WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

Surgery was successful but now we need to jumping theses prices and how a mistake by Sega has come back to hunt us as the consumer later in 2026

In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions , host JR Sparrow sits down with Lane Igoudin, an author, speaker, and advocate, to discuss his powerful memoir,  A Family, Maybe: A Journey Through Foster Adoptions to Fatherhood . Lane shares his experiences with adoption, mindful parenting, and how his personal journey intersects with LGBTQ and Jewish histories. In this episode, you'l...

Embarking on a health journey can be both enlightening and daunting, particularly when it involves managing a heart condition. Jr Sparrow, a public figure known for his detailed and aesthetic approach to recording his show, offers a candid reflection on his own health challenges. He acknowledges that neglecting his emotional and mental health contributed to his heart issues, compounded by diabetes...

n this deeply reflective and empowering episode, J.R. returns from a major Las Vegas gaming event with more than just a controller story — he brings insight into the  mental roadblocks that affect performance  at the highest levels. After falling short of expectations at his first in-person gaming tournament, J.R. unpacks the emotional and psychological hurdles that crept in, from  lack of sleep  ...

Episode Summary: In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace , we’re joined by Susan Hensley, a former HR executive who transformed her life during the challenges of the pandemic through the practice of art journaling. Susan shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to rediscovering joy and clarity through creativity. As the author of  Art for Your Sanity , Susan now helps others tap...

Topic: Education Reform, Healthcare Advocacy, and Running for Georgia Superintendent of Schools In this 43-minute episode, host JR Sparrow sits down with Dr. Nelva Lee, a healthcare administrator, entrepreneur, and candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lee shares her inspiring journey from Panama to the United States, her work in healthcare advocacy, and her vision for transforming...

M.E. Torrey - Author of "Fox Creek," a historical novel exploring slavery in the antebellum South In this powerful 51-minute conversation, author M.E. Torrey discusses her critically acclaimed novel "Fox Creek," which confronts the whitewashed narratives of plantation history. Torrey shares her journey from writing children's books to tackling one of America's most diff...

Clarence Edward "Big House" Gaines Sr.  (May 21, 1923 – April 18, 2005) was an American college men's  basketball  coach with a 47-year coaching career at  Winston-Salem State University  in  Winston-Salem, North Carolina . Among his numerous honors for his achievements, he is one of the few African Americans to be inducted as a coach into the  Basketball Hall of Fame . Before gradua...

Lee Woodman is a profoundly artistic individual whose global upbringing in countries like France and India has imbued her with a unique voice enriched by diverse cultural dynamics. She perceives artistic expression, particularly poetry, as an amalgam of all arts, where language, observation, and listening converge in a powerful and unique form. Woodman's rational skepticism and exploration of...

JR Sparrow returns with a personal update episode, checking in with listeners on a snowy January day. In this candid conversation, JR shares what he's been up to, upcoming events, and important reminders for podcast guests. In This Episode: Podcast Updates: Spares Under Review is now ranked on Apple Podcasts and thriving as a sister show Upcoming Events: JR and Stacey will be at Lexington Comi...

Kendra Erika, an innovative artist known for her unique fusion of jazz, dance, and EDM, is set to release her album "License to Thrill" on February 13th, reimagining iconic Bond songs with her distinctive sound. Overcoming personal obstacles, such as being born tone deaf, and growing musically under the guidance of a German operatic coach, Kendra infuses her work with resilience and a to...

In this episode, hosts JR Sparrow and Stacey welcome guest Nathan Smolensky, author of "Common Ground from the Ground Up." The conversation explores political polarization, the importance of curiosity in dialogue, class and political identity, and building bridges across divides. Nathan shares insights from his upbringing, his work with the Florida Forward Party, and practical steps for fostering...

In this powerful episode of  WV Uncommon Place , host J.R. Sparrow dives deep into the intersection of health, technology, and community with Kwame Terra — CEO and founder of Bear Health (B.E.H.R.). From discussing health disparities in Black communities to exploring how a single text message inspired an innovative digital health solution, this conversation is a journey into purpose, empathy, and...

Jack McMahon is an insightful author acclaimed for his book "Atrophy and Asymptotes," which intertwines philosophical ideas with personal narratives to explore themes of decline and limits. Drawing from his experiences, especially the loss of his brother and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, McMahon uses the book as a means to confront his fears and strained family relationships,...

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a video game developed and published by LucasArts. Primarily a third-person shooter, the game also utilizes multiple types of vehicular combat sequences. It was released for the Nintendo 64 on December 3, 1996, and a version for Microsoft Windows was released on September 17, 1997.

💥 In this mind-bending episode of  WV Uncommon Place , JR sits down with retired teacher, author, and financial truth-teller  Tommy Kilpatrick , who claims your "credit card debt" might not be debt at all. 💳 Tommy shares his wild journey of running up $85,000 in credit card charges based on a radio infomercial deal that collapsed — and how that financial hit led to an eye-opening disco...

🔊  Episode Summary: On this powerful episode of  WV UncommonPlace , J.R. is joined by licensed psychologist Dr. Stephanie Maser for an in-depth conversation about  digital overstimulation, emotional boundaries, and reclaiming presence in a tech-driven world . From the nostalgic simplicity of growing up in the pre-internet era to the current age of algorithms, scrolling, and digital addiction, thi...

In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace , Jr welcomes the distinguished  Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph. D.  — President & CEO of  Z/Creators, LLC , Professor Emerita at  Florida A&M University , award-winning multimedia creator, and one of the most accomplished voices in higher education and technology. With more than  35 years  of experience as a professor, administrator, producer, writer, an...

Alan L. Katz, more widely recognized as Al Katz, played an instrumental role in transforming the comic book series "Tales from the Crypt" into a successful television show that seamlessly blended horror and dark humor. Despite arriving in Los Angeles in 1985 without traditional credentials, Katz drew upon his background in comedy and drama from Vassar College to infuse the series with a unique per...

Barna Donovan, a professor of communication and media studies at St. Peter's University, offers a compelling perspective on the evolving landscape of cinema, firmly rejecting the notion that the art form is dead. With a rich background in film studies from the University of Miami, Donovan delves into how interconnected cinematic universes, such as Marvel, have reshaped storytelling and audience en...

Anky Cyriaque, a filmmaker originally from Haiti who grew up in New York, brings a unique perspective to the cinema industry, deeply rooted in his belief that storytelling reigns supreme. Influenced by early childhood experiences with American TV shows like Sesame Street, Cyriaque emphasizes that "story is king," a philosophy he upholds in his directorial pursuits. He expresses concern over the ci...

✨ Episode Summary: In this  uncommonly creative  episode, J.R. sits down with Dylan Coburn, a powerhouse in animation, illustration, directing, and storytelling whose journey spans nearly three decades. From drawing Donald Duck for Disney's  Quack Pack  in 1995 to directing  Superman: Red Son  and influencing  The Rings of Power , Dylan shares a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how animation ev...

Aaron Henry is the Founder and Managing Director of Foundeast Asia, an award-winning integrated marketing communications agency bridging Southeast Asia and North America. With over two decades of experience in PR, branding, film production, and global marketing, Aaron has helped Fortune 100 companies and startups alike craft compelling stories that resonate across cultures. His career includes lea...

in this episode of WV Uncommon Place, host JR Sparrow welcomes the illustrious Rodes from Chicago for an impromptu, wide-ranging conversation. They discuss Rodes’ new podcast with his wife, the art of podcasting, balancing multiple shows, and the evolution of the indie podcast scene. The duo dives into food debates, music favorites, and the importance of fun and collaboration in creative work. Plu...

Blair Huddy, a leading PR expert from Los Angeles, has garnered recognition for their communication skills, inspired in part by the artistry and career of Taylor Swift. Sharing a generational bond with Swift, Blair admires her ability to humanize herself as a global brand, making her relatable to fans through personal interactions and social media engagement. This approach, Blair notes, is a model...