West of Wonderland: Recent Episodes
Laura Westman and Bay LeBlanc Quiney
What if we stopped trying to solve today’s problems with yesterday’s solutions? What if we focused forward, on a “great big beautiful tomorrow” and started creating the future we want for ourselves, our planet and our children?
Join Laura Westman and Bay LeBlanc Quiney, two professionally certified coaches who deeply believe in the power of creativity, magic and imagination to transform leadership, and change our world for the better. Bay and Laura both love Disney everything and believe that the stories we love hold powerful messages and answers to some of today’s toughest questions. In each episode, we’ll be diving into conversations about things that matter, but don’t always make it to the table, and we’ll be bringing a lot of fun and laughter, along with faith, trust and pixie dust.
How do you pack for time away - like a normal person, or as if you are a Boston terrier? Laura and Bay discuss tales of adventures through the ages, jet lag, and being sick on the road. Oh, and what terrible movies have you seen recently? PS. Sustain-Ability workshop happening next Tuesday, June 24! https://wonderlandandcompany.com/sustainability/
Come on, who hasn't bought a mini version instead of a full size version of something and then regretted it? Welcome to this week's episode of West of Wonderland - join Bay and Laura as they debrief Sustain-Ability, discuss the need for help to create the perfect meet-cutes for their upcoming Wayfinders Leadership Circle! Why is it so weird to ask for the kind of help you actually need, instead of the help that seems palatable? Next free Sustain-Ability event on June 24: https://wonderlandandcompany.com/sustainability
Is there anything more triggering than a birthday - yours OR someone else's?! Welcome to the new era of West of Wonderland, which is basically the same as the old one, except maybe a little bit more polished (...maybe). How are boundaries and desires related? What's your favorite analogy about empowered boundaries? Do you also need help and reminders about not overriding your own boundaries? Are you tired of Laura and Bay harping on boundaries?!
What exactly is the Canada of the United States? Oops, we mean, welcome to the 200th episode of West of Wonderland! Laura and Bay are joined by two of West of Wonderland's best friends, Emily and Meaghan, to traverse everyone's favorite terrain: un-coze-ing yourself, secrets, reflections, and simple questions like "What is 99.8% of YOUR purpose in life?" Join this magical, heartfelt celebration of 200 episodes - almost four years - of West of Wonderland shenanigans! PS. Catch a bubble!
West of Wonderland have been working soooo hard lately, so they're going to take this week's episode to be ridiculous. Friend-of-the-podcast Jason Frazell has supplied Laura with a ChatGPT that has mansplained Disney Adults to her. Bay and Laura discuss and reenroll themselves in why they love what they love (hint: it's VelociCoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ™). How long can YOU talk about your favorite ride?
How do we "be with" opening up to large swaths of the unknown? What's the day to day life for you when you're building something new and waiting for it to pan out? What do you like to fill your favorite pans with? Do you call them Rice Krispie Treats or Squares, and what's your favorite way to make them?
How much do you know about Candian elections and government? Laura interrogates Bay about the Canadian electoral system, as Canada is in the midst of an election. What info is new to you around Canada, does anything surprise you the way it surprised Laura?! (P.S. Join us for our live recording of episode 200! https://www.laurawestman.com/wow-live )
What kind of wisdom do you seek when you're really "going through it"? Where do you look? What kind of magic do you have to open up to? Can you believe that Laura and Bay have been having breakthroughs in patience, of all things?! (P.S. Join us for our live recording of episode 200! https://www.laurawestman.com/wow-live )
What do you remember about the days where your life revolved around what was on TV, when? Bay and Laura discuss Really Important Things ™ including, but not limited to: joys and pitfalls of self-employment, the need for fun when you're working on a ton of stuff, and how often your survival mechanism "cries wolf." How do you advocate for your future when your survival mechanism has its claws in you?
What's it like when you revisit goals, intentions, and therefore patterns and survival mechanisms? In this fantastically ontological episode, Bay and Laura discuss some of the paradoxes of goal achievement and ontological transformation, both for clients and for coaches! What predictable things does your survival mechanism do when you're starting new things? How long can you remember you're great before you feel terrible? How much did Hallie and Annie weigh when they were born (yes, this is a Parent Trap reference)?
What good is a podcast episode without a couple of side quests regarding camping?Get the scoop on Bay and Laura’s upcoming event, Sustain-Ability! This is a bespoke online workshop designed specifically for women who work in sustainability, environment/social governance, and climate. It’s free to attend, but you must save a spot. Come connect with others and dig into the Three Domains of Leadership to get you grounded, inspired and sustained. Register here or share with a friend! https://wonderlandandcompany.com/sustainability/ PS. Where are you with camping? Do you still like us even if we don't like camping (Laura is asking this)?
The wheel turns again, and West of Wonderland is curious: are you happier with more sunshine? What even is time, anyway? What's it like to nurture a big idea into fruition? How do you talk to your boss when you're self-employed? Laura and Bay dive into the deepest conversations of purpose and share about their new bespoke leadership program, 🌿Wayfinders Leadership Circle 🟢 which is beginning to peek out into the world, much like an early spring daffodil.
Dive into the third pillar of a leadership style: power and relationship. No matter where you lead, you have ways that you automatically relate to others, and the power dynamics in those relationships speak even louder than the words you use as a leader.
Explore the second pillar of a leadership style: philosophy. Bay and Laura deep-dive into why this pillar is so foundational to your leadership, whether you're aware of it or not.
How would you explain what a "leadership style" is, and why is it important that we inquire? What are the components that make up a distinct leadership style? Whose Creepy Leadership ™ are we having to navigate, and why? Did YOU put on a strangely matching t-shirt and sweatshirt today, too?
How awkward are YOU when you have big news to share and don't want to bring it up even though it's the theme of today's podcast (hem hem, Laura)? Bay and Laura take a personal journey through Laura's big milestone. Here's the link to find and save: https://bit.ly/4i1A0jH
If you had to make a Greatest Hits album from your personal/leadership development journey, what would be on it? Bay and Laura open up their treasure chests of personal development work to discuss the heavy hitters. Why does everything come back to boundary analogies . . . . the world will never know.
Why is it so hard to be a person right now (oh wait — we all know why) -- and what can we do to not feel insane? How many sentences will Laura start, but be unable to finish due to being worked up? To which companies, corporations or elected officials would you like to speak to your mind? Why can’t a big kitty stretch solve every single problem in the world? West of Wonderland would like to know!
Hold on to your butts! In this latest edition of "what fantasy realms do YOU escape into?" Bay and Laura discuss the epic, astounding and astute world of the Jurassic Park franchise. Why do humans feel the need to 'play God'? Why do we have to have Chris Pratt in all our favorite franchises? What are duranasauruses (did Bay just make this word up or is it a real thing)? Why can't we have a mosasaurus to gobble up today's billionaires at the perfect moment? This and more in today's episode! PS. The West of Wonderland hoodie is available here: https://www.laurawestman.com/wow-merch
Have you ever wondered about where the heck ontological ideas even come from? Maybe you've wondered about the best way to get your spouse to OK turning a door blue. Either way, this episode is for you.
How would YOU explain the differences between taupe, beige and mauve? Inquiring minds want to know. Laura and Bay spend time in this episode honoring Mike Rinder, who passed away on January 5, 2025. Mike Rinder was a top Scientology official who famously defected and dedicated the rest of his life to building a different legacy and working to dismantle the harm done by Scientology. Laura and Bay also discuss the origins of Scientology, ontology and their favorite word that starts with E, Ethics.
How far would YOU walk to have homemade bourbon vanilla whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? How much cheese is the minimum amount of cheese, and why? Bay and Laura discuss their most recent adventures at Ollivander's Wand Experience at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It was soooo much all at once: being chosen, magical moments, sincerity, feeling seen, feeling special-special. PS. Why is it so nice to see your friend's dreams come true in real time?
Important question: what would YOU do with a ton of leftover heavy whipping cream? Additionally, what are your feelings towards turkish delight, whether a fantasy version or the real kind? Bay and Laura debrief A Meeting with Dumbledore together -- don't miss this behind-the-curtain look at their creation of the 5th Annual West of Wonderland New Years Gathering. Special thanks to everyone who attended! PS. Do you also black out when receiving acknowledgment??
Welcome to the new year—are YOU obsessing over goals, planners and trying to stay grounded after the holidays, or is that just Bay and Laura? This week, join our heroes as they share about a West of Wonderland bestie from Orlando, Angel Sanchez of Wanderlust Photography, who shares her joy like no other. Laura and Bay revel in her magic and share all about how to follow her! Instagram @theverybusybee
How would YOU be being if you got to frolic in your favorite place with your best friend? What kind of magical things would you do? Bay and Laura debrief the first part of their recent (as in, just got home yesterday) voyage to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and share their tips for having the most magic ever. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with Lightning Lanes!
Join Bay and Laura on January 4, 2025 for a very special free event: A Meeting with Dumbledore. Bring a friend, spread the joy! https://bit.ly/404Jeow
✨Join us for this year's New Years Gathering, A Meeting with Dumbledore: https://www.laurawestman.com/new-years-gathering ✨ How do YOU interact with sweet potatoes, versus yams? Do you have sweet potato stories?Tell us everything. Bay and Laura have their annual discussion of favorite Christmassy movies, music and tv shows, and discuss Muppet-related news from Walt Disney World. PS. Clothesline bacon, yes or no?
✨Join us for this year's New Years Gathering, A Meeting with Dumbledore: https://www.laurawestman.com/new-years-gathering ✨Are you a liability in your dreams?? Are you a hard dreamer or something else? Bay and Laura chat about relationship to dreams and the dream realm. Watch out for Bay's ghost story. For more conversation from Laura about dreaming, check out her recent YouTube convo with Chelsea Cotton here: https://bit.ly/49oF6mE
✨Join us for this year's New Years Gathering, A Meeting with Dumbledore: https://www.laurawestman.com/new-years-gathering ✨ In this episode of West of Wonderland, Laura and Bay debrief Loch Ness Monstering and being creatures with strangely functioning thyroids. Bay processes autoimmune news and Laura reflects on the journey with hers. PS. The original recording time was 44:44, say whaaaaat! PPS. The podcast Laura discusses is called Monsters Weekly and as of recording this, hasn't aired just yet! PPPS. Where does your glee come through?
Welcome to West of Wonderland, AKA the Official Fan Club for (including, but not limited to): Jonathan Bailey, The Sound of Music, Wicked, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, The Mirror Visitor, Harry Potter and whatever else you'd like to add to the list. What stories do you return to when times are hard, and why? What inspires you in this day and age? How many chairs would you climb over if you're trying to win the Sound of Music Singalong Prize? Just wondering 👀
Content Warning: Politics, Loss of Parent. ✨ As the dust continues to get kicked up following the US election, Bay and Laura take some time to discuss their support for and solidarity with anyone who is impacted by it — in the future through policy, or in the present due to no longer feeling personal safety. Laura and Bay discuss the ethical practices and boundaries they set in their professional lives when it comes to things like voting, and shed light on white privilege in the coaching community. They also want to say (a) sorry this episode wasn't lighter, but, I mean, what can you do; and (b) this took courage to say in a climate where every view is attacked, not good enough, etc. They hope this inspires you to take strong stands with your values and ethics, and to do good work with your privilege. Also they love you bye
How do we process the world when the world disappoints us, even horrifies us? Bay and Laura discuss the power of connection, and share a devastatingly lovely poem about loving the self by Elena Menendez Sanchez, shared with permission. Follow Elena online at https://www.instagram.com/elenamenendezsanchez
A Political Science major and an Anthropology major walk into a bar, what do you think they're talking about on the first week of November? Bay and Laura delve into areas of expertise they haven't mined in awhile, discussing the concept of civil religion and other matters. This episode was recorded before November 5.
Bay and Laura take a break from current events (previously recorded) to chat about the Wintering Retreat, a much-needed vacation and other "break from US politics" conversation, including but not limited to: breakthroughs in patience, marshmallow dream year, and the politics of microphones! Hello, survival mechanism city!
Buckle up everyone, because today's episode is filled with hard-hitting questions, like: what's your preferred type of string cheese, and why? What's up with the new ticket offering at the US Disney Parks, and why aren't they just giving it to Laura and Bay for free? How did Netflix and streaming get to be so gosh-darn unwieldy, and what does it have to do with Disney? PS. Join our lovely, not-at-all-filled-with-rants-about-capitalism Wintering Retreat! https://wonderlandandcompany.com/retreat/
Since it's autumn, Bay and Laura turn inward to talk about all the exciting intricacies of survival mechanism in the most intimate of spaces: home. Breakthrough work is intimate, and doing it in the home is the most intimate of all - both the physical components of the home, and the intimate components of the self. Laura debriefs changes from Marshmallow Dream year. How do we grow boundaries in places that we love -- not just in places that we want to protect ourselves from?
Who do YOU "be" when people call you obsessively who shouldn't be? Bay and Laura debrief some cool and silly stories — plenty of opportunities to lol about survival mechanisms today on West of Wonderland! Where are you laughing about your survival mechanism this fall? What are you up to next Thursday, are you coming to the West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching? And are you coming to our magical online wintering retreat in November?! www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy
Oh, helleurrr, how much do you know about various Australian dialects? What did your dogs get up to this week? And are you watching Rings of Power?! Bay and Laura tried not to include spoilers, but they kind of did, so skip this episode if you haven't listened yet. Also: wellbeing as we transition fully into autumn. How are you experiencing this seasonal change? How can you take better care in the present moment? And what can we learn from the trees?
Okay, if you had paid a zillion dollars and waited over a decade for a membership to something, and then you behaved badly and got kicked out of it, how would you be being about it?! Bay and Laura debrief a VERY IMPORTANT Disney fan news item surrounding the illustrious Club 33, the not-so-secret secret club at Disneyland Park. Where do you sit on Fenceposts of Judgment? And what other wishes would you have for the WISH movie? Bay and Laura wanna know everything.
Why not play a ridiculous game of "what if"? Bay and Laura invite you to come along with them on a hypothetical Orlando-area theme park adventure with one critical question: IN OR OUT?
Rocket is at it again. Bay and Laura debrief his latest shenanigans to avoid getting ready for "back to school"! What's the real magic of autumn energy? How can we pay more attention to it (and ourselves) when everything around us feels crazy? What kinds of mind-blowing magic will happen at tomorrow's West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching session? WHO KNOWS! www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy
Let's welcome the latest West of Wonderland Team Member, baby shark pup Pongo! Bay and Laura squeeze in the latest West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching session in September: Back to School Energy! Why does this matter? How can we seed it properly into our lives to make the next few seasons powerful? Ps. What advice should Universal parks take from Disney parks, and vice versa? Pps. What's your stance on Mrs. Doubtfire? Pps. How would you characterize Umbridge's leadership style?
What would you choose if you were designing the snacks in your own theme park? What would be in, what would be out? Bay and Laura swear this is relevant, as they debrief August's West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching session! The Theme Park Map of Your Business was POWERFUL and Laura is reeling from how much her idea provided. Bay and Laura co-acknowledge and celebrate the beauty of the partnership they've created together! How often do you get to hear two business partners ideate together? Someone send these ladies to Disney World!
SoOOoOooOoo what conversation are YOU in about boundaries these days? Bay and Laura check in about some funny exchanges but also about what to do when your boundaries are tested, disregarded or just truly not understood. Who do you be when the rules of the game are either not understood or disrespected? What kind of baseball game can you play if folks aren't on the same page? This and more juicy leadership/team development conversations today here on West of Wonderland!
Did you also get your heart broken by D23 this year or is that just Bay and Laura? 😭 What is it like to not be totally heartbroken about changes to the Magic Kingdom right now? B & L are dying to know! On the note of theme park design, 8/22/24 is the next Academy workshop - The Theme Park Map of Your Business! Register at www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy
Bay and Laura debrief birthday week with all its highs and lows, and dish on the upcoming West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching workshop. Laura is genuinely frightened by her own idea, so it's probably gonna be good. www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy for registration info! PS. EPCOT black forest cake, missing Disney World and preparations for WoW's upcoming sustainability client. Leo season continues!
Not just Leos, but Lion's Gate Leos! Bay and Laura discuss different zodiac signs' reactions to their birthdays, the pros and cons of being a Leo, how West of Wonderland is like an ontological water ride with a churro at the end, and being overdue for a lazy-river float. Thank you to all our listeners for the past three years of magic!
How about a mid-year check-in that isn't strictly about business? Bay and Laura discuss Orange Bird, being an advocate for yourself on a medical level, and being a "mammal fauna" in the summertime. Where are you? Where's West of Wonderland? What's hot, what's there to let go of?
This is NOT a spoiler-free episode. Or should we say "cette episode a des spoilers?" Have you seen Inside Out 2? Did it take you down memory lane like it did for Bay and Laura? Also, how much fake French can les deux femmes pack in to one podcast? Lay-All, merci and adieu.
If you lived in a treehouse, which treehouse would you model it after? Bay and Laura debrief Laura's Breaking the Dam workshop and dive into such crazy topics as how to create an authentic-to-you-offer, and Laura's most recent VERY INTENSE daydream/fantasizing that actually could become a thing. How would YOU react if a fantasy was actually coming true? PS. HOW MANY water analogies can they pack into one episode??
What happens when Bay is in Nova Scotia and Laura is recovering from the best concert ever? What would you do if you had a day to yourself at your favorite theme park? What happens when we put down our phones and meet people? How are you acknowledging the summer solstice this week? How many more questions could we pack into this episode description? Can you even??
It's time for yet another ontological rundown of a Disney character: Villain Edition. Let's talk survival mechanism, essence and greatness overall. Who will it be, deedle-ee-dee? PS. Are you talking to that squirrel?
You’re hot and you’re cold, you're yes and you’re no!!!! No, it’s not a conversation about Katy Perry, fooled ya, it’s about Taylor Swift! But it’s also about being a fan, a global citizen, and all other kinds of things. Let's be honest though, Bay and Laura love being a fan — and so do you. Ps. What's true about stuff, and how true is it? When is Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening and how much fun are you gonna have riding it? Do Bay and Laura have any fans other than each other?
The themes of today's episode are magic, mayhem, and messes. Grief, gags, and guffaws. Updates, undulations and . . . . hmmm . . . undercover amazingness? Laura recounts some lessons learned from her non-launch launch week. Uncover Your Creative Magic is now available for free download! It's also a tender and vulnerable and confusing time! Bay's here for it! Moping, marveling and macarons! Plus: an exciting sneak peek into this month's West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching Training Session on DREAMS. Reserve your spot here: https://www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy Uncover Your Creative Magic is here: https://bit.ly/3xDY0a2
Have you ever wanted to listen to two people discuss LOST, Once Upon a Time, and Game of Thrones? Well, then this episode is for you. When does TV peril hit too close to home? Laura shares that she had family members on Pan Am 7, a flight that went down over the Pacific in 1957. Bay and Laura take a trip down TV memory lane, and then discuss Laura's new developments: Hartford Improv Festival, Uncover Your Creative Magic being ready for the world, and Meaghan Wagner's new offering! Uncover Your Creative Magic is here: www.laurawestman.com/uncover and Practical Magic with Meaghan Wagner:https://bit.ly/4bhTooy
Content Advisory: Bay's mother has passed away, and she and Laura are being with it in this episode, the wonder of Bay's maman, the chasm of loss, the traipsing through Disneyland together, the possibilities Bay's mother never let go of. What kinds of things give you a respite from grieving when you're in a season of grief? Bay and Laura discuss new marshmallow developments, what might be coming to the land expansions at Walt Disney World, and why Asha from WISH reminds Laura of Bay. Like... a lot. PS. Which foods have a flavor that is distinctly just a color?
How often do you experience unrequited hope on a warm spring day? What would you do if you won the lottery? No, but really - Bay and Laura want to know. Tune in to find out why they think this question matters. PS. See you March 28 for the first Academy for Magical Coaching training, "Exploring Wishes for Client Impact"! Get on our list and receive the ever so fancy WoW Daily Planner when you do: https://www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy
What is the weirdest possible way YOU could be when you announce something that you're super excited about? Laura and Bay give the scoop about their first official training offering for coaches: West of Wonderland Academy for Magical Coaching. Drop in once a month for training sessions on distinctions, practical applications and new frameworks based on - what else? - magic in coaching. Learn how to link your imaginative, magical thinking with a real plan they can fulfill on - and to help your coaching clients do the same. Check out the whole calendar and register for an upcoming session at https://www.laurawestman.com/wow-academy PS. Tell Bay and Laura about how weird YOU get when you talk about things you're excited about.
Excuse me, but what is your dream cat? Are you embarrassed sometimes by the extent of your desire, love and appreciation for things you love? If so, this episode is for you. Bay and Laura explore when desire can become motivating sustenance for your journey, instead of just fleeting rocket-fuel. How can it work for us? What are YOUR orbits of desire? What is fairweather desire? Are we riling up the Vatican? PS. Disney Adults forever 🥹
Hello, are you a toaster? West of Wonderland is due for a chat about rewards! Project Design, a coaching industry tool to provide structures for achieving even the gnarliest of goals, has a pretty special component - rewards. What are they? Why reward yourself when you could punish yourself? What are rewards to adults? What do they have to do with goal achievement? Often, the more something matters to us, the more "stuff" is going to be in the way of achieving it. It is a cardinal law of being a person. Which nouns and gerunds will be selected for use in today's recording? PS. Link to Laura's webinar about Project Design for Coaches Creating CommUNITY - https://bit.ly/3Oz0nk2
How about a lil partnership chit chat? Listen in on a super unique conversation between Bay and Laura as they reflect on the evolution of the West of Wonderland voice, brand and partnership over four years of running their New Years Eve Workshop. Where did it start? How did this year's workshop reflect how they've grown? How many times can they name-drop Dr. Lauren Borden on this podcast before you all stop listening? How can everyone use their powers for good in the worst place ever: Facebook comments? Also, do ya wanna go to Disney World?
That is the question! Whether 'tis nobler . . . . yada, yada, yada. Bay and Laura have no need to sound noble on this episode as West of Wonderland has a candid conversation about planners - what works, what doesn't? What would be helpful to you when selecting your personal organizational tools? What helps you stay consistent? What would God's auto-responder sound like? When is sometimes better than never (hint: always)? PS. NorthStudio's ADHD Adulting Planner is here: https://northstudio.design/products/adulting-adhd-planner
New visions require new structures - sometimes that's your morning routine. What kinds of embarrassing things have YOU done instead of your routines? Where do we get into Fantasyland (in a bad way) about routines such that we cannot possibly fulfill and let them do their job? Who else goes into their phone instead of their life?!!?!?!?!!? Bay and Laura discuss ways to think about your routines so that they're actually helpful and not lowkey harmful.
Students out of bed!! Join Bay and Laura for the most magical New Years celebration of all - for the 4th year in a row! December 31st, from 1-3pm EST on Zoom, join your Hogwarts classmates for a magic-themed visioning exercise to kick off the new year. Bonus points if you can find your dress robes or bring your owl. Registration is free: https://bit.ly/3GVkJjt
It's Novembery, so it's time to discuss.... seasonal decor again. Welcome to the annual discussion about how AWESTRUCK Bay and Laura can get about how Disney Parks decorate for the holidays! What's new in the animal kingdom (of our homes)? How many microphones does it take to capture Grimby's snore?
It's December! Let's get ontological about a terrible part of the winter: illness. What are YOUR rules about getting sick? Isn't it so fun to have to navigate personal, family and societal narratives about sickness? It's simply the best. Bay and Laura love it. PS. Laura's got a special offering open from December 7-11 and now you know about it! PPS. What's the grossest thing that's ever happened to you while you're sick?
Following up from last week's episode about Prince Hans of the Southern Isles, Bay and Laura have some interesting parenting tips to share! Join in for this West of Wonderlandy debrief of the concept of TRICKY PEOPLE . . . along with a glorious multitude of stories, reminiscences, and potentially a bit of post-covid delirium from Laura. Who's all emotional as Velocicoaster Year comes to a close? PS. Who is King Mucus, after all?
Who is the most charming Trojan Horse you've ever seen in a movie? In this ontological shake-down of another Disney movie villain, Bay and Laura get altitude on villainy in Arendelle. Outside of "good" and "bad," what are the crystallized qualities of one prince of the Southern Isles. PS. Someone's survival mechanism comes from somewhere!
It's Novembery, so it's time to discuss.... seasonal decor again. Welcome to the annual discussion about how AWESTRUCK Bay and Laura can get about how Disney Parks decorate for the holidays! What's new in the animal kingdom (of our homes)? How many microphones does it take to capture Grimby's snore?
Bay and Laura are joined by Scott Shigeoka, an explorer and cartographer of the landscape of CURIOSITY and how it can help us create a more harmonious inner and outer world. Scott's new book, SEEK, will be in bookstores on November 14, 2023. Spoiler alert: West of Wonderland 100% recommends SEEK and can't wait for you all to read it and nerd out! PS. What should you do if you find yourself hating on spiders??! PPS. Have you ever wanted a longer explanation of what ontology actually is? This episode knocks it out of the park. Visit www.seekthebook.com to find out more!
What's alluring about spooky season THIS time around?! Why are people so obsessed with the un-dead, particularly zombie? In the West of Wonderland annual chatter about the spooky and the scary, Laura and Bay reflect on the value of horror themes, tropes, and why it's valuable to allow ourselves space to be freaked out. PS. Guess who's never seen The Shining and PPS. Guess who forgot that person hasn't seen The Shining.
Where were YOU in life when the Charlie's Angels movie came out? Bay and Laura digest recent conversations with BFF Dr. Lauren Borden and the information they've learned about their Human Design profiles. It's weird and it's amazing and it's insane to have this much stuff resonate about how you operate in life, isn't it?! West of Wonderland also pays tribute to legandary actor Michael Gambon, who many of us know and love because of his becoming Dumbledore after the passing of Richard Harris. Dearest Mr. Gambon, thank you and we love you. Yes, Laura absolutely was in denial and tried to forget about this news.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do improv under hypnosis? Laura hadn't either, until she found herself doing it. This week's episode explores "alternates" -- alternate lives you might daydream about, for better or for worse, when things get weird in your own. What would your current life experience change if you could bring it somewhere else? What kinds of things do you come back to to empower the life you're currently living? Deep questions abound, don't miss a second.
Dr. Lauren is back by popular demand! Well, at least, as Bay and Laura promised she would be. The three explore some really hard-hitting questions about transformational work, ontological frameworks, and how to engage with something like Human Design if you're new to transformation (or if you're not). Gather all your paint-covered bowling balls for this one!
Remember how part of the point of vacation is makin' memories?! Why is it not socially acceptable to relive fabulous vacation memories?! Bay and Laura throw that rule out the window in this week's episode, discussing many fantastically fun experiences they've had in Disney parks. Sometimes the solution to feeling stuck, or feeling like you don't have "enough," is to relish what you already have.
This episode is about three things: The Haunted Mansion movie, an ontological character study of Gaston, and Bay and Laura's inability to hold essential qualities and survival mechanisms as polar opposites or under the categories of good and bad! How fun! What's it like to review this absolutely fantastic villainous character through the lens of an ontological, or being-based, lens? Most importantly, who uses antlers in all of their decorating AND WHAT HAS THEM DO IT?!!?
What happens when you AND everyone around you believes you are chronically un-helpable? What does it mean to be support-able - by a coach, or by a friend? What's the difference between help that helps versus help that doesn't? What's the little, black hole-ish nucleus of our self-conversations that keep us from getting help that actually helps? Also: men and women unintentionally speaking past each other, Judgmental Whats, self-healing through our animal body, powerful "felt" sense of connection... and, of course... what does Dumbledore have to do with Laura's self-esteem and self-approval? HOW DELUMINATING!
Welcome to the most Laura's-core-values episode yet here on West of Wonderland. Bay and Laura take up the mantle of Laura's core value of Appreciation and walk through August experiences through that lens. Speaking your truth, creating and appreciating powerful friendships, feeling seen in relationships, intentional parenthood, the magic of fandom, the rapture of music, sheer presence... and more. PS. But again, how many Mickey ear hats can a person own? PPS. Why are mosquitos still around?
Bay and Laura reflect on the state of affairs here in late August, 2023. Some parts of the summer have been magical (pool time), some have been horrible (skeeters). How does creating your dream life open up so much self-loathing, and why would it? What's the best way to get intentional about how your seasons will go? Most importantly: how many hats with Mickey ears can one person possibly own?
Imaginative living requires a lot of intimacy with one's self. And sometimes that sux! Welcome to the West of Wonderland birthday blues episode, featuring our pick for president, Rapunzel, and a mess of stories - some empowering, some disempowering, some messy, and some lovely. What's the full experience of your birthday each year? What does it bring up, what does it ask of you? Let's dive in.
It's an 8-8 birthday bonanza, as West of Wonderland celebrates its second birthday - and Bay and Laura also have birthdays, all on the same day. What a time! Two Leos and their Leo creation come together for this week's episode, which is mostly about The Little Mermaid (finally!). What did Bay and Laura totally adore about this new retelling (and what did they not)? Why is Eric the Hufflepuff Prince and why did we need him so badly?!?!!? PS. Lin....we have questions.
Bay and Laura are feelin' HOT this summer - about the SAG-AFTRA strike! What's culty about Hollywood? Where do we get sucked in to the agenda of the folks at the top? Why should we care about this issue as consumers? Where's the line between being a consumer and becoming complicit in abusive dynamics of media production? West of Wonderland is SUPER FUN THIS WEEK! PS. At what point does West of Wonderland's self-referentialness coalesce into its sentience?!
Bay and Laura indoctrinate Lauren Borden, MA, PhD, PCC into West of Wonderland on this giggle-fueled episode - WoW's first ever podcast guest who literally reminds Bay and Lauren of a Disney princess. This episode is about Human Design - what is it?! How to use it/not use it - but it's also about introducing Lauren to Disney Parks things like Orange Bird and being very vulnerable about Human Design types, ways of creating, partnership, and integrating new awarenesses so that your life works better for all of your specific ways of creating. Get to know Lauren and her business, Veriditas Coaching! Segues, asterisks and sidebars abound as Bay and Laura receive insights in real time and freak out about them.
What does it mean to be in July this year?! Bay and Laura invite you to reflect on where you are six months into the year this time around. The discussion includes but is not limited to: doing things guiltily, thunderstorms, ways of creating, red lights that actually aren't red lights, being a righteous rule-follower, and diving right into chilly water. What's it like to let go of old things on purpose? What large-scale patterns do you see in your life when it comes to creation and transformation? PS. Why is it hot outside? PPS. How kind have you been to yourself over the past six months?
What does it take to pluck something from your vision and stitch it into the fabric of your real life? Join Laura and Bay to find out as they discuss Indiana Jones, new business ventures, and allowing the dial of destiny to do its job. In this vunlerable episode, Laura and Bay discuss their different "flavors" of not-enoughness that arise in the face of meaningful opportunities. Also: who is the lowest form of plebe? Who are you going to call if you need stuff messed up? Which WoW member will embellish her resume with movie-enjoying skills?
Bay and Laura head into a dreamy space on this episode discussing new, innovative construction for a girls' school in India. How would you re-imagine how buildings interact with nature for the future? What does the Imaginative Leadership of sea creatures look like? Why did Peter Pan & Wendy destroy Laura? Who is West of Wonderland's favorite actor of all time? Also, what kinds of questions does the OceanGate submersible bring up for all of us with regard to leadership, let alone the news coverage of it and other fatal disasters? (Please note, this episode was recorded while officials were searching for the submersible.)
Welcome to West-er-Wonderland, y’all! It’s a spicy centennial as Bay and Laura invent their celebration in real time, reflect on the first hundred episodes and do some scheming for the future! Do you have a celebration limit? What other ways do you want to interact with West of Wonderland as listeners (have you ever revealed yourself to us as a listener? If not… DO IT!! We wanna know you!)? Also: the power of developing ideas in partnership over time and not necessarily needing to know where it’s all going to go . . . . faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust, y’all! Cheers to 100 episodes!
What did Bay do in Laura's dream, and what did Laura do to annoy Bay so much in hers? Along those lines, have you ever been curious about the concept of spirit guides? West of Wonderland explains and explores the concept generally, and Laura shares specifically about which guides of hers seem to be clamoring to serve right now. Bonus Question: how many groundhogs currently live in Laura's yard?
Two important questions. First, have you ever wondered about the phenomenology of a pencil? Second, what are critical questions that imaginative leaders must investigate to truly make a dent in the climate crisis? What's it like to "turn a ship" in your own life, and what would it be like to do it on a large scale? When does it turn out that a deadline has been divinely missed? This and other questions will be diligently attended to today by Bay and by Laura, with her old fashioned radio voice, courtesy of the common cold and Canadian fires.
Where do YOU practice “a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down”? Is it with peanut butter? Bay has an enchanted moment with an old friend that opens a conversation about the link between performing arts dreams, voices and joy. When do we shut down our creative dreams due to fear of not measuring up, or not wanting to be rejected or heartbroken? What’s possible when we open ourselves up to a loving, curious healing process? Laura and Bay get more vulnerable than ever about how vulnerability is the price of admission to an experience of true joy.
Are you a dork, a geek, or are you just here to have a good time? Categorize yourself! Bay and Laura discuss all things tattoo, slug drama, and walking on eggshells. And, breaking Walt Disney World news from this month — Bay and Laura's hot take on the closing of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser! What place does "failure" hold in the kingdom of an imaginative leader?
What do you do when you rope drop in Disneyland? Bay spills from her recent trip including intel on changes in Downtown Disney, and additions to Disneyland and California Adventure Park. Email Bay and Laura and tell them what YOU do!
Guess who was recently in Disneyland? Laura gets a great download from Bay regarding her recent jaunt through The Happiest Place on Earth - complete with merch haul, snacks, ride experiences, and a thorough report for the Bureau of Complaints regarding Rope Drop etiquette! Enjoy this episode as a practice of appreciation.
Hold on to your broomsticks, because in this episode of West of Wonderland, Bay and Laura spend some time addressing everyone's least favorite part of the Wizarding World fandom, the controversy surrounding its author, J.K. Rowling, and the trans-exclusionary feminist politics she's been vocal about that have had tremendous consequences. Bay takes Laura through certain events as depicted by the podcast series, "The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling." Join them for a vulnerable, open-hearted, self-reflective and critical look at the leadership conversations available to us in this difficult topic. This episode includes an intro and epilogue recorded after the episode with some added perspectives. Please listen with care.
Get ready with your Panama Hats and Dole Whip Minnie Mouse ears... Bay and Laura wear their favorite Adventureland themed clothes and discuss some crazy facts and some crazed opinions about the parks! Which land was almost entirely missed by TV? Who doesn't want multiple perspectives on the first day that Disneyland was open and loose definitions of "party"? What is emotional squinting? Also: barre and barf, favorite shirts, and a new Peter Pan movie we didn't need but are pleased to have.
Have you ever wanted someone to enroll you in use of oracle cards? If so, this is your lucky day. More importantly, Bay and Laura finally dive in to all of the powerful magical themes of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass). What if your soul existed outside of your body and was an adorable animal and advised you on things? Where philosophy, science, magic, faith and soul take different forms than in our world - what is there to learn about life, faith, power, death, and love? PS. Does your Golden Monkey want to win YOUR affection?
Laura's as obsessed with "Disney's Land" as Walt Disney himself was with Disneyland! Have you ever wondered what Ronald Reagan was up to on the opening day of Disneyland, or how Disneyland trained their first staff members? Explore the "pre-opening sea of confusion" with Bay and Laura as they discuss Walt Disney's creation of leadership on large and small levels, which goes on to define the brand and legacy of the Disney Company for years to come and completely change the game for vacations and parks forever. That run-on sentence brought to you by Laura and Bay's love of - what else? - Disneyland.
All you need to know about today's episode is #justiceforbayspackinglist and #notmyfault. (We kid, we kid -- here's more: the ONE time Bay and Laura agree with Dolores Umbridge; a storied history of #church; patterns in transformation. Do you in-source or out-source important choices about your well-being automatically? Can you hold your growth outside of a right/wrong or judgment perspective? What the heck do pyramids and columns have to do with business development? All this and more. #notmyfault)
In the battle between Disneyland Paris and The Louvre, who would win, and why? Laura shares inspiration and anecdotes from the book Disney's Land by Richard Snow, which is helping her with her Velocicoaster year and becoming more patient (what's patience?). Also: how long will YOU wait for pain au chocolat? What would you have done if Walt Disney asked you to buy land around his nonexistent theme park? Why are we whispering?
WoW are biting their nails (in the past, but about the future?) in this episode which is one part movie review, one part leadership dissection, and one part general discussion of anxiousness. Can you believe it's been almost an entire year in the making? Why did Laura and Bay avoid discussion of The Secrets of Dumbledore for almost an entire calendar year? Will Punty ever get her due?! Will Lally get the spinoff she requires????!!!! ARE YOU BITING YOUR NAILS NOW?!?!?
Welcome to West of Wonderland, where you'll explore the three most important questions of all time: first, what is time anyway; second, why is daylight savings still a thing; and third, why aren't Bay and Laura at a Disney park right now? Additionally -- a weird math, trailers for The Little Mermaid and Haunted Mansion movies, and the greatest motivator of our time: commerce.
Welcome to West of Wonderland, where the primary question of the day is: what kind of wacky are YOU? Secondary questions include, but are not limited to: do you have a commemorative Disney 100 coffee table book? How about a Walt Disney quotes book? What's fun about unboxing, and why? How would you explain Imagineering, and Walt Disney's leadership style? What would happen if you stopped asking "will this happen?" and started asking, "how will this happen?" Plus, Laura cries about an Instagram reel.
Bay recently attended an extremely impressive drag show, and it's gotta be debriefed! Awe, magic, wonder, pure, unadulterated talent, and the difference between appreciation and appropriation. Also: COMPLAINTS AS A CURRENCY! And the difference between complaints on purpose, versus complaints that are disempowering! What does it mean to "be distinguished" about complaints?! Have fun with that! PS. Gisele Lullaby, we love you.
What happens when your creative project feels like a velociraptor running across your life? What's in the way of shining bright like a diamond - in the present, and also in your past? Who is YOUR favorite Disney prince? Please submit a five paragraph essay to enroll Bay and Laura in your choice.
Hey y'all, real talk: who else has tantrums when presented with new bicycles? In this week's episode, Bay and Laura digest recent Disney news items, including but not limited to TRON Lightcycle Run being in previews, and all the feels surrounding Splash Mountain officially closing in Walt Disney World to make way for Tiana's Bayou Adventure! West of Wonderland is pretty excited to swap a microaggression-filled flume ride for a fantastical food related adventure.
How can a book project "look different" on one person vs. another? Not all creative projects are created equal -- how could they be?! Everyone is a distinct creature with different styles, desires, and intentions! Laura and Bay celebrate and debrief the creation of Laura's first book, "How to Be Creative in the Age of Digital Noise," and discuss how deeply your emotional landscape can affect your creative process; how to understand and allow when your inner saboteur is working very hard to win and be right! Also: Grimby's sun sign, being a creature among creatures, and patterns of powerful creation!
It's February, and we find our heroes putting themselves in deep water and then fighting the currents! Laura and Bay reunite after a few weeks of ups, downs, and literal raging rapids. What does white water rafting have to do with breakthroughs? Why does Laura call 2023 her Velocicoaster year? What happens when we float around in ambiguity? Oh, and, conveniently, Splash Mountain has just closed for an overdue retheme in Walt Disney World - the water theme keeps on comin'! Let's go with the flow! PS. Have you ever dreamed in black and white?
The irony of this episode is that you're probably listening to it on the device we're critiquing... a smartphone. How do sinister empires benefit from our addiction to our devices? What do our phones have to do with the soul-sucking, undefeatable celebrity worship culture all around us? What does it have to do with fantasies of minimalism? Could we get any more esoteric in this episode?!! PS. My Little Pony, and royal family follow up.
When and how are apologies a leadership conversation? How would you address your family ouchies (or not) if you're on a global stage? You all know that Laura hates a hot topic, but West of Wonderland is here to bring the heat. Bay and Laura discuss some British Royal Family drama that makes them long for a good ol' Disney fantasy story about princesses and happily ever afters. What are the cross-sections between intentionality, reconciliation, impact, and privilege? For the record, none of Bay's friends introduced her to Prince Harry... JUST SAYING...
What's the difference between a goal that fixes something that's wrong, versus building something fulfilling? Why should you create some low-stakes goals? How quickly is January going? What did you think about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Flarfennugens and dinglehoppers are abound in this conversation. Additionally, WoW is becoming quite self-referential; it's only a matter of time before it becomes sentient. 😒
Did you get the memo about today's West of Wonderland uniform? On today's episode, Bay and Laura debrief even more incredible well-being support habits that were inspired by their time together in Disney World. With the right attitude, any theme park visit becomes the gift that keeps on giving forever. Laura and Bay also close the loop (get it?) on Laura's pre-trip roller coaster dreams, roller coaster learnings and breakthroughs; soul-filling exercise; and what have Bay's toes been up to since December?
Welcome to 2023 at West of Wonderland! Everything is on the table for discussion today, as Bay and Laura decompress from their Mirror of Erised workshop, Christmas experiences, annual New Year rituals, and more. What's it like to envision a future less about circumstances and more about who you're with and how you feel? Why is it awesome to revisit stories and be transformed by them as you age? What is the relationship between giving and receiving? How many times with Bay and Laura end up in theme parks together this year? January brings as many questions as it does answers this year!
Two unattached adults walk into EPCOT... join Bay and Laura as they revisit key moments in their recent jaunt through Disney World, which include but are not limited to experiencing DISAPPOINTMENT for the first time in a friendship; hot tips for how to not wait a long time for big attractions; powerful contexts for vacation planning, and more. Don't forget that Bay and Laura must talk about the scale of enrollment among cast members, or it wouldn't be a proper trip debrief on West of Wonderland. PS. Get something you aren't standing up to eat. PPS. But not a churro.
And we're back! Laura and Bay reminisce about their magical holiday trip to Disney World. Bay shares a new well-being habit she created over the vacation and it involves free packets of lemon juice. Join us as we debrief the parks à la Christmas, what we loved and how we really feel about Genie Plus. Find out what was added to Epcot The Day after we left, which is also going to be the reason for our return...
Today's West of Wonderland episode was the one that got bumped due to the Bob Swap! So, please enjoy dropping in on Bay and Laura as they reflect on the end of November and look ahead to their trip to Orlando. Laura is trying to shop in Bay's closet and also get all of Bay's thoughts about a recent roller coaster related dream; empowering thoughts about powerful sportsmanship as it relates to leadership; Laura's confessions with regard to holiday decor... and more.
Why is it so funny to look back at your kid logic with adult glasses? Bay and Laura pick back up their discussion about Harry and Ron using the flying Ford Anglia, integrating a new story from Emily. What is your relationship to rules? Why are kid priorities so out of whack? This episode also includes reminiscences about Bay's ballet days, Laura embracing her true nature as a giggle monster, and a quick lil pl-imagining session about this year's New Years Workshop!
A Tale of Two Bobs... just before American Thanksgiving, Disney swapped out Bob Chapek for Bob Iger as CEO of Disney. There's much to discuss, not only on a factual basis, but on fundamental leadership styles, places we lead from, enrollment, relationships, creative, and did we mention enrollment? Plus so much more about leadership transition, and Bay and Laura's upcoming Disney trip. Thanks to Meaghan Wagner for the title of the episode.
"Happily Ever After" is one of West of Wonderland's favorite fairy tale concepts to unpack. In this week's episode, Bay and Laura discuss the most recent season of Netflix's "Love Is Blind," a show that relies on myths and fantasies about love in order to operate. Join Laura and Bay for a shockingly high level discussion of reality television, fantasies we hold about relationships, and how myths can help or harm us when it comes to making huge life commitments (like marrying someone you've only known for two months, who you met on a reality TV show, in a pod). PS. Gold stars for whoever greenlit "Disenchanted" at Disney, Bay and Laura can't wait to see it.
Awkward beginnings, awkward pl-imagining, awkward sickness, awkward boundaries... welcome to No-vember at West of Wonderland! Bay and Laura are a No to a lot of things in this gloriously awkward, pre-holiday season episode: holiday decor happening early in the season, how to listen and pay attention if your thyroid is actually telling you "no," and what about telling your own personal inner people-pleaser "no"? Saddle up for an extra bonus of how to take good care of that people pleaser when you stop letting her run your life (because watch out, she's going to try to get busy with something). PS. Bay and Laura are heading back to Disney World in just a few short weeks, how are we all feeling about crowded spaces and covid?!
How does one cross the threshold from a "should" conversation around structure into a "wanting" conversation around structure? Bay and Laura get real nerdy about the ever unfolding relationship between structure and magic. Why is it that humans are always on a Quest for Understanding? When is understanding enhancing our experience of magic and joy, and when is it limiting or control based? What's the relationship between Ontology and Phenomenology? It may make no sense but Laura's gonna try to make sure you get it. It is the American Way!
It turns out that nobody is pretty enough for themselves at West of Wonderland this week. Laura used her tiny cauldron and created a pretty large releasing ritual, so naturally, Bay and Laura are discussing all things nature, beauty, ritual and witchy. What's powerful about creating rituals for yourself? Why does it seem to enhance rituals or spellcasting when your friends (aka coven sisters) suggest them out of love for you? What powerful messages did Bay and Laura find (or hate) in Hocus Pocus 2? Tune in for the witchiest episode of all. PS. Blue hair invited.
West of Wonderland embraces the season of autumn, which asks us to open up to transitions and grief. Bay and Laura contemplate the recent passing of a number of powerful figures in the WoW film world, including Angela Lansbury and Robbie Coltrane. Why does it hit us so hard when actors behind beloved characters pass away? What do you connect with most with each of them?
What's fascinating, fun, and important about spooky season? In West of Wonderland's second annual spooky season, Bay and Laura are investigating some ontologically interesting phenomena surrounding the season of the creepy. Why are we interested in being scared? Why are fear and darkness so pivotal to powerful stories, even when it's not a scary story? Why is it important to experience darkness arriving in a cyclical fashion? Also, how will Laura and Bay end up talking about the Velocicoaster on THIS episode?! You'll have to tune in to find out.
Zoom is trying to sell Bay some stuff, which is just inappropriate. The Fall Fairy has arrived at West of Wonderland - and so have the spideys and all the “back to school” urgent energy. What is the experience of “being with” fall this time around? What are you aware of, present to, transitioning through? …and how are you decorating? Inquiring minds want to know (Bay and Laura)! PS. Welcome Bonevolio, patron saint of spooky season.
Why is WoW so enrolled in Halle Bailey as Ariel? Bay and Laura speak from their particular identities about our new Ariel and all of her beautiful possibilities. Imaginative Leadership is built on powerful, humble, active inclusivity. Join Bay and Laura in a prismatic conversation about what’s possible if we acknowledge the different facets of Ariel’s possibility in the Disney fandom and beyond. PS. H20+ Beauty update, rose gold helmets, and Laura vibing with Nori Brandyfoot.
Here at West of Wonderland, everyone's imprinting their emotional needs onto national treasure Tom Hanks, even if the latest Pinocchio release has Bay less than fulfilled. A bee colony update from Laura's house has everyone thinking about community, connection, and surrendering to nature's timelines... though sometimes Imaginative Leaders want things to happen more quickly, there is magic in surrendering. Also: what if the new Ariel becomes an anthropologist?; the ontological stretch of a Disney movie going from animation to stage; wooden boy children going to school.
Though we aren't mermaids, as human animals, we are a bit attached to the mindset of, "I want moooooore." Today, Bay and Laura ask the question of all humans, why are you the way that you are? What are the hoops that Imaginative Leaders must jump through in order to connect with imagination, love, heart, the wisdom of the body - all of the tools humans have that have nothing to do with the brain? Also: kind doctors, commitment, anxiety in coaching and in healing spaces, short games vs. long games, and the most fun (and underrated) possibility of all: rewarding your loyal customers. Every business ever, TAKE NOTE! Your loyal customers want that discount that you keep pl-imagining!
Just how good can you let life be? Can you let yourself do more of what you love? These are the big questions at West of Wonderland this week. Where's the fun police when you "need" them - Bay and Laura have booked their next sabbatical to Walt Disney World. What's it like to create, even when you are in a pit of despair? This episode is chock-full of fun parks, leadership and inspiring creativity updates in the ethos of Disney Fandom that you never knew you needed, including a fun Rapunzel update! You are very welcome!
Why not just bring an old timey accent to the beginning of every conversation? On a scale of Villainous Ambivalence to Princess Sobbing On Bed, how devastated are you about H20+ being discontinued? In this episode, Bay and Laura traverse the landscape of county fairs, a completely distinct experience from a Disney park. What crazy experiences have we all had in the lawless terrain of county fairs? What do senior pranks have to do with enrollment from possibility and in partnership? How and when is enrollment a two-way street? No, Rapunzel, hitting people in the face with a cast iron frying pan is not the only way to enroll.
Someone here at West of Wonderland got ahead of herself and labeled last week's episode Dark Magic. When really, this week's episode is about Dark Magic. How Dark Magic is that?! (Halloween decor is already up in the Magic Kingdom, is it up at your house already? Season of Magic and Faith kicks off with an exploration of the darker side of magic. What value does resistance play in the bigger games we are calling upon magic for? Why does magic seem harder to find as an adult (Bay and Laura have theories)? What's the relationship between magic and responsibility? What's the best time and place to handle morning coffee in a theme park if you plan to queue but also not have to pee during a ride? )
What is your relationship to magic - inquiring minds want to know (Bay's and Laura's). What's magical about transition times, like summer becoming fall? How do transitions relate to imaginative leadership? Why is it harder to believe in any kind of magic when you become an adult - and how do we bring it back in? Why are we so obsessed with Tiana?
Welcome to the most adorably narcissistic episode of West of Wonderland thus far (yes, that's saying something) - as Bay and Laura welcome us all into an unofficial second "season" of West of Wonderland. For this episode, consider getting cozy with a cup of coffee and a notebook, so you can capture anything that it inspires. This episode is centered around a reading from DailyOM about (what else?) magic... MAGIC.... M A G I C... deliberately opening way more doors than Bay and Laura could ever possibly intend to close.
Rocket and Hermes have a lot to say about Bay and Laura and WoW's birthday this year. First Birthday Lightning Rounds include: favorite merch, favorite episodes, and a really detailed rundown of the concept of the Spirit Jersey. What's the difference between having an expectation for your birthday, and an intention? What are the bad feelings that surround an accomplishment and WHY do we have them? Where do our Rose Colored Glasses come in handy with regard to celebration? PS. Powerade works. PPS. Did Bay and Laura drop that they are starting a group? Maybe.
Bay and Laura continue the Secrets of Dumbledore tease, but please join them anyway in beginning to celebrate West of Wonderland's BIRTHDAY WEEK with a bonanza of conversation about, but not limited to: the number eight, happy/sad birthday memories, bolstering resources as an Imaginative Leader, the relationship between freedom and responsibility, breakthroughs in consistency, and how for three Leos (podcast included), they're not super great at celebrating, but great at appreciating and maybe that's enough this time around.
What do you do when you're the Boss of People?!?! Get ready for an episode chock-full of insight about what to do as an imaginative leader when people let you down. It's not a matter of if, but when. Expect to lose some battles in pursuit of the war (and other analogies); hybrid work environments + autonomy, juvenile bears, dancing hornets, and other truths universally acknowledged, such as how boundaries are an inside job and the difference between "protecting against" and "enrolling into."
Welcome to summer vacationtimes at West of Wonderland, in which Bay and Laura are back to time traveling, celebrating 200+ followers on Instagram, and coming up on the first birthday of West of Wonderland! Join in for a thoughtful (and a little righteous) discussion about the cool LA Times article in which an interviewee admits he's gotten into adult tantrums at Disney World before. Also: the miracle of air travel, how much we love our coaching clients, and celebrating breakthroughs in consistency... together. PS. It's almost time for the Haunted Mansion Holiday layover to get put up in Disneyland.
Today, Bay and Laura open up all kinds of critical questions in a truly riveting episode of West of Wonderland, inviting you to consider queries such as: what kind of desk lotion do YOU have? Can you imagine the most beautiful cruise on the planet? On a more serious note, exciting updates from Disney about Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which, let's be honest, probably sent Bay and Laura straight to waldisneyworld.com to look at prices for the Port Orleans Resort. Because... mmm.... Mickey beignets.
Have YOU gone down the media rabbit-hole that Laura did this week, learning about Teal Swan's spiritual business and questionable healing methods? Bay and Laura discuss their growing appreciation for feedback, ethics, and communities of practice in this not TOO holier-than-thou episode. Coaches are among the privileged few who get to "imagine" their work into existence. And, since coaching is leadership, ethical service providers have got to put some, uh, is it too soon to say "checks and balances"? Ok...it's too soon.
How do we automatically Be when difficult news breaks? What do we grapple with, how do we handle our feelings, and how do we interact with the world around us? In this vulnerable episode, Bay and Laura discuss the prism of Being With Friday's news about Roe vs. Wade being overturned by the US Supreme Court. Is it a failure of imagination, imaginitive leadership gone wrong, or something entirely different?
Why is it that the same themes circle back around on us in life? Just like fashion trends, ways we see ourselves tend to resurface in different ways through life. Less significantly, this episode also includes a really important merch follow up, where's the line between a uniform and a costume, hashtags for any WoWers on Peloton, and of course, fantasies about personal growth and how circumstances will change our lives. Can we just all live in Cinderella's castle and call it a day?
Ah, the politics of coughs in 2022! Bay and Laura discuss what it's like to "get back to it" after two partners have been apart for awhile; what imaginitive leaders value when it comes to getting back to work. Also, what's it like to go from being a one-scent gal to two? Where can we practice not being wishy-washy about what we want? Why is it important to enjoy the stuff you make for yourself? All of life's questions answered in one simple podcast episode. Also, spoiler alert, Laura's house still has bees in it.
Welcome to the least boring conversation about boredom that's ever happened. Imagination and wondering must bring with them their cousin: boredom. What does boredom have to do with your health and happiness? What would Laura say to Katy Perry at her American Idol audition? What can leaders learn from kids? How do you pass the time during an MRI? Burning questions will be answered!!
"I don't want to be seen learning!" Oh, the vulnerability of being in possibilites; oh, the fever dream that is Figment's house. Bay and Laura revisit the concept of imagination as it relates to imaginitive leadership - what clicks open our imagination in a way that is helpful? Also: messing up, going beyond data in leadership, and arguments about seatbelts with Bay as an officer of the law.
The main difference between Universal parks and Disney parks - what's that, you ask? Besides EVERYTHING... Bay and Laura think it's in the Being and Ownership. Also: Rocket's Gym opens, the bees move in, novelists making plans, a magical moment for Bay at EPCOT, and Laura's endless desire to wave back.
You've never thought about Disney merch quite as much as you will think of it after this episode. Or.... maybe you have. Bay and Laura share what they learned not only about the merchandise they liked at Disney World, but also about scarcity and creating vacations that serve you. PS. Merch asks from both B and L.
Bay and Laura are (spoiler alert) surprised by how enrolled they were in their Universal weekend! Velocicoaster spoilers abound in this episode. And, here's the fun they had and the shenanigans that ensued and the stuff that happened that they already forgot about and the stuff they learned about each other and themselves and run on sentences. PS. Maybe don't joke with your customs officer on your way to vacation? PPS. How do YOU react to scary things in theme parks? PPPS. "The shimmer of like wow."
Mama Universe is looking out for Bay as she and Laura prepare for their retreat-- err, vacation. This episode includes some trip planning, but mostly it's a romp through NOT the most magical themes in Disney movies, but instead, WHICH ONES DESTROYED US? Whether you're a fox being friends with a hound, or a lion cub who thinks he's murdered his own dad, you'll find a home in this episode. BTW if you need Laura to cry on command, make her sing "When You're The Best of Friends."
Welcome to the magical world of Disney Adults. How do adults get so obsessed with Disney fandom? Bay and Laura will not only explain Disney Adults as a phenomenon, but one hundred percent justify them — and perhaps even enroll you. Twinkly eyes and dreams coming true in this episode. PS. Bay and Laura are in Disney World RIGHT MEOW!
A quick lil between-episode tidbit to share some cool stuff and tell you how to play with us in the parks on our trip!
THIS EPISODE IS SO FLUFFY. Bay and Laura finally dive in to the magic that is Turning Red. This episode has it all: being thirteen, mother/daughter dynamics, the wackiness of being a kid, wacky as normal, the mother wound, and giant fluffy things that could also kill you, the nature of our humanity, our soul, our survival mechanisms. Spoilers ahead for Turning Red, which, if you haven't seen, what are you even DOING?! Buy this keychain for $5!
As Bay and Laura prep for their Orlando sabbatical coming up, they have a true bonanza of things to follow up on with all of you. How DID one of the Bobs finally address LGBTQ+ oppression in the wake of the "Don't Say Gay" bill? Unrelated, but also necessary follow-ups: R.A.B.'s level of hotness according to Laura; '90s fever dream The Parent Trap; when apologies work (and don't).
Bay and Laura acknowledge teachers fundamentally and indiscriminately in this episode, and kick off Lupin's Legacy Corner with stories of teachers whose dedication had a dramatic impact on the course of their lives. NBD. Also: was Regulus Black possibly kinda hot? What did Kreacher do when Harry, Hermione, and Ron didn't return to Grimmauld Place? Why can't Bay and Laura just be in Disney World already? Important questions are asked, and some are answered.
(CW: Disordered Eating, Body Dysmorphia, LGBTQIA+ Oppression) Did anyone lock their doors in the burbs in the 90s? It's not the 90s anymore, it's 2022, and Bob Chapek's response to the "Don't Say Gay" bill being introduced in Florida is not impressing anyone. This episode is choc full of what not to do when packing for your Disney vacation, Laura's tips for staying comfy but still getting cute pics (and her insecurities), and most importantly, what to do as a leader when it's critical that you stand up as a supportive ally and demand inclusion on the world's stage. Bay and Laura have opinions, you will hear them. PS. Converse sneakers make us all look silly. Producer's Note: Since the recording of this episode, Bob Chapek has issued an apology, which will be addressed in a future episode.
Tiana deserves a promotion, she will henceforth be referred to as Queen Tiana. Bay and Laura discuss where they are in the plimagining process for their spring Orlando trip and discuss when working on fun dreams becomes not fun. WoW is 100% in love with Evangeline, too; sorry, Ray.
What happens when two adult WoW hosts are left in their homes unsupervised for a short period of time? Turns out, it's a big swamp of nothingness and things get very plumberly indeed. No recipes get followed in this episode about being a Hogwarts teacher; the woes of being a nuanced, smudgy human being; Achievements in Charming may be the key to a functional magical life. PS. Sorry, but you probably won't find your next Potions master here at West of Wonderland.
Bay and Laura discuss the presence of enrollment in Marvel movies. Bay is very confused by Spiderman, but at the end of the day, Marvel is obviously better than DC Comics, except we want Wonder Woman, so pick your favorite Batman. Don't forget the true villain in the room, Jake Gyllenhaal (or is it Tobey?). Yes, this is a Marvel episode, but somehow half of it is spent on Jessica Chastain. Figure that one out!
Have you ever wanted a tiger best pal? Bay and Laura admit to wanting one each in this episode, chock-full of a wee bit of reality check when it comes to criticism of Disney leadership. What makes unpleasant announcements actually palatable? Turns out it's two of WoW's favorite terms.... relationship and reverence. PS. How many Bobs can fit in the legacy of Disney leadership?
Take a few minutes out of your day to process what's happening in Ukraine with Bay and Laura. Sending all of our love to everyone affected by this situation as it evolves.
Laura's just not that into ABBA y'all. Cat is out of the bag. This episode includes theories about Mirabel; the imaginative leadership of the twins in the Parent Trap is unmatched; and Bay and Laura dive into some coaching perspectives of Encanto including messaging of "being special" getting in the way of being yourself.
February is not a super romantic month at WoW, in fact, it's a confusing time of the year. Bay and Laura untangle the month, dabble in Valentine's Day, and reflect on growth in the area of romantic relationships. AKA cringe about stuff they said and stuff they did and who they thought they were supposed to be.
We're all having a bad hair day at WoW, but Bay and Laura finally get to debrief an incredible letter from friend of the podcast, Juanita Molano Parra, about the experience of Encanto from the perspective of a Colombiana. It's magical, it's beautiful, it's compelling, it's exciting, and we're all going to cry about butterflies from now on. PS. Is it "prolificness" or is it something else?
Sorry, and, you're welcome for the amount of pl-imagining about to happen in the coming months as Bay and Laura prepare for their pilgrimage. While Encanto wasn't formally on the agenda, Laura can't stop talking about it, and Bay shares why it's been difficult to digest. Ready, set, cry.
Imaginative Leadership knows no bounds in this episode. Bay's back from Costa Rica with complaints about her flight back home, Laura's fresh out of a transformation module, and there were riots in EPCOT this week about a Figment popcorn bucket. This episode is choc-full of pl-imagining, service-based leadership, and why the heck organizations and businesses should work with coaches and get intimate and imaginative with their leadership.
Laura shows off her Darth Vader mug. It doesn't fit on the mug shelf, but it fits on the podcast. Bay and Laura explore the question, "what would it be like to be a grown up?" and traverse the terrain of Peter Pan. When and where should we claim "having grown up"? What does it mean to head to Neverland? PS. Official launch of the term WoW Core.
So, we've made plans. Now what? Bay and Laura break down what they talked to their coaches about that week. It's glorious, it's embarrassing, it's the sound of a few imaginitive leaders getting their "blind spots" illuminated. Just because we can get by on our own, doesn't mean we should. Bob Odenkirk is an ancient, wise gnome in this episode. Gregory Maguire books, Disney casting a live-action Snow White, DSNY Newscast, and BEING A FAVORITE STUDENT.
Everyone experienced a transformation during Laura's wedding, including Rocket. This episode has it all: seasonal anxiety, archetypes about princesses and queens, Laura's obsession with Sheryl Paul, and a very important reference to Derek Delgaudio, the magician. Bay and Laura want your suggestions for the official WoW Cocktail Menu, in addition to their original cocktail, Drug Aboos.
Joy can't exist all on her own, so, we've got to welcome in other parts. Bay and Laura reflect on the closing of 2021, black skinny jeans, the GIFTS of rose colored glasses, and owning your perfectionism. What's great about the quiet of winter? Why are nature's cycles so powerful, and what can we learn from winter? Spirit/source energy, going with the flow, and being vulnerable with loss. CW: disordered eating, pregnancy loss, death of a friend.
Bay, Laura, and their recovering perfectionist tendencies all hang out to discuss holidays! The shoemaker's kids have no shoes, where's the line in holiday decor between perfection and delightfulness? Ps. Magic Kingdom decorating with exotic fruit this year, what do we all think of this?
Bay and Laura break all the improv rules in this episode to discuss the shimmery allure of the idea of Santa Claus. What's special about Santa? What's fun about stealing Santa? What would Elf be like if Will Smith were Buddy instead of Will Ferrell? These inquiring minds want to know. Most importantly, Bay and Laura each share what they'd write to Santa about. PS. Grumplestiltskin emerges.
Paris: the romance, the chaos, the maddening charm of the Imagineers' pride and joy, Disneyland Paris. More importantly to merry season: the Grinch. Where are we Grinchy during merry season, and why? What's actually awesome and useful about Grinchiness? PS. WoW is live on Instagram! PPS. Do not ask Laura if she worked at Starbucks because the answer is no.
Holidays: the prettiest time of year in Disney parks (hello, snoap!). What's so magical about the fantasy of the holiday season? What's it like to be open to the magic happening, and also stay present to what's really going on for you in December? Also: thrill-seeking dads, stories of FastPass times of olde, Greta Gerwig's Little Women, and an invitation to extend "The Christmas Spirit" to yourself.
A week before Laura's wedding, Bay and Laura have all the feelings about the experience of open-heartedness during pivotal moments in life - and in leadership. Plus: fun trivia about a major "oops" moment on Disneyland's opening day.
When is it time for a new dream? WoW's favorite imaginitive leader, Rapunzel, takes center stage again. Bay and Laura discuss an email from Meaghan Wagner about Tangled and the power and magic of having to come up with new dreams.
Bay and Laura introduce you (if you need the introduction) to hub grass and Fantasyland. What's poetic and perfect and beautiful about Fantasyland being both magical and macabre? What is it like to get out of Fantasyland in your own life and relationships? Hint: hopefully not as bad as being on Pinocchio's Daring Journey.
In which Bay seriously wants to know why Snape is so damn mean to a child. Seriously! Spoilers ahead for Harry Potter in its entirety, and of course, Snow White. Laura has a high fashion sweatshirt to show off.
Laura and Bay discuss the Evil Queen in all her villainous glory and why Snow White might need more credit that she's getting these days. Weeping hysterically and recovering; Peter Pan collars; the magic of early animation; love at first sight. PS. Bay's cat, Hermes, takes over the podcast entirely.
There's a fine, fine line between being afraid in the face of the unknown, and an experience of terror. What's fun about being scared? What's valuable about being afraid sometimes, and fear being part of the leadership journey? The magic of trash-talking evil stepsisters, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and of course, Hocus Pocus.
Though she doesn't bear the requisite villain color of purple, Cruella is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Disney villains. Spoilers ahead for this year's Cruella movie - also, therapy, Muppets Haunted Mansion, purple cakes, Malcolm Gladwell's hot-or-not takes on The Little Mermaid, and why all representations of Cruella deVil just are simply amazing. And that's that!
Whether you love spooky things (and to what degree) or hate them, what are the big leadership and imagination opportunities in embracing Halloweeny things? Welcome to Halloweentown! Ps. Yes, Halloween in the parks begins in August and no, we don't hate it.
It's open season on Alice in Wonderland, as Bay and Laura ponder the leadership lessons in the podcast's namesake film. Bay has a list, Laura's curious. Also: s'mores, Main Street snobbishness, and Harry Potter franchise crossovers.
Get your favorite cast iron frying pan ready, as Bay and Laura are 100% here to discuss the imaginative leadership of Rapunzel in Tangled. Magic bands, DisneyStyle shopping, and one extremely important question for Mandy Moore.
How do you start things in a way that makes them stick? What do improv, ballet, and Kenan & Kel have to do with building stuff in life? Don't let the mafia get in the way in your dating life -- check out this episode from Bay and Laura all about how hard it can be to start new things when you're a perfect, perfect perfectionist.
Bay and Laura discuss power, some no-wins of organizational culture, shame spirals, and, well, SOMEONE'S gotta hold the candle for a positive outcome! Put on your rose-colored glasses and your Loungefly Disney skirt. PS. Are you the person Laura saw in the Magic Kingdom who was also wearing a Sorcerer's Apprentice skirt?
Bay and Laura PROMISE to talk about the Jungle Cruise movie, but first, must discuss Disney's Magical Express and other happenings, such as what even is "leadership" and how can you locate it in your life? How are acai berries harvested? How did the Jungle Cruise ride become the Jungle Cruise ride? PS. Dwayne? Mr. Johnson? PPS. It's definitely John Michael Higgins, not Fred Willard.
Bay and Laura explore the difference between fate and destiny, and what Disney villains have to teach us about both. Is Captain Hook just upset that he peaked in high school? Do we all get a big musical number to tell us what our true calling is?
In Episode 2, Bay and Laura begin a very tricky conversation about the field of feelings when it comes to big goals, dreams, and the day-to-day reality of walking a path that matters to you. Feelings: can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em....
To all who come to this happy place, welcome! Join co-hosts Laura and Bay as they dive headfirst through the looking glass into the world of magic, inspiration and leadership. We’ll be making a case for the importance of story, magic and delight as we discuss today’s very real need for powerful leadership in a world ready for change.