After Hours With Amanda

Grab a bevie, boo. I got an email from a brand I love explaining why a partnership wasn't the right fit right now, and something about my reaction surprised me. A couple of years ago, I would've made those numbers mean something about me. This time, I didn't.I'm talking about the messy middle of changing directions, why I'm more protective of my tiny queens' stories as they grow, and how easy it is to confuse productivity, money, and approval with actual value. Plus, yes, we're still dreaming Disney-sized dreams over here.If you're hearing a lot of no's or wondering whether you're doing enough, you're not alone. We're still becoming.Chapters00:00 What's Changing Around Here01:01 Holiday Chaos and the Messy Middle03:09 An Email I Need to Share05:08 Why This Brand Said No05:49 Why I'm Changing My Content07:17 Kids Are People Too09:17 Protecting My Girls' Stories09:55 A Rejection That Hit Differently11:17 Why I Won't Trade Privacy for Views12:35 Still Dreaming of Disney13:46 Life Isn't a Productivity Contest16:26 Your Life Is Worth More Than the Payout18:15 Who Decides What Counts as Success?19:15 Growing With the Podcast22:29 Becoming Without Losing Yourself

I’m walking where Walt walked, trying not to cry off my fake lashes, and unpacking everything I brought home from Disney’s Created in LA. We’re talking creator lessons from Zach King, the Try Guys, Disney storytellers and more—but this one gets much bigger than content.I’m sharing why partners matter, why “no” might really mean “not right now,” why we have to be willing to let an idea change, and why views will never be the same thing as community. Then I finally walk through Walt Disney’s office and have one of those full-circle moments I know I’ll never forget. Bet on yourself, boo.00:00 My Name Was on the Badge00:43 Welcome Back to After Hours00:59 Walking Where Walt Walked02:37 Who Was in the Room05:28 What I Actually Took Home07:18 Zach King: Ideas & Trial Reels08:48 The Pringles Test09:25 Hooks, Curiosity & Your Story10:37 Partners Matter11:26 “No” Is Not Right Now12:05 Test the Opening12:49 Be Willing to Let an Idea Go14:08 Don’t Stay Stagnant15:47 Views Don’t Create Community17:26 Walt’s Office & Betting on Yourself

I’m back, boo—and I have some explaining to do. During our quiet two-month hiatus, I seriously considered ending After Hours With Amanda. Instead, I found myself heading to Disney’s Created in LA and confronting some very loud imposter syndrome along the way.I’m sharing what happened, why the podcast needed room to breathe, the new Dreamers & Believers series, and what it felt like to almost walk away from an opportunity I had dreamed about for years. This is about Disney, yes—but even more, it’s about letting a dream change without deciding it’s dead. Grab your bevie. We’re catching up.00:00 We Took a Hiatus00:41 I Almost Ended the Podcast02:28 Dreamers & Believers Is Coming04:24 Why Created in LA Meant So Much06:27 The Dream Only Ends When You Stop07:13 My Dad & the Mickey Mouse Club09:21 Applying for Created in LA10:55 The Acceptance Email11:53 Imposter Syndrome Almost Won13:13 Landing in LA13:31 The El Capitan15:30 Walking Into a Dream17:51 Creator Films on the Big Screen20:53 Meeting Mickey & Minnie23:06 Christmas Morning at Disney Studios

Grab your bevie and settle in, because today I’m talking about the question I keep teaching my girls to ask: “Why did they tell me that?” We’re getting into gossip, friendship motives, direct communication, self-talk, comparison, and the difference between trying to control our tiny humans and choosing to have an impact. I also share the advice a therapist gave me when I was scared I wouldn’t know how to parent a teenager, plus a little life update about London’s birthday, D23, and why I’m learning to protect the moments I don’t want to miss. This is not a rulebook. It’s a long voicemail between friends about growing alongside our kids, staying in our own lane, and doing our best.00:00 Snow Globes and Back in My Room01:11 Choosing What I Won’t Miss02:55 Growing Into the Parent They Need04:44 Control Is an Illusion, Impact Lasts06:07 Stop Comparing Parenting Seasons07:21 Why We Took a Week Off09:08 D23, Disney, and Creator Pressure12:46 Why Did They Tell Me That?15:09 Gossip, Motives, and Real Friendship19:31 When Praise Becomes Comparison22:13 Change the Way You Talk to Yourself24:34 Stop Guessing Who’s Mad at You26:26 Rejection Is Redirection27:19 Honest Conversations Build Safe Relationships29:31 What’s Next and What I Need You to Hear

Grab your iced coffee because I’m finally sharing my full Disneyland game plan. I’m walking through how our family plans park days, what I pack, where we eat, how I use Lightning Lane and mobile ordering, which rides we hit first, where we stay, and why I still bring a stroller even with bigger tiny humans.I also want to talk about the part no itinerary can control: overstimulation, tired kids, changing moods, and the pressure parents can feel after spending so much money on a magical day. This is not the one perfect way to do Disney. It is simply what has helped our family make more room for the rides, snacks, memories, and magic.00:00 Welcome to After Hours With Amanda00:21 I’m Finally Sharing My Disneyland Guide02:28 Why Disneyland Feels Different to Me04:03 When to Go and Whether Lightning Lane Is Worth It05:00 What I Pack for Every Disneyland Trip07:28 The Stroller, Locker and Wet-Shoe Debate09:02 Dressing for a Full Park Day and Packing Snacks10:59 Preparing for Tiny-Human Meltdowns12:50 Dining Reservations and Taking a Break13:57 My Disneyland Rope Drop Game Plan18:42 Using the App and Planning Lightning Lanes21:28 Adventureland, Frontierland and Galaxy’s Edge24:00 Disneyland Food and Mobile-Order Favorites26:30 My Disney California Adventure Strategy31:41 Hotels, Nighttime Shows and Final Tips