Sparks of Gratitude

Send us a textOur guest today is a creativity coach, artist, musician, and strategist, she is Lauren Spangler. She nearly lost a child and learned how precious every moment, every heartbeat, and every breath really is. She discovered how creativity expresses gratitude and helped her unlock the power within herself to overcome anxieties of loss. Now Lauren helps aspiring artists build a fulfilling creative life without giving up financial stability. It's all about finding that sweet spot where artists can build wealth and their creative portfolio at the same time. She's a painter, writer, and musician who enjoys creative consistency, financial abundance, and lasting fulfillment.Lauren shares art can create message that is provocative and in many different ways. She shares also the strategies and techniques to help people embrace their artistic identity and make time for creative pursuits in balance with the rest of life.Follow Lauren Spangler:https://www.laurenspangler.com/https://www.instagram.com/laurenspangler?igsh=aWEzZWx3eTdqbXJuChapter:00:00 - Intro03:47 - Passion for art stifled, then reignited 08:15 - “Artist are professionals noticers” Austin Cleon10:20 - Scary side of parenthood13:26 - The moment of relief - gratitude unparalleled 15:08 - Postpartum anxiety 17:41 - How infound strength with child in NICU  22:28 - Episode 1: Dr. Paul Jenkins: https://youtu.be/ddD2033jm2c24:23 - “A bird does not worry whether the branch will break because he trusts his wings” 27:22 - Creativity coachingin a corporate setting 31:54 - Tips and strategies  What’sypur relationship with creativity?36:27 - Start in a place of pain39:03 - The coaching process: (1) Where you are, (2) Set the vision, (3) Bridge that gap, (4) Roadmap 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 textSteven Nyman is famous for speed and resilience. World Cup four time Olympian ski racer is a downhill specialist. Steven talks about being raised at Sundance Utah, winning the 2002 World Junior Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, and raced on the US Ski Team into his 40s. Steven talks about determination, mental resilience and gratitude through the hard days of competitive skiing and through injury and rehabilitation. If it weren't for some of his injuries, he wouldn't have met some of the people who helped him hone his mental toughness and find longevity. He also shares every turn on the slopes is a testament to hard work and appreciation for the mountain's embrace.Outside of skiing, Steven is a husband and a father and works on a project called Fantasy Ski Racer, which aims to connect fans to the skiing world. He has also become a host for the Birds of Prey race in Beaver Creek and the U.S. Alpine Championships at Winter Park.Chapter:00:00 - Intro03:03 - Sundance Ski Resort in Utah is a Special Place 07:32 - Competing in World Juniors15:27 - Downhill Racer - Portrays the life of a professional ski racer18:30 - Exploring towns fueled mental and physical resilience and gratitude22:32 - American Downhiller Denim Vest Motivated Team 24:37 - What it's like in a World Cup Downhill Course30:09 - Injuries, Recovery, Resilience, Lessons Learned, 33:34 - “The best luck comes from preparation”35:15 - Craig Manning "The Fearless Mind"36:33 - How his parents influenced in different and impactful ways40:01 - Life after Downhill - Husband, Father43:02 - What does gratitude mean to Steven Nyman?Follow Steven Nyman:https://www.instagram.com/steven_nyman/?hl=enFollow 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 textMatt Clayton is an innovator in childhood education. He runs an  independent school in Provo, Utah, and former Chief Operating Officer of Acton Academy, hailed by the US Education Secretary as a leading example of education innovation. Matt's background blends creative and technical fields, in music, economics, and finance. He studied internationally as a teenager, graduating as valedictorian of the American School of Buenos Aires. While in college, he was a researcher and author at Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen’s think tank.Matt is fueled by creating the power of technology to unlock human potential. He founded Slope School and believes that it is the most nurturing, deep-learning, student-centered learning environment in the world, and thrilled to share it with intentional families in the community. Isomg he framework of the Hero’s Journey, as describedby Joseph Campbell, the school helps students realize that they are the hero of their own journey and that they are capable.  Chapter:00:00 - Intro01:30 - How Matt Found a Career in Childhood Education08:06 - Students are called Heroes08:44 - The Hero’s Journey Framework to find identity and purpose in the world - Everyone has a unique contribution 14:23 - Designing a school that facilitates love of learning, character growth, and personal identity in students  19:31 - How Socratic Discussion teaches young students to think  26:32 - Students can learn, do hard things, and figure things out28:16 - Constant upward spiral, reinventing yourself, becoming greater31:05 - Young people’s ability for introspection on progress33:18 - Character Call-outs and 35:49 - Peace Talks. Framework for confronting a conflict, honesty and accountabilityFollow 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 textOur guest today is the Executive Director of One Kind Act a Day - a nonprofit organization changing the world one kind act at a time. Curtis shares that small acts of kindness, when done by many, can lead to significant change. At the heart of this vision is the idea that kindness has the power to change our lives and literally the world for the better. Against the odds, Curtis rose above a challenging life. His father left his family, left them destitute, and his is family had a history of depression. With so much seemingly working against him, Curtis had two things working in his favor: 1. Kind people gifing him opportunities and mentoring him even as a child, and 2. A mindset of determination that he would choose to be happy.Take the Kindness Pledge:https://thepowerofkind.org/Chapter:00:00 - Intro02:02 - Every day I get to spread kindness04:20 - Creation of “One Kind Act a Day” by Khosrow Semnani 08:34 - People are starving for kindness09:12 - Benefits of a kindness initiative - Predictable Results10:16 - Tailor made kindness initiative for your organization 14:37 - Matilda: We are revolting children - Revolt against bad with good15:56 - Successes of One Kind Act a Day initiatives - 41,000 acts of kindness in 22 days20:10 - How Curtis Bennet joined One Kind Act a Day23:41 - Defying the odds From father leaving family to kind people lifting him up. 26:57 - “I will never do to my child what my father did to me”29:50 - First job at the age of 9 - Started paying rent at age 1234:08 - "Idealize the real, and realize the ideal" 36:45 - Check the Lee Brower Podcast: https://youtu.be/Tc1fOQrH6j038:13 - "I'm not a perfect father, but I'm perfectly committed to being a father"40:45 - Check the Dr. Paul Jenkins Podcast: https://youtu.be/ddD2033jm2c42:47 - How can we spread kindness?47:14 - What does gratitude mean to Curtis BennettFollow 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 textOur guest today is David R. York, the inspiring speaker and author of “The Gift of Lift: Harnessing the Power of Stewardship to Elevate the World.” David R. York shares how stewards know who they are, what they value, and what they believe. Stewards live a life ALL IN for something transcendent that is bigger than themselves. David is co-author of “Entrusted: Building A Legacy That Lasts” and “Riveted: 44 Values that Change the World”, which after its release was the #1 Business Ethics book on Amazon.David is also an estate planning attorney and CPA with more than 20 years of experience, David R. York. He has worked with over 7,000 clients, including billionaires and business owners, celebrities and sports figures, and entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes.Resources MentionedGET A FREE COPY OF “THE GIFT OF LIFT” (Signed by the author)https://sparksofgratitude.com/giftoflift/David York’s website:https://www.davidryork.com/David Mentioned our Episode with Lee Brower: https://youtu.be/Tc1fOQrH6j0?si=kgCWP9x1QDtOzyoOListen to this episode on the go:🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sparks-of-gratitude/id1725414927🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ddtJyRwhdAxj2Eh2oj4NAChapter:00:00 - Intro1:41 - “The Gift of Lift” by David York5:20 - Gail Miller didnt own the Utah Jazz . She was a Steward.7:00 - What does it mean to be a steward?10:57 - Understanding stewardship with examples that are not stewardship - Consumers, Dreamers, and Owners18:59 - Freedom vs. Responsibility  19:45 - Story about Statue of Responsibility  20:51 - Mindset of Steward: They know what they value and use “because therefore” not “if then” 28:43 - Values: Data and information Inform, Questions and stories transform31:57 - David York’s core values - Experience, generosity, connection, gratitude34:31 - What gratitude means to David YorkFollow 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 textToday's guest is Travis Ashby, the founder and CEO of Worklyfe, who helps people build their “happestry”(a happines tapestry, or a digital vision board) and to know their happiness equation so they can work toward meaningful goals. Travis was given an incredible gift on his 12th birthday through the tragic death of his mother in a small plane crash. Through loss and struggle, Travis has learned how to find meaning and is on a mission to help others do the same.Travis is interested in enabling people to live their best lives and produce their greatest work.Find Travis Ashby and Worklyfe:https://worklyfe.io/https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisashby?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appChapter:00:00 - Intro01:40 - Helping people find their personal happiness equation.02:55 - Happiness through tragedy, divorce, and death? 9:55 - Reconciling with mother. 11:15 - Travis saw his mother in a dream.14:27 - Finding his Why - Going to the crash site  18:18 - Mother's wallet - Sacred Money20:09 - Happiness Equation: Freedom Experiences - Energy - Love21:30 - Create software inspiration engine to move needle on happiness 27:25 - Sacred Money33:25 - Experiential Rewards35:04 - Worklyfe Goal Vision Board Software36:03 - Patience - Entrepreneurs as Risk Mitigators not Risk Takers38:00 - People have their OWN personal happiness equation. A software that build inspiration for people.39:16 - Give hope, healing, and happiness to others. Let them dream.41:08 - Worklyfe AccountFollow 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 textOur guest today is Chris Provost, the host of the whimsically popular YouTube channel Provost Park Pass, a channel that primarily shares about how to make your Disneyland adventure amazing with tips, tricks, trivia, and general history. Chris is very intentional in how he provides a positive and uplifting message. In almost every video, Chris pauses to share encouragement, love, and belief in those who may be struggling. Chris wants you to know that you matter, you make a difference, and the world is better because you're here.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 textOur guest today is the father of four children and has been happily married since 2003, Kirk Chugg. Kirk created a simple curriculum for his sons in 2013 to teach them the qualities and attributes of being a gentleman and the Gentlemen Project was born. Kirk is the cohost of “The Gentlemen Project Podcast, things my father taught me”, and is the author of the book “The Parents Guide to Eating an Elephant, Raising Kids One Principle at a Time.” Kirk counts this work as one of his life’s highest callings and most valuable blessings.Mr. Kirk emphasizes the value of assisting you in making the most of your time with your children by teaching them the most significant life lessons. Kirk Chugg and The Gentlemen Project:https://www.thegentlemenproject.comChapters:00:00 - Intro1:25 - Bike Ride Lesson - Tailwinds remind me of who has helped menin my life 4:16 - How “Gentleman Project Podcast” was born8:35 - 1st Lesson: A gentleman does hard things - without complaining11:41 - Putting the life leasons on paper16:44 - My boys named "The Gentleman Project"23:59 - Guilt and Shame - Are my kids getting my best?31:23 - When kids get married - What do you want our family to look like? 35:27 - Lunchclub to learn how to be better38:05 - Truth is presented in many different ways39:20 - What do you think it means to be a gentleman?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 textOur guest today is a history professor, creator, host, and head writer of the wildly popular podcast, History That Doesn't Suck, Professor Greg Jackson. He has also appeared on History Channel documentaries, other major history podcasts, radio, and served as a historical consultant for the podcast, American Elections: Wicked Game.Professor Jackson has a passion for story and storytelling and that no one cares about a name and a date until you bring it to life. Professor Greg Jackson's website:https://www.patreon.com/historythatdoesntsuckhttps://www.htdspodcast.com/aboutChapter:00:00 - Intro04:20 - Beginnings of a Love of History 09:26 - Importance of Story to make History Compelling15:19 - How “History That Doesn’t Suck” Podcast was born23:30 - History That Doesnt Suck Live on Stage 28:35 - Filled with gratitude for shoulders we stand on from history35:14 - History is filled with contradictions40:35 - It’s not the Critic who counts, it is the man in the arena - Theodore Roosevelt 43:16 - Unsung hero - John Roebling  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 textOur guests today are the founders of Chatbooks. As the parents of seven children Nate and Vanessa Quigley are on a mission through Chatbooks to strengthen families. Chatbooks, a subscription-based photo book service allows families to capture everyday magic moments. Nate and Vanessa Quigley share about Elaborative Reminiscing, the challenges they've encountered as parents, and how Chatbooks is like a photo gratitude journal.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