Sparking the Torch
Igniting conversations that inspire. Weekly interviewees will discuss what they've overcome and how they've been transformed with purpose. Let’s take being the light one step further and start a BLAZE!!! A beacon for curious minds. Welcome to the pod SPARKLERS :)
Episodes
14 episodes
Episode 14 - Ethan - Disenfranchised Grief / Loss / Living Authentically
This week we interview thirty-six-year-old Digital Management Professional from Alpharetta, Georgia. Ethan offers a candid account of losing a cousin to miliary suicide and actively sorting through painful emotions in order to achieve a life of...
Episode 13: Going Solo - Who I am/What I'm Hoping to Do/How we Got Here
This week we do something different I answer questions from friends that may help you better as an audience understand my perspective. We are all part of something incredible here and I can't thank you enough for tuning in.Thi...
Ep 12 - Deanna - Cancer Loss, Travis Manion Foundation, and Foster Care
Gold Star spouse Deanna Phillips became a widow on March 5, 2010, when her beloved husband, Michael Phillips, a US Air Force veteran, los...
Episode 11 - JessicaRose - Caregiving, Loss and Legacy
Jessica-Rose Johnson is a woman of accomplishment. She is a Marine Corps veteran, 8-time Warrior Games Medalist, keynote speaker, and a well of optimism. Her reach is expansive including anyone impacted by veteran specific struggles, suicide lo...
Episode 10 - Mark - DUI, Loss, and Post-Traumatic Growth
This week's episode we touch in with an old friend, Mark O'Brien. Mark currently lives in Lutherville, Maryland with his lovingly transparent family, wife Maria, three kids, and pup Otis. He is an accomplished human who believes in the power of...
Episode 9 - Tristen - Veteran Suicide Loss, Family Legacy and Mission 22
Before we introduce our esteemed guest, I want to let you know that today's episode touches on themes of post-traumatic stress, Agent Orange, the Vietnam War, and suicide. If that feels too much right now, please take care of yourself and step ...
Episode 8 - Laura - Apraxia and Bipolar Disorder
According to the DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) 21.4 million US adults will exhibit a mood disorder at some point in their life.In this week's episode we talk to Laura. A married, mother of two in Denver that t...
Episode 7 - Lucia - Motherhood, Dyslexia, and Advocacy
Today I talk to Lucia in OKC about motherhood, dyslexia, and advocacy. **This week's episode briefly touches on adolescent suicidal ideation, please contact 988, as suicide is the second leading cause of death for young p...
Episode 6 - Dr Qwynn Galloway-Salazar - Grieving / Death Doula / Military Suicide Loss
Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar PhD is an Army Veteran, End-of-Life Doula, a USA Today's 2024 Women of the Year, Founder of In Their Honor LLC, and creator of the course Caring for Life, and a new initiative We Hold the Lin...
Episode 5 - Colleen - Addiction, Grief, and Somatic Yoga
This week's guest shares a glimpse of her wisdom. Colleen left her trucker hats and mini-skorts to embrace sobriety, healing and welcome in love. After the death of her partner, she chose to pack up her bags and leave the only home she's ever k...
Episode 4 - Ashley - Apraxia, Sexual Abuse and Mental Health Crisis
This week's episode talks about living through the trauma of childhood sexual abuse and Ashley's manifestations in adulthood that led to a hospitalization from fear of possible danger. Our courageous guest discusses what she has overcome to dev...
Episode 3 - Jared - Faith/Rural America/Mental Health
Rural areas have 20% fewer primary care providers than urban areas. Accessibility plus harmful reasoning regarding character flaws or cultural weakness contribute to stigma in communities grounded in pride and work ethic. Jared, a fellow SHS so...
Episode 2 - Aaron - Spouse Loss/Military Transition
Military/veteran suicide is thought to affect 22 people a day in the US. I'd argue it's at least double. Research shows the most effective healing is when survivor's get the opportunity to connect to other survivors but how do we do that in a c...
Episode 1 - Gina - Infant Loss/Job Loss
How do you exist after the worst thing happens to you? This week meet Gina a married mom of three from Maryland that lost her oldest fourteen years ago on her due date. Don't let the heaviness scare you, closing thoughts involve ice hockey....