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

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