West of Wonderland - podcast cover

West of Wonderland

Laura Westman and Bay LeBlanc Quineywestofwonderland.libsyn.com
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.

Episodes

There's a Ghost in Bay's Office

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.

Oct 27, 20211 hr 7 minEp. 13

Snow White & The Evilest Evil Queen

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.

Oct 20, 20211 hr 12 minEp. 12

The Thin Line Between Fear and Terror

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.

Oct 13, 202154 minEp. 11

If She Doesn't Scare You . . .

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!

Oct 06, 202152 minEp. 10

Welcome to Spooky Season!

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.

Sep 29, 20211 hr 15 minEp. 9

Same, but Different: S'mores Edition

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.

Sep 22, 202156 minEp. 8

Rapunzel for President

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.

Sep 15, 20211 hr 7 minEp. 7

Starting New Things

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.

Sep 08, 202150 minEp. 6

Rose-Colored Glasses

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?

Sep 01, 20211 hr 4 minEp. 5

DWAYNE?!

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....

Aug 25, 202157 minEp. 4

Oo De Lally, Golly, What a Fate

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?

Aug 18, 202159 minEp. 3

Feelings: Villain or Hero?

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....

Aug 12, 202145 minEp. 2

Welcome to West of Wonderland!

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.

Aug 06, 20211 hr 9 minEp. 1