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In this powerful episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with legendary high school coach and leadership speaker Coach Jim Johnson, the man behind the unforgettable “J-Mac Game” that inspired millions around the world.

Coach Jim shares the extraordinary story of that miraculous night, the unseen hours that made it possible, and the deeper lessons of leadership, clarity, vulnerability, and purpose that shaped his life and coaching career.

From overcoming early failures to discovering his mission of being an outstanding role model and helping others achieve their dreams, Coach Jim offers timeless wisdom for anyone striving to lead with heart, integrity, and gratitude.

A moving reminder that when we lift others, miracles happen.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:50 – Coach Jim’s background: Teaching, coaching & early struggles
05:00 – Getting fired at 25 & learning leadership under Coach Van Gundy
06:11 – Meeting J-Mac: The player who would change everything
12:28 – The miracle goes global: Media, ESPN, and Kobe Bryant
15:30 – The book "A Coach and a Miracle"
16:15 – J-Mac inspires the team to win their first championship
19:47 – Coach’s mission & living with purpose
22:44 – Core values & aligning actions with words
26:00 – A humbling moment: The tie story & being a true role model
29:56 – The responsibility of being “Coach”
30:45 – Learning from mentors & great leaders
34:35 – The power of words: Jealousy vs. being happy for others
39:00 – How gratitude shifts perspective
42:03 – Signature stories and everyday inspirations
46:10 – Coach Jim’s advice: Gratitude journals & daily scoreboards

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In this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with Randy McNeely, Captain Kindman, to explore how Courageous Kindness can heal division, strengthen connection, and transform lives.

A survivor and lifelong advocate for intentional kindness, Randy shares personal stories, pivotal moments that shaped him, and practical frameworks, including The Courageous Kindness Shift™, the ICA Method™, and The Kindness Giver’s Formula™, that help people lead with love in everyday life.

A heartfelt reminder that kindness saves lives… and it starts with each of us.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:50 – Why Randy Wears the Cape
05:00 – What Is Courageous Kindness?
06:34 – The Courageous Kindness SHIFT Framework
09:40 - The ICA Method (Identify, Clarify, Amplify)
10:10 - The Kindness Giver’s Formula
13:00 – How Kindness Releases D.O.S.E. Chemicals
16:00 – Practicing Kindness Like a Muscle
18:14 – Courage vs. Fear: How They Work Together
19:13 – Accepting Yourself Exactly As You Are
22:52 – How Gratitude Beats Entitlement & Resentment
26:53 – BeYourselfBook.com Mention
35:23 – Reflecting on Kindness Experiences
37:00 – Kindness During Family Trauma
40:22 – Motherly Love, Roses & Small Acts of Kindness
43:43 – “Somebody Thinks I'm Pretty Neat” Story
47:04 – How a Small Sentence Can Change a Life
47:54 – Kalani Sitake’s Childhood Story of Kindness
50:30 – How Love Ends “Hell Week”
53:06 – A Powerful Invitation to Self-Love & Appreciation

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this inspiring episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks talks with Eric Ayers, an optimist, thought leader, and human-centric coach dedicated to helping others rediscover their potential and become their best selves.

Eric opens up about his journey from burnout as a pediatric nurse to renewal through gratitude, courage, and connection. His story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to grow and transform.

A heartfelt conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of choosing to become your best self.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:18 - Who Is Eric Ayers?
05:07 - The Turning Point: From Nursing Burnout to Awakening
09:38 - The Role of His Wife in His Transformation
13:34 - Hitting Rock Bottom
16:05 - Rediscovering Self Through Human Design
17:00 - The Hero’s Journey
20:00 - Evolving Relationships Through Change
25:27 - The Dance of Expansion and Letting Go
31:30 - Fear as a Signal for Growth
34:42 - The Sandbox Metaphor
37:27 - Discovering Purpose Through Doing
39:48 - The SMRX Project
43:00 - Coaching and Life by Design
45:00 - Six-Week Journey of Transformation: https://www.lifebydesign.me/
45:52 - Pep Talks With Eric: https://www.youtube.com/@emc-life-by-design
47:23 - The Power of a Simple Mindset Shift
49:30 - Reflection on Wayne Dyer’s Quote — “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this uplifting episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Jacqueline Way, founder of @365give, to explore how one mother’s desire to raise a kind, compassionate child grew into a global movement of giving and joy.

Jacqueline shares her deeply personal journey, from adopting her son and beginning a “365 days of giving” challenge, to witnessing how small, intentional acts of love can transform lives, families, and entire communities. Together, Randy and Jacqueline dive into the power of choice, peace, and presence, reminding us that happiness isn’t found in what we get, but in what we give.

Whether you’re looking for practical ways to live with more gratitude or simply need a dose of hope in your day, this heartfelt conversation will inspire you to see the beauty in giving, 365 days a year.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
04:54 - The Tender Story of Adoption
06:10 - The Birth of 365give
09:23 - How small acts became life-changing habits
12:46 - The Algorithm of Life
13:33 - What People Get Wrong About Happiness
17:33 - The deeper goal beyond happiness
18:48 - Peace in the Midst of Divorce
23:10 - Letting Go of Attachment
28:35 - Choosing Love Over Reactivity
32:06 - The Dash of Life
35:00 - Toxic Positivity vs. Real Humanity
37:20 - Reprogramming the Mind
39:34 - Learning from 365give and Her Son
42:14 - From Home Project to Global Movement

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this inspiring episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Cheryl Rice, founder of the You Matter Marathon, to share how two simple words, "You Matter", ignited a global movement of kindness and human connection.

What began with one small act of compassion in a grocery store has reached millions across more than 100 countries, reminding people everywhere of their worth and the power of being seen. Cheryl opens up about her journey, the ripple effects of kindness, and why this message is more essential than ever.

Whether you’re seeking hope, purpose, or a reminder that you matter too, this heartfelt conversation will inspire you to make a difference, one card, one person, one moment at a time.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:43 - The story that inspired “You Matter”
05:00 - The first year: 14 countries and 30,000
08:32 - What changed in Cheryl after that moment
people
15:12 - From one card to over 3 million shared
18:23 - Heart-touching “You Matter” stories from around the world
23:54 - The philosophy of “we,” not “me”
28:51 - Overcoming comparison and rediscovering self-worth
36:00 - Why reminding others they matter truly matters
42:40 - Traditional Psychology vs. Positive Psychology
47:13 - Embracing every emotion — the real path to wholeness
52:56 - Wholeness and self-acceptance: loving all parts of yourself

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this inspiring episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Kevin Smith, founder of Kindness Worldwide, to share how a single lost wallet on Good Friday sparked a global movement of compassion. Together, they explore how small acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects that change lives, heal communities, and even save them.

From his roots working on his grandfather’s farm to honoring the legacy of his late mother, Kevin reveals the values that shaped his conviction that “the meaning of life is to live it in a way to make a meaningful difference.” He opens up about the challenges of stepping into a new calling, the growth that comes from embracing discomfort, and the vision behind Kindness Week Worldwide.

Whether you want to reignite hope, practice gratitude, or be reminded of the power of kindness, this heartfelt conversation will inspire you to make a difference, one act at a time.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:28 - A Shared Love for Guitars
07:17 - The Birth of Kindness Worldwide
13:10 - The Lost Wallet Story on Good Friday 2023
16:43 - Launch of Kindness Worldwide Nonprofit
20:25 - Ripple Effects: No Act of Kindness is Too Small
29:44 - Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
38:26 - Growth, Fear, and Becoming Fearless
45:10 - Gratitude as the Foundation of Kindness

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this empowering episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Jill Schulman, a former U.S. Marine, leadership expert, and author of The Bravery Effect, to explore the true meaning of bravery. Together, they dive into how fear holds us back, why courage is built through daily habits, and how embracing discomfort can unlock growth, resilience, and joy.

From lessons learned in the Marine Corps to insights rooted in psychology and neuroscience, Jill shares practical strategies for building a courageous mindset, taking bold action, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Whether you’re striving to overcome fear, elevate your happiness, or step into the life you truly want, this conversation will inspire you to choose courage over regret and start doing the hard things that matter most.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
03:35 - What bravery really means (not being fearless)
04:02 - Why Jill wrote The Bravery Effect
07:08 - Positive psychology and elevating happiness
09:04 - Jill’s Marine Corps background and first struggles
12:34 - Building bravery with small daily decisions
14:03 - Confidence boost at Officer Candidate School
16:50 - Gratitude letters and embracing challenges
20:27 - Myths and misconceptions about bravery
23:07 - Comfort vs. growth: why discomfort matters
26:21 - Stress reframing: fear as a signal to move forward
30:30 - The buffalo vs. cow storm analogy
36:35 - Daily bravery practice: 15-second pause exercise
44:00 - Bravery model: Mindset, Action, Connection (three doors)
48:05 - Importance of your “brave tribe” (who you surround yourself with)
51:07 - Stories of mentors and people who believed in Jill
57:38 - Strive, don’t just arrive: finding meaning beyond milestones
01:01:10 - Advice to teenage self: dream big, swing for the fences
01:04:06 - Jill Schulman’s New Book: https://www.jillschulman.com/book

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this inspiring episode, Randy Sparks, a lawyer and host of the Sparks of Gratitude, joins Dr. Andreea Vanacker on her podcast to share powerful insights on gratitude, resilience, kindness, and finding joy through life’s challenges. From daily gratitude practices to lessons learned as a father, husband, and professional, Randy offers wisdom on how gratitude can transform our perspective and ripple out into the world.

Whether you’re looking to cultivate positivity, strengthen relationships, or create a ripple effect of kindness, this conversation is filled with wisdom and practical takeaways to help you live with more hope, joy, and gratitude.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 - The Power of Looking Back with Gratitude
03:40 - Starting a Daily Gratitude Practice
09:19 - Acts of Kindness and Gratitude’s Ripple Effect
12:26 - Finding Gratitude in Adversity and Hardship
20:00 - The Role of Awareness and Accountability
22:57 - Why Randy Chose to Become a Lawyer
26:16 - Most Profound Lessons From Family & Marriage
29:49 - The Recipe for Joy & a Long Marriage
31:36 - Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Hope as Core Ingredients
33:33 - Free Will, Destiny, and Life’s Choices
35:29 - A Simple Gratitude Exercise for the Week
36:32 - Creating a Ripple Effect of Joy
37:24 - A Time Capsule Message for Future Generations

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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