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 :)
Ep. 16 Sarah - Gold Star Sister, Patriotism and VSOs
Send us Fan Mail Jess talks with fellow Gold Star sister Sarah Hudson, who lost her brother Troy in Iraq in 2006. They discuss finding identity beyond grief, Sarah's service to veterans, an emotional visit to Nederland Colorado's Carousel of Happiness, and her work with Holbrook Farms Retreat — a nonprofit supporting military widows, sisters, and mothers of the fallen. Sarah closes with advice for anyone navigating loss: find your community, and don't be afraid to reach out. Applications ar...
28 May 2026
Ep. 15 - Willow - Neurodiverse Kids & The Spiritual Gift of Long Suffering
Send us Fan Mail ** CONTENT WARNING** This episode discusses losing a loved one to suicide. If that content impacts, you today, please skip this episode. If you or a loved one is struggling, please dial 988 on your cell and know being a human is hard and you are so loved. Willow Clerici is a married mom to three boys who currently resides in Tennessee. We discuss raising neurodiverse kids, the healing nature of service AND how Willow stays young by trying hard things daily. To find Willow...
10 May 2026
Episode 14 - Ethan - Disenfranchised Grief / Loss / Living Authentically
Send us Fan Mail 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 well-being, peace and purpose. Veteran Mentoring Program - American Corporate Partners Instagram Support for suicide loss survivors - SAVE: Suicide Prevention, Information, and Awareness
30 Apr 2026
Episode 13: Going Solo - Who I am/What I'm Hoping to Do/How we Got Here
Send us Fan Mail 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. This week's episode touches on these of parent loss, child abuse, and military suicide. If this feels heavy to you, please skip. Love, Jess
20 Apr 2026
Ep 12 - Deanna - Cancer Loss, Travis Manion Foundation, and Foster Care
Send us Fan Mail Gold Star spouse Deanna Phillips became a widow on March 5, 2010, when her beloved husband, Michael Phillips, a US Air Force veteran, lost his battle with service-connected cancer. The grief that followed was nearly paralyzing. She feared she’d always be alone. “When you lose a spouse, you have this heavy weight on you,” she says. “The whole world is erupting. You carry stuff and you keep carrying it and carrying it, and soon you don’t even realize that you’re carrying ...
12 Apr 2026
Episode 11 - JessicaRose - Caregiving, Loss and Legacy
Send us Fan Mail 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 loss, mental health advocacy, and caregiver empowerment. Her husband Andrew Johnson succumbed to his brain cancer battle just a few months prior to this recording. Listen for yourself. JessicaRose is authentic in her commitment to love in...
5 Apr 2026
Episode 10 - Mark - DUI, Loss, and Post-Traumatic Growth
Send us Fan Mail 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 redemption and living a life of purpose. In 2008, his then-girlfriend threw Mark a birthday party and he choose to drive them home afterwards. Laura unfortunately passed away as a result of that decision. What started for Mark ...
29 Mar 2026
Episode 9 - Tristen - Veteran Suicide Loss, Family Legacy and Mission 22
Send us Fan Mail 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 away at any point. Tristen Adams, originally from Hebron, NE graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has a distinguished career in healthcare recruiting and IT management. She is a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmot...
22 Mar 2026
Episode 7 - Lucia - Motherhood, Dyslexia, and Advocacy
Send us Fan Mail 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 people 10-24.** Lucia works in policy and non-profit and has a passion for helping parents ensure their children have access to resources after navigating the neurodiverse waters of her own kids. Dyslexia resources: Bright Solutions for ...
22 Mar 2026
Episode 8 - Laura - Apraxia and Bipolar Disorder
Send us Fan Mail 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 thought her ceiling was a college degree, but the universe had MUCH more in mind. Laura is a distinguished worldwide Apraxia expert, including helping Olympian Rhonda Rousey get her diagnosis verbiage, and being a champion for mental health for her fam...
15 Mar 2026
Episode 5 - Colleen - Addiction, Grief, and Somatic Yoga
Send us Fan Mail 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 known for a fresh start in Florida. We talk cocaine and alcohol addiction, grief, healing, financial hardship and somatic yoga. Illuminate with Colleen | Holistic Healing Treatment and Recovery | National Institute on Drug Abus...
15 Mar 2026
Episode 6 - Dr Qwynn Galloway-Salazar - Grieving / Death Doula / Military Suicide Loss
Send us Fan Mail 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 Line which has applied theatre to teach about veteran care through a story monologue. About | In Their Honor, LLC BTM232 – Dr Qwynn Galloway – Salazar – Ongoing Legacy of Service International End of Life Doula Certification We Honor Veterans - Caring Profe...
8 Mar 2026
Episode 4 - Ashley - Apraxia, Sexual Abuse and Mental Health Crisis
Send us Fan Mail 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 develop self-worth, trust in others, and confidence in motherhood. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Amazon.com: Healing the Wounded Heart: The Heartache of Sexual Abuse and the Hope of Transformation eBook : Allender, Dan B.: ...
26 Feb 2026
Episode 3 - Jared - Faith/Rural America/Mental Health
Send us Fan Mail 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 soccer player and now beloved pastor discusses it all and reminds us, no one is beyond redemption. This series discusses suicide and may be activating for some individuals. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please let them ...
Send us Fan Mail 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 culture that doesn't talk about the uncomfortable things? Aaron discusses loses his wife JJ while on active duty and finding love and his tribe again. To learn more about the Travis Manion Foundation and opportunities near you, click her...
25 Feb 2026
Episode 1 - Gina - Infant Loss/Job Loss
Send us Fan Mail 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. This series discusses suicide and may be activating for some individuals. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please let them know that help is available. You can call or text 988 anytime in the US and Canada. If you or someone yo...
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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