WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

In this heartfelt solo episode, Jr opens up about a lesson that reshaped his entire podcasting journey. After his first speaking engagement left him questioning what he’d been teaching, he realized he’d been following  templates  instead of  truth . He shares how chasing formulas, quick monetization, and the “perfect” structure nearly stripped the authenticity from his voice—and how he rebuilt his...

🔥  Episode Summary: After a tough professional video game tournament, host J.R. reflects on personal missteps and lessons learned—then introduces a guest with a  powerful  transformation story. Meet  John Borden : a former high-performing corporate exec turned personal trainer and psychedelic integration coach. John shares his emotional, unfiltered journey from addiction, ego, and external valida...

Dr. Shila Patel, a retired psychiatrist, has made significant contributions to the field of mental health empowerment through her writing and multimedia engagement. Her work, available on her website, www.drshilapatel.com, includes three influential books, podcasts, and videos that aim to help individuals take control of their mental well-being. Dr. Patel's perspective on mental health empower...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of  WV Uncommonplace , we sit down with  Jennifer Chase , certified life coach and founder of  Rise Addiction Life Coaching . Jennifer shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and transformation as both a woman in long-term recovery and a mother navigating the painful realities of her son’s addiction. From living through addiction herself, t...

Massimo Rigotti is a passionate advocate for addiction recovery, with a focus on assisting high-performing professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers in achieving lasting sobriety. Drawing from his own experiences as a former business owner who struggled with limited support, he emphasizes the need for personalized recovery methods, believing that traditional approaches may not suit eve...

Kristina Wright, a multifaceted podcaster from Concord, channels her diverse interests into her engaging variety podcast, where she delves into crucial topics such as mental health, empowerment, and intimate theories. Her journey into podcasting was profoundly influenced by her personal growth and healing from childhood trauma, motivating her to share her story and create a supportive platform for...

Amy Lewis, a devoted mother of four, embarked on a transformative journey to improve her health and quality of life through bariatric surgery. After years of struggling with weight loss via traditional methods, she decided to pursue this path upon the advice of friends who had positive outcomes, dedicating six months to rigorous preparation. Amy's perspective on her experience is both detailed...

Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of  WV Uncommonplace , we’re joined by Autumn Karen, a professional ghostwriter, screenwriter, and writing professor whose work brings uncommon and untold stories to life. Autumn’s journey is filled with extraordinary experiences that challenge societal norms, inspire deep conversations, and empower through storytelling. Autumn shares her insights on ho...

Host:  JR Guest:  Beth Dudzik, Accomplished Author Summary: In this episode of West Virginia UnCommonplace, JR sits down with Beth Dudzik, an accomplished author hailing from Westchester County, New York. Beth shares her vibrant journey growing up in the dynamic music scene of the 1970s and 80s, her evolution from a passionate music enthusiast to a self-published author, and the inspiration behind...

Episode Summary: In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace , J.R. sits down with  Jennifer Longworth , founder of  Bourbon Barrel Podcasting , editor, podcaster, and now  author . Jennifer shares her journey from podcast producer to published writer, opening up about the inspiration behind her book and what it means to finally put her story on paper. We also dive into her  appearance at Podcast Movemen...

n this episode, we welcome  J.M. Shaw , author of the thrilling  Callum Walker  fantasy series. Shaw takes us deep into her imaginative world where magic, necromancy, and prophecy collide in an epic battle that tests the limits of courage, friendship, and destiny. From  The Ascension  to  Forsaken Souls , Shaw’s novels weave together adventure, supernatural battles, and powerful human themes—explo...

In this exciting episode of  The Uncommon Place , hosts Stacey and J.R. Sparrow sit down with Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey, the dynamic duo behind the  Enigma Series  of techno-thrillers. What began as a career in technical writing has now evolved into an action-packed literary journey filled with cyber threats, high-stakes drama, and, yes, a touch of humor. The conversation dives into how tw...

"Fantasy isn't just fiction—it’s transformation."  In this deeply layered episode, J.R. steps inside the world of award-winning author  Tricia Copeland , whose creative journey began with personal healing and grew into an epic fantasy universe. From her first YA series about battling anorexia to the magical depths of  The Realm Chronicles , Tricia shares how writing became both refug...

In this moving and insightful episode, J.R. sits down with author  Tong Ge  as part of the  Author’s Circle  series to explore her debut novel  The House Fiddler . Born and raised in China, Tong shares the incredible true story that inspired her book—based on her grandmother’s harrowing and courageous life spanning war, political upheaval, and bound-foot oppression in early 20th-century China. 💡 ...

🎙  Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of  WV Uncommonplace , JR and Stacey sit down with nurse, author, and advocate  T.L. McCoy , whose new middle-grade novel  Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grimm  is already making waves on Amazon and beyond. What begins as a conversation about storytelling unfolds into an emotional and inspiring discussion about advocacy, inclusion, and legacy. From her ear...

In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions , host JR Sparrow sits down with the legendary  Annie Korzen —an 86-year-old TikTok sensation, actress, writer, and storyteller. Best known for her role as Doris Klompus on  Seinfeld , Annie has seamlessly transitioned into the digital age, captivating millions with her wit and wisdom. 💡  What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Annie’s incred...

🔊 Episode Summary: This isn’t your average microphone scratch and preach. In this solo episode, Jr gets real — raw, reflective, and honest — about turning 40 and what the past year has taught him about creativity, community, and content creation. From personal evolution to building with purpose, Jr unpacks why true engagement matters more than viral numbers, and how community—not strategy alone—i...

Episode Summary: In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions , host JR Sparrow sits down with Helene Gidley, the mastermind behind  The Art of Agile Living  and founder of A2Agile Inc. With 40 years of experience in project management and coaching, Helene shares how she transformed IT industry methodologies into a powerful system for personal productivity and success. Whether you&...

In this eye-opening episode of  WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions , JR Sparrow sits down with Vic Lagina, the author of the brutally honest memoir  Filthy! The Rise and (Pending) Death of Vic Lagina . Vic takes us on a raw, unfiltered journey through his 20-year career in the adult entertainment industry, where he worked for the world’s largest company (Mansef/Manwin/Mindgeek). Vic opens up...

Episode Description: In this empowering episode of  WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions , JR Sparrow is joined by Betsy Pepine, a best-selling author and serial entrepreneur in the real estate industry. Betsy is the powerhouse behind Pepine Realty, a brokerage that has been featured on  Inc. 5000  as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and consistently recognized by the ...

Gina Economopoulos's life journey is a remarkable tale of transformation, redemption, and faith, shaped by a myriad of experiences that have guided her to her current purpose. From her early days working as a bartender and living as a nun, Gina has evolved into a sober woman of faith and an end-of-life doula, roles that bring her profound peace and fulfillment. Inspired by her mother's pas...

WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions 🎙  Guest: Emma Rainville – The Wizard of Ops on Scaling Business Success In this episode of  WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions , host JR Sparrow welcomes  Emma Rainville , the  “Wizard of Ops” , for an in-depth conversation on  scaling businesses efficiently and effectively . A renowned expert in operational excellence, Emma has built a career transf...

The GreenEggs Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on fostering creativity and the arts for youth in Randolph County, West Virginia. They aim to establish a dedicated youth arts space where children can explore their talents in music, visual arts, and theater, according to a Facebook post. They are actively raising funds to build this space and provide access to art supplies, workshops,...

Welcome to the second episode of West Virginia Un Commonplace Interviews & Sessions! In this episode, our host JR has a conversation with Stacey Parsons, co-host of the "Sparrows Under Review" podcast. Stacey shares her unique experience in podcasting, being the talent on the mic while someone else handles production. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the evolution of their pod...

📄 Episode Description: In this deeply moving episode of  WV UnCommon Place , host [Your Name] sits down with singer-songwriter  Briar Williams  of  Briar Williams Music , a powerful new voice rising from the heart of West Virginia. Briar’s story is one of hardship, hope, and healing. Growing up in Clarksburg, WV, surrounded by 90s country, outlaw legends, and Appalachian folklore, Briar always fe...