Episode Summary:
In this episode of WV Uncommonplace, we’re joined by Susan Hensley, a former HR executive who transformed her life during the challenges of the pandemic through the practice of art journaling. Susan shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to rediscovering joy and clarity through creativity. As the author of Art for Your Sanity, Susan now helps others tap into their inner artist to navigate life transitions, silence the inner critic, and embrace resilience.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How the pandemic led Susan to discover the transformative power of art journaling
• The ways art journaling can help process emotions and promote healing
• Why creativity is essential for problem-solving, emotional well-being, and personal growth
• Practical tips for getting started with art journaling, even if you’re not an artist
• Insights from Susan’s book, Art for Your Sanity, and how it serves as a guide for reconnecting with curiosity and playfulness

Who This Episode is For:

• Anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or in need of a creative outlet
• Those navigating life transitions, such as career changes, retirement, or personal challenges
• Listeners seeking inspiration to embrace joy and resilience through creativity

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• [Art for Your Sanity by Susan Hensley](Insert link to book)
• Connect with Susan: [Website/Social Media Links]
• Learn more about art journaling and its benefits

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to WV Uncommonplace for more inspiring conversations and stories. Leave us a review and share this episode with someone who might benefit from Susan’s message!

Deborah Heiser is a distinguished psychologist known for her pivotal role in the Mentor Project, where she creates unique opportunities such as connecting students with professionals like astronauts. Her approach to mentorship transcends traditional boundaries, viewing it as a reciprocal relationship where both mentor and mentee benefit by passing on wisdom and creating a lasting legacy. Heiser illustrates this perspective with the example of Nobel Prize winner Bob Lefkowitz, emphasizing that mentors are the biggest beneficiaries, as they shape future generations and establish a profound, enduring impact. Through her efforts in mentorship, writing for Psychology Today, and hosting the WV Uncommon Place podcast, Dr. Heiser seeks to foster a movement that prioritizes meaningful human connections and the creation of a legacy for legacies.



(00:01:53) "Psychology shape your mind." - Jr Sparrow

(00:07:24) "I do it because it makes me feel relevant. It makes me feel like I'm helpful, I'm useful, I'm productive, like I matter in the world. Like the world is better with me in it." - Deborah Heiser

(00:10:33) "Most people are like, I have no idea. And you know what, I don't want to approach a mentor because they're probably too busy or I'm a burden or something like that. But really, the biggest beneficiary for mentorship is the mentor, because the mentor is giving a piece of themselves to somebody and then that person is carrying that legacy within them." - Deborah Heiser" - Deborah Heiser

(00:22:23) "I truly believe that we're more in connected world because of it." - Deborah Heiser

(00:27:01) "That heartbreak ended up turning into, how can I continue his legacy in a different way?" - Deborah Heiser

(00:30:41) "Ask anyone for help. Never hesitate. Everyone in the world wants to help people." - Deborah Heiser" - Deborah Heiser

(00:34:35) "You created a legacy for legacies." - Jr Sparrow

Honor Your Heart: Jessi Hartnett’s Journey from Addiction to Empowerment

Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode of WV Uncommonplace Podcast, JR Sparrow sits down with Jessi Hartnett—wife, mother, author, and advocate for personal transformation. Jessi opens up about her 15-year battle with addiction and how she overcame it by embracing spiritual principles and the gifts of her heart: wisdom, intuition, and love.

Jessi shares the story behind her transformative book, Honor Your Heart, which offers a unique, emotional approach to quitting smoking. She discusses how her background in Geology, Geography, and Early Childhood Education shaped her perspective and how mythic and psychological concepts guided her journey toward self-discovery and healing.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to make a change or looking for tools to quit smoking, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•Jessi’s personal journey through addiction and recovery.

•The spiritual principles that helped her transform her life.

•How she developed the method outlined in her book, Honor Your Heart.

•The emotional and psychological aspects of quitting smoking.

•Practical advice for overcoming negative self-talk and finding purpose.

Connect with Jessi Hartnett:

•Website: www.honoryourheart.net

•Book: Honor Your Heart

Connect with WV Uncommonplace Podcast:

•Instagram: @wvuncommonplace

•Website: wvuncommonplace.com

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review WV Uncommonplace Podcast on your favorite platform.

In this insightful and inspiring episode of WV UncommonPlace Interview and Sessions, JR Sparrow sits down with Nathaniel A. Turner, a visionary author, speaker, and humanitarian. Nathaniel shares his extraordinary journey of creating a purpose-driven life and his pioneering Life Template method that empowers individuals and families to design their lives backward for success.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Life Template: How Nathaniel's backward design approach helped his son achieve academic excellence and personal growth without privilege or shortcuts.
• Parenting with Purpose: Nathaniel's mission to provide his son with opportunities for success, including playing soccer in Brazil, mastering four languages, and excelling at Harvard-level standards.
• Education and Empowerment: The strategies behind raising a child who earned a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from NYU Stern.
• Life Lessons: Nathaniel's passion for leaving a positive legacy, embracing joy, and ensuring others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Why You Should Listen:

Nathaniel's story will leave you motivated to think differently about success, parenting, and personal growth. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply someone striving to live life on purpose, Nathaniel's tools and techniques will provide a fresh perspective.

Tune in to this episode for laughter, thought-provoking moments, and actionable strategies to serve something greater than yourself.

I sit down with Amy Fagan Fromm the Grounded in Maine Podcast and we talk everything sustainable

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of WV UncommonPlace Interview and Sessions, JR Sparrow sits down with Erica D'Arcangelo, author of A Story About Pizza. This historical fiction novel is based on the life of her grandfather, an Italian immigrant who came to America to work as a coal miner and later built a legacy rooted in family, food, and, of course, pizza.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Story Behind the Story: Erica shares how her grandfather's journey inspired A Story About Pizza, blending historical fiction with real-life family experiences.
• Growing Up Italian: Exploring the importance of Italian culture, family values, and food traditions that shaped Erica's upbringing.
• The American Dream: How pizza became a symbol of opportunity for Italian immigrants and the rise of family-owned pizzerias across America.
• Cultural Connections: Why food, family, and storytelling remain vital in preserving heritage and connecting generations.

Why You Should Listen:

Erica D'Arcangelo's storytelling will transport you through history, culture, and the heartwarming moments of family life. Whether you love pizza, enjoy historical fiction, or appreciate immigrant success stories, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and nostalgic.

Tune in to hear Erica's reflections on Italian culture, her family’s journey, and how pizza became more than just a meal—it became a legacy.

Stacey Chazin, a respected expert in the field of personality assessment, specializes in exploring the intricate dynamics of introversion and extroversion through her platform, ifactorleadership.com. With a deep understanding of how introverts can feel drained by social situations that do not align with their authentic selves, Stacey is dedicated to helping individuals navigate these challenges and seize opportunities for personal growth. Through her coaching business, iFactor Leadership, she utilizes tools like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator to guide introverted professionals in recognizing and harnessing their unique strengths, such as empathy and emotional intelligence, to excel in their careers while staying true to themselves. By dispelling the myth that success necessitates conforming to extroverted norms, Stacey empowers introverts to embrace their innate gifts and thrive in both personal and professional spheres, fostering a sense of fulfillment and authenticity in their lives.

(00:08:42) MBTI: Unveiling Personality Insights and Preferences

(00:09:58) Embracing Innate Strengths: Introvert Career Development

(00:12:47) Leveraging Traits for Effective Communication and Success

(00:12:57) Strengths of Introverts in Leadership Roles

(00:16:57) Empathetic Introvert Leaders: Harnessing Quiet Strengths

(00:20:15) Embracing and Empowering Introverts for Success

Adam Peters, a military veteran turned advocate for fellow veterans, has successfully transitioned into civilian life with a mission to improve the quality of life for others. His journey took a transformative turn in July 2023 during an ayahuasca ceremony in Terrapoto, Peru, where he discovered self-love and confidence, elements he found lacking in traditional transition programs like ACAP. Motivated by his newfound insights and a friend's suggestion, Adam became active on LinkedIn, connecting with other creators and focusing on veteran support. Through his podcast and the Stronghold community, he emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the power of community, advocating for mental health practices like plant medicine and mindfulness as crucial tools for veterans navigating their post-military lives.