WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

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...

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...