In this episode, Ericka opens up about a deeply personal chapter of her life and a lingering "what if": an invitation to the legendary Groundlings that she didn't pursue. For years, that missed opportunity remained a regret—until she decided to reclaim it as a Bucketwish.

Ericka explores how comedy became more than just a performance; it became a vital tool for her own survival. She is joined by the mentor who helped her harness that power, Susanna Spies. Founder of Comedy Playground and affectionately known as "Comedy Mama," Susanna was named by *Variety* as one of the nation’s Top Ten for Innovative Approaches to Learning. Together, they discuss Susanna's twenty-year journey of birthing a platform for self-discovery and how she helps students find their many "faces."

Tune in to learn how humor acts as a universal language—a nourishing tool for connection and expression that is accessible to all of us, from every walk of life.

We often think of endurance as a battle—something we have to fight against. But what if "pushing through" is actually a form of surrender? This week on Bucketwish, we explore the space between our resistance and our resilience. It is easy to love the journey when the sun is shining, but who do we become when the path gets dark? We discuss how to honor your exhaustion while still honoring your commitment to yourself. This episode is about finding the quiet strength to take just one more step, even when you don't want to.

What happens when you stop wishing and start willing? In this high-energy episode, Ericka Nicole Malone is joined by the ultimate "BILF" (Boss I’d Like to Follow), Mara Dorne. As a self-made millionaire, mother of three, and the visionary behind maradorne.com and the BILF POD, Mara is the embodiment of what happens when preparation meets an unbreakable belief in oneself. Ericka and Mara dive deep into the "Bucketwish" philosophy—Mara’s personal blueprint for turning long-held dreams into tangible reality. Mara shares her journey from a struggling sales associate to eclipsing $1 billion in sales before the age of 40, proving that your current circumstances are never your final destination. In this episode, we discuss: The Bucketwish Breakthrough: How Mara identifies her deepest desires and creates a "no-excuses" roadmap to achieve them. The Power of Perception: Why believing you belong in the room is 90% of the battle, and how Mara cultivated her "unstoppable" mindset. Exploring New Options: Mara’s advice on staying agile in business and why pivoting is a sign of strength, not failure. The Fitness-Fortune Connection: How her passion for the gym provides the mental clarity and discipline required to lead a nationwide empire. Motherhood & Mogul Life: A transparent look at how Mara balances a massive career while remaining a present, inspirational mother. Mara is gorgeous, fun, and fiercely authentic. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a mother looking for a spark, or someone ready to explore new options for your life, this conversation is the shot of adrenaline you’ve been waiting for. Connect with Mara Dorne: Website: maradorne.com Podcast: BILF POD (Boss I'd Like to Follow) Instagram: @bilfpod / @maradorne