states in 50 weeks! I am super happy that our mutual friend Laura connected us together. I know you are going to love his story and drive! Follow Derek's journey at GloboRun.com
As you may have seen last week that I am now doing monologues in front of each episode. This week I have one of my brothers in the studio with me so I invited him to jump on a mic and chat about the past week, confidence, paying rent and so much more. This episode definitely ran a bit over weighing in at a hour and 20 minutes, but I promise you it is worth it! I even answered my first question from listener Jenna. I hope you all have a magical week!
Shoot me your questions to [email protected].
Read more about Derek Zardus
Derek Zardus’ mantra on the road is the running equivalent of Carolina Pulled Pork – Low and Slow. He believes we can run and improve ourselves without destroying the machinery that propels us forward. Downshifting on general runs by running and walking allows us to run more regularly and more consistently without the common maladies that plague many runners: shin spints, plantar faceitious, Ilio Tibial Band Syndrome, etc. Derek started running consistently about six years ago and suffered from a wide variety of those common problems until recovery from a herniated disc led him to commit to consistent run/walk strategies. Since then, he has completed 3 official marathons (Burlington VT, Bay of Fundy International, and Newport RI), paced a friend as race support for the Sugarloaf ME marathon, and completed 4 other marathon distances this past year as training for his 2016 goal of running 50 classic marathon routes in 50 states in 50 weeks. Derek has also paced a variety of half marathons with Beast Pacing starting in March of 2015.
Episode 215]]>
Connect with Maxwell Ivey
979-215-1770
I am so happy that Maxwell Ivey reached out to be a few months back about my Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference. We chatted a bit and after finding out what he does, I felt he was a great fit to bring him onto Dreamers Podcast! 🙂
Read more about Maxwell Ivey
I am a 49-year-old blind gentleman who grew up in a family of carnival owners. All I ever wanted to do was to continue in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and be part of the family business.
As you can tell by reading this, that isn’t where I ended up. I did help in the business over the years, but couldn’t sustain it after the early death of my father (who had lung cancer). I then turned to helping people sell their amusement equipment. I do that on my other site, The Midway Marketplace.
I started blogging to promote that site and met a lot of wonderful people in the blogosphere. They told me that I had an amazing story and many commented on how I inspired them. They finally convinced me that I had a bigger purpose in store for myself.
So, I started this second blog, and in it I share more of my personal journey, struggles, and triumphs. I also got noticed by a lot of people and have appeared as a guest, an interview subject, and a motivator on many different sites. My As Seen Online page lists these places.
I do my best to help others, and do so mostly by encouraging them to take steps towards their ultimate goal, or to continue on the path they have started.
I am now offering coaching to help people who are stuck and frustrated with not being able to find their passion or follow their dreams once they have determined what they want in their lives.
I am also available to speak to groups. I believe that by sharing the story of my personal growth and transformation, it will motivate and inspire anyone who hears it.
In addition to starting a new business, I have also lost over 250 pounds through a combination of gastric surgery, diet, exercise, positive attitude, meditation, and prayer.
I believe I can help you. If you have questions for me, just ask them via the contact form. If anything, I am known for being too forthcoming!
I want to get to know you and become friends. I want to hear about your dreams and aspirations as well as your fears and concerns. I want to help you to grow to be that person you were meant to be.
I look forward to speaking with you. Let’s talk soon.
Thanks and take care out there.
Max
Episode 212
]]>theblindblogger.net
midwaymarketplace.com
979-215-1770
[email protected]
I am so happy that Maxwell Ivey reached out to be a few months back about my Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference. We chatted a bit and after finding out what he does, I felt he was a great fit to bring him onto Dreamers Podcast! :)
Read more about Maxwell Ivey
I am a 49-year-old blind gentleman who grew up in a family of carnival owners. All I ever wanted to do was to continue in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and be part of the family business.
As you can tell by reading this, that isn’t where I ended up. I did help in the business over the years, but couldn’t sustain it after the early death of my father (who had lung cancer). I then turned to helping people sell their amusement equipment. I do that on my other site, The Midway Marketplace.
I started blogging to promote that site and met a lot of wonderful people in the blogosphere. They told me that I had an amazing story and many commented on how I inspired them. They finally convinced me that I had a bigger purpose in store for myself.
So, I started this second blog, and in it I share more of my personal journey, struggles, and triumphs. I also got noticed by a lot of people and have appeared as a guest, an interview subject, and a motivator on many different sites. My As Seen Online page lists these places.
I do my best to help others, and do so mostly by encouraging them to take steps towards their ultimate goal, or to continue on the path they have started.
I am now offering coaching to help people who are stuck and frustrated with not being able to find their passion or follow their dreams once they have determined what they want in their lives.
I am also available to speak to groups. I believe that by sharing the story of my personal growth and transformation, it will motivate and inspire anyone who hears it.
In addition to starting a new business, I have also lost over 250 pounds through a combination of gastric surgery, diet, exercise, positive attitude, meditation, and prayer.
I believe I can help you. If you have questions for me, just ask them via the contact form. If anything, I am known for being too forthcoming!
I want to get to know you and become friends. I want to hear about your dreams and aspirations as well as your fears and concerns. I want to help you to grow to be that person you were meant to be.
I look forward to speaking with you. Let’s talk soon.
Thanks and take care out there.
Max
Episode 212]]>
Connect with Kimanzi Constable
Stop Chasing Influencers was co-written with previous guest and good friend Jared Easley. I had the good fortune to get to meet Kimanzi Constable at Podcast Movement this past summer. He is such a happy, and fun person to be around.
Since recording this episode, Kimanzi has finished his fourth book and Stop Chasing Influencers is coming out in about a month! Not to mention all of the other crazy adventures he has had traveling all over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Read more about Kimanzi Constable
For twelve years, I lived a life that could best be described as “existing.” I wanted more from my life but listened to my doubts, fears and the negative voices of other people.
I started a service business at nineteen that grew to multiple six figures and had five employees in three states. Here’s the thing, though, I didn’t know anything about business, and quickly got my family and myself into serious financial trouble.
I continued to limp through the business for twelve years, even though it wasn’t my dream or passion. Every day I wanted to quit, but without a college degree or any special skills, what could I do?
Things came to a breaking point in the summer of 2011. I was over $180,000 in debt, my marriage was falling apart, and my children barely knew me because I was always working. The cherry on the cake was that I was 170 pounds overweight. UGH!
In the back of my mind, I had a dream of being a writer. How could that be possible, a guy with no college degree become a writer? More than that, I wanted freedom!
Three years ago I finally got fed up enough to stop existing and to do something about my dream. I decided to stop listening to all those things keeping me from a life that my family and I truly deserved.
I self-published a book that was a complete flop at first. I sold five copies in the first six months. I was defeated, but determined.
I figured out a few things about the Internet and social media. I used some strategy and self-published a second book. To date, both books have sold over 100,000 copies. (The strategies I used are in the free guides, so be sure to sign up for email updates)
I got a book deal with a large traditional publisher and my dream of seeing my book (can I say that again, my book) in bookstores became a reality May 1, 2013.
I got an invitation to speak at a conference in West Virginia in July of 2012 and have since spoken all over the world.
Despite all of these amazing accomplishments, I still have a family to support. The money from the books was good, and so was the money from speaking, but we needed more. We needed some consistent income. So my family and I sat down and thought about what we wanted. We wanted freedom to do what we wanted, to live life on our terms.
We wanted to be location independent, where all we would need to make an income was an Internet connection. We’ve spent four years making that dream a reality. We are now living the dream!
I’ve lost 170 pounds, I quit my day job, and our family moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Maui, Hawaii! I’m not teaching you theories here. I’ve done this in my life and want to help you accomplish your dreams. I’m a contributing writer for the Huffington Post, the Good Men Project, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Mind Body Green.
You can do it too!
This website is the place for the family man or woman to learn how to create freedom in their work, health, and relationships.
I understand what it’s like to have a dream, but also have to support a family. My goal is to give you the tools you need to create your dream and make that dream your family’s reality.
I did it, and I know you can do it, too. I have been married to my beautiful wife Tanya for 17 years. I have two boys and a little girl. I am blessed beyond belief.
Don’t miss any part of this journey. You can get help with yours by entering your email address in the top box. I send exclusive content to my email list to help them create freedom. Thanks SO much for visiting!
Kimanzi
Episode 206
]]>kimanziconstable.com
stopchasinginfluencers.com
Stop Chasing Influencers was co-written with previous guest and good friend Jared Easley. I had the good fortune to get to meet Kimanzi Constable at Podcast Movement this past summer. He is such a happy, and fun person to be around.
Since recording this episode, Kimanzi has finished his fourth book and Stop Chasing Influencers is coming out in about a month! Not to mention all of the other crazy adventures he has had traveling all over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Read more about Kimanzi Constable
For twelve years, I lived a life that could best be described as “existing.” I wanted more from my life but listened to my doubts, fears and the negative voices of other people.
I started a service business at nineteen that grew to multiple six figures and had five employees in three states. Here’s the thing, though, I didn’t know anything about business, and quickly got my family and myself into serious financial trouble.
I continued to limp through the business for twelve years, even though it wasn’t my dream or passion. Every day I wanted to quit, but without a college degree or any special skills, what could I do?
Things came to a breaking point in the summer of 2011. I was over $180,000 in debt, my marriage was falling apart, and my children barely knew me because I was always working. The cherry on the cake was that I was 170 pounds overweight. UGH!
In the back of my mind, I had a dream of being a writer. How could that be possible, a guy with no college degree become a writer? More than that, I wanted freedom!
Three years ago I finally got fed up enough to stop existing and to do something about my dream. I decided to stop listening to all those things keeping me from a life that my family and I truly deserved.
I self-published a book that was a complete flop at first. I sold five copies in the first six months. I was defeated, but determined.
I figured out a few things about the Internet and social media. I used some strategy and self-published a second book. To date, both books have sold over 100,000 copies. (The strategies I used are in the free guides, so be sure to sign up for email updates)
I got a book deal with a large traditional publisher and my dream of seeing my book (can I say that again, my book) in bookstores became a reality May 1, 2013.
I got an invitation to speak at a conference in West Virginia in July of 2012 and have since spoken all over the world.
Despite all of these amazing accomplishments, I still have a family to support. The money from the books was good, and so was the money from speaking, but we needed more. We needed some consistent income. So my family and I sat down and thought about what we wanted. We wanted freedom to do what we wanted, to live life on our terms.
We wanted to be location independent, where all we would need to make an income was an Internet connection. We’ve spent four years making that dream a reality. We are now living the dream!
I’ve lost 170 pounds, I quit my day job, and our family moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Maui, Hawaii!]]>
Connect with Josh Kruger
http://citypaper.net/josh-kruger/
While I was at Philly Podfest to record an episode of Dreamers Podcast a few weeks ago, I didn’t have a guest. The person I wanted to be on the show wasn’t able to make it. Josh Kruger walked in with the City Paper to specifically talk and meet with me. Fortunately for me, he was open to share his story and I’m glad he did because he has a great story to tell.
Episode 196
]]>http://citypaper.net/josh-kruger/
@jawshkruger
While I was at Philly Podfest to record an episode of Dreamers Podcast a few weeks ago, I didn't have a guest. The person I wanted to be on the show wasn't able to make it. Josh Kruger walked in with the City Paper to specifically talk and meet with me. Fortunately for me, he was open to share his story and I'm glad he did because he has a great story to tell.
Episode 196]]>
Connect with Patrick Wisniewski
Patrick Wisniewski and I found each other thanks to Doug Barnes (Previous Guest of Dreamers Podcast) sharing out about Dreamers Podcast early on. I am so thankful to have gotten to know and even meet Patrick! He is well on his way to big things for sure, and creating guest experiences for theme park companies. Patrick and I have also been working on and off on another project that hopefully will see the light of day at some point, so stay tooned! 🙂
P.S. Today is my birthday! 😀
More About Patrick Wisniewski
Ever since I created a world of dinosaurs and wizards on my grandmothers typewriter, I have wanted to tell stories. I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina with a passion for Disney, Star Wars, and theme parks. Currently, I am graduate student at University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies Program. My focus is on storytelling in different mediums. These include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, film, children’s literature, theatre, comic books and graphic novels, board and video games, themed entertainment, and so much more. In my current position as Marketing Communications Intern for Auxiliary and Business Services at UNC Charlotte I create video, blog, and social media content to provide information that betters our student community.
In the Spring 2016 semester I will be launching an interactive and immersive haunted experience project as my final project for studies. I graduated with an undergraduate degree in English and Film Studies from UNC Charlotte in May 2014. I have been a part of several film and web series productions, leadership programs, and student organizations in that time. I have also had the opportunity to take on two front line roles in the themed entertainment industry in the merchandise and entertainment areas. It is my plan to tell stories for the rest of my life in all kinds of different ways. My main goal is to pursue a career in themed entertainment design in the areas of show writing and concept development. This website has been designed to show you all the great projects that I had the opportunity to be a part of but also to connect with those who love to tell stories. Enjoy your look around and thanks for stopping by! – Patrick Wisniewski
Episode 195
]]>patrickthestoryteller.com
wannabestories.wordpress.com
Patrick Wisniewski and I found each other thanks to Doug Barnes (Previous Guest of Dreamers Podcast) sharing out about Dreamers Podcast early on. I am so thankful to have gotten to know and even meet Patrick! He is well on his way to big things for sure, and creating guest experiences for theme park companies. Patrick and I have also been working on and off on another project that hopefully will see the light of day at some point, so stay tooned! :)
P.S. Today is my birthday! :-D
More About Patrick Wisniewski
Ever since I created a world of dinosaurs and wizards on my grandmothers typewriter, I have wanted to tell stories. I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina with a passion for Disney, Star Wars, and theme parks. Currently, I am graduate student at University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies Program. My focus is on storytelling in different mediums. These include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, film, children's literature, theatre, comic books and graphic novels, board and video games, themed entertainment, and so much more. In my current position as Marketing Communications Intern for Auxiliary and Business Services at UNC Charlotte I create video, blog, and social media content to provide information that betters our student community.
In the Spring 2016 semester I will be launching an interactive and immersive haunted experience project as my final project for studies. I graduated with an undergraduate degree in English and Film Studies from UNC Charlotte in May 2014. I have been a part of several film and web series productions, leadership programs, and student organizations in that time. I have also had the opportunity to take on two front line roles in the themed entertainment industry in the merchandise and entertainment areas. It is my plan to tell stories for the rest of my life in all kinds of different ways. My main goal is to pursue a career in themed entertainment design in the areas of show writing and concept development. This website has been designed to show you all the great projects that I had the opportunity to be a part of but also to connect with those who love to tell stories. Enjoy your look around and thanks for stopping by! - Patrick Wisniewski
Episode 195]]>
Connect with Beverly Zielinski
I am so happy that I decided to reach out to Beverly Zielinski to review my book. More so than that, I am happy that I got to hear her story of how she has overcome cancer so many times, and does a job that she absolutely loves! I hope you are able to find your self confidence in what are you doing to not only be a survivor but a killer, like Beverly Zielinski!
Beverly Zielinski was nice enough to do a book review for my first book Joe Pardo’s 31 Life-Changing Concepts, which you can check out here. If you have a book, I highly encourage you to send them a message to get a fantastic review! http://zessistantsolutions.strikingly.com
Episode 187
]]>Z-eSSISTANT SOLUTIONS
@hockeygal4ever
[email protected]
I am so happy that I decided to reach out to Beverly Zielinski to review my book. More so than that, I am happy that I got to hear her story of how she has overcome cancer so many times, and does a job that she absolutely loves! I hope you are able to find your self confidence in what are you doing to not only be a survivor but a killer, like Beverly Zielinski!
Beverly Zielinski was nice enough to do a book review for my first book Joe Pardo's 31 Life-Changing Concepts, which you can check out here. If you have a book, I highly encourage you to send them a message to get a fantastic review! http://zessistantsolutions.strikingly.com
Episode 187]]>
Connect with Amy Robles
I am so happy that friend of the show Doc Kennedy chose to connect me with Amy Robles! Her story is like many out there, not knowing how to budget their spending and eventually succumbing to back breaking debt. Fortunately for Amy, and all of us, she decided to do something about her debt problems! Asking tough questions about what is needed versus what is wanted to break down their expenses and rapidly get them out of debt.
In this episode Amy and I spend some time talking about how to use tools and discipline to help create the enriched life you want while still being on a budget!
Tools mentioned by Amy Robles and myself:
Episode 184
]]>http://thinkenriched.com
@itsAmyRobles
instagram.com/itsamyrobles
I am so happy that friend of the show Doc Kennedy chose to connect me with Amy Robles! Her story is like many out there, not knowing how to budget their spending and eventually succumbing to back breaking debt. Fortunately for Amy, and all of us, she decided to do something about her debt problems! Asking tough questions about what is needed versus what is wanted to break down their expenses and rapidly get them out of debt.
In this episode Amy and I spend some time talking about how to use tools and discipline to help create the enriched life you want while still being on a budget!
Tools mentioned by Amy Robles and myself:
You Need A Budget
Mint.com
iCompta
Episode 184]]>
Connect with Kathy Kelly of Special Mouse!
I am so fortunate to be able to have Kathleen Kelly of Special Mouse to talk about how she got started. As well as why her message of Disney World being for everybody, is so important to her.
I want to help Kathly by supporting her Kickstarter Campaign to develop her first book all about making Disney World more magical for families dealing with Autism. I am proud to donate $40 to her cause, and I hope you are able to as well. I personally do not have family members with Autism, but I get asked a lot to help others plan their vacations to Disney World, and I figured having the book in my arsenal of advice would be very valuable. Please watch the video below! 🙂
More about Special Mouse Podcast
For most Disney fans, podcasts are a rich source of both information and entertainment. What is a podcast? Think of it like an online, on-demand radio show. There are many podcasts that discuss just about everything Disney – news & rumors, theme park history, runDisney events , Disney weddings – you name it! But, until today, no one has devoted a show to the interests and concerns of guests with special needs and health issues. The Special Mouse Podcast was created to fill that void.
In 2012 attendance for Walt Disney Attractions worldwide was over 126 million. That’s a lot of people! Now, think of all those guests who must have had some sort of special need that affected their vacation experience – not just those with mobility issues – but those living with developmental disabilities, heart conditions, vision or hearing loss, food allergies – the list is endless! Fortunately, theDisney Parks and the Disney Cruise line are second to none when it comes to hospitality, inclusiveness and customer service. Nevertheless, when traveling with health issues and special needs it’s natural to have a host of questions and concerns. Some might even worry that they would be a burden to their families or that their challenges would be too much trouble to manage while on vacation.
At one time I felt the same way. Our family first visited Walt Disney World in 2003. I was excited but also somewhat apprehensive. Our youngest child had recently been diagnosed with classic regressive Autism and had numerous sensory, communication and behavioral issues. After a good deal of preparation, our Disney experience was nothing short of magical! Since then we have returned again and again because there is no other vacation destination that better suits the particular needs of our family. In 2006 I discovered a vibrant Disney online community and began to participate in several message boards, namely the Trip Report forum on DISboards where I wrote about our family’s Adventures in Autism. There I met a great number of people who shared a similar love of Walt Disney World, many of whom I eventually met in person and am friends with to this day! I started blogging about Disney and Autism in November, 2009 (Disney-Lovin’ Spectrum Mom) and began writing a special-needs column for WDW Fan Zone in January of 2011 (Faces in the Queue). Over the years I’ve developed numerous friendships and a passion for helping others discover that Disney is both willing and able to accommodate the special-needs traveler.
It is my sincere hope that this podcast will be a source of both information and inspiration to those who live with and/or care for those with special needs. You deserve a vacation! Here at Special Mouse we firmly believe that The Magic is for Everyone.
Episode 170
]]>Special Mouse
@KathKellyRN
I am so fortunate to be able to have Kathleen Kelly of Special Mouse to talk about how she got started. As well as why her message of Disney World being for everybody, is so important to her.
I want to help Kathly by supporting her Kickstarter Campaign to develop her first book all about making Disney World more magical for families dealing with Autism. I am proud to donate $40 to her cause, and I hope you are able to as well. I personally do not have family members with Autism, but I get asked a lot to help others plan their vacations to Disney World, and I figured having the book in my arsenal of advice would be very valuable. Please watch the video below! :)
More about Special Mouse Podcast
For most Disney fans, podcasts are a rich source of both information and entertainment. What is a podcast? Think of it like an online, on-demand radio show. There are many podcasts that discuss just about everything Disney – news & rumors, theme park history, runDisney events , Disney weddings – you name it! But, until today, no one has devoted a show to the interests and concerns of guests with special needs and health issues. The Special Mouse Podcast was created to fill that void.
In 2012 attendance for Walt Disney Attractions worldwide was over 126 million. That’s a lot of people! Now, think of all those guests who must have had some sort of special need that affected their vacation experience – not just those with mobility issues – but those living with developmental disabilities, heart conditions, vision or hearing loss, food allergies – the list is endless! Fortunately, theDisney Parks and the Disney Cruise line are second to none when it comes to hospitality, inclusiveness and customer service. Nevertheless, when traveling with health issues and special needs it’s natural to have a host of questions and concerns. Some might even worry that they would be a burden to their families or that their challenges would be too much trouble to manage while on vacation.
At one time I felt the same way. Our family first visited Walt Disney World in 2003. I was excited but also somewhat apprehensive. Our youngest child had recently been diagnosed with classic regressive Autism and had numerous sensory, communication and behavioral issues. After a good deal of preparation, our Disney experience was nothing short of magical! Since then we have returned again and again because there is no other vacation destination that better suits the particular needs of our family. In 2006 I discovered a vibrant Disney online community and began to participate in several message boards, namely the Trip Report forum on DISboards where I wrote about our family’s Adventures in Autism. There I met a great number of people who shared a similar love of Walt Disney World, many of whom I eventually met in person and am friends with to this day! I started blogging about Disney and Autism in November, 2009 (Disney-Lovin’ Spectrum Mom) and began writing a special-needs column for WDW Fan Zone in January of 2011 (Faces in the Queue). Over the years I’ve developed numerous friend...]]>
Connect with Mark Schaub from OMG Malls!
Mark has just taken a huge leap, leaving his steady job to blog full time about Orlando’s Malls. His blog and podcast OMG Malls (Orlando Mall Guide) was born out of his love of growing up a mall rat. Mark has found success working on OMG Malls part time after work, but is now transitioning to making it his job. While he has not figured out how this will all work out yet, he does have a strong support group standing behind him.
I applaud Mark and talk to him regularly about his venture ever since meeting in Florida at the Podcast Florida conference.
My book Joe Pardo’s 31 Life-Changing Concepts is out NOW! You can order for FREE today until Saturday April 11th on Amazon, just click here!
Episode 162
]]>orlandomallguide.com
facebook.com/omgmalls
twitter.com/markschaub
Mark has just taken a huge leap, leaving his steady job to blog full time about Orlando's Malls. His blog and podcast OMG Malls (Orlando Mall Guide) was born out of his love of growing up a mall rat. Mark has found success working on OMG Malls part time after work, but is now transitioning to making it his job. While he has not figured out how this will all work out yet, he does have a strong support group standing behind him.
I applaud Mark and talk to him regularly about his venture ever since meeting in Florida at the Podcast Florida conference.
My book Joe Pardo's 31 Life-Changing Concepts is out NOW! You can order for FREE today until Saturday April 11th on Amazon, just click here!
Episode 162]]>