About Amanda
I’m an improv-fueled writer and story coach and the author of two books. I’m also on a mission to disrupt the storytelling status quo. I founded and lead Mighty Forces, a storytelling company dedicated to amplifying diverse, authentic voices in service of creating a more connected, inspiring world.
P.S. Get the scoop on my professional background.
P.P.S. Wondering what exactly “improv-fueled” means? I have a background in improv comedy, and I’m passionate about the lessons this art form offers for how we live and work. I even wrote a book about it, called Improvising Adulthood.
In this video, you can see me performing at Ignite DC way back in the early aughts. I pretended to be very nervous (I was not). I like to think of it as my Andy Kaufman moment.
As a kid, I dreamed of being an actress when I grew up.
I was a drama club kid. I fell in love with my husband, Jordan, during a high school production of Guys & Dolls (he was Sky Masterson, I was the student director, swoon). My senior year, I was voted “Most Congenial” and “Most Likely to Host a Talk Show” (go Rockets!).
In my 20s I discovered improv and performed with my group, JINX, at Washington Improv Theater and in festivals around the country. The art of improv changed my life.
Fun Facts
1. I’m obsessed with meaning.
I ask “why” a lot. My drive to dig beneath the surface of things makes me a powerful strategist and keeps me actively engaged with my spirituality.
2. I laugh loudly and often.
The sound of my laugh has been compared, on more than one occasion, to Edna Krabappel.
3. I am authentic, bold, and warm.
My house is drafty, though, so in the winter, I am frequently cold, and can often be found putting on thick socks whilst turning up the space heater.
4. I am anti-racist and am actively committed to creating a world where people of all identities can feel safe and belong.
I mostly do this on the storytelling front, advocating for diverse and authentic storytelling and related systems reform.
5. I’m ready for bed by 9pm* (*7pm).
All that seeking, storytelling, laughing, and advocating wears a girl out! My friends Katie and Zach refer to going to bed early “Hirsching out.” That moment when I get into bed and crack open my book, or hit “play” on The Office for the six zillionth time, I am at peace.