Find Your Spark

Have you ever heard something that completely shifted the way you see yourself and the world around you? "My state of mind is the most important thing to me." These words sparked something powerful, and in this brand new 7-part series, Find Your SPARK hosts Brooke & Chad are diving deep into what that really means. In this first episode, Brooke & Chad introduce the State of Mind series and Brooke...

After a few weeks of hosting solo episodes, Brooke and Chad are back together and catching up on the whirlwind start to 2026 at SPARK. From packed schedules to meaningful moments in the classroom, they reflect on the busyness of the past two months and what it’s been teaching them. Chad shares insights from his recent classes, including the unexpected “uproar of six seven” and what it revealed abo...

In this insightful conversation, Ashley sits down with the author of Beyond the Noise: A Path to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety, Melissa Azar Cohen, to explore the deeper truth behind what keeps so many of us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and uncertain. Through personal stories and honest reflection, Melissa shares the inspiration behind her book, the moments that led her to write it, and what she hope...

In this episode, Chad recognizes National Red Cross Month, a time dedicated to honoring the millions of volunteers, donors, and everyday people who step up to help others in moments of need. Led by the work of the American Red Cross, the month highlights the power of compassion in action — neighbors supporting neighbors, communities showing up for one another, and ordinary individuals doing extrao...

In this episode, best friends and coworkers Brooke Wheeldon-Reece and Ashley Hunt sit down to reflect on Brooke’s 12-year journey with The SPARK Initiative. As President and CEO, Brooke has helped shape SPARK’s vision, programs, and impact from the ground up — guiding its growth while staying rooted in the mission of helping people understand the power of their own minds. Together, Brooke and Ashl...

In this episode, the SPARK Team reflects on what it felt like to host this year’s Summit — and how the experience unfolded in a way none of us could have fully anticipated. In the days leading up, there were of course moving pieces and natural questions. But when the doors opened, an overwhelming sense of calm carried through the entire day. It didn’t feel rushed. It didn’t feel heavy. It felt pre...

Brooke sits down with Santy Sanchez and Beto Contreras from the Insight Alliance to explore a powerful truth: wellbeing and resilience already live within every human being- yes, even young people. This conversation shines a light on how nurturing the self-awareness of their unbreakable SPARK can unlock potential and inspire hope in the next generation. Whether you’re an educator, parent, mentor,...

Leading up to the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit, Chad sits down with Prince Jimmar, co-founder and director of Rebels for Peace, to explore the powerful work he’s doing with youth on Chicago’s South Side. Together, they discuss how understanding the simple nature of how our minds work can unlock wellbeing for anyone — regardless of background, circumstances, or where you grow up. Driven b...

In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks with Rob Cook, internationally recognized speaker and transformational coach, about resilience, leadership, and the power of psychological safety. Rob shares how understanding the nature of thought can help people move through stress, uncertainty, and change with greater ease—and why wellbeing is not something we need to achieve, but some...

Want more wellbeing and resilience? Good news—you already have it. What if it’s really that simple? Join Brooke as she sits down with bestselling authors and thought leaders Michael Neill and Mavis Karn as they share a taste of what’s to come at the upcoming National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit and why this topic matters now more than ever. In this conversation, they unpack the innate wellbeing...

We’re kicking off the new year by coming together as a full SPARK team for a meaningful “around the table” conversation. In this special episode, Brooke leads us through thoughtful questions about what we’re carrying forward from the past year, the goals we’re setting for SPARK in 2026, and the personal intentions shaping our individual futures. Rooted in gratitude for all that last year brought a...

In this episode, Chad is joined by fellow SPARK team members Makayla Wheeldon, Ashley Hunt, and Stephanie Fox for an inside look at the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit. Together, they explore the why behind the summit and the impact it’s designed to create through a series of individual reflections and thoughtful group questions. One of the most meaningful conversations centers on what sets...

With Chad back as host to kick off the new year, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Meghan Waldron — a mother, partner, educator, and passionate advocate for education in its truest form. Deeply committed to K–12 learning environments, Dr. Waldron believes education extends far beyond academics and plays a vital role in cultivating resilience, confidence, and lifelong growth. In this episode, Chad dives...

In this special end-of-year episode of Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad sits down with the SPARK team to honor Mari, who is leaving after nearly four amazing years to return to her hometown of Chicago. Together, they reflect on cherished memories, share heartfelt appreciation for Mari as both a teammate and a true friend, and celebrate the lasting impact she has made on SPARK and everyone around her....

In this special episode, Brooke is joined by former co-host, and decade-long team member, Ashley Hunt to celebrate her 10 incredible years at SPARK. Together, they look back on Ashley’s journey, from her very first days on the team to the countless moments that have shaped her both professionally and personally. Ashley opens up about how working at SPARK far exceeded anything she expected when she...

In this Giving Tuesday special, Chad takes the mic to talk about why this day of global generosity means so much to us at SPARK. He shares the powerful impact he’s witnessed first-hand in SPARK classrooms, including our current initiative reaching 780 local middle school students with life-changing lessons on resilience, wellbeing, and understanding the mind. Chad also gives listeners an inside lo...

In this special episode, Brooke is joined by Ashley Hunt, Makayla Wheeldon, and Jena Travise to reflect on their incredible experience traveling to San Francisco for Dreamforce. Together, they share moments of gratitude for the opportunity to represent a small nonprofit like SPARK at one of the world’s biggest innovation conferences — and the inspiration that came from it. The conversation dives i...

In honor of Veterans Day, Brooke and Chad take a moment to reflect on the powerful influence of role models — both those who have served and those who embody the same spirit of courage, sacrifice, and leadership. Veterans remind us daily of what it means to give selflessly for a greater purpose, and this episode explores how that same strength shows up in our own lives and communities. As SPARK me...

In this episode, Brooke shares her deeply personal journey of adopting her three children, offering an honest and heartfelt look at the joys, challenges, and profound connections that come with building an adoptive family. She reflects on how her adoption story has inspired much of the work we do at SPARK, fostering programs and approaches that focus on human potential, resilience, and connection....

As Brooke and Chad settle into their new roles as co-hosts, they take time to share important updates from The SPARK Initiative and dive into the heart of nonprofit work. This episode explores what it really means to be a not-for-profit organization, why this work matters, and how donations directly fuel life-changing impact in schools, communities, and beyond. With honesty and gratitude, Brooke a...

Now it’s Brooke’s turn to ask the questions—and this time, co-host Chad Hudson is in the spotlight. As Operations Coordinator and mentor at The SPARK Initiative, Chad shares openly about his journey, the work that drives him, and the experiences that shaped who he is today. Just like Brooke, he didn’t know what was coming, so expect a mix of lighthearted fun and meaningful insights. Get to know Ch...

In this episode, Chad flips the script and puts co-host Brooke Wheeldon-Reece in the hot seat! Without knowing the questions ahead of time, Brooke, President & CEO of The SPARK Initiative, fields a mix of fun, lighthearted questions and deeper, work-related ones. From laughter and personal stories to thoughtful reflections on leadership and impact, listeners get an inside look at Brooke beyond her...

We’re kicking off a new chapter of the Find Your SPARK podcast! In this episode, hosts Brooke Wheeldon-Reece and Chad Hudson sit down to reintroduce themselves and share what you can expect from this revamped format. From their personal journeys with SPARK to their vision for where this podcast is headed, Brooke and Chad give you a behind-the-scenes look at why they’re excited to bring you weekly...

The original four founding team members of The SPARK Initiative are back together to celebrate Jena’s 9-year workiversary! In this special episode of the Find Your SPARK podcast, Brooke, Ashley, and Nicole ask Jena a mix of fun, personal, and work-related questions, highlighting her incredible growth and contributions over the past nine years. Tune in for laughs, stories, and a true celebration of...

In recognition of National Recovery Month, Stephanie explores the different dimensions of what “recovery” can mean. Drawing on her own experience of stepping away from alcohol, she reflects on how different definitions—from Oxford’s “return to a normal state of health” to SAMHSA’s process-oriented approach—shape our understanding. Stephanie shares why the idea of recovery resonates as a return to...