I Spark Change Podcast

In this episode, Rick Ornelas sits down with Brianne Patrice, writer, nonprofit consultant, and founder of the Black Healing Collective , a nonprofit dedicated to creating spaces where Black women can access healing, wellness, and support without sacrificing their dignity or basic needs. Through her advocacy and storytelling, Brianne works to challenge systemic barriers, reduce shame, and help wom...

In this episode, Rick interviews Tarik Kitson, healthcare leader and co-founder of Active Plus , a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of young people through fitness, mentorship, mindfulness, nutrition, and leadership. His work connects healthcare and community service to create healthier opportunities for children and families. Tarik shares ho...

In this episode, Rick interviews Rick Peck, also known as The Philanthropy Guy , a philanthropy educator, financial professional, and advocate for purposeful giving. Through his work with donors, nonprofits, and professional advisors, he helps people understand how generosity can align with their values, create meaningful impact, and build a lasting legacy. Rick shares the experiences that shaped...

In this episode, Rick interviews Sunny Wessel, author, Bible study teacher, and faith-filled leader dedicated to helping people develop a deeper, more personal relationship with the Lord. Through her writing, teaching, and ministry, Sunny encourages others to connect with God, grow in their faith, and recognize His presence in their everyday lives. Sunny shares the story of how her relationship wi...

In this episode, Rick interviews Carol Look, a pioneering practitioner, bestselling author, international speaker, and expert in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping. Through her work, Carol helps people identify and overcome the emotional conflicts, limiting beliefs, and fears that can keep them from achieving the success, confidence, and abundance they desire. Carol shares how her own stru...

In this episode, Rick interviews John Moncrieff, Head of Community and Purpose at the Small Giants Community, an international community dedicated to helping purpose-driven business leaders build companies that prioritize people, values, and long-term impact. Originally from South Africa and now based in Switzerland, John draws from decades of entrepreneurial experience to help founders create bus...

In this episode, Rick interviews Diane Strand, co-founder of JDS Creative Academy , award-winning nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, producer, speaker, and creative strategist. Diane is dedicated to helping youth, adults, and individuals with diverse abilities discover their talents and build meaningful careers through the transformative power of the arts. Drawing from her own journey as a young girl...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Beth Sanchez , founder and CEO of Impactful Improv , a company that helps professionals and teams strengthen communication, collaboration, and adaptive thinking through improv-inspired learning. Beth shares how her background in business and leadership led her to discover improv as a powerful tool for skill-building while earning her MBA at Duke Univ...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Scott Marshall , President & CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education and host of the As Unexpected Podcast . Scott reflects on how a formative study abroad experience in Japan sparked his lifelong commitment to global education and cross-cultural understanding. He shares his journey from academia to leading Semester at Sea , the world’s lead...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Erin Williamson , Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146 , an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking and exploitation. Erin shares her powerful journey from working with unhoused children in Kenya to leading national prevention and survivor care programs across the United States. She explains how trauma-informed, relationship-ba...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Brendan P. Keegan , visionary CEO, board leader, bestselling author, and founder of bFEARLESS Ventures , an investment and advisory firm built on courage, clarity, and bold action. He shares how leadership first took root in his life at a young age, shaped by mentorship, service, and the belief that leadership is a gift you must choose to accept. Bre...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Dr. Julie Lara , Multilingual Programs Director at Ensemble Learning, former Director of the Emergent Bilingual Support Division at the Texas Education Agency, and a leading advocate for educational equity.  She reflects on her journey from special education teacher to statewide policy leader serving 1.3 million emergent bilingual students. Julie ope...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Josh Green, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and mindset coach who teaches individuals and organizations how to transform negative self-talk into a catalyst for growth. Josh has lived many lives: actor, stand-up comic, yoga instructor, business founder, and creative storyteller. But behind every chapter was a deeper internal battle — imposter syndrome, pe...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Aaron Marcus , a full-time actor, author, and coach with over 40 years in the industry and nearly 1,300 bookings — including a memorable role alongside Tom Hanks in A Man Called Otto . Aaron opens up about his unexpected journey into acting, how generosity shaped his life philosophy, and why he believes true success comes from helping others. From hi...

In this episode, Rick shares a personal and heartfelt update on the evolution of I Spark Change, reflecting on its origins, its global growth, and the powerful milestone of releasing Voices of Impact: Stories from Social Impact Heroes . He takes listeners back to 2020, when I Spark Change began as a simple act of service during a time of uncertainty. What started with gratitude posts on social med...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Luke Mickelson , the Founder and Executive Director of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a global nonprofit ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor in their town . From humble beginnings as a small-town farm kid in Idaho to becoming a CNN Hero and national changemaker , Luke’s story is one of faith, humility, and action. What began as a simple act o...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Carmen Sample , Founder and CEO of Sample Supports , a groundbreaking social enterprise redefining what it means to create impact in the social services industry. Carmen is a visionary leader, licensed social worker, and fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, and those often overlooked by traditional systems. Thr...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Sean Meyers , host of the Level Up and Live Podcast , entrepreneur, coach, and faith-driven leader dedicated to helping others reach their full potential in life and business. Sean shares his remarkable journey from corporate burnout to spiritual awakening, revealing how vulnerability, self-awareness, and faith transformed his leadership, his marriag...

In this episode, Rick shares an exciting announcement about Voices of Impact: Stories from Social Impact Heroes — the new book born from the heart of the  I Spark Change Podcast . He reflects on the journey of I Spark Change, from its beginnings in 2020 with his first book 12 Hours of Heaven: Lessons for a Better World , to nearly 170 inspiring podcast episodes featuring extraordinary changemakers...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Logan Altman , Chief Impact Officer at Doing Good Works —a certified social enterprise turning branded merchandise and event activations into life-changing outcomes for people with lived experience in foster care. He discusses building a “world-class transaction → tangible transformation” model, the rise of Doing Good Works from startup to 2× Inc. 50...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Dr. Neli Augustson, physician, healer, and founder of a direct primary care practice that puts patients before systems. She shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Gabon to experiencing compassionate care in the U.S. for the first time, which fueled her passion for medicine. Neli opens up about leaving the traditional healthcare system to cre...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Christian Drapeau , scientist, author, medicinal plant expert, and pioneer in stem cell research. Christian has spent over 30 years in medical research, including two decades focused on stem cells, and pioneered the understanding that stem cells are the body’s natural healing and repair system. He has written five books, including the best-seller Cra...

In this episode, Rick shares a heartfelt story about how he and his wife, Tonya, recently traveled to California to care for her mother after a serious injury. What began as a planned week-long trip turned into nearly two weeks of round-the-clock caregiving, balancing work responsibilities, and finding moments of rest and gratitude. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀   We will discuss the followin...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Eric Newman, founder and Chief Play Officer of the Roc Solid Foundation and host of the Success and Significance podcast. Eric shares his powerful journey from childhood cancer survivor to social impact visionary, detailing how personal pain became the driving force behind a movement that has served over 4,500 families fighting pediatric cancer. With...

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Tonya Shellnutt, author, speaker, podcast host, and advocate for trauma recovery and pro-family policy. She shares her raw and redemptive story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, overcoming addiction, and breaking free from generational pain. With deep faith and a heart for others, Tonya has dedicated her life to protecting the vulnerable, challeng...