Wv Uncommon Place

Topic: Education Reform, Healthcare Advocacy, and Running for Georgia Superintendent of SchoolsIn 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 Georgia's education system through literacy, trade certifications, and school choice.Growing up in Panama during the Noriega dictatorshipFamily heritage from Costa Rica and JamaicaMoving to the US as a teenager and appreciating democratic freedomsLessons learned from her grandmother Nelva about gratitude and work ethicObtaining a trade certification in healthcare during high schoolEarning bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in healthcare administrationWorking as Director of Patient Advocacy at Grady Health SystemFounding a vocational school for medical interpretersCreating the certification exam fo

M.E. Torrey - Author of "Fox Creek," a historical novel exploring slavery in the antebellum SouthIn 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 difficult historical periods, and why honest conversations about race and history are more important than ever.The Genesis of Fox CreekTorrey's eye-opening visit to Louisiana plantations in the 1990sEncountering tours that completely omitted slave narrativesThree years of intensive research before writing the first sentenceThe challenge of finding authentic slave narratives vs. abundant plantation owner recordsResearch RevelationsThe shocking diaries of James Henry Hammond (Governor of South Carolina) and Bennett BarrowHow "ordinary people" justified extraordinary harmThe concept of willful blindness among s

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 graduating and becoming a coach, he had an outstanding collegiate career as a football player for Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

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 the unexplainable infuse her work with depth, as she navigates the emotional landscapes of color, mood, and healing in her poetry. Through her mentorship and passion for accessible artistic expression, she fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates and connects individuals across cultures and senses.(00:00:49) Lee Woodman's Inspiring Journey Through Mentorship(00:11:08) Color and Poetry: Evoking Emotional Artistry(00:16:33) Woodman's Multidisciplinary Approach to Poetry(00:24:57) "Exploring Color Psychology's Impact Through 'Colorscapes'"(00:32:49) Sensory Exploration and Cultural

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 showUpcoming Events: JR and Stacey will be at Lexington Comic Con (March 26-29) with a crossover episodeBehind the Scenes: JR reveals he ghost writes podcast episodes and series for other creatorsGaming Life: Deep dive into Fatal Fury training and PlayStation VR experiences (including getting scared by Resident Evil!)Movie Reviews: Ongoing series covering films from 1986, 1996, and 2006The Y Series: Promises to bring back this neglected series soonGuest Etiquette: Important message about respecting recording times and treating podcast appearances professionallyKey Takeaways:Recording schedule: 6:00 PM sharp - no-shows after 6:05 PM are future endeavoredJR schedules multiple gues

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 touch of the James Bond elegance. Her perspective on the album's release is centered around honoring divine vision and unfolding a journey through the decades of Bond, with carefully chosen tracks that promise further volumes. The album's debut showcase in Las Vegas on February 15th marks a pivotal moment in her career, as she channels the grace of artists like Kylie Minogue and Katie Lang, while fans are encouraged to support her work for a tangible connection with her evocative music.00:09:39) License to Thrill: Reimagining Bond Songs(00:11:13) Decades of Bond-Inspired Musical Journey Release(00:13:58) Bond-T

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 healthier conversations in communities.Key Topics & Highlights:Introduction to WV Uncommon Place:A variety podcast covering mental health, empowerment, podcasting, pop culture, and unique guest stories, with a special focus on West Virginia.Meet the Guest:Nathan Smolensky, author and political thinker, discusses his background growing up in Massachusetts in a politically divided family and community.Class, Politics, and Identity:JR shares personal stories about class differences and political stereotypes in Virginia.Nathan reflects on class and political alignment in Massachusetts and the experience of cultural a

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 change.Kwame shares his story, the origins of Bear Health, and how the app’s real-time health scoring system offers a dynamic way for users — especially in underserved communities — to track and improve their health. J.R. and Kwame discuss lifestyle changes, the failures of our current health care system, and how data-driven community engagement can lead to better outcomes. It’s not just about living longer — it’s about living better.

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, particularly with his daughter. Motivated by a desire to create a lasting legacy, he delves into topics such as the decay of American values, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of emotional responsibility in maintaining open communication and empathy. Through his narrative, McMahon also addresses societal issues like censorship, government overreach, and the strategic design of public spaces, using his platform to advocate for personal accountability and the preservation of fundamental freedoms.

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 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, and digital innovator, Dr. Ziegler shares her remarkable journey across academia, media, and global leadership. She has authored four books, published over 60 scholarly works, and produced more than 100 multimedia projects. Her contributions span education, technology, creativity, and cultural impact.Dr. Ziegler’s early career and path into higher educationHow she became a pioneering figure in technology and digital mediaThe evolution of academic leadership and digital transformationHer work as a multimedia writer, producer, and songwriterWhat drives her creativity after decades of accomplishmentsInsights from her global conferenc

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 perspective, particularly in crafting the memorable Crypt Keeper character. His deep personal connection to comic books and horror allowed Katz to navigate the adaptation process with creativity and authenticity, ensuring the show's success and leaving a lasting impact on the horror genre with projects like the 1995 movie "Demon Knight." Beyond television, Katz has embraced podcasting as a way to continue his storytelling journey, demonstrating a commitment to overcoming traditional industry barriers and directly engaging with audiences.(00:06:34) Unconventional Journey: Tales from the Crypt(00:10:42) Crypt Keeper's Cre

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 engagement, reflecting a significant shift rather than a decline. As a staunch advocate for independent cinemas and original content, he emphasizes the role of neighborhood theaters in celebrating film as an art form and creating vibrant community events that draw audiences in. Through his teaching, Donovan equips the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals with the tools to navigate this dynamic industry, encouraging them to embrace innovation while preserving the essence of cinematic storytelling.00:06:16) The Rise of Cinematic Universes and Theaters(00:08:31) Rise of Streaming Platforms among Young Aud

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 cinema industry's current trajectory, where financial considerations often overshadow the narrative, diminishing the traditional theatrical experience and leading to what he views as a decline in storytelling quality. Cyriaque also critiques the rapid shift from theatrical releases to video on demand, arguing that this quick transition erodes the value of the cinematic experience, urging a return to prioritizing engaging narratives that captivate audiences.(00:02:45) Short Films: Directors' Personal Storytelling Investments(00:05:57) Film Influence on Career Paths(00:10:23) "Showcasing Director's Storytelling Skills Th

✨ 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 evolved — and how he stayed ahead of the curve.Dylan unpacks his early days in animation, the industry’s shift to digital in the late '90s, and what it took to launch his own studio from scratch. We dive into the philosophy of storyboarding, the nuance of visual effects art direction, and how he brings massive properties like Percy Jackson, Minecraft: The Movie, and The Meg to life through visual storytelling.Plus: Dylan talks about becoming an author of Pocket Screenplays, collaborating with AEW wrestling stars The Young Bucks, and how he balances creativity in an AI-driven world.

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 leadership roles at Warner Bros., where he helped expand Rotten Tomatoes, and co-founding two Los Angeles agencies before relocating to Southeast Asia. Drawing on his MFA from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and BA in Cultural Anthropology, Aaron blends creative vision with cultural insight to deliver campaigns that connect.⸻

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. Plus, they challenge each other with movie reviews and share classic “shameless plugs” for their online presence.Show Notes & Timestamps:    •    00:00 – Introduction to WV Uncommon Place and hosts    •    00:27 – What WV stands for and the show’s mission    •    00:39 – Special guest: Rodes from Chicago joins the show    •    01:25 – Rodes’ new podcast with his wife: “What’s Popping Podcast”    •    02:24 – Behind the scenes: How the show comes together, batching episodes, and family dynamics    •    04:29 – Food debates: Preparation, pinto beans, and cornbread    •    07:46 – Regional food differences: Chili dogs,

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 for companies aiming to foster loyalty and community by valuing every individual's contribution, a concept they championed in their impactful work with organizations like the United Nations. Huddy draws parallels between Swift's influence and effective corporate storytelling, emphasizing the power of authenticity and personal connection in building lasting emotional ties with audiences.(00:16:06) "And that's amazing. You did that. Like, that has to be something that like, really makes you feel important. Like, like you're, you've helped shape the future." - JR Sparrow" - JR Sparrow