In this special episode, Amanda welcomes her husband, Jordan Hirsch, to the Mighty Forces podcast. Together, they trace the winding path of their relationship—from high school drama club crushes and early fandom litmus tests (The Simpsons! Robert Altman’s The Player!) to co-parenting, co-creating, and supporting each other’s creative lives. Jordan shares how horror movies, improv, and music have shaped his identity, how creativity energizes him, and why February Album Writing Month (FAWM) has been a lifeline. He and Amanda reflect on the tension between finding meaning in work versus relationships, and how their different perspectives have influenced each other. The conversation closes with Jordan’s powerful reminder about naming what’s true—and an unlikely recommendation for one of the “best worst” horror films ever made. It’s a warm, funny, and deeply human conversation between two people who know each other best—and who both give a damn.

Topics:

• Amanda and Jordan’s origin story: from drama club to marriage
• Early crushes, fandoms, and the near-dealbreaker of The Simpsons
• Pop culture as identity and friendship filter vs. Amanda’s different approach
• Soap operas, Santa Barbara, and Amanda’s lifelong obsession with story
• The improv years in DC and New York, including Gas Station Horror and Vox Pop
• Collaborating on music across states and decades-long friendships
• Balancing paid work, parenting, and creativity
• Differing views on meaningful work and how those perspectives have shifted
• Jordan’s closing wisdom: the power of naming what’s true

Resources:

• Mighty Forces
• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
• Follow Amanda on Instagram

Mighty Forces is produced by Amanda Hirsch and Heart Centered Podcasting. The music of Mighty Forces was written and performed by Jordan Hirsch, aka my wonderful husband.