We recently had the chance to connect with Heidi Stangeland and have shared our conversation below.
Heidi, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
There are a couple of things that always come to mind. The first is nature—I love being out there. In the mountains, at the beach, or hiking through the desert. For me, nature is healing. It’s the place I turn to for everything. When I want to celebrate, when I need to think and untangle my thoughts, and most of all, when I need to find myself again after a rough patch.
Mental health is something very close to my heart. I’ve seen people I love struggle, and I’ve had my own battles too. That’s why nature feels like a reset for me. When I sink my feet into the sand and let the waves wash over me, or when I stand in the stillness of the trees, I feel lighter. I let my emotions spill out—I talk to the wind, to the water, to the rocks and the trees. I empty my heart. And in return, I’m given peace and beauty.
Books are the other place I lose myself. I LOVE getting swept away into a story, living alongside the characters, feeling what they feel. When I find a good book, I can’t put it down—I’ll devour it quickly, only coming up for air when I absolutely have to. It’s my favorite kind of escape. Storytelling is such an important part of my life, of who I am, so getting lost in a book—or even in a TV show or a movie—is an escape I’ll always welcome.
Both of these escapes feed my creative spirit. Out in nature, I find inspiration in the quiet, in the colors, in the way the world just is. And when I’m wrapped up in a book, or lost in a show or movie, I feel sparks of inspiration everywhere. They both remind me of the beauty of storytelling—whether it’s told by the earth itself or imagined by someone else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Who am I? Honestly, it depends on the day—or even the time of day—you catch me. Like so many others, especially single parents like me, I wear many hats.
First and foremost, I’m a mom to three amazing, beautiful kids. That role shapes everything about me. I’m also a writer—this is my passion, and what I do every single day. Most of the time, I write for others: book adaptations, scripts, projects I’m hired to bring to life. In between, I carve out time for my own work. I’m currently writing a book (my first co-written book was published this spring!), and screenwriting is something I always come back to—it’s simply part of who I am.
But I’m also a naturalist. I work part-time for a nonprofit focused on conservation and advocacy for natural resources. In that role, I get to connect with kids and communities, sparking curiosity and a love for nature, encouraging them to build a relationship with the world around them—the same world they’ll one day inherit as stewards.
At the heart of it all, storytelling ties everything together. It’s always there, running through everything I do. Whether I’m writing, mothering, or standing in front of a group as a naturalist, storytelling is how I connect—how I make the emotional thread visible, how I inspire, how I share what matters most.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents and grandparents have shaped so much of who I am. Our family is small but very close-knit, and from a young age, I was taught the value of hard work—of putting in the effort to get where you want to go and to reach for what you want in life. At the same time, I learned about balance. That’s why I make it a priority to carve out time with my kids, no matter how busy things get. I’m still learning how to take time just for myself, but I’m slowly getting better at it.
My grandfather, especially, left a lasting imprint on me. He was steady, grounded, and wise in ways that only come from a life fully lived. He showed me what it means to have integrity, to stand by your word, and to move through life with quiet strength. He was also an incredible storyteller, and I loved listening to him. His stories have become the root of many of the characters and situations I write about today, sparking inspiration that still guides my creativity.
I carry his lessons with me every day—in the way I work, the way I parent, and the way I see the world. In so many ways, he is still my compass.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Oh, this is such a loaded question! I truly believe that hardship has something to teach us. I was already independent and stubborn by nature, but going through hard times taught me to never give up. Especially not on myself, and not on the people or projects I believe in.
Through trials, we’re forced to see our vulnerabilities, but at the same time, we discover our strength. Every experience gives us a choice—and those choices shape who we become. We can let the pain and negativity consume us, or we can take that hurt and turn it into something that works for us. That’s where resilience is born.
I’ve had my share of trauma, but I can see now how it has shaped me into the person I am today. I honestly don’t think I’d be here—where I am, or who I am—without those experiences.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I truly admire people who are authentic, humble, and down to earth. I’ve always been a fan of Keanu Reeves. I’ve never met him in person (definitely on my bucket list!), but I deeply admire the work he does behind the scenes—things the public doesn’t always see.
There are so many people like that—those in positions of influence who come from a place of truth and honesty, whose causes are genuine. They’re not doing it for clout or attention; they’re doing it to make a real difference. And sometimes, their public persona helps amplify that impact, which is a bonus.
Mark Ruffalo, for example, is an incredible advocate for climate and humanitarian issues, and is a strong voice calling out others – those who really are in power to step up. Sandra Bullock and Dolly Parton are others I admire—not just for their work on screen, but for the quiet, consistent, and heartfelt charitable work they do. The Pullmans, with their community outreach and sustainability efforts, and Dave Bautista, a strong animal rights advocate, are just a few more examples. Honestly, the list could go on.
And it’s not just famous people. I have several friends who work tirelessly for nonprofits dedicated to animal rights, sanctuaries, and environmental conservation. They aren’t in the spotlight, but to me, they are heroes—the kind of people whose integrity and dedication inspire me every day.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I will always regret not taking chances. Every day, life offers opportunities—and so many slip away simply because we’re afraid to take a leap.
But I will never regret taking a chance on my passion: storytelling, specifically screenwriting. Before that, I tried many paths, worked in corporate for a long time, but none of them felt like they fulfilled or completed me. There was always something missing, a quiet emptiness I couldn’t ignore.
When I discovered screenwriting, it hit me immediately: this is what I was meant to do. I took a chance on myself, on a path that is uncertain and unpredictable, and maybe even a little scary. But in that risk, I found something I had been searching for all along—fulfillment, purpose, and joy. I haven’t looked back since. Taking that leap reminded me that the things worth pursuing are rarely easy, but they are always worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: hanesaga.com, sagacopy.com, vegvisur.com
- Instagram: @tigemor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidistangeland
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