We investigate philanthropy, nonprofits and international aid. In-depth interviews and shoe leather reporting from across the globe. Send us your tips. www.tinyspark.org
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Want to know what it’s REALLY like to follow your dreams? Dive into personal stories and success secrets of inspiring creatives, innovators, and difference makers, along with leadership and success coach Deb Gaut. If you would love a backstage pass, join us every week for these enlightening, engaging interviews. Program length: 25-30 mins/episode. Release schedule: Tuesdays at 12:30 a.m. (U.S./Central)
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Every now and then, someone touches your life with the incredible power of their story. Such is the case with Eneazer Layne, the beloved life and leadership coach, visionary founder of IMAGERY International “I Am” Movement, and the gifted speaker, writer, and gospel recording artist. Known by those who love her as “Lady E,” Eneazer is my guest on t…
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In this engaging masterclass in leadership and art, I talk with contemporary abstract oil painter, Mark Witzling. We talk about his unconventional journey from corporate America to leadership of a beloved, nonprofit arts organization to artist. In the process, we chat about the three powerful words that drive his life and work, his intriguing persp…
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My guest today is executive leadership coach, Christi Nix Bloomer, founder of In the Arena Coaching. In this wide-ranging interview, we talk about her remarkable journey from small town America to consulting for a global company to becoming the powerhouse coach she is today. With wit and wisdom, Christi shares her interesting story, the paradox beh…
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In this delightful interview, I chat with award-winning artist Michelle McLendon, the founder and creative force behind The Purple Onion Books. We talk about her compelling story, the inspirations behind her exquisite, hand-bound journals and stationery, and the inside scoop on working and traveling on the juried art show circuit. With candor, grac…
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In this deeply personal interview, I talk with Kristen Edens, the talented quilt artist and founding owner of Edens Heirlooms. We talk about the difficult twists and turns of her earlier careers—and the month-long travel sabbatical that changed her life and launched her creative business. We also dive into the unique ways she works with clients to …
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This special episode of TSBF features internationally acclaimed artist Tommy Simpson, whose award-winning work has been shown in more than 100 exhibitions in the U.S. and around the globe. Truly a national treasure, Tommy is that rarest of artists: He has worked in almost every artistic medium, including wood, sculpture, painting, prints, rugs, jew…
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In this inspiring, deeply personal interview, I talk with Dr. Marty K. Casey, the talented actress, activist, and founder of Show Me Arts Foundation and UnGUN Institute. We dive into the pivotal moments and greatest challenges in her life and career. We also talk about the ways she has conquered those challenges, her advice for overcoming adversity…
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In this refreshing, upbeat interview, I talk with Mary Beth Flynn, an exceptionally gifted watercolor and pen & ink artist and founder of Artfully Aging, a national, watercolor art program for senior living communities and clients at all levels of skill and care. We talk about her inspiring journey as an artist and entrepreneur, which began in earl…
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As a young, hip, 30-something professional, Alyssa Hawn is anything but the stereotypical holistic health coach, whatever that might look like in your mind’s eye. She’s whip smart, light-hearted, and exceptionally witty. She’s also gracious, poised and, at times, downright bubbly. In this fascinating interview, we talk about the ways that Alyssa he…
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In this powerful, uplifting interview, I talk with Katie and Steve Banister, two extraordinary disability educators and co-founders of Access-4-All. We explore their remarkable story of tragedy and triumph, what it takes to follow a passion or dream in the face of adversity, and advice they would offer to anyone who wants to play bigger in their li…
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Bob Baker is that rarest of creatives. He’s an accomplished musician, singer, song writer, author, improv performer, and YouTube content creator, and he’s been successful in each of these arenas. In this delightfully inspiring and engaging interview, Bob reflects on a lifetime of experiences. You’ll learn how he got started in his music and writing…
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In this engaging interview, I talk with Linda Smith, an exceptionally talented leadership coach and learning consultant, and the founder of Jetstream Coaching and Consulting. We dive into her interesting journey in the world of coaching, the incredible obstacles she has faced along the way, and the power of friendship and community to help us overc…
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Joining us for today’s show is the remarkable international wildlife photographer Marian Brickner, who shares her fascinating story and the lessons she has learned from following her dreams. You’ll hear about the surprising way she got started in her photography career, the driving force behind her passion for capturing the individual lives of anim…
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Artist and gallerist Mary Martin is my wildly talented guest on today’s show. As both an acrylic collage artist and the owner of Green Door Art Gallery in Saint Louis, Mary shares a wealth of knowledge and wisdom during our delightful interview. You’ll hear about her surprising journey from a childhood steeped in creativity through her initial care…
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Joining me for today’s interview is LinkedIn guru Kathy Bernard, the delightful founder and CEO of WiserU, a company that specializes in helping people leverage the power of LinkedIn for business and career development. You’ll learn about her journey from a company layoff to helping colleagues who had lost their jobs, and how she parlayed that expe…
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My guest on today’s episode is Sarah Schlafly, the pioneering founder and driving force behind Mighty Cricket, whose mission is “to build a more sustainable food supply to feed the world’s exponentially growing population.” You’ll hear her remarkable story about launching a clean protein company with global aspirations—and crickets as its primary i…
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My guest on today’s episode is the wildly talented writer, Christine Webb, author of the forthcoming young adult (YA) book, The Art of Insanity. We dive into her fascinating story as an aspiring writer, beginning in middle school; the roles that courage, tenacity, and the refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer have played in her writing career; and pow…
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In this warm, light-hearted, inspiring interview, I’m joined by Michael and Charlotte Fritzius, the dynamic duo and co-founders of Exactly Zero, a clean-living company based in Saint Louis. We talk about how a cancer diagnosis for Michael became the spark behind creating clean products for their family - and how their personal mission morphed into …
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In this inspiring interview, I talk with Bridgette Simmonds, the exceptionally talented life + leadership coach and founder of Limitless by Bridgette. We dive into her personal journey from corporate America to coach, speaker, and facilitator extraordinaire; the remarkable people who have influenced her life and work; and the greatest risks she has…
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In this powerful, engaging interview, I talk with Karen Hoffman, the visionary and chief possibilities officer of Gateway to Dreams – and founding publisher of Be the Change magazine. We dive into her remarkable story, real-life heroes who’ve helped her along the way, and the wildest, craziest risk she’s ever taken that paid off – and what she lear…
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Welcome back to the Tiny Sparks, Big Flames podcast. We're delighted to join you on your extraordinary journey! In Season 2, we take the podcast to a whole new level with 10 MORE inspiring creatives, innovators, and difference makers like YOU who are daring to live their dreams. If you have a passion, purpose, or dream you would love to pursue -- o…
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In this delightfully candid interview, I talk with the wildly creative Kina Crow, an ὕber award-winning, mixed-media artist. Kina takes us on her fascinating journey from Hollywood wardrobe departments to the outdoor art festival scene with wit, wisdom, and spunk. We chat about the secrets of her artistic success, the upsides and downsides of being…
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This lively, informative interview features Fred Miller, a compelling speaker, writer, and international coach. Fred is the author of five popular books in his No Sweat Public Speaking series. In this episode, we talk about his journey from a single public speaking class to growing and developing his business; his dream of helping others to master …
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Today’s interview features the delightfully creative mixed-media artist, Cynthia Correll. We highlight her artistic journey from book artist to communication architect to mixed-media artist; the magic of visuals, words, and structure that drives her creativity; and the role of curiosity in following her dreams. We also discuss the artistic process …
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In this inspiring, deeply personal interview, I speak with Bonnie Sales, an award-winning contemporary artist and illustrator. We talk about her earliest recollections of being an artist, the first time she dared to call herself "an artist," and her unexpected journey to becoming the creative she is today. We also tackle the upsides and downsides o…
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Joining me for this lively interview is Rebecca Now, a gifted speaker, author, podcaster, and event planner whose passion is bringing women’s history to life. Rebecca is the dynamic co-founder of Voices of American HERstory, an amazing ensemble of re-enactors who perform for events, schools, and suffrage celebrations. We talk about her life as an i…
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In this episode, I have the joy of interviewing the incomparable Caren Libby, a wildly talented photographer, visual storyteller, content creator, and digital marketing guru, and the founder of Image Media Creative Studio. We explore her journey from capturing images as a young mom to growing the creative company she loves. We also chat about what …
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In this delightful episode, I interview Scott Crosby and Patrick Dorsey, the dynamic producing, directing, and writing duo behind the Somebody Knows true-crime podcast. We talk about how they got started as a creative team, the importance of assembling the right team for a creative project, and their advice for aspiring writers, filmmakers, and oth…
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Today, my guest is Mich Hancock, the vibrant CEO of 100th Monkey, inspiring co-founder of TEDxStLouis, and host of the fun, fabulous MichMash Podcast. Mich is also a sought-after speaker and workshop/seminar leader who teaches organizations and associations to TED-ify their presentations. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her inspirations, …
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Welcome to Tiny Sparks, Big Flames! This powerful interview podcast is for and about inspiring creatives, innovators, and difference makers like YOU who are daring to live their dreams. If you would love to hear empowering, inspiring, real-life stories in a format that's fresh, informative, and entertaining, you've come to the right place. In this …
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Journalist and author Eyal Press’ book Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America examines the morally troubling jobs that are done in our name, and shines a light on the workers who do them. Press argues that these workers are hidden by the powerful in society who want to keep the violence of prisons, slaughterhouses, …
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As the federal government pours billions of dollars into private detention facilities, new research shows political donations from these for-profit companies are influencing policymakers to support legislation criminalizing undocumented immigrants. University of New Mexico associate professor Loren Collingwood talks about his findings, and emotiona…
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‘There have been so many important critiques of the nude in art history,’ writer and art curator Macushla Robinson tells us, and she’s added her own critique in the form of an upcoming book project. Every Rape at the Met Museum digs into the way sexual violence has been publicly displayed and even artistically praised in exhibition and catalogues a…
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As the U.S. deals with a severe crisis with up to 600,000 people experiencing homelessness each night, we tour the Community First! village in Austin. This unique community was established to provide affordable, permanent housing for the chronically homeless in Central Texas. Why do the residents think it works?…
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We speak to the authors of System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong, and How We Can Reboot. The trio of Stanford professors use a cross-disciplinary approach to critique technologists and the outsized power they wield in society. By weaving together philosophy, engineering and social science disciplines, the authors make a compelling case that we ne…
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Broadway has returned after closing eighteen months ago. We speak to actors, writers and directors about what the break meant for their lives and work. One prepares to make his Broadway debut, another looks beyond the stage, and all tell us that they hope the future improves representation and equity in the theater.…
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In light of troubling events in Afghanistan, we speak to collaborating artists Chitra Ganesh and Mariam Ghani on threats to the country's archives, the ‘radical archivists’ who have preserved them to date, and how this pair of artists practice radical archiving as way to confront and surface government erasures.…
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For Nora Kenworthy, GoFundMe is “the research topic that I can't escape.” She recently studied 175,000 GoFundMe campaigns from the COVID era and discovered nearly half didn’t receive a single donation. We discuss the stark inequities around these platforms and ask whether crowdfunding can offer equitable relief during a complex public health disast…
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Are women and girls forgotten in crises and conflicts in Myanmar, Ethiopia and Afghanistan? We speak to women's rights activists about what drives them, and ask whether they feel women & girls are sidelined in these kinds of conflicts. TW: This podcast discusses sexual violence.Tiny Spark
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The Pillars fund, run by young Muslim philanthropists, has teamed up with academics and Hollywood actors to gather data proving what they’ve long suspected: Muslims are poorly represented on screen. Pillars’ Arij Mikati and Kalia Abiade lay out the problem, and share their solutions to shift the narrative in order to pave a more inclusive path forw…
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We speak to Dr. Sophia Yen, entrepreneur and outspoken advocate for women’s reproductive health and empowerment. Dr. Yen founded a birth control startup to “just ship women birth control and keep shipping it until they tell us to stop.” She speaks frankly about sexual health, health justice, and the sexism she has experienced in her career.…
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In his new book The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions, Chuck Collins unmasks how billionaires protect their wealth, power, and privilege.Tiny Spark
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Half a century ago, billionaire philanthropist Doris Duke funded universities to record Native American oral histories. Today, her foundation is supporting an effort to digitize the recordings and return them to the tribes. Alyce Sadongei is leading the project and says while it is meaningful, it also raises concerns about how archives are conceive…
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The People's Kitchen Collective uses food and art to address racial and social justice issues. Co-founder Jocelyn Jackson talks to us about their large-scale meals, which offer time and nourishment for communities to heal.Tiny Spark
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Food Rescue Hero gets volunteers to pick up excess food from restaurants and grocers and deliver it to people who need it. Founder and CEO Leah Lizarondo shares her journey creating a tech tool that says it has rescued some 50 million pounds of food.Tiny Spark
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Climate scientist Ndoni Mcunu and climate activist Evelyn Acham celebrate the African scientists and activists fighting for the planet. We speak to the pair about the difficulty of this work, and learn what inspires them to keep going.Tiny Spark
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Found in Translation, a Boston-based nonprofit, trains bilingual women as medical interpreters. In this podcast, founder Maria Vertkin and three graduates who speak Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole and Portuguese, explain why this life-changing work is so necessary.Tiny Spark
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Independent art curator Kelli Morgan shares personal, painful experiences of institutional racism and says it’s time to call out the art world’s toxic white supremacist culture.
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Physician and anthropologist Eugene Richardson’s book ‘Epidemic Illusions: On the Coloniality of Global Public Health’ critiques practices that perpetuate inequality. In this podcast, he argues that global health equity requires not just medicine, but reparations that undo Western colonial harms.Tiny Spark
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A diverse group of women discuss the power of giving circles as a way to build community, democratize philanthropy, and support local grassroots organizations.
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