The Bucketwish With ERICKA NICOLE MALONE

"I am so excited to have with me some of the most incredible women I have ever met." In this episode of The Bucketwish, Ericka Nicole Malone welcomes two dear friends who have paved impossible paths. First, the visionary Tara Punzone, owner and operator of Pura Vita in West Hollywood—the first 100% vegan Italian restaurant in the country. Tara shares the heart behind her journey, from her grandfather’s influence to her award-winning cookbook, Vegana Italiana, and how she found the endurance to keep her community fed through the hardest years. Ericka also sits down with the legendary Deborah Mars, an expert marketer and branding powerhouse who has shaped international icons (including Chester Cheetah) before pivoting into her true passion as a writer and creator. Deborah shares the powerful "COVID story" that led her to create her Black Santa line—a movement of representation born from a place of deep prayer and personal reboot. Together, they discuss the "Superwoman" myth and why the most creative thing you can do is finally show up for yourself.

Protecting the Little Girl Inside In this deeply moving episode of The BucketWish Podcast, Erica Nicole Malone sits down with the luminous Deborah, an entrepreneur and creative whose life story is a masterclass in resilience, boundaries, and the pursuit of joy. Deborah opens up about her personal evolution—from the rigid world of corporate suits and "church lady hats" to her current "Bohemian" era of luxury, kimonos, and self-chosen peace. She shares the poignant story behind her signature red-and-white kimono, a gift to herself that served as a catalyst for moving out of a mindset of lack and into a life of abundance. In this conversation, Erica and Deborah discuss: Honoring "Little Debbie":** Deborah keeps a childhood photo by her bed as a reminder to protect her inner child and trust her intuition. The Weight of Decade: Unpacking 50 years of "invisible" grief through counseling and finding the strength to put down the heavy burdens of the past. The Art of the Pivot: Moving from "hunting and killing" for a living to creating passive income and memorializing a legacy through writing. Guarding Your Peace: The necessity of "putting folks out of the car" and why Deborah no longer tolerates phonies, mean girls, or sarcasm masked as humor. *Finding Stillness: Why the biggest breakthroughs happen in the quiet moments and why you must be careful about who you speak your dreams to. Deborah’s mission is simple yet profound: to sprinkle joy. This episode is an invitation to get still, get brave, and finally start granting your own wishes. "Once you start adulting, you can't get so serious that you're not protecting the little girl inside. I have a responsibility to protect her."* — Deborah-Join the Movement: The BucketWish is more than a podcast; it’s a community dedicated to uncovering the impossible. Subscribe and join us each week as we share the stories that help you follow your dreams. Follow us on social media and share your own BucketWish today

What if the path to your biggest dreams starts with a cupcake, a solo dinner, or flowers you sent yourself? In this episode, Ericka gets real about the tiny, overlooked acts of self-love and self-celebration that quietly build the courage to keep going — even on the days you're crawling out of bed. Ericka  shares why we have to unlearn the "go until the wheels fall off" mindset we inherited, how giving back is woven into her own everyday magic, and why the BucketWish community exists: because none of us were meant to do this alone. If you've been waiting for permission to pat yourself on the back, this is it.

Guest: Satema Nali (Former New England Patriot, Speaker, and Coach) In this moving episode, Erica is joined by Satema Nali, a man who traded the grass of the NFL gridiron for the stage of human potential. Satema opens up about his journey from being "the worst player on the team" to winning a Super Bowl, and the subsequent "wilderness" of the 2008 recession that stripped away his wealth but revealed his true calling. In this episode, we explore: The Divine Nudge: How to recognize the "whispers" in your spirit that tell you there is more to your life than the status quo. The "Game Changer" Mentality: Defining the courage it takes to break generational curses and pursue a legacy that outlives you. Rising from the Abyss: Satema shares his "humbled heart" moments—from EBT cards to knocking on doors—and how those trials prepared him to lead others. The Art of Regeneration: Practical wisdom on "sharpening the saw" through meditation, prayer, and knowing when to turn the world off. The Bucket Wish: Satema reveals his three deepest desires, including a touching tribute to his parents' legacy of grit and sacrifice. Join the Movement Don't let "someday" become code for "never." Whether you are a leader needing a breath of oxygen or a dreamer looking for a sign to start, The Bucket Wish is here to light the way. Listen, subscribe, and remember: Your desires are divine. "Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you. We’ll see you next week." — Erica Nicole Malone

The Bucket Wish began as a documentary. It became a movement. A bucket list is what you want to do before you die. The Bucket Wish is something different — it's what you dare to want right now, while you're still here to live it. Hosted by writer, playwright, and storyteller Erica Nicole Malone, The Bucket Wish is a weekly podcast for anyone who watched the rug get pulled out from under them and wondered if they'd ever get back up. For the restaurant owner who lost everything. For the actor who stopped working. For anyone who has ever quietly let a dream go. Each week, Erica brings you real stories of people who refused to quit — along with the tools, the community, and the roadmap to help you navigate the doubt, the fear, and the moments when you can barely walk. This isn't just about inspiration. It's about equipping you to actually make your wishes come true. You are not just one thing. You were built for more. The Bucket Wish officially launches May 15th. You won't be doing this alone.

In this powerful episode of the BucketWish Podcast, Erica Nicole Malone shares a masterclass in intentional living. Drawing from her high-stakes experience as a filmmaker and researcher—including the nine months of meticulous preparation required to tell the story of the legendary Mahalia Jackson. Erica reveals why your life deserves the same rigor as a hit screenplay. Are you moving forward with a roadmap, or are you just "doing you" without a destination? Erica breaks down the essential elements of "scripting your life," from drafting your personal beat sheet to auditing the "cast" of characters currently occupying your space. Key Takeaways from This Week’s Episode: The Power of the Script: Why showing up prepared with a plan is the only way to ensure you don't end up in "New York" when your soul is calling you to "Texas." Character Audits: How to identify the "bad actors" and "set fillers" in your life—those who consume your energy and time without moving your story forward. The Energy Exchange: Why it is not only okay but necessary to expect a return on the love and inspiration you pour into others. Protecting Your Interior: Strategies for dealing with "triggers" and difficult people (the "Google" method) to ensure no one else takes the remote control to your spirit. Horse Blinders & Focus: The importance of maintaining a "storyboard" mindset to remain impenetrable against distractions and stay focused on winning your own race. Your time is your most valuable asset—more precious than a billion dollars. Join Erica this week to learn how to reinvent yourself and become the person you’ve always dreamed of being.  You are expensive. You are treasured. You are special. Stop letting people spend your energy without a script." Visit thebucketwish.com for tools to help you plan your life and follow your dreams. New episodes of the BucketWish Podcast drop every week. Subscribe and join the movement to uncover the impossible.

Butterfly Girl" — A Conversation with Alexia Faith This week on The BucketWish, Ericka Nicole Malone sits down with someone very close to her heart — her daughter, singer-songwriter Alexia Faith. Alexia has been quietly ascending for years, and this conversation is your chance to truly meet her. She opens up about the pivotal moment that sparked *Butterfly Girl* — her breakout single with over half a million views worldwide — and what it really means to rescue yourself when the fairy tale doesn't show up on cue. She talks about growing up feeling different, learning to fly away from the towns and the people who wanted to keep her small, and why softness in a Black woman is not a weakness. It is, in fact, the whole point. They also get into her brand new single *Incognito* — what it means to disappear on your own terms, let people lose access to you, and come back exactly when you're ready. This one is equal parts inspiration and joy. Because if you know Ericka and Alexia together, you already know — the laughs are coming too. Come with us. Your dreams are worth fighting for — not for the accolades, but because you love them. 🎧 New episodes every Monday  Subscribe so you never miss a moment.

I want to tell you about a memory from my childhood — laying out in the sun with my friends, not one of us thinking about who was white, who was Black, who was Latina. Just kids. Just happy to be together. That kind of innocence stays with you. This week on The Bucketwish, I'm holding that memory up against the world we're living in right now — full of pain, full of chaos — and if you're an empath like me, it can feel like too much to hold. But I believe that when voices come together, there is change. When we choose love over fear, there is healing. I'm sharing something personal this episode — about growing up, about the moments in history we thought we'd never live through again, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up for each other anyway. Because here's what I know — your dreams still matter in the middle of all of this. They matter *because* of all of this. The world needs you whole. The world needs you living, not just surviving. That's what The Bucketwish was built for. To remind you that your dreams are worth chasing, that you don't have to do it alone, and that the life you're imagining for yourself is possible — even now, especially now. We are all our brother's keeper, and part of keeping each other is giving each other permission to rise. Come sit with me. Let's find the light together — and let's go after everything we were meant to be.

"We are everyone else’s number one cheerleader, but sometimes we aren’t the number one cheerleader for ourselves." In this soul-stirring episode, Erica Nicole Malone invites you to redefine what it means to live in excellence. Moving beyond the "hustle," Erica explores excellence as an act of integrity, character, and self-love. From the surprising lesson she learned from her handyman, Jose, to the "Broadway standard" she set for her cast at age seventeen, Erica illustrates how excellence isn’t about impressing "important" people—it’s about how you show up when no one is looking. In this episode, we discuss: The Excellence of You: Why treating yourself to a nice lunch and a moment of reflection is a high-level act of character. The "Hazmat" Standard: How true integrity means protecting and providing the best experience for others, just like a job well done. The Equalizer: Why money and status don't change your value, and why we owe the same excellence to the person cleaning the stalls as we do to a CEO. Filling Your Cup: Recognizing when you are "depleting out" and how to refuel so you can continue to be there for your family and your dreams. Are you moving, or are you growing? It’s time to stop the "quagmire of movement" and start moving in excellence.

In this soul-stirring episode of The Bucketwish, Erica Nicole Malone dives deep into the transformative practice of manifestation—not as a fleeting trend, but as a lifelong movement for self-discovery. Drawing from her own journey—from a teenager in Louisville with a lack of  resources  and a big vision to a successful creator— Erica shares how the simple act of writing down your dreams can fundamentally shift your reality. Whether you are at the top of your game or feel like you’ve lost everything, this episode is a powerful reminder that your current circumstances do not define your destination. Erica challenges us to silence the noise of social media, return to our "secret place," and get meticulously clear about what we want to call into our lives. Key Takeaways from the Conversation: The Science of Writing it Down: Why the transition from thought to paper is the first step in bringing a wish to life. The Vision Board Evolution:Erica reflects on how her early vision boards—inspired by Sarah Ban Breathnach’s *Something More*—manifested every single item, and why she’s dreaming even bigger now. Training the Mind:A look at "brainwashing for positivity" to combat depression and keep the mind focused on growth rather than lack. Faith Over Finances: How stepping out in faith makes the "staircase appear," even when you don't have the funds or the resources. The Gratitude Reset: The importance of maintaining a gratitude journal to recognize the blessings already present while waiting for the next manifestation. "You can be where you are and still rise. You don't have to be 'high,' you can have nothing... but I’m challenging you to write down the wish you have for your life." — Erica Nicole Malone --- Mentioned in this Episode: Something More by Sarah Ban Breathnach The philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Are you ready to see your dreams manifest? Take Erica’s challenge this week: find a blank piece of paper, go to your center, and write down your most authentic wish.

It’s easy to be motivated when things are going well, but discipline is what carries you when the initial excitement evaporates. Why This Mindset Matters The "Hard" is the Filter: Most people quit when things get difficult. If you keep going, you’re already outperforming the majority by default. Endurance as a Muscle: You don't just "have" endurance; you build it by staying in the game longer than you want to. Strengthening the Will: Every time you choose discipline over comfort, you’re casting a vote for the person you want to become. "Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don't want to do it."

Recognizing How Far You've Come There is a unique kind of strength found in the quiet moments of realization. It isn't found in pushing forward blindly, but in the elegant bravery of stopping, looking at your path, and admitting: This isn't the one. This week, Ericka Nicole Malone opens up about the times she had to be ruthlessly honest with herself. She explores the art of recognizing when a venture isn't succeeding and the profound power of the regroup. It’s about grit—not as a loud, aggressive force, but as a steady, internal fire that allows you to learn, pivot, and emerge more refined than before. Success is built on these honest reckonings. Join Ericka for a conversation on how acknowledging where you’ve struggled is exactly what illuminates how far you’ve truly come. In This Episode: The Power of "Not Yet": Understanding that a pivot is an evolution, not a defeat. The Honest Mirror: How to cultivate the self-awareness required to change course with grace. Resilience in Motion: Practical insights on regrouping and applying hard-won lessons to your next chapter. Celebrating the Journey: Why every "failure" is actually a foundational stone in the architecture of your success. Listen Now Don't miss this soulful exploration of grit and elegance. Listen to The Bucketwish on all major podcast channels.

In a world that demands we broadcast every win and announce every arrival, there is a profound, untapped strength in moving quietly. In this episode, Ericka dives deep into the art of the "silent pivot." This isn’t about hiding; it’s about protecting your energy and honoring your growth before the world gets a chance to weigh in. Ericka explores how to navigate major life transitions—whether in your career, relationships, or personal identity—with unshakable grace. --- Inside the Episode: The "Why" Behind the Whisper: Why keeping your next move private can be the ultimate act of self-care. Defining Grace in Motion: How to stay grounded and composed when the environment around you is shifting. Filtering the Noise :Practical tips for tuning out external expectations to hear your own intuition. The Reveal: Knowing when (and if) it’s time to finally share your journey with the collective.  "Grace isn't just how you carry yourself in the light; it’s how you navigate the shadows of your own transition." Whether you’re planning a big leap or simply refining your daily walk, this episode is an invitation to slow down, lean in, and trust the beauty of your own pace. ---   Connect with The Bucketwish: Follow us on Instagram: @TheBucketwishoffical  The Community: https://www.thebucketwish.com Subscribe & Review: If this episode spoke to you, leave us a rating! It helps the grace spread further.

The Bucketwish with Ericka Nicole Malone Episode: Write Your Own Story Who holds the pen to your life? In a world filled with noise, expectations, and unsolicited advice, it is all too easy to drift away from our true north and start living a script written by someone else. But today, we are taking the power back. In this transformative episode of The Bucketwish, host Ericka Nicole Malone explores the profound courage required to Write Your Own Story. We discuss the vital importance of silencing the critics, trusting your unique vision, and the radical act of "filling your cup" first. It isn't about being selfish; it is about self-preservation. When we stand up for ourselves and prioritize our own well-being, we don't just heal ourselves—we become better parents, more focused leaders, and more present partners. If you are ready to stop editing your dreams to fit others' expectations, this episode is your invitation to turn the page and start a bold new chapter.

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

 Sometimes, what feels like fear is actually a hunch—a signal pointing directly toward your greatest successes. In today’s episode, we dig deep into the methods we use to navigate the unknown. While prayer is my personal anchor for grounding myself, the most vital step on your path is discovering the specific tools that work for you. Join us as we explore how to build your own toolkit and leverage the power of our community. It’s time to push past the fear and finally make your Bucketwish come true.

The Framework: Why Perfection is the Enemy of Done Let’s be real—waiting for the "perfect time" is just a fancy way of stalling. In this week’s episode, Ericka introduces The Framework, a flexible structure designed for the dreamers who are tired of standing still. Unlike a rigid roadmap that demands you know every turn before you start, a framework is your permission slip to experiment. It’s the scaffolding that allows you to "try on" your biggest ambitions—like a couture gown—to see if they actually fit your soul before you commit to the seamstress. What We’re Breaking Down: The Framework vs. The Roadmap: Why a flexible structure beats a fixed plan every time. The Couture Test: How to "try on" your dreams and pivot without the guilt of "quitting." Vibrational Alignment: Silencing the paralyzing "what ifs" by elevating your frequency. The Power of Proximity: Why we can’t do this alone (and why it’s more fun in a community). Maybe you’ll love the vision, maybe you won't—but you’ll never know if you're watching from the sidelines. Let’s hold each other accountable, lean into the structure, and start building.

We often think of courage as a grand gesture—a leap of faith or a loud declaration. But true courage is often much quieter. It is the simple, steadfast decision to just start. In this episode of The Bucketwish Podcast, Ericka Nicole Malone explores the transformative power of taking that first, single step. We discuss why we wait, why we hesitate, and how committing to doing just one small thing toward your goal can shift the entire trajectory of your life. You don't need to see the whole staircase to take the first step. You just need the courage to move your feet. Join us for a conversation on patience, intention, and the strength found in new beginnings. In this episode: Redefining what courage looks like in daily life. Overcoming the paralysis of "waiting for the perfect time." How one simple action creates a ripple effect of change. Listen now and find the inspiration to take your next step.

In Every Bloodline, There Is ONE. In every family and every generation, there is always one person who changes everything. The one who breaks the patterns, shatters the excuses, and refuses to settle for "reasonable." Are you that ONE? Join host Ericka Nicole Malone and Setema Gali Jr. for a powerful conversation on how to shift your narrative and live your life through faith. If you have ever felt that restless energy—the burning knowledge that you were built for more—this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to: Break the Cycle: Identify and crush the self-defeating stories that trapped generations before you. Shift Your Narrative: Rewrite your life script through the lens of faith. Start Winning: Move from "dreaming" to grinding, practicing, and claiming the life you were born to live. Stop making excuses. Start being the one who changes everything.

It’s easy to get so busy looking ahead that we miss what’s happening right now. Ericka Nicole Malone sits down to talk about "Everyday Magic"—the idea that you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to feel something wonderful. It’s about waking up to the life you’re already living and finding the spark in the ordinary. Join Ericka for a conversation on how to clear away the noise, pay attention to the details, and let a little more light into your day.

Welcome to Your Road Map to an Extraordinary Life Welcome to the very first episode of The Bucketwish Podcast! In this debut, host and Bucketwish founder Ericka Nicole Malone introduces the official companion to the platform. This show is your practical guide to making your dreams come true. Learn how this podcast will serve as your personal road map, giving you the tools to navigate your goals and showing you how to unlock the power of your community to achieve an extraordinary life. If you're ready to turn your "what if" into "what's next," your journey starts here.