Sparks of Gratitude

Send us a textThis inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast explores the power of resilience, faith, and gratitude in overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Hosted by Randy Sparks, the conversation features Carrie Hill, who shares her personal journey from financial hardship to empowerment, highlighting how resilience is an ongoing process rather than a final achievement. Carrie discusses the inspiration behind her Refined Resilience podcast and her new initiative, Empowered, aimed at supporting women facing financial struggles. The episode emphasizes hope as an adventure, the importance of community, and how embracing gratitude fuels personal growth and transformation.Carrie Hill is a PR expert with 18+ years of experience, specializing in brand strategy, media relations, and storytelling. She is the founder of CHill Consulting Agency and co-creator of InPowered, a program helping divorced women re-enter the workforce. Carrie also hosts the Clover Conversations Podcast, where she explores personal and professional growth.🎧 Listen now and start your journey to a more intentional and fulfilling life!Follow Carrie Hill:​⁠ https://www.instagram.com/refindresiliencepodcast?igsh=Z215eTh1dnlvdGRoFollow 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 textNatalie Ledwell is an internationally renowned motivational speaker, best-selling author, and Law of Attraction expert. As co-founder of Mind Movies, she has helped millions worldwide manifest their dreams through visualization and personal development. A risk-taker and non-conformist, Natalie has hosted The Inspiration Show and Wake Up TV! and is a founding member of multiple transformational leadership organizations. Passionate about empowering both adults and children, she is currently pioneering Personal Growth Studies, a life-changing curriculum for kids. Based in Southern California, she continues to inspire with her fearless approach to life and personal growth.In this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks welcomes special guest Natalie Ledwell, a passionate advocate for gratitude and personal growth. They explore how our thoughts shape our reality, the power of visualization through Mind Movies, and the transformative impact of gratitude in daily life. Natalie also shares insights on emotional intelligence, her FeelWise app, and her personal journey of overcoming limiting beliefs. Tune in to discover how gratitude can be the gateway to manifesting your dreams and living a high-frequency life.Chapter:00:00 - Introduction02:45 - The FeelWise App: Emotional Intelligence & Awareness09:57 - How FeelWise Analyzes Emotional Energy16:34 - The Journey to Creating Mind Movies20:07 - Importance of Affirmations & Emotional Visualization22:58 - The Role of Music in Manifestation24:40 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs to Dream Big29:20 - The Power of Gratitude in Manifestation32:44 - Natalie’s Personal Experience with Divine Gratitude38:08 - High-Frequency Living & Emotional Awareness44:01 - How to Reframe Past Challenges for Growth48:28 - Learning from Mentors: Joe Dispenza & Bob ProctorFollow 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 textBrad Aronson is a husband, father, and author who is passionate about kindness and entrepreneurship. His book, HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time, shares true stories of kindness and its ripple effects. All proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.When he’s not writing, Brad teaches entrepreneurship to youth, volunteers with nonprofits, and plays creative games with his family. He believes small acts can make a big difference and loves sharing that message with audiences everywhere.In this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks welcomes bestselling author Brad Aronson, whose book Humankind explores the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. Through inspiring stories—such as a child turning a painful anniversary into a global kindness movement—this episode highlights how compassion can transform lives, offering hope and connection. With discussions on neuroscience, personal experiences, and practical ways to spread kindness, this podcast is a reminder that small gestures can make a big impact.Chapter:00:00 - Introduction02:52 - The Story of Gabriel’s Day of Kindness08:17 - The Science Behind Acts of Compassion10:41 - How Helping Others Can Heal Trauma12:42 - The Ripple Effect of Kindness on a Global Scale15:00 - Love Does by Bob Goff16:26 - A Personal Lesson on Seeing & Appreciating Everyone18:04 - One Kind Act a Day by Curtis Bennett19:18 - The Challenges of Accepting Help & How to Offer It Effectively22:26 - The Importance of Acknowledging Others (The Cleaning Staff Story)25:25 - The Connection Between Gratitude & Kindness27:58 - The Power of Changing Perspectives in Relationships33:14 - The Healing Power of Laughter38:30 - Finding Hope in Kindness: Transforming Lives40:37 - The Role of HopeWorks in Empowering Youth43:38 - Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome44:57 - Encouraging Kindness & Service in ChildrenFollow 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 textDr. Elia Gourgouris is a psychologist, bestselling author, and president of The Happiness Center, which is dedicated to fostering personal success and happiness. He is the author of 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness and co-author of 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis. Dr. Elia is a sought-after speaker on mental health, resilience, and positive leadership. Born in Athens, Greece, he now inspires global audiences with his expertise in Positive Psychology and his passion for building a better, kinder world.In this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with Dr. Elia Gourgouris, psychologist, happiness expert, and author of 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness. Together, they explore profound topics like the power of gratitude, navigating life's challenges, and the transformative journey of forgiveness. Dr. Elia shares personal stories of resilience, his wisdom on cultivating lasting happiness, and practical steps for self-care. Tune in to discover how to thrive through adversity and live your best life with purpose and joy.Chapter:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction04:18 - Dr. Elia’s Mental Health TV Show Journey07:22 - Gratitude Amid Adversity10:07 - Life Lessons from Grandpa13:00 - Finding Purpose After Loss17:22 - Happiness as a Learnable Skill18:49 - Self-Care: A Non-Negotiable Practice26:33 - The 7 Paths to Happiness Overview28:17 - The Four Archetypes: Victim, Critic, Bystander, Navigator31:51 - The Power of Pivoting36:16 - Key Insights on Living Happily37:54 - Letting Go Through Forgiveness44:20 - Self-Forgiveness & Freedom49:50 - The Magic of Gratitude WalksFollow 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 textJulie Carrier has been recognized as the #1 Coach for Young Women in the World by Marshall Goldsmith and the Leading Global Coaches Awards. She is a global authority on authentic confidence and leadership development, specializing in empowering women, young women, and girlsJoin us as Julie Carrier, founder of Girls Lead and a leading expert in youth leadership, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming self-doubt to empowering young people worldwide. Discover how gratitude, character-based leadership, and resilience transform lives. This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents, teens, and educators to foster confidence and purpose in today’s challenging world. Julie Carrier websites:https://www.girlslead.ushttps://www.topspeakerforgirls.comChapter:00:00 - Introduction01:50 - Julie's journey from anxiety to leadership04:32 - Julie's mindset shift and leadership realization06:00 - The life-changing moment with a speaker in a tuxedo07:58 - Inspiring youth through gratitude and leadership10:30 - Gratitude practices for teens11:54 - Finding your “why” in challenging tasks18:25 - Girls Lead: Empowering young women in leadership21:29 - Creating leadership programs for schools23:20 - The importance of strength-based recognition25:23 - The power of recognizing character over performance28:45 - Writing a gratitude letter33:43 - Tips for parents to support teens' growth39:58 - Teaching resilience and the role of failure41:31 - Daily rituals and energy management46:00 - Rediscovering your “why” in challenging tasks50:43 - Closing advice: Living a balanced and intentional lifeFollow 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 textCaitlin Johnson is a Master Certified Performance Coach with 15 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She specializes in leadership development, change management, and gamification design and has coached over 72,000 global leaders. Recognized as a top performer at a Fortune 200 company, Caitlin lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, two daughters, and their standard poodle.In this episode, Caitlin shares how to use game design strategies to set and achieve meaningful goals, conquer imposter syndrome, and create lasting habits through the power of streaks. Learn how to break down your "epic mission" into actionable 90-day quests and discover how gamification can transform your personal and professional life. Whether you're tackling New Year’s resolutions or seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with tools to help you stay motivated and grow with purpose.🎧 Listen now and start your journey to a more intentional and fulfilling life!Chapter:00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Caitlin’s Journey06:45 - The Power of Gamification10:06 - Gamifying Goal Setting12:09 - Breaking Goals Into 90-Day Quests12:48 - Laugh Once a Day16:43 - The Importance of Streaks18:00 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome22:40 - Finding Purpose with Ikigai25:48 - Bold Bird Consulting33:27 - Adopting a Gamer’s Mindset36:08 - Personality Types in Gamification42:05 - Caitlin’s Upcoming BookFollow 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 textLei Wang is a distinguished mountaineer, polar explorer, and a symbol of resilience and determination. She holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Chinese woman and the first Asian American to complete the Explorers Grand Slam—an extraordinary feat that includes climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent, and skiing to both the North and South Poles.In this episode, Lei Wang, is an extraordinary adventurer, speaker, and the first Asian and Asian-American woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam. Lei shares her incredible journey of climbing the tallest peaks on every continent, skiing to the North and South Poles, and the life lessons she learned along the way.Discover the power of facing fears, learning from failure, and finding meaning beyond the summit. Lei opens up about her mental and physical challenges, the dangers of "summit fever," and how mentors and gratitude played a pivotal role in her success. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next adventure or navigating your own challenges, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow.Listen now and be inspired by Lei's resilience, wisdom, and passion for personal growth.Chapter:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Who is Lei Wang?03:00 - Challenges of Preparation and Mental Strength05:50 - Facing Fears and Personal Growth10:04 - Learning to Fail14:00 - Understanding the dangers of summit fever and how to overcome it16:05 - The Summit Is Only Halfway17:54 - Connecting Goals with Purpose21:05 - Finding Long-Term Meaning25:43 - Lessons from Mountaineering28:42 - Making Peace with Boredom34:59 - The Importance of Mentors37:15 - Mentorship and Coaching39:38 - Being Lost on Shishapangma44:35 - Gratitude for ChallengesFollow 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 textDon’t miss this uplifting conversation and insights from Bob Goff’s new book, "Catching Whimsy". Bob Goff is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including Undistracted, Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big. He is the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization making a global impact in countries such as India, Uganda, Nepal, Somalia, Afghanistan, the USA, Congo, and the Dominican Republic. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, Bob is a fan of balloons, and cake pops, and encourages others to chase their big dreams.In this heartwarming episode of Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, we welcome again the bestselling author and speaker Bob Goff. Together, we explore the power of whimsy, gratitude, and living intentionally. Bob shares inspiring stories, including the creation of a Ugandan university with a giraffe sanctuary, and offers practical tips to rediscover joy and purpose in daily life. Chapter:00:00 - Introduction02:27 - Mention of his new book Catching Whimsy, launching December 202407:53: Bob explains strategy on whimsy and the importance of remembering simplicity8:56: Reclaiming a childlike sense of faith and joy.12:36 - The concept of air-gapping negativity15:21 - Tips on surrounding yourself with safe and uplifting people19:07 -  Gratitude as a strategy for navigating tough situations22:25 - Integrating whimsy and intentionality into big projects.26:37 - Get Catching Whimsy for daily inspiration29:00 - Encouraging listeners to take seven minutes to start something whimsical.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 textTaylorIn this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with magician, storyteller, and author Taylor Hughes. Taylor shares his journey of finding wonder and gratitude in everyday life, from his magical experiences at Disneyland to the life lessons learned through personal challenges. We explore the impact of his books, The Road to Wonder and Misdirection, and discuss the power of storytelling, mentorship, and embracing the unknown. We also tease Taylors upcoming web series blending magic and thrifting.Taylor Hughes is a magician, comedian, and storyteller. He’s a Bestselling Author, and a highly sought-after Keynote Presenter, and his Comedy Magic Special '“Chasing Wonder” is streaming now. Taylor is married to his high school sweetheart Katie and they live in Southern California with their two daughters Madelyn and Kennedy. Chapter:00:00 - Introduction03:05 - Taylor’s love for Disneyland and its symbolic meaning in life6:24 - How Bob Goff changed his life 8:37 - The Road to Wonder by Taylor12:22 -  Speaking to Your 8-Year-Old Self20:32 - Taylor’s second book and its focus on avoiding manipulation24:04 - Who were the heroes in his life27:12 - The mentors who shaped his journey.28:38 - The Milk Jug Story30:50 - The parallels between magic tricks and real-world deception.32:54 - Taylor's personal story of loss and rebuilding38:30 - The importance of sharing personal experiences to connect with others42:17 - Why personal stories resonate more deeply with audiences47:24 - Taylor’s upcoming web series blending magic and thriftingFollow 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 textTim Sohn is a two-time best-selling author of the Perspectives on Cancer book series, a heartfelt collection that assures cancer patients, survivors, and supporters they are not alone in their journey. Through these books, he inspires individuals to share their cancer experiences when they feel ready. Tim is also the visionary behind the global, weekly livestream show Showing Up: Perspectives on Cancer and the annual in-person events of the same name. Both platforms foster connection, support, and understanding within the cancer communityIn this episode, Timothy shares the power of sharing stories from Perspective on Invisible Illness: Living and Thriving Beyond What Can’t Be Seen. We discuss the fear of judgment that often keeps people from opening up about unseen illnesses and how finding supportive communities can foster healing and connection.Timothy shares how resilience, gratitude, and embracing life’s small joys can transform even the darkest moments. He reflects on mantras like finding solace in nature and leaning on loved ones. We also hear inspiring stories, and how these experiences remind us that we’re not alone.No matter your journey, this episode encourages you to show up for yourself, embrace love, and celebrate life’s small victories.Chapter:00:00 - Introduction03:42 - Tim's Book: "Perspective on Invisible Illness"07:37 - Timothy's Journey as a Cancer Warrior10:35 - How He Began Sharing His Story 17 Years Ago14:35 - Why People Hesitate to Open Up About Unseen Illnesses17:45 - The Power of Community20:50 - Stories of Overcoming Challenges from the Book25:40 - Key Lessons That Strengthened Him Along the Way30:24 - Finding Hope, Joy, and Gratitude Near Life's End33:23 - Lee's Story: The Greatest 12 Years of His Life33:55 - Mantras and Rituals for Coping with Challenges38:06 - How Therapy Transformed His Perspective42:14 - Randy’s Message: You Are Not Alone44:33 - One Key Challenge: Showing Up for 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