Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

If you've been listening since the beginning, you know this one has been coming. I teased it in Episode 2. I mentioned it again in Episode 6. And today we finally go there — the whole story, nothing left out.

Last episode I told you things I had never said out loud before — about cheerleading weigh-ins, about Ipecac, about a lifelong complicated relationship with my body. And you showed up. The DMs, the voice memos, the texts from people I hadn't heard from in years saying me too, Stephanie. Me too. So today we go back in. Because I left something out. Something big.

In this episode I'm sharing my full GLP-1 journey — what 18 months on it actually taught me, what it did and didn't fix, and why the tool is never the whole answer. I'm also finally telling my surgery story. All of it. The first doctor who made a game day decision on my body. The bad marriage I was surviving at the same time. The revision surgery I negotiated on a budget because I needed it and I was worth it. The surprise pregnancy at 41 that gave me Maddie Jo. And the mommy makeover I do not regret for a single second — the one where I finally walked in from a place of love instead of survival and walked out feeling like myself for the first time in years.

I'm also sharing why being able to just run — without holding myself together with my own hands — meant more to me than any number on a scale ever could.

This episode is for anyone who has ever made a choice for their body and felt like they had to hide it. Anyone who has wondered whether using every tool available to you means you haven't done the real work. Anyone who has been waiting for permission to advocate for themselves.

You have the permission. You always did.

This week we're also covering:

The two supplements that have become non-negotiables for me — creatine and magnesium — and exactly why every woman over 35 needs to know about both. Our word this week is CHOICE. Confidence Corner is about doing hard things without apologizing for them. And Maddie Jo closes us out with the quiet confidence of a kid who spent her entire spring break on a science project without complaining once — and reminded me that you don't need courage before you do the hard thing. You find it after.

Plus a quick word about my new partnership with a female-owned GLP-1 company I genuinely believe in — link in the show notes, $100 off your first month.

And stay tuned — next week we are talking perimenopause. The thing nobody warned me was coming. Don't miss it.

Find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @StephanieintheParks. Shop my favorites on my Amazon Storefront, LTK, and ShopMy. And as always — book the trip, read the book, sign up for the race, pop the c

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

For years, Stephanie Parks believed a number on the scale had the power to define her worth.

In this deeply personal episode of Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles, Stephanie shares the honest story behind her lifelong relationship with body image. From childhood comments and relentless dieting to the quiet struggles with disordered eating, she opens up about the years spent trying to fix a body that was never actually broken.

Like so many women, Stephanie believed that if she could just reach the “right” number, everything would finally feel better. But through personal growth, community, and her running journey, she slowly discovered something powerful: our bodies are not ornaments meant to be judged — they are instruments meant to carry us through life with strength and resilience.

In this episode, Stephanie talks about:
 • The early comments that planted seeds of insecurity
 • The exhausting cycle of dieting and scale obsession
 • Learning to see movement as love instead of punishment
 • Why worth has nothing to do with a number
 • A powerful resource for healing body shame: More Than a Body

If you’ve ever felt like your value was tied to a number, this episode is a reminder of a truth we all need to hear:

You were always enough.

 body image, self-worth, confidence for women, scale obsession, women and weight, body positivity mindset, overcoming body shame, self-acceptance, personal growth, women empowerment 

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

this quick and hilarious 4-minute bonus episode, I’m joined by my favorite 5th grader, Maddie Jo, for a rapid-fire round of Would You Rather – 5th Grade Edition.

We’re talking school lunches vs. recess, group projects vs. solo work, fashion trends, friendships, and the very serious life decisions only a 5th grader can make. Maddie answers with confidence, sass, and just enough wisdom to remind us that growing up doesn’t mean losing your spark.

It’s light, it’s fun, and it’s a sweet little snapshot of this season of life — because these are the moments that become the memories.

Hit follow for more episodes of Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles — where we talk about motherhood, confidence, leadership, hard things, and the magic in the middle of it all.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

In this episode, Stephanie is joined by special guests from her runDisney circle to share their experiences, insights, and favorite moments from race weekends. Together, they walk through what makes runDisney events so unique — from the excitement of registration and race planning to the energy of race morning and the emotion of crossing the finish line with friends.

The guests share practical advice and personal lessons on registration strategy, training, pacing, and race-day preparation. The conversation covers key logistics like corrals, transportation, gear choices, fueling, and how to set realistic goals while still having fun on the course. They also talk through Expo Day highlights, bib pickup, merchandise tips, and how to make the most of the full weekend experience.

Costumes, character stops, and course entertainment are all part of the magic, and the guests share what’s worked, what they’d do differently, and how to balance creativity with comfort. They also reflect on the traditions and small moments that turn race weekends into lasting memories.

At the heart of the episode is the runDisney community — the encouragement on the course, the friendships built through shared miles, and the supportive atmosphere that welcomes runners at every level. Whether you’re considering your first runDisney race or looking to improve your next one, this episode delivers helpful guidance, honest perspective, and plenty of motivation to join the fun.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

This week, Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles gets a full Maddie Jo Takeover — and she’s officially in the host seat! 🎤💖

Maddie Jo flips the script and interviews her mom about what it was really like growing up, from being shy or outgoing in school to moving to a new school and learning how to find confidence and courage along the way.

With curiosity, giggles, and a few slime references (of course), Maddie Jo leads a heartfelt conversation about childhood, change, and the moments that shape who we become.

The episode wraps up with Maddie Jo’s Words Matter reflection and a sparkling Glow Up segment focused on kindness, confidence, and becoming your best self in every season of life.

A joyful and meaningful episode for moms, daughters, and anyone who loves stories of growing up, family, and a little everyday magic.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

In this heartwarming episode of "Champagne Smiles and Magical Miles," host Stephanie welcomes her favorite fifth grader, Maddie Jo Parks, to discuss the joys and challenges of being a young girl today. They share laughs over jokes, talk about school uniforms, and explore the importance of confidence and friendship. Maddie Jo shares her thoughts on becoming braver and smarter, while Stephanie encourages listeners to embrace their unique journey of growth and self-discovery. The episode wraps up with a toast to bravery, confidence, and strength, inviting listeners to share the positivity with others.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

In this heartfelt episode, Stephanie Parks shares her inspiring journey from a sedentary pandemic lifestyle to becoming a four-time Dopey Challenge finisher and passionate Run Disney community member.

Starting with a chance encounter at Disney in 2019 where she discovered the Run Disney community, Stephanie's story takes us through the challenges of the pandemic—gaining 35 pounds, struggling with stress as a healthcare executive, and feeling physically unfit. Despite never identifying as a long-distance runner, she signed up for her first 10K at Wine & Dine 2021, undertrained and unprepared, but determined to finish.

What began as a painful, cold, rainy race became a life-changing moment when she witnessed the diverse, supportive Run Disney community celebrating together. That night, she decided this wasn't a one-time thing—it was her new identity.

Since then, Stephanie has completed multiple marathons, achieved a perfect season running every Walt Disney World and Disneyland race, and is now contemplating chasing the World Marathon Majors. She emphasizes that running gave her more than physical strength—it provided a supportive community, lifelong friendships, mental clarity, and the ability to be a better mother, wife, leader, and friend.

Key Takeaway: You don't need to be first or perfect—you need consistency, patience, belief in yourself, and a supportive community. Everyone you admire started where you are. Keep Becoming!

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

In this special New Year’s Eve episode, host Stephanie Parks is joined by her daughters, Peyton and Piper, to continue a cherished family tradition—pausing to reflect on the year behind them.

Together, they share favorite memories, proud moments, and lessons learned through both challenges and change. The conversation centers on gratitude, personal growth, and what it means to stay anchored—to what matters most, to one another, and to being present in the moment.

Whether you’re looking to create a meaningful family ritual or simply want a thoughtful way to close out the year, this episode offers warmth, laughter, and honest reflection to carry with you into the year ahead.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

In this follow-up to our traditions conversation, Stephanie reflects on Christmas with her girls and the quiet moments that mattered most — pajamas around the tree, opening one gift at a time, and a simple comment that changed everything: “We should call each other more.”

This episode explores how traditions evolve as kids grow, why presence often matters more than perfection, and how small moments of connection become the traditions we carry forward.

Stephanie also shares a practical winter glow-up focused on hydration, sleep, and simple self-care, introduces a meaningful New Year reflection ritual, and revisits the power of intentional words — including this week’s focus on presence.

This is a gentle, grounding episode about listening closely, choosing connection, and allowing traditions to grow alongside the people we love.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

What happens when the traditions you create ripple farther than you ever imagined?

Stephanie had Episode 3 completely planned — a running story, an outline, everything ready to go. But then a friend reached out and shared something unexpected… and everything shifted.

In this episode, Stephanie shares the heart behind a tradition that began as a simple desire to teach her daughters that the magic of the season isn’t found in what you get — it’s found in what you give.

Because sometimes the smallest traditions become someone else’s foundation.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

The True Origin of Advent

Why the very first advent calendar wasn’t about treats — and how it was designed to offer hope, anticipation, and meaning.

How to Start Your Own Tradition of Kindness

Simple, doable ideas to create a family tradition rooted in giving — without overwhelm or perfection.

Strange & Beautiful Kindness Traditions from Around the World

From centuries-old customs to global holiday celebrations, discover traditions that may feel familiar… and others that may surprise you.

Why Words Matter More Than We Think

Before diving into traditions, Stephanie explores how the words we use today become our children’s inner voice tomorrow — and why kindness is one of the strongest choices we ever make.

Plus in this episode:

• ✨ Magical Moment: When you realize your small tradition became someone else’s legacy
• 🏃‍♀️ Magical Miles: Why giving is like running — you don’t see the change at first, but one day you realize your heart is stronger
• 💅 Sparkle & Glow Up: Winter skin rescue tips and the callus glow-up you didn’t know you needed
• 🥂 Sip of the Week: A meaningful business transition and what it means to trust your legacy
• 🎙️ Business Foreshadow: Real conversations about leadership, negotiation, and reinvention are coming

This episode is for you if:

• You want to create meaningful holiday traditions with your family
• You’re looking for simple, doable ways to teach generosity
• You love learning about different cultures and their celebrations
• You’re a Disney fan who wants to experience Epcot in a whole new way
• You believe that small acts of kindness can change the world

Keywords: holiday traditions, 12 days of kindness, advent calendar, family traditions, generosity, Epcot Festival of the Holidays, global celebrations, parenting, kindness, meaningful holidays, Disney holidays, World Showcase, raising generous kids

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

Stephanie opens up about the real reason this podcast exists: purpose, connection, courage, and choosing joy on purpose. In this heartfelt episode, she shares the story of meeting a stranger at the Cowboys–Chiefs game, the moment with her daughter that pushed her forward, and why she wanted a space to go deeper than captions and DMs. This episode also dives into the power of hydration in Beauty & Glow, with simple, actionable tips to boost your energy, skin, and running. If you’re here for authenticity, community, running, Disney magic, and joy that’s intentional — this one’s for you

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.

I would love to hear from you! Send me a text.

In this first episode, Stephanie opens the door and invites listeners into her world — her story, her experiences, and the moments that shaped who she is today. This warm introduction gives listeners a true sense of her voice, her heart, and the perspective she brings to the microphone.

You’ll learn what lights her up, the places she finds meaning, the themes that weave through her life, and the lens through which she sees joy, growth, challenges, and everyday moments. It’s a personal, engaging backstory designed to help you get to know the woman behind the podcast before the journey truly begins.

This episode lays the foundation. The “why now” comes next — but for today, it’s simply… welcome home.

Champagne Smiles & Magical Miles is a podcast about living with grace, choosing joy, and celebrating the moments — big and small — that make life meaningful.

Hosted by Stephanie Parks, each episode blends mindset, self-care, family traditions, and everyday intention with a touch of Disney magic and real-life reflection. From the words we use and the habits we build to the kindness we extend to ourselves and others, this podcast is an invitation to slow down, show up, and live on purpose.

You’ll hear favorite segments like Words Matter, Magical Miles, Sparkle & Glow Up, and Sip of the Week — each designed to inspire, encourage, and help you leave every episode with simple, practical takeaways you can easily implement in daily life.

Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or celebration, this space is for you.

Because every mile matters, every word counts, and life is meant to be lived with grace, joy, and a whole lot of celebrating. ✨🥂

🎙️ New episodes weekly. Follow along and join the celebration.