Sparks of Gratitude

Randy Sparks

Biweekly episodes. Gratitude saves lives, let it save yours. Ignite the fire of positive change with the Sparks of Gratitude. Randy Sparks hosts this podcast with interviews from amazing and inspiring people sharing wisdom and experience and how gratitude has impacted their lives. We believe gratitude can change and save lives. Ignite the fire inside you with the sparks of gratitude.

  1. Why Kindness is More Powerful Than Success or Money? - James Kellock

    JAN 19

    Why Kindness is More Powerful Than Success or Money? - James Kellock

    Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks connnect with James Kellock, Founder of All We Can Foundation, to explore the quiet yet powerful force of kindness, and how making it visible can change lives. James shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind All We Can, revealing why kindness is a habit that can be practiced, taught, and shared. Together, they discuss how small, everyday acts can create ripple effects that strengthen communities, transform workplaces, and even save lives. From parenting and schools to business, faith, and personal growth, this conversation is a powerful reminder that kindness doesn’t need a stage, just a willingness to take the next step and leave others with wind in their sails. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:14 – How the Kindness Platform Works 06:50 – Teaching Kindness in Schools 11:15 – Why Kindness Benefits the Giver, Receiver, and Witness 13:00 – Kindness in Business & Customer Loyalty 15:27 – Why Appreciation Beats Satisfaction 18:58 – James’ Personal Calling & Faith 25:45 – The Book That Changed Everything 30:45 – What Counts as an Act of Kindness? 33:30 – Learn More at [https://www.allwecan.co/](https://www.allwecan.co/)  37:10 – Ripple Core Explained 40:55 – Masks, Identity, and Vulnerability 47:45 – Becoming More, Not Killing Parts of Yourself 50:17 – “If We Stand Still, Silence Becomes the Echo.” Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    51 min
  2. The Science of pure unlimited love - Stephen G. Post

    JAN 5

    The Science of pure unlimited love - Stephen G. Post

    Send us a text In this meaningful episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with renowned scholar and bioethicist Professor Stephen G. Post to explore the science and spirituality of Pure Unlimited Love. Through powerful stories, research, and lived experience, Professor Post shares how love, gratitude, and compassion can transform our lives when we learn to slow down, notice, and live with intention. A powerful reminder that unselfish love heals, connects, and leads us toward deeper peace. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:52 - Defining love: When another’s well-being equals your own 04:19 - What is Pure Unlimited Love? 06:50 - Is pure unlimited love human—or something beyond us? 11:10 - W.H. Auden’s experience of loving his neighbor 13:15 - Marc Chagall and the blue light of love 17:35 - Stephen’s near-death motorcycle experience 21:00 - A mother’s intuition and mysterious connection 25:04 - Noticing: the gateway to gratitude and meaning 27:00 - Synchronicity and Carl Jung’s silver beetle story 33:07 - Cultivating awareness through meditation and prayer 38:03 - “Unlimited Love Comes to Stony Brook.” 43:21 - The biology of gratitude, hope, and joy 48:11 - Founding the Institute for Unlimited Love 50:04 - The seven paths of Pure Unlimited Love 51:15 - What listeners can practice right now 54:55 - Cherishing nature in a tech-dominated world 56:31 - Visit [https://unlimitedloveinstitute.org/](https://unlimitedloveinstitute.org/) 57:38 - Expanding the canvas of life Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    1h 1m
  3. The Viral J-Mac Game: What really happened - Coach Jim Johnson

    12/08/2025

    The Viral J-Mac Game: What really happened - Coach Jim Johnson

    Send us a text 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 Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    49 min
  4. Courageous Kindness: Healing Division With Love - Randy Mcneely

    11/23/2025

    Courageous Kindness: Healing Division With Love - Randy Mcneely

    Send us a text 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 Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    55 min
  5. The secret to becoming your best self - Eric Ayers

    11/03/2025

    The secret to becoming your best self - Eric Ayers

    Send us a text 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.” Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    51 min
  6. 65. Be Happy Every Day: The 365 Give Story - Jacqueline Way

    10/18/2025

    65. Be Happy Every Day: The 365 Give Story - Jacqueline Way

    Send us a text 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 Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    45 min
  7. 64. The Most Essential Message of Our Time - Cheryl Rice

    10/06/2025

    64. The Most Essential Message of Our Time - Cheryl Rice

    Send us a text 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 Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    56 min
  8. 63. How a lost wallet started a global kindness movement - Kevin Smith

    09/22/2025

    63. How a lost wallet started a global kindness movement - Kevin Smith

    Send us a text 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 Follow Sparks of Gratitude: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us: info@sparksofgratitude.com

    49 min
5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Biweekly episodes. Gratitude saves lives, let it save yours. Ignite the fire of positive change with the Sparks of Gratitude. Randy Sparks hosts this podcast with interviews from amazing and inspiring people sharing wisdom and experience and how gratitude has impacted their lives. We believe gratitude can change and save lives. Ignite the fire inside you with the sparks of gratitude.