WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

Jr Sparrow

"Transforming minds through empowering conversations on mental health, society, and pop culture. Join Stacey and Me Uncommon Conversations podcast – where we explore the uncommon in the ordinary. 🎙️ Let's navigate the depths of culture together! #MentalHealthEmpowerment #PopCultureTalks

  1. JAN 25

    update

    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 guests per day knowing some will fall throughNew recording setup: DGI microphones for in-person interviews on the roadCollege football NIL money has changed the game completelyShout Outs: Vanessa at Tri-State Time Machine King Germ Rode, Common MysticsKatie Brinkley (for podcast guest management insights)Alex Sanfilippo and the Pod Fest teamCorp projectors and Sound Core (RIP Nebula)Connect: Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr: @WVUncommonPlaceMerch: woncommonplace.square.siteGuest Form: [Available on website]

    11 min
  2. JAN 15

    Common Ground from the Ground Up

    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 and ethnic self-segregation.Curiosity as a Solution to Polarization: Nathan emphasizes the value of curiosity in political conversations, especially when emotions run high.The importance of listening, learning from others, and moving beyond zero-sum thinking.Compromise vs. Collaboration: Discussion on the difference between unhealthy compromise and true collaborative problem-solving.The need to consider multiple perspectives in policymaking.Lessons from the Florida Forward Party: Nathan’s experience as state director, building coalitions among independents and moderates.The importance of creating spaces where all voices are heard and respected.Social Media & Authentic Engagement: The challenges of social media algorithms that reward outrage.How long-form podcasting can foster deeper, more thoughtful engagement.Practical Takeaways: Nathan encourages listeners to seek out conversations with those who disagree and to approach dialogue with genuine curiosity.The goal is to foster intellectual curiosity and show a better way than conflict.Legacy & Final Thoughts: Nathan hopes to be remembered as someone who fostered curiosity and helped expose the “finger trap” of political conflict.Listeners are encouraged to build common ground in their own communities.Where to Find Nathan Smolensky: Book available on Amazon and major online retailers.Website: nathansmolinski.com for events, speaking engagements, and contact info.

    29 min
  3. JAN 8

    Your Health Score Matters: A Conversation with Kwame Terra of BEHR

    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. 🎯 Topics Covered: The meaning of “disparity” in healthcare How the Bear Health app works and why it’s revolutionary Understanding your health score like you know your credit score The power of community data in driving health equity How fasting, water, sun, and meditation shape Kwame’s daily life Real talk on pollution: emotional, visual, and physical Why Bear Health is building a new system rather than fixing a broken one 📲 Download the App: iOS/Android Users: Search DKDOO in your app store Use access code: jrsparrow (all lowercase, one word) Begin your health journey by entering basic info, completing your initial assessment, and syncing your fitness tracker. 📱 Follow & Connect: Kwame Terra: @kwameterra on all platforms Bear Health: @behealth on Instagram and other platforms Learn more at Bear Health's Website (if available) 📣 Call to Action: “Do you know your health score?” Share your journey. Tag Bear Health. Ask your community. 🏃‍♂️ #HealthScore #BearHealth #LiveBetter #KnowYourNumbers 🌟 JR’s Favorite Takeaway: “Creating a universe means crafting a perspective that hasn’t been challenged — and Kwame is doing just that with Bear Health.” 🎧 Available on all platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts 🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs to take control of their health journey today.

    52 min
  4. 12/18/2025

    Debt or Deception? The Credit Card Lie with Tommy Kilpatrick

    💥 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 discovery about bank-issued credit cards, loans, and the law. 📜 He explains the difference between a real invoice and a statement, why banks can’t legally claim you owe them without a promissory note, and how he got multiple credit accounts wiped clean — not through bankruptcy, but by understanding the system. 🔍 You’ll hear: Why Modern Money Mechanics (yes, the Federal Reserve’s own publication) says your “loan” might be an illusion The legal difference between alleged debt and verified debt How language is law, and how using the word “alleged” changes the game The real reason banks send you those low-limit credit cards at 18 🧠 This episode will challenge everything you think you know about credit cards, banking, and financial responsibility. Is it conspiracy? Is it truth? We’re not here to tell you what to think — but we are here to help you start asking better questions. 📌 Connect with Tommy Kilpatrick📧 Email + Facebook links in the show notes📘 Get his book Forgive and Forget: How to Make Your Credit Card Debt Disappear — FREE with a 15-minute consult 🔗 SHOW NOTES INCLUDE: Reference documents + legal definitions Info on LegalShield for attorney access Modern Money Mechanics (Federal Reserve PDF) Letter templates and next steps for challenging alleged debt 🎯 Mission statement from JR: Evolution in life comes from a challenge — and this episode challenges us to rethink the systems we’ve blindly trusted. 📣 Don’t forget to:👉 Follow the podcast👉 Rate and review if this blew your mind👉 Share with someone buried under credit card “debt”

    37 min
4.8
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

"Transforming minds through empowering conversations on mental health, society, and pop culture. Join Stacey and Me Uncommon Conversations podcast – where we explore the uncommon in the ordinary. 🎙️ Let's navigate the depths of culture together! #MentalHealthEmpowerment #PopCultureTalks