In this episode, Stephanie reflects on a session she attended at SXSW EDU on humanity and AI. In her mind, there are two major differences between the capacity of human beings and that of AI: 1) original, new thought and 2) the capacity to feel. While AI is extremely useful for everyday life, it is reliant upon information that already exists in the form. Humans, on the other hand, have access to ideas that don’t yet exist in the form, making us a conduit for true innovation. We also have a buil...
Mar 11, 2025•13 min•Ep. 217
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad discusses the subtle yet powerful ways our SPARK communicates with us in everyday situations. From that random urge to call an old friend to picking up on vibes in a room, he explains how our inner compass is constantly working to guide us.
Mar 04, 2025•7 min•Ep. 216
This week on the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Mari discusses the importance of recognizing the important role we each play in the lives of others and how to cultivate positive relationships with the individuals we work with.
Feb 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 215
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla sits down to reflect on what she’s learned so far during her time at SPARK. Through this intimate discussion, Makayla shares her understanding of thought through personal experiences and a story that puts into perspective how one thought can shift your entire experience.
Feb 04, 2025•15 min•Ep. 214
In this episode, the entire SPARK team sits down together to reflect on 2024 and uncover what they are hopeful for in 2025. The rarity in which the team gets to be together in person is not lost on us during this episode as the laughs exchanged and genuine happiness in experiencing togetherness blossoms through the reflective conversation had. 2024 brought many highs and many lows while truly proving to all of us at SPARK that the universe has a plan that’s greater than our own. We’re optimistic...
Jan 28, 2025•35 min•Ep. 213
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Jena reflects on her less-than-ideal start to 2025. Through her reflection, she shares a story about her son who recently tried out for the track team and despite making the team, had a lot of insecure thinking about his first meet. As the episode unfolds, Jena gives some advice to her son that she later discovers she can apply to her own mindset. At the conclusion of the episode, Jena poses the question, “Have you ever missed out on an opportunity...
Jan 21, 2025•17 min•Ep. 212
In this episode, Stephanie has the pleasure of speaking with our long-term partner in Norway, Elin Henriksen. Elin is a 4th grade teacher, coach, Certified SPARK Facilitator, and all around wonderful human being. In this conversation, she reflects upon a recent insight into trusting our inner wisdom, our SPARK. Through a range of metaphors including surfing, ski-lifts, and Indiana Jones, Elin’s presence and storytelling provide Stephanie with the perfect reminder that such trust is not misplaced...
Jan 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 211
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks about the fascinating concept of quantum leaping and how it connects to your intuition—also known as your SPARK. Learn how trusting your gut feeling can lead to bold changes and big opportunities in your life. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move, this episode will inspire you to take that leap and trust your inner guide.
Jan 07, 2025•5 min•Ep. 210
In this week's episode of the Find Your SPARK podcast, Mari discusses her experience working with at-risk and institutionalized young people, including the need for positive and consistent relationships, the joy and importance of serving this population, and a special thank you the Foundation of Caring for selecting The SPARK Initiative as a grant recipient to serve juveniles in our local detention facilities throughout 2025.
Dec 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 209
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Nicole reflects on her return to the middle school classrooms this year and discusses the importance of providing students at this age with a program like SPARK. She shares personal stories from her own classes, highlighting the impact it has on her students. Nicole also explains why she believes having access to such a program during her own middle school years would have been life changing.
Dec 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 208
This episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast falls on Giving Tuesday - A day that follows the Thanksgiving holiday and the madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with the focus of giving. In this episode, Ashley highlights the level of appreciation organizations like ours have for the donations we receive. As a non-profit, we rely on these donations to continue implementing the programs that have changed the lives of so many. We truly believe that everyone has a SPARK inside of them and want n...
Dec 03, 2024•14 min•Ep. 207
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla is joined by special guest, Gabriella Reece. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the season of thankfulness, Makayla and Gabriella discuss all of the things they are thankful for within their own lives. The pair also dive into the tendency we have to spiral into a state of mind where thankfulness seems out of reach. Listen as their conversation unfolds into a beautiful realization that even the worst of times often hold something to be gratef...
Nov 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 206
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, listen as Ashley is joined by special guests, the Rebels for Peace. Rebels for Peace is a youth-led initiative committed to improving mental health, uncovering resilience, and providing credible and sustainable Social Emotional Learning skills to the next generation. The Rebels made a trip from Chicago to Florida following the postponement of the National Wellbeing & Resilience Conference. During their time in Tampa Bay, the Rebels were able to equ...
Nov 12, 2024•20 min•Ep. 205
Join host Brooke Wheeldon-Reece and guest Lynne Robertson in this special episode of the Find Your Spark podcast as they reflect on the unexpected challenges brought by Hurricane Milton. In a year marked by unprecedented planning, the SPARK team faced the heart-wrenching decision to postpone their biggest events in a decade. In this episode, Brooke and Lynne share valuable lessons learned from navigating the storm, highlighting resilience, adaptability, and the power of accepting “what is”. They...
Nov 05, 2024•55 min•Ep. 204
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Jena shares a simple yet transformative insight about creativity that has led her to uncover her creative potential. Creativity is often an attribute that many people feel they lack; however, what if creativity is so much simpler than some artistic ability? Listen as Jena explains how everyone has the potential to be creative. Then revel in the understanding that nourishing your creative thoughts is what allows them to come to life.
Sep 24, 2024•11 min•Ep. 203
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Stephanie shares a simple yet profound insight she had while on a walk yesterday. She was pondering how she could support more parents deal with stress, given the Surgeon General’s advisory that found that 48% of parents report that most days their stress is completely overwhelming. While in a state of relaxed curiosity about this, she had an interaction with a stranger that gave her the answer. Tune in to hear the story and perhaps start to see mo...
Sep 10, 2024•10 min•Ep. 202
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla references a famous quote by Erin Hanson that reads, "What if I fall? Oh but darling, what if you fly?" In this self-reflective episode, Makayla details personal narratives that illustrate the ways in which this quote has helped her state of mind. Listen as Makayla details a more optimistic approach to life, and the unhelpfulness of pessimistic thought.
Sep 03, 2024•17 min•Ep. 201
During this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, the entire SPARK team sits in to celebrate 200 episodes. Veering off our typical style of podcast, Makayla hosts an interview-style session with the Spark team. Throughout the episode, team members reflect on the changes they've observed since their beginning at SPARK, key takeaways from our teachings, and what they hope to see SPARK become over the next 200 episodes. Listen to this hopeful and reflective episode of the Find Your Spark Podcast ...
Aug 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 200
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks about the importance of embracing your true self and breaking free from societal expectations. He delves into how often we feel pressured to conform to the standards and norms set by others, losing sight of who we truly are in the process. Through candid conversations and personal reflections, Chad encourages listeners to discover his unique strengths, passions, and values, and to live authentically in a world that often pushes for conf...
Aug 20, 2024•12 min•Ep. 199
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Brooke and Ashley discuss the relationship between the unknown and the faith that it all works out. This topic has been a recurring one both at the office and in Brooke's day-to-day life. Listen as the two discuss the possibilities that open up by simply relying on your SPARK to calm your anxiety and reinforce the belief that it truly all works out. At SPARK, we're committed to a faith over fear mentality, and even when things get tough, we come ba...
Aug 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 198
In this episode, Stephanie tells the story of a recent conversation she had with her 10-year old son. After excitedly sharing that she’d be teaching SPARK to 8th graders at the local middle school in DC, he emphatically proclaimed she was “going to get cooked.” Tune in to hear her thoughts on this ominous prediction.
Aug 06, 2024•10 min•Ep. 197
During this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla is joined by a very special guest, her mom. Makayla and Jocelyn had the privilege of teaching together during Makayla's time in the classroom. Listen as they reflect on that special time in both of their lives. The pair also speak to the role of educators, how teaching has changed, and the importance of programs like SPARK in every classroom. This episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast premiers on National Support Public Education Day. ...
Jul 30, 2024•21 min•Ep. 196
In this episode of the Find your SPARK podcast, hosts Ashley and Jena dive deep into one of SPARK’s core beliefs: "Possibilities are Infinite." Together, they explore the powerful impact of embracing limitless potential in both their professional and personal lives. Ashley and Jena share candid stories of times when their own thinking hindered their creativity, as well as moments when being open to new possibilities led to incredible outcomes. Their insightful discussion reveals the transformati...
Jul 23, 2024•17 min•Ep. 195
During this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Brooke and Makayla Wheeldon sit down in the infamous Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to discuss an insight that Makayla recently shared with the SPARK team. Makayla, someone who has struggled with OCD for most of her life, shares how a lesson from the SPARK curriculum changed her approach to one of her toughest battles. Brooke, who is also Makayla's aunt, shares a unique perspective having watched Makayla grow up. The pair discuss the profound impa...
Jul 16, 2024•18 min•Ep. 194
This week on the #FindYourSPARK Podcast, inspired by a Jim Carey video and Independence Day, Ashley, Jena, and Stephanie reflect upon the concept of freedom. Recognizing their privilege in enjoying many social and physical freedoms, this conversation focuses on perhaps the most valuable freedom a person can have – freedom of mind. Freedom of mind is recognizing the fundamental truth that no one can make you think or feel anything, and you do not have to engage with unhelpful thoughts that enter ...
Jul 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 193
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks about the importance of understanding the power of "no" and how to navigate its power in our everyday lives. Chad also discusses impactful steps to self-discovery and self-care. Join us as we do a deep dive into the ways "no" can help us with self-discovery and empower us to the best of our abilities.
Jul 02, 2024•10 min•Ep. 192
In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Nicole Wilson and Brandon Evans discuss the importance of men’s mental health and why mentoring young men at an early age is crucial. Brandon speaks on his experiences of societal pressures and what he does differently with the young men he mentors to give them a safe space and educate them on their emotional intelligence. He also shares some helpful ways he takes care of his own wellbeing and how that first always starts within.
Jun 25, 2024•30 min•Ep. 191
This week on the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla and Chad choose to highlight that June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Men's Mental Health is a topic that is not typically in the spotlight; however, at SPARK we believe that everyone's mental health is equally important. Join Makayla and Chad as they share stories regarding the stigma surrounding men's mental health in their own lives. As they shed light on the topic, they help to combat the stigma and open doors to important conversati...
Jun 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 190
In this episode, Stephanie, Brooke and Ashley formally announce that The Spark Initiative is hosting the inaugural National Wellbeing & Resilience Conference. The trio speak to the importance of restoring hope, resilience, and mental & physical wellbeing within some of the most taxing professions. The National Wellbeing & Resilience Conference presents the unique opportunity to create a ripple effect of hope within the communities and populations that need it the most. Visit https://www.wellbein...
Jun 11, 2024•26 min•Ep. 189
This week on the Find Your Spark podcast, Jena, Mari and Nicole reflect on the past Mental Health Awareness month by highlighting the SPARK inside all athletes. Together, they share some of the benefits and struggles competing in sports may have on wellbeing as well as some of the stigma surrounding athletes. Jena, Mari and Nicole all share their unique experiences around this topic while shining light on the importance of looking beyond the label of being an athlete.
Jun 04, 2024•21 min•Ep. 188
