Shows
The Rotary Spark Podcast#0030 - Orson Scott CardStep into the mind of Orson Scott Card, the visionary behind Ender’s Game, as he shares the untold story of his journey from creek-exploring child to legendary author.Card reflects on his free-range 1950s California childhood, where hours spent biking highways and wandering dry creek beds nurtured the imagination that would shape his writing. With candid humor, he reveals how storytelling was simply expected in his family—and how that early ease with public speaking never translated to small talk.The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Ender’s Game—from award-wi...2025-05-241h 30The Rotary Spark Podcast#0029 - Lori FerreraWhat happens when a healthcare worker trades restraints for paintbrushes? Lori Ferreira takes us through her remarkable journey from the intensity of bedside nursing to the creative world of TikTok influencing in this candid conversation about career evolution and finding joy.Lori doesn't hold back when describing the realities of nursing life - from the disturbing sight of patients in five-point restraints to treating wounds so severe you could see bone. These stark experiences, invisible to most of us but routine for healthcare workers, shaped her perspective on both gratitude and burnout. Her advice to new nurses...2025-04-1234 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0028 - Emmanuel RiveraEmmanuel Rivera's path from troubled teen to youth mentor reveals the transformative power of martial arts and positive guidance. As Executive Director of the Come Up Foundation, Rivera now shapes the futures of over 200 children across Oklahoma City through free martial arts training that builds discipline, confidence, and leadership skills.Moving out at just 16 and lacking male role models, Rivera's early life was marked by poor decisions and legal troubles. After his house was raided, he knew change was essential. His journey took him through several cities, including a stint with a fraudulent magazine sales crew, before...2025-03-2922 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0027 - Marisa YakutisWhat happens when ancient mystical wisdom meets modern business strategy? In this eye-opening conversation, Brian Triger sits down with Marisa Yakutis, a self-described "business alchemist" who brings together astrology, numerology, and practical business acumen to help entrepreneurs transform their ventures and lives.Marisa breaks down what it means to be a business alchemist – someone who uses elemental understanding to bring balance and transformation. She explains how recognizing whether someone has dominant fire (action-oriented, impulsive), earth (grounded, practical), air (intellectual, communicative), or water (emotional, intuitive) energies can reveal both superpowers and blind spots in business and life. Far fr...2025-03-2234 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0026 - Seth BlockSeth Block brings over five decades of photographic wisdom to this engaging episode, tracing his journey from childhood fascination to becoming an accomplished wildlife photographer. Growing up with a professional photographer grandfather and an encouraging father who recognized his "good eye," Seth developed his craft through meticulous self-teaching—carefully recording camera settings and studying developed photographs weeks later to understand cause and effect.The conversation explores photography's profound evolution from film to digital. Seth describes his initial skepticism toward digital technology before eventually embracing its advantages while maintaining his commitment to in-camera composition rather than relying on po...2025-03-1347 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0025 - Jeff HarrisonJeff Harrison's journey from aspiring graphic designer to managing editor of the Midwest City Beacon reveals the unexpected paths that lead us to meaningful work. The Wisconsin native never imagined Oklahoma would become his permanent home, yet the challenges and rewards of local journalism captured his heart and anchored him in a community he's grown to love.As the sole full-time editorial employee at a small community newspaper, Harrison offers a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day realities of modern local journalism. From the Monday press-day scrambles to finish layouts and tie up loose ends, to the persistent...2025-03-0718 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0024 - Neal HettingerHas community service evolved in the digital age? In this episode, we dive deep into the connections that Rotary fosters, showcasing how one local club navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while fostering fellowship among its members. Join us as Neal Hettinger shares his personal journey through Rotary, detailing how they effectively transitioned from in-person gatherings to virtual meetings, ensuring that community spirit continued to thrive even in the most trying times. We also explore the exciting realm of AI in graphic design as Neal introduces his book, "Modern Graphic Design with AI." The conversation reveals h...2025-02-2615 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0023 - Adam ReeseIn this episode of The Rotary Spark Podcast, we welcome Adam Reese, a dedicated member of the Bricktown Rotary Club. Originally from Gotebo, Oklahoma, Adam’s Rotary journey took off when he earned a scholarship that led him to join the organization in Denton, Texas. His story is one of commitment and community impact, shaped by a strong family legacy in auctioneering and a deep passion for service. Adam shares how his experiences across different Rotary districts have influenced his perspective and how he found a strong connection with the Bricktown Club during the pandemic.We also ex...2025-02-2128 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0022 - Evan BurrellImagine being a superhero in your community. Evan Burrell does just that through his inspiring 26-year journey with Rotary. From joining Rotaract at 18, influenced by his mother's involvement, Evan's adventure evolved, leading him to Rotary at 30, encountering clubs resistant to change. His story is one of resilience and transformation as he navigated these challenges to find his place in an online e-club, ultimately becoming a District Governor Elect. Join us as Evan shares his insights on the vibrant roles Rotarians play and how he balances his public persona with his authentic self.Evan brings a fresh perspective...2025-02-1536 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0021 - Alan NortonDiscover the essence of service and leadership with our guest, Alan, as he navigates through 13 transformative years in the Rotary Club. Gain insights from Alan’s journey that began with the Midtown Rotary and his mentor, Hal Stevens, leading him to impactful roles like President and Sergeant-at-Arms. Alan shares how he eventually found his ideal fit with the Bricktown Rotary, highlighting the unique character and camaraderie of each club. His story is a testament to the power of teamwork and the importance of volunteerism, and he offers a glimpse into his future aspirations, including teaching at the President-Elect Training Se...2025-02-1431 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0020 - Albert HernandezDiscover the incredible journey of Albert Hernandez, a man whose life has been molded by service and resilience. From joining Rotary at the age of 19 to leading District 5280 in Los Angeles, Albert's story is one of inspiration. As CEO of Home Again Los Angeles, he dedicates his life to aiding unhoused families, drawing on lessons learned from his upbringing as one of 11 siblings. Albert's account of a young boy's selflessness in the "Shop with the Cop" project resonates with Rotary's mission of "service above self," offering a poignant reminder of the impact one can make in a community.2025-02-0718 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0019 - James McQuillarJames McQuillar, affectionately dubbed Chili, initially resisted joining Rotary due to time constraints and feeling out of place. Yet, after persistent encouragement from Mac Patel, Chili's journey took a transformative turn. Now, as the district and club membership chair, he draws compelling parallels between his role at Tinker Air Force Base and his Rotary work, emphasizing the transformative power of relationships and understanding in both spheres. Discover how stepping outside one's comfort zone can create meaningful connections that drive positive change.Rotary's ability to connect people locally and globally is truly unparalleled. We'll uncover strategies for expanding...2025-01-3148 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0018 - Jeanean Yanish JonesUnlock the secrets to creating vibrant and impactful Rotary clubs with insights from Jeanean Yanish Jones, Past District Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City. Join us in this enlightening episode of the Rotary Spark podcast as Janine shares her passion for maternal and child health, and how Rotary International’s seven core areas of focus—ranging from peace and conflict prevention to environmental support—guide clubs in making a meaningful difference. Discover how aligning club activities with personal interests and community needs can harness the power of district and global grants, paving the way for transf...2025-01-2530 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0017 - Dr. Roy WoodUnlock the secrets to impactful community service with Dr. Roy Wood, as he shares his transformative journey into the world of Rotary. Dr. Wood, a pillar of community engagement, joins us to discuss his path to the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow and his new role as district trainer for District 5750. Get an inside look at the groundbreaking District Leadership Academy, an online program designed to enrich participants with leadership skills and a deep understanding of Rotary's global mission. Through interactive sessions with influential leaders and guest speakers, discover how Rotary is equipping future leaders to make meaningful contributions...2025-01-1126 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0016 - Bhroovi GuptaWhat if your passion could lead you to an extraordinary career, bridging cultures and inspiring change? Join us for a captivating conversation with Bhroovi Gupta, a dynamic product designer whose journey from Mumbai to New York City offers insights into the world of design and the power of following one's true calling. Bhroovi shares her evolution from a graphic design enthusiast to a leader in UX design, exploring her path through the vibrant advertising scene of Kansas City and prestigious institutions like Parsons and Cornell. Her experiences at Roku and Google reveal the significance of UX in creating user-friendly...2025-01-0326 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0015 - Andre BoydDiscover how a chance encounter at a Rotary meeting changed Andre Boyd's life forever. Our special guest from District 6940 reveals the unexpected journey that began with a simple marketing project for "Grills Gone Wild" and led to a deep commitment to service and community impact. Andre's story underscores the transformative power of showcasing Rotary's contributions and highlights the strategy of inviting potential members to meaningful events before formal meetings. His experience serves as a testament to the importance of active member engagement and retention, illustrating how involvement in impactful projects can foster lasting connections.As Rotary clubs...2024-12-2736 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0014 - Dr. Jack WernerWhat if you could connect more deeply with your community and make a lasting impact on global issues? Join me, Brian Triger, as I chat with Dr. Jack Werner about the inspiring work and ambitious goals of Rotary District 5750 in Oklahoma. We dig into Jack's journey through Rotary, the district's vibrant community projects like the Santa Claus Project, and their ongoing scholarship programs. We also explore the significance of personal visits to clubs, a strategy Jack uses as District Governor to make members feel connected and appreciated. Plus, we celebrate Rotary’s incredible global achievement in eradicating polio, underscoring th...2024-12-2130 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0013 - Felix LindenDiscover the inspiring journey of Felix Linden, a trailblazing educator who made history as the first African-American male named Teacher of the Year for Oklahoma City Public Schools in 2022-23. This episode of the Rotary Spark Podcast reveals how Felix's passion for education and community service has flourished through his involvement with the Rotary, where he has found a platform to enact change and connect with others who share his commitment. From his early teaching days at Roosevelt Middle School to his impactful role at FD Moon Middle School, Felix's story is one of resilience, courage, and dedication. Join...2024-12-1124 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0012 - Nancy LaneWhat happens when a single mother of three steps out of her comfort zone and into the world of Rotary? Nancy Lane from the Waxahachie Rotary Club shares her inspiring journey with us, revealing how a simple invitation from a friend named Brian led her to discover an intergenerational community that transformed her life. Despite initial feelings of being out of place due to age differences, Nancy found a warm, welcoming environment that nurtured personal growth and offered a newfound sense of belonging. Her story highlights the incredible power of Rotary to foster deep community connections and support personal...2024-12-0619 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0011 - Alyssa Weathers-MurphyImagine stumbling upon a global network through a simple family connection. That's exactly what happened to Alyssa Weathers-Murphy, our guest and president of the Oklahoma City Midtown Rotary Club. Alyssa takes us through her decade-long journey, from discovering Rotary via her husband to leading innovative projects like the "Spelling Beer," a fundraiser that cleverly mixes spelling bees with craft beer tastings to support community initiatives. Alyssa underscores the importance of understanding community dynamics and setting solid foundations to amplify their impact, offering listeners valuable insights into the world of community service.Transitioning from a small-town family business...2024-11-2934 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0010 - Tim Thelin - Part IIWhat happens when community spirit meets culinary passion? Join us for an insightful conversation with Tim Thielen, Midwest City Rotary Club member and proud owner of Pelican's Restaurant. Tim shares how his involvement in heartwarming community events, like the Thanksgiving dinner at Autumn House, has created a profound sense of belonging and purpose. We also address the significant shifts in the restaurant landscape, from the impact of COVID-19 to the new entertainment dynamics reshaping Midwest City. Discover Tim's strategic pivot towards catering and his thoughts on adapting to changing consumer habits.Our episode takes a delicious turn...2024-11-2321 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0009 - Angela RickmanAngela Rickman shares her remarkable 12-year journey with Rotary and offers invaluable insights into the world of public image enhancement for clubs. Hear from Angela as she recounts her experiences, from her early days in Rotary to her roles as the secretary and public image coordinator at the Ponca City Trailblazers Rotary Club. Discover how Angela's dedication has not only elevated her club's public image but also influenced broader efforts at district and zone levels. With her expertise, Angela guides us through effective communication strategies that have proven successful in attracting new members and securing sponsorships.Angela's...2024-11-2209 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0008 - Tegan MaloneDiscover the inspiring journey of Tegan Malone, a passionate advocate for community service from the Midwest City Rotary Club. We sit down with Tegan to discuss her path into Rotary, initiated by a friend's recommendation, and her dedication to projects that uplift our local community. After stepping back due to political obligations, she's ready to dive back into impactful events, including an exciting popcorn event at a local elementary school. With a diverse background in education, nonprofit work, and life safety design, Tegan's profound commitment to fostering community development and public safety shines through as she shares her experiences...2024-11-1620 minThe Rotary Spark Podcast#0007 - Dr. Rick CobbDr. Rick Cobb, a seasoned educator with an inspiring 32-year journey, shares insights from his path into education, profoundly influenced by his mother's legacy as a special education teacher. Discover how a high school teacher's challenge set him on the path to become an English teacher and eventually the superintendent of the Mid-del School District. Dr. Rick Cobb opens up about the ambitious projects transforming his district, funded by a significant bond election, and discusses the critical focus on mental health and security enhancements necessary in today's educational environment. His belief in the power of community engagement shines through...2024-11-1517 min