
Sparks of Gratitude
Biweekly episodes. Gratitude saves lives, let it save yours. Ignite the fire of positive change with the Sparks of Gratitude. Randy Sparks hosts this podcast with interviews from amazing and inspiring people sharing wisdom and experience and how gratitude has impacted their lives. We believe gratitude can change and save lives. Ignite the fire inside you with the sparks of gratitude.
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 4min
37. Make Today Count: Achieving Awesomeness Now - Nathan Osmond
Send us a textNathan Osmond is a multifaceted professional, balancing his roles as an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, podcaster, and life coach with his involvement in the family legacy of pop culture. Nathan George Osmond, one of 39 grandchildren in the renowned Osmond family, is the second oldest of Alan and Suzanne Osmond's (née Pinegar) eight sons. This makes him a nephew to the original Osmond lineup, including Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy Osmond.In this episode, we talk about counting blessings, embracing the kindness of others, and the importance of words—both those we speak and those we think. He shares the value of real connections, believing in ourselves, and making the most of life’s small moments. Remember, every person has the power to make a difference. Let’s find strength in grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and keep our focus on all the good that surrounds us.Chapter:00:00 - Intro09:26 - Life Lesson from Mike the Wallpaper Guy10:43 - Traumatic Experience of His Son14:24 - The Power of Words17:12 - How Charlie Brown Shaped His Life22:13 - The Story Behind the "Perfect 911"25:53 - His Father as the Ultimate Coach28:30 - A Lesson from a Good Friend29:30 - Struggles in His Marriage32:45 - His Father's Battle with Multiple Sclerosis36:53 - The Man Who Thinks He Can by Walter De Wintle38:08 - Lessons from George Washington40:10 - Reflections on His Wife49:43 - His Safe Person: John Gossett and own a Life's Worth Living Foundation50:58 - Gratitude for Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness52:22 - His Podcast "Achieving Awesomeness Now"1:00:00 - Reading The Touch of the Master’s Hand1:02:17 - One Word That’ll Change Your 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

Oct 21, 2024 • 45min
36. How Kindness Serves as a Gateway to Gratitude - Randy Mcneely
Send us a textRandy McNeely, a former cybersecurity professional, is now a passionate advocate for kindness. With over 20 years of experience in both private and public sectors, he helps entrepreneurs and organizations overcome toxic cultures through his 4-Stage Kindness Habit Framework and 5-Step Kindness Givers' Formula. Randy’s warm-hearted approach empowers businesses to thrive by fostering kindness-driven behaviors, creating stronger relationships, and achieving outstanding results.In this episode, kindness is shown as the gateway to gratitude and a catalyst for positive change. Randy McNeely emphasizes that small acts of kindness, when written in a Kindness Journal, help us relive and remember those moments, offering comfort during tough times.Kindness is described as love in action—a force that fuels happiness, joy, and success. Through love, we feel valued and appreciated, and every kind act strengthens that connection.With a simple 5-step guide, listeners are encouraged to start each day with purpose, seek opportunities to be kind, and reflect on the impact they've made. The message is clear: Kindness begins with us, and even the smallest actions can change lives.Chapter:00:00 - Intro01:56 - Story of Why He is Wearing a Red Cape04:23 - The Kindness Givers' Formula 2.008:17 - Struggles with His Father and How It Shaped Him10:37 - The Value of Noticing and Reflecting on Acts of Kindness13:54 - How His Friends Helped Him Feel15:57 - The Importance of Love and How It Drives Kindness19:33 - The Meaning of "Tada" | 5-Step Guide to Inspiring Change Through Love26:09 - Talks on Honey Bees35:52 - Being Kind to Ourselves38:20 - Talks about Naval Gazing Syndrome/Tunnel SyndromeFollow 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

Oct 7, 2024 • 44min
35. The Human Growth Code - Dr. Andrea Vanacker & Christophe Fauconnier
Send us a textDr. Andreea Vanacker is an entrepreneur, international speaker, and 4x author focused on promoting joy and human-centric leadership. Her work has been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Fast Company, and National Post. With a Ph.D. in Economics and vast experience managing global teams across 50+ countries, Andreea inspires leaders to build thriving, people-first organizations.Christophe is the Founder and Chief Business Humanizer at Innate Motion, dedicated to bringing human sense to business. A South African born during Apartheid, Christophe's mission to challenge institutional barriers led him to create a company that helps global brands grow with purpose, fostering genuine human connections.In this episode, Andreea and Christophe explore how embracing change is essential for growth and well-being. They discuss how resisting change can leave us stuck in fear and negativity, disconnected from our true nature. By welcoming change with gratitude, we open the door to personal and emotional growth, fostering resilience, generosity, and appreciation.The conversation highlights how shifting our perspective to one of curiosity and excitement allows us to navigate challenges with gratitude. By cultivating self-love, connection with others, and a deeper relationship with nature, embracing change becomes a powerful tool for thriving in all areas of life.Chapter:00:00 - Intro02:58 - Christophe explains what it means to be a "welcome change practitioner."04:05 - Overview of Christophe's company, Innate Motion.07:11 - Christophe shares insights on the role of change in growth.09:19 - How Andreea and Christophe became connected.13:10 - Andreea shares her experience with two brain surgeries and the nine hours spent in sleep during them.18:30 - Christophe reflects on challenging moments he's experienced.25:22 - Andreea introduces the 4 R’s related to the Human Growth Code.27:00 - Andreea explains why gratitude is so important to her.29:30 - Christophe shares his perspective on the importance of gratitude.36:27 - Christophe discusses the idea that self-sufficiency is a myth.41:37 - Andreea talks about her mission, "1 Million Years of Joy."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

Sep 23, 2024 • 40min
34: Overcoming Darkest Moments - Dr. Gina Anderson
Send us a textThrough her story of overcoming challenges and finding gratitude in difficult times, Gina shares how courage and growth often arise from fear and pain. This episode is a powerful reminder that learning fuels resilience and transformation in every aspect of life.Gina is the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, an award-winning company specializing in instructional design and adult learning. She focuses on developing measurable, science-based methods to help businesses improve safety and compliance. Gina is the author of Teaching Without a Teaching Degree: Luma Learning Lessons and holds advanced degrees in education and instructional technology from Indiana University and the University of Dayton.In this episode, Gina shares the power of lifelong learning, emphasizing that education doesn’t stop with a degree—it continues as a journey of growth and self-discovery. She breaks down the 5 components of learner connection—engagement between learners, self, coaching, instruction, and technology—highlighting how true learning goes beyond content. Chapter:00:00 - Intro02:51 - Importance of These Conversations to Gina | What Energizes Her04:00 - Where Gina Studied and How She Learned06:32 - Gina’s Learning Experience for Truck Drivers08:35 - What Truck Drivers Want to Learn15:26 - 5 Components of Learner Connection18:58 - Realizations About Gratitude and What’s Meaningful to Her | "Building a Mind of a Champion" and "Perspective on Invisible Illnesses" Articles23:04 - How Gina Overcame Her Darkest Moments29:56 - Lessons Learned in Life and Personal Growth33:22 - Tim Sorn’s Upcoming Book "Perspective on Invisible Illnesses"35:00 - Impactful Stories from Gina’s WorkFollow 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

Sep 9, 2024 • 54min
33: Hope Grows in Gratitude - Kevin Monroe
Send us a textKevin's journey with gratitude began in childhood with simple lessons in politeness, but it wasn’t until later in life, during a battle with depression, that he truly discovered its transformative power. In 2019, he launched a 10-Day Gratitude Challenge, which quickly grew to thousands of participants worldwide. This success led him to create more opportunities for others to explore gratitude, including The Gratitude Challenge Card Deck and a 30-day app-based journey. As a speaker, coach, and host of The Extraordinary Life Podcast, Kevin continues to inspire others to embrace gratitude as a way of life.In this episode, we explore how "Hope Grows in Gratitude" by delving into the transformative power of gratitude and hope. He discuss how hope is not just a strategy, but a skill, and how optimism differs from true hope. The conversation touches on the impact of expectations, the beauty in small moments, and the power of changing our perspective. We also reflect on the significance of expressing simple, sincere, and specific gratitude. Join us to discover how gratitude can brighten your day and deepen your sense of hope.Chapter:00:00 - Intro02:44 - Kevin's Journey to Becoming the "Gratitude Guy"05:53 - Launching the 13-Week, 90-Day Journey: The Extraordinary Experiment15:36 - Key Lessons and Impactful Moments in Kevin's Gratitude Journey19:47 - Using Mentimeter: A Powerful Tool for Engagement25:16 - Gratitude from Friends: Kevin's Reflections29:00 - “Hope is Cultivated in the Soil of Gratitude” - Danielle Strickland30:48 - The Power of Invitation in Fostering Gratitude33:22 - Exploring the Difference Between Hope and Expectation36:07 - A Personal Story of Disappointment and Resilience39:34 - Distinguishing Between Hope and Optimism42:05 - Finding Gratitude Through Grief: Kevin's Experience43:21 - Insights from "Human Kind" by Brad Aronson48:40 - “Life’s Not All Strawberries and Cream, But There Are Wonderful Moments” - Pat Blackstaffe49:20 - Perspectives: “We Don’t See the World as It Is, We See It as We Are” - Anaïs Nin50:28 - An Invitation: How to Increase Gratitude and Hope Today51:45 - The Power of Significant GratitudeFollow 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

Aug 26, 2024 • 49min
32: Your Voice Holds The Key To Emotional Intelligence - Kristi Holt
Send us a textYour Voice Holds The Key To Emotional Intelligence - Kristi Holt Kristi Holt is the founder and CEO of Vibeonix, quantifying wellness using voice analysis AI to observe, predict, and influence behavior.In this episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, Kristi shares how our emotions and emotional intelligence shape the outcomes in our lives—from the choices we make to the way we think and feel. By understanding the underlying drivers of our emotions, we can consciously create the results we desire. Her Vibeonix aims to increase self-awareness of the emotional energy we carry, emphasizing that emotions are messengers meant to guide us, not be suppressed. She discusses the importance of letting emotions flow, recognizing their intensity, and how gratitude can shift and alchemize emotional patterns, aligning us with our core values.Learn more about Kristi Holt and Vibeonix:https://vibeonix.com/index.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-holt-%F0%9F%92%A1-a91158121?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appChapter:00:00 - Intro03:57 - Introducing Vibeonix: The Power of Voice Analysis AI08:31 - Embracing Emotions: A Path to Guidance and Awareness09:58 - Understanding, Not Suppressing, Our Emotions16:38 - Kristi’s Awakening: Mastering AI with Vibeonix26:12 - How Vibeonix helps people 35:28 - The Life-Altering Event: Went from Suppressed to Empowered40:32 - Kristi Holt on Gratitude: Her Practices and InsightsAlso Mentioned in this Episode:Curtis Morley: https://youtu.be/1IxLw__ReKI 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

Aug 12, 2024 • 45min
31: Science and Spirituality: Acceptance, Integration, and Wholeness - Devin Rappleye
Send us a textWith more than 12 years of experience, Dr. Devin Rappleye is an expert in pyrochemical research and operations. He is currently in charge of BYU's PyRO lab.Dr. Rappleye conducted and developed pyrochemical operations at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for four years prior to joining BYU. His doctorate and post-doctoral work before coming to LLNL was devoted to creating electroanalytical methods and analyses for complicated molten salt combinations with several analyses. In this episode of the Gratitude Podcast, Devin shares the intricate relationship between faith, doubt, and the evolving models we create of ourselves, others, and our understanding of God. How doubt is not the opposite of faith, but rather its predecessor—a necessary step toward growth and learning. He discusses the stages of faith development, the role of gratitude in achieving wholeness, and the importance of embracing all aspects of our lived experience. Through this lens, we examine how the acceptance of our imperfections and the challenges we face—whether through addiction, loss, or internal struggle—can lead to a deeper understanding of our values and ultimately, a more profound connection with ourselves and the divine.Chapter:00:00 - Intro02:24 - Who is Devin Rappleye?04:03 - Devin Rappleye's Objective as Scientist 12:03 - How Science Affects Relationships with Others and God 19:42 - Stages of Faith24:31 - The Impact of Community on Faith: Insights from Tony Overbay26:09 - About Expansion and Wholeness28:56 - What does Wholeness mean to Devin Rappleye? 32:23 - A Journey Through Addiction: Rediscovering What I Truly Value41:54 - Expanding to Accept One Self | Dark Cloud by Devin Rappleye 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

Aug 5, 2024 • 49min
30. The Problem isn't the Problem: 3 Gold nuggets to solve any problem - Jeff Griffin
Send us a textOur guest Jeff Griffin (Griff) holds two Guinness Book of World Records, is a four-time All-Star MVP, a National Champion in the Wheelchair NBA, and is the author of two critically acclaimed “I'M-POSSIBLE” and “Endless Possibilities”Jeff Griffin is the man behind the 90-day formula for setting world records. Additionally, He developed a global peer-to-peer leadership initiative that was acknowledged by the UN.In this episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, Jeff shares that the problem isnt the problem, you are the problem and you are the solution. He shares the idea that 'Different isn’t always better, but better is always different,' emphasizing the unique paths to success and fulfillment. Discover the Three Gold Nuggets—Desire, Dream, and Do—that form the foundation of overcoming challenges. He shares how confronting the Three Biggest Dragons that paralyze most of us—Doubt, Fear, and Complacency—can unlock potential. With stories of hope, gratitude, and the relentless pursuit of purpose, this podcast inspires you to change your mindset, see possibilities, and live your passion. Whether it's through Keystone Habits or finding gratitude in life's hardest moments, we believe in making the impossible possible.🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more great content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFYJpy3OfFBfxi8pA4Dg5nwGet access to Jeff Griffin's website:https://griffinmotivation.com/ Code for free Possibility Principle “P2”Code for 50% off shop “Love”Chapter:00:00 - Intro02:20 - About Jeff Griffin05:25 - Marriage is the Greatest Achievement 06:47 - Jeff Griffin - Paralympic Mens Team | Accomplishments & Awards08:40 - The problem isnt the problem, the problem is YOU.12:00 - Problems are like Manure16:20 - Eliminate “I Can’t” from your vocabulary 18:37 - Paralyzed in accident - Shattered dreams20:27 - How One Prisoner Changed His Life25:22 - Pathological Positivity By Dr. Paul Jenkins 30:53 - Three Biggest Dragons: Doubt, Fear and Complacency 31:41 - Three Gold Nuggets/Three D’s: Desire, Dream, and Do 36:35 - Daily Dime: Master the Process, Not the Promise, for True Progress 37:13 - Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth42:01 - Empowering Young Minds with the Three D's44:58 - As a speaker in YPO’s Global Leadership 47:02 - Keystone Habits: What’s make the impossible possible 47:55 - How Griff wants to be rememberedFollow 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

Jul 29, 2024 • 42min
29. How Leaders Can Create a Happier World - Garry Ridge
Send us a textGarry Ridge was CEO of the WD-40 company for 25 years His mission is to make the world a happier place by fostering happy workplaces and communities, one organization and leader at a time. Garry is an author, coach, speaker, professor, and doesnt believe in mistakes but in learning moments.In this episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, Gary's purpose is to help leaders build cultures of belonging where love, forgiveness, and learning inspire a happier, more connected world. The goal is to create workplaces where people contribute to something bigger than themselves, learn new things, and are guided by meaningful values, leading to happiness at work and beyond. Gary emphasizes that leadership should nurture the organizational environment like a supportive tribe, viewing failures as learning opportunities to foster growth and resilience. His vision aims to redefine work culture by emphasizing emotional engagement and personal fulfillment, aligning with the idea that leadership should touch the heart, not just the head.Get access to Garry Ridge's website:https://thelearningmoment.net/ Pre-order Garry’s New Book:Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company https://a.co/d/0sEmaiuChapter:00:00 - Intro02:08 - Garry Ridge’s Purpose in Life: to Inspire Leaders05:46 - Creating Pleasure and Purpose at Work 06:53 - Servant Leadership: Dalai Lama, Aristotle, and Ken Blanchard 08:37 - “If work is not a pleasure, then what pleasure has the working man” - Ole Olsen 09:36 - Three Things That People Want In A Work-Relationship11:24 - Values that Define Us: The WD40 Company Way15:16 - Incredienrsfora succesful culture16:50 - The value of a “Tribe”17:42 - Responsibility Of A Tribal Leader: To Be A Learner and A Teacher 19:39 - The Maniac Pledge: Empowering Responsibility in the Workplace22:15 - Counterfeit Emotions by Curtis Morley 25:30 - Not mistakes: Insights on Learning Moments28:59 - Two types of Learning Moments31:15 - Embracing Balanced Leadership33:31 - Counting Hearts, Not Heads35:14 - Mantras for Success: An I being the person i want to be?37:11 - Gratitude is life 41:03 - Gary’s Upcoming Book: “Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It”Also Mentioned in this Episode:Curtis Morley Episode: https://youtu.be/1IxLw__ReKI 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

Jul 22, 2024 • 48min
28. Always Winning! Finding Flecks of Gold - Bronson Kaufusi
Send us a textOur guest today is former NFL tight end Bronson Kaufusi. He was a star football amd basketball player in college at Brigham Young University.In this episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, we explore the transformative power of mindset and mental strength training. Bronson talks about everyone’s capacity to change and become better in every aspect of life. He talks about how sports and life humble us, and we can be grateful for it. We discuss resilience, and the importance of mindset in shaping who we are. Bronson also shares how devastating moments can become great experiences, the significance of finding gratitude in tough times, and the value of celebrating small victories. Remember, sports are what you do, not who you are. Surround yourself with positivity and build a life full of gratitude and growth.Follow Bronson Kaufusi:https://www.instagram.com/bkaufusi90?igsh=YW52ZW9rZDk2OW4=Young Athlete Society link: https://youngathletesociety.com/ Chapter:00:00 - Intro04:02 - Mindset: Everyone can change 05:30 - Importance of Mental Performance Training09:11 - Sports and life humbles you, be grateful for it12:45 - Fearless Mind, Mental grooving, Craig Manning18:47 - Habits for success: Remove friction to make it easier20:59 - People who impacted Bronson Kaufusi25:30 - Sports is what I do, not who I am - Overcoming challenges32:38 - Finding Flecks of Gold: Gratitude for the smallest things34:50 - Balance: Go all in where you are 40:11 - Young Athlete Society: Inspiring youth45:00 - Always Winning! Finding Flecks of Gold in 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