Jami Dubs didn’t set out to lead—but when she found a challenge that made her feel alive again, she couldn’t help but bring others with her.In this episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Jami and host Stacey Lauren explore how Jami went from participant to leader to leader of leaders in the Modern Prairie community. She shares how journaling transformed her classroom, how she used her background in education to spark connection, and why leadership is more about listening and trust than direction and rules.They also talk about how challenges like “Find Your Voice” are making their way into schools, how to meet people exactly where they are (even when they can’t go outside), and what happens when women create fun, thoughtful, inclusive spaces—together.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: How Jami got started and met Stacey03:10 – Using journaling to transform connection in the classroom07:45 – Helping students explore loneliness, joy, and identity12:50 – The power of prompts and emotional safety18:30 – Bringing Do The Thing Challenges into schools23:00 – From “just watching” to co-leading and leading leaders27:15 – The magic of group dynamics and trust31:45 – What real community leadership looks like36:05 – Adapting dares for accessibility (and how it changed everything)42:20 – The power of fun, freedom, and feedback49:00 – Advice for anyone thinking about stepping into leadership

What does it really take to build a thriving online community? (Hint: It’s not more content.)

In this episode of The Do The Thing Podcast, Stacey Lauren talks with Jane Stecyk, VP of Lifecycle Marketing at Mighty Networks, about the strategy behind successful communities—including the common pitfalls people make, and the magic that happens when you connect people through shared transitions.

We cover:✔️ Why successful communities are built around transitions, not niches✔️ How to turn quiet groups into buzzing ecosystems of support✔️ What “people magic” means—and how to engineer it with tech✔️ The 9-step framework Mighty Networks uses to power million-dollar communities✔️ How AI can enhance connection without replacing people

🎧 Listen in and discover how real communities are built—from the inside out.

Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Stacey on community building and activation03:18 – Jane’s role at Mighty Networks and how she defines “community”08:10 – Why content alone won’t build connection12:30 – What “people magic” is and how Mighty uses AI to spark it17:15 – The transition principle: how to design a community that works24:55 – The 9-step framework that powers Mighty’s million-dollar communities33:40 – How to craft your offer and create a “magical first experience”40:05 – Pricing psychology: why charging makes communities more valuable47:22 – Final thoughts on curiosity, weird niches, and the value of doing the thing

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ABHAokFbp2k

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jane-stecyk-how-to-build-a-million-dollar-community/id1618590178?i=1000708827264

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fgwKFjYIfgvKSUHe8s68J

When most kids in her sport had million-dollar ponies, Sam Beiter had something else: grit, patience, and a deep love for the horses no one else wanted. In this episode of Do The Thing, Sam shares how she turned that scrappy beginning into a career as a trusted horse trainer and lease specialist—proving that you don’t need privilege to build power.

We talk about her path from "late bloomer" to professional rider, what horses can teach us about leadership, and how she trains animals (and people) to trust again. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to meet someone—or something—where they are, this one’s for you.

Timestamps:0:00 – Sam’s first podcast ever (and how she got here)3:32 – The early days: used ponies, big lessons6:10 – Why every horse has value (and every person does too)10:55 – Leadership without domination: how horses taught her to lead17:12 – Horses, heart rate, and healing: the science behind the magic

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IEejoacbKTw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sam-beiter-turned-unwanted-horses-into-champions/id1618590178?i=1000707880716

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rA6htjIhwOOL8ytf5jhP0