Sparks of Gratitude

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Cheryl Rice, founder of the You Matter Marathon, to share how two simple words, "You Matter", ignited a global movement of kindness and human connection.What began with one small act of compassion in a grocery store has reached millions across more than 100 countries, reminding people everywhere of their worth and the power of being seen. Cheryl opens up about her journey, the ripple effects of kindness, and why this message is more essential than ever.Whether you’re seeking hope, purpose, or a reminder that you matter too, this heartfelt conversation will inspire you to make a difference, one card, one person, one moment at a time.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction02:43 - The story that inspired “You Matter”05:00 - The first year: 14 countries and 30,000 08:32 - What changed in Cheryl after that momentpeople15:12 - From one card to over 3 million shared 18:23 - Heart-touching “You Matter” stories from around the world23:54 - The philosophy of “we,” not “me”28:51 - Overcoming comparison and rediscovering self-worth36:00 - Why reminding others they matter truly matters42:40 - Traditional Psychology vs. Positive Psychology47:13 - Embracing every emotion — the real path to wholeness52:56 - Wholeness and self-acceptance: loving all parts of yourselfFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Kevin Smith, founder of Kindness Worldwide, to share how a single lost wallet on Good Friday sparked a global movement of compassion. Together, they explore how small acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects that change lives, heal communities, and even save them.From his roots working on his grandfather’s farm to honoring the legacy of his late mother, Kevin reveals the values that shaped his conviction that “the meaning of life is to live it in a way to make a meaningful difference.” He opens up about the challenges of stepping into a new calling, the growth that comes from embracing discomfort, and the vision behind Kindness Week Worldwide.Whether you want to reignite hope, practice gratitude, or be reminded of the power of kindness, this heartfelt conversation will inspire you to make a difference, one act at a time.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction02:28 - A Shared Love for Guitars 07:17 - The Birth of Kindness Worldwide13:10 - The Lost Wallet Story on Good Friday 202316:43 - Launch of Kindness Worldwide Nonprofit20:25 - Ripple Effects: No Act of Kindness is Too Small29:44 - Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable38:26 - Growth, Fear, and Becoming Fearless45:10 - Gratitude as the Foundation of KindnessFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this empowering episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Jill Schulman, a former U.S. Marine, leadership expert, and author of The Bravery Effect, to explore the true meaning of bravery. Together, they dive into how fear holds us back, why courage is built through daily habits, and how embracing discomfort can unlock growth, resilience, and joy.From lessons learned in the Marine Corps to insights rooted in psychology and neuroscience, Jill shares practical strategies for building a courageous mindset, taking bold action, and surrounding yourself with the right people.Whether you’re striving to overcome fear, elevate your happiness, or step into the life you truly want, this conversation will inspire you to choose courage over regret and start doing the hard things that matter most.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction03:35 - What bravery really means (not being fearless)04:02 - Why Jill wrote The Bravery Effect07:08 - Positive psychology and elevating happiness09:04 - Jill’s Marine Corps background and first struggles12:34 - Building bravery with small daily decisions14:03 - Confidence boost at Officer Candidate School16:50 - Gratitude letters and embracing challenges20:27 - Myths and misconceptions about bravery23:07 - Comfort vs. growth: why discomfort matters26:21 - Stress reframing: fear as a signal to move forward30:30 - The buffalo vs. cow storm analogy36:35 - Daily bravery practice: 15-second pause exercise44:00 - Bravery model: Mindset, Action, Connection (three doors)48:05 - Importance of your “brave tribe” (who you surround yourself with)51:07 - Stories of mentors and people who believed in Jill57:38 - Strive, don’t just arrive: finding meaning beyond milestones01:01:10 - Advice to teenage self: dream big, swing for the fences01:04:06 - Jill Schulman’s New Book: https://www.jillschulman.com/book Follow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode, Randy Sparks, a lawyer and host of the Sparks of Gratitude, joins Dr. Andreea Vanacker on her podcast to share powerful insights on gratitude, resilience, kindness, and finding joy through life’s challenges. From daily gratitude practices to lessons learned as a father, husband, and professional, Randy offers wisdom on how gratitude can transform our perspective and ripple out into the world.Whether you’re looking to cultivate positivity, strengthen relationships, or create a ripple effect of kindness, this conversation is filled with wisdom and practical takeaways to help you live with more hope, joy, and gratitude.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:00 - The Power of Looking Back with Gratitude03:40 - Starting a Daily Gratitude Practice09:19 - Acts of Kindness and Gratitude’s Ripple Effect12:26 - Finding Gratitude in Adversity and Hardship20:00 - The Role of Awareness and Accountability22:57 - Why Randy Chose to Become a Lawyer26:16 - Most Profound Lessons From Family & Marriage29:49 - The Recipe for Joy & a Long Marriage31:36 - Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Hope as Core Ingredients33:33 - Free Will, Destiny, and Life’s Choices35:29 - A Simple Gratitude Exercise for the Week36:32 - Creating a Ripple Effect of Joy37:24 - A Time Capsule Message for Future GenerationsFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks talks with Robin Weeks, Founder of My Pivotal Point, Certified Caregiver Coach, and Grief Facilitator. Robin shares her unexpected journey into caregiving after losing her father and brother, and how it reshaped her perspective on grief, identity, and gratitude.🔥 You’ll learn💡 What caregiving really means🧠 The many forms of grief beyond loss🌱 How caregiving reshapes identity and purpose💬 Why grief can be a lifelong companion🙏 The hidden beauty and gratitude in caregivingWhether you’re a caregiver, navigating grief, or simply looking for hope and perspective in life’s hardest moments, this conversation offers wisdom, empathy, and inspiration.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:35 - The Meaning Behind “My Pivotal Point”04:50 - Robin’s Common Thread: Coaching, Caregiving & Purpose08:25 - How Robin Unexpectedly Became a Caregiver21:25 - How Robin Unexpectedly Became a Caregiver27:25 - Walking Through Her Mother’s Final Days29:18 - The grief journey: types of grief beyond losing a loved one32:38 - Identity loss after caregiving ends39:19 - How society misunderstands grief42:02 - Embracing grief as a companion43:58 - Stories & Lessons from Others’ Grief Journeys48:31 - The Beauty in Caregiving: Finding Gratitude in Hardship53:00 - Learn More at https://mypivotalpoint.com/ Follow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks welcomes Kevin Clayson, author of Flip the Gratitude Switch, professional speaker, and Co-Founder of DFY, for a powerful conversation on transforming life’s frustrations into fuel for happiness and growth. From moments of deep personal struggle to rebuilding life and business with purpose, Kevin shares how active gratitude became the key to rewiring his mindset, shifting perspective, and creating lasting joy.🔥 You’ll learn:💡 The F.L.I.P. formula for turning frustration into gratitude 🧠 How gratitude rewires your brain for positivity 🌪 Why challenges are the ultimate training ground for growth 🛠 Practical exercises to find the “awesome in the awful” 💬 Real-life stories of how gratitude can save and change livesWhether you’re navigating hardship, seeking a mindset reset, or simply wanting more joy in your daily life, this episode offers heartfelt stories, actionable strategies, and the reminder that gratitude isn’t just something you feel, it’s something you do.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:58 - How Gratitude Saved Kevin’s Life10:28 - Story from the Rehab & Recovery Center16:28 - Why Gratitude Works for Everyone20:50 - The Flip Formula: Kevin breaks down his F.L.I.P. method30:47 - Audience Exercise: Stubbing Your Toe38:19 - Discomfort Creates Growth40:57 - Meditative & Prayerful Gratitude Practices45:26 - Gratitude’s Neurological ImpactFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks welcomes Women’s Health Coach and Positivity Practitioner Jade Sterling for a powerful conversation on healing from the inside out. From hitting rock bottom to igniting her “internal pilot light,” Jade shares how gratitude, breathwork, and reframing thoughts helped her reclaim peace, connection, and purpose.🔥 You’ll learn:🧭 How the Positivity Model can shift your mindset in real time💡 Why gratitude is the most powerful nervous system regulator🌪 What it means to find the “awesome in the awful”🧠 How thoughts shape emotion—and how to flip them👩‍⚕️ How Jade integrates nursing, coaching, yoga, and motherhood to support women through perimenopauseWhether you're overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply looking for a mindset reset, this episode delivers heartfelt tools, deep insight, and the reminder that you have the power to choose peace—no matter the storm.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction02:00 - What It Feels Like to Be Jade Sterling08:46 - Discovering the Power of Positivity10:55 - The Power of Awareness and Thoughts14:18 - Tools: Positivity Model and Flip the Gratitude Switch19:17 - Case Study: Menopause, Anxiety, and Inbox Panic21:05 - The GPS Analogy: Where Are You Now?31:04 - Evaluation + Creation = Empowered Living33:21 - Wayne Dyer Wisdom: Change the Way You Look at Things36:00 - From Reaction to Response: Creating the Gap38:01 - From Nurse to Empowerment Coach: The Career Journey41:03 - Psychology Meets Biology: A Missing Link in Healthcare45:04 - The Smoking Conflict: Shame, Love, and Reconnection48:28 - Gratitude as a Relationship Bridge52:54 - Gratitude Saves LivesFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with Christian author and speaker Megan Fate Marshman to explore how gratitude can transform even the deepest grief. Megan opens up about losing her husband to a heart attack and shares vulnerable insights from her book Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thing. 🔥 You’ll learn:🌿 How grief can become a doorway to gratitude 🙏 What true surrender looks like in hard seasons 🧠 Why can’t you feel anxiety and gratitude at the same time 📖 Biblical truths from 1 Thessalonians 5 and James 1💡 How negative emotions—like shame, insecurity, and apathy—can point us toward God's heart Whether you're struggling with loss, anxiety, or seeking a deeper connection with God, this episode offers practical wisdom, emotional depth, and spiritual encouragement.Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 03:46 - Grief as a Doorway to Gratitude 08:17 - Surrender: From Letting Go to Opening Up 15:38 - Discovering Self Through Pain and Grief 19:53 - Scripture: Give Thanks in All Circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16–18) 21:24 - James 1: Pure Joy in Trials – What Does That Mean? 25:12 - Philippians 4:6–7 – Gratitude, Prayer, and God's Peace 27:52 - Where to Find Megan: meganfate.comFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks welcomes Ruchi Shah, an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, intuitive coach, and creator of the groundbreaking book We Humans. Together, they unravel one of the most universal questions of our time: Why is humaning so difficult?Ruchie shares how leaving corporate life led her to a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly successful. Instead of chasing titles or money, she now values time, kindness, connection, and purpose. Through her book We Humans, she helps us explore who we are, who we’re becoming, and why inner awareness and surrender can lead to real strength.🔥 You’ll learn: ✔️ The difference between inner voice and inner noise—and how to listen well ✔️ Why approval must come from within, not the outside world ✔️ How gratitude helps close the painful gap between what is and what could beIf you've ever struggled with identity, burnout, relationships, or simply finding stillness in the chaos, this episode will speak straight to your heart.📍 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:50 - Experiencing the Book “We Humans”03:23 - “Why is Humaning So Difficult?”12:05 - The Voice vs The Noise14:11 - The Power of Pause and Stillness18:28 - Seeking Approval Outside vs Trusting the Inner Self21:29 - Letting Go of Control and Assumptions30:26 - Awareness AI: Attention to Intention34:45 - The Gap Between What Is vs. What Can Be42:31 - The Power of Gratitude in Relationships50:24 - Identity: Who Am I?55:37 - What’s Next for Humaness?Follow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com

Send us a textIn this deeply moving episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, we welcome Brian Coleman—healthcare veteran, purpose-driven leader, and the heart behind A Heart 2 Help, a global care-sharing app connecting those in need with those ready to serve. With over 33 years in surgical healthcare and a life shaped by quiet sacrifices, Brian shares the profound story behind his mission: to create a world where kindness is as accessible as technology.Together, they explore the emotional cost of being “the strong one,” the ripple effect of small acts of service, and the belief that no one should struggle in silence, especially when a helping hand may be just a tap away.🔥 You’ll learn: ✔️ How a moment of witnessing his mother’s hidden pain changed Brian’s life forever ✔️ Why real help starts with intention, not perfection ✔️ How A Heart to Help is shifting the way we give, receive, and connectWhether you’re someone who longs to give back or someone quietly in need of support, this conversation is a powerful reminder that compassion is a calling we all carry.📍 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction03:15 - What is A Heart 2 Help?05:08 - How the App Works: Getting and Giving Help08:09 - Growing a Global Community of Kindness10:02 - First Major Story: Helping a Man in Pakistan14:48 - Why People Struggle to Know How to Help17:10 - The Story That Changed Brian: Seeing His Mom Cry24:52 - Conversations with His Mom, Looking Back with Gratitude28:12 - Being the One Everyone Leans On – But Where Do You Go?31:15 - Choosing the Air Force & Becoming a Surgical Tech36:45 - How Gratitude Shows Up in the Operating Room40:12 - Heart-Wrenching Stories: Children, Gratitude, and Resilience44:32 - Building A Heart 2 Help – The Vision Becomes Reality48:08 - Kindness as a Ripple EffectFollow Sparks of Gratitude:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitudeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitudeWebsite: https://www.sparksofgratitude.comDo you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:info@sparksofgratitude.com