Find Your Spark

In this insightful conversation, Ashley sits down with the author of Beyond the Noise: A Path to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety, Melissa Azar Cohen, to explore the deeper truth behind what keeps so many of us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and uncertain.

Through personal stories and honest reflection, Melissa shares the inspiration behind her book, the moments that led her to write it, and what she hopes readers will discover about themselves along the way. Together, we unpack what fear and anxiety really are, why they have such a strong hold, and how we can begin to move beyond them.

Check out Melissa's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Noise-path-overcoming-anxiety/dp/B0FPCQ2N74

In this episode, Chad recognizes National Red Cross Month, a time dedicated to honoring the millions of volunteers, donors, and everyday people who step up to help others in moments of need. Led by the work of the American Red Cross, the month highlights the power of compassion in action — neighbors supporting neighbors, communities showing up for one another, and ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things.

But this conversation goes deeper than the history of the month itself. Chad explores what becomes possible when people unite around a shared purpose and a spirit of service. From disaster response to local acts of kindness, the episode shines a light on the simple but powerful idea that when people come together to help, the ripple effects reach far beyond the moment.

At its heart, this episode is about people helping people, and the remarkable impact that can happen when compassion, courage, and community meet.

In this episode, best friends and coworkers Brooke Wheeldon-Reece and Ashley Hunt sit down to reflect on Brooke’s 12-year journey with The SPARK Initiative. As President and CEO, Brooke has helped shape SPARK’s vision, programs, and impact from the ground up — guiding its growth while staying rooted in the mission of helping people understand the power of their own minds.

Together, Brooke and Ashley share an honest conversation about what twelve years inside an organization like SPARK really looks like: the lessons in leadership, the challenges and growth along the way, and the moments that have made it all worthwhile. From building programs and partnerships to watching the impact unfold in classrooms and communities, Brooke reflects on the experiences that have shaped both her leadership and SPARK’s evolution.

It’s a candid look at purpose-driven work, long-term commitment to a mission, and what it means to grow alongside an organization you believe in.

In this episode, the SPARK Team reflects on what it felt like to host this year’s Summit — and how the experience unfolded in a way none of us could have fully anticipated.

In the days leading up, there were of course moving pieces and natural questions. But when the doors opened, an overwhelming sense of calm carried through the entire day. It didn’t feel rushed. It didn’t feel heavy. It felt prepared. Peaceful. Aligned.

What could have felt hard instead felt easy.

Every detail we had thoughtfully put into place seemed to unfold exactly as it was meant to. The conversations were genuine. The energy in the room was steady and grounded. The right people gathered — and you could feel it. Something shifted inside those who attended. Perspectives opened. A deeper sense of wellbeing and resilience took root.

And somehow, it ended up being even better than we imagined.

In this conversation, we share what surprised us most, what moved us, and why the question “What if it all works out?” became something we didn’t just hope for — but witnessed in real time.

We cannot wait to do it all over again next year.

If you’d like to be the first to know about the 2027 Summit, subscribe to the interest list below.

https://info.sparkcurriculum.org/l/1019312/2026-02-23/6k655

Brooke sits down with Santy Sanchez and Beto Contreras from the Insight Alliance to explore a powerful truth: wellbeing and resilience already live within every human being- yes, even young people. This conversation shines a light on how nurturing the self-awareness of their unbreakable SPARK can unlock potential and inspire hope in the next generation.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, mentor, or community leader, this conversation will leave you inspired and better equipped to help ignite hope in the those you serve by simply shining a light on their own wellbeing and resilience.

If you enjoyed our guests today and want to reach them, directly contact them at:

https://www.theinsightalliance.org/

Leading up to the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit, Chad sits down with Prince Jimmar, co-founder and director of Rebels for Peace, to explore the powerful work he’s doing with youth on Chicago’s South Side. Together, they discuss how understanding the simple nature of how our minds work can unlock wellbeing for anyone — regardless of background, circumstances, or where you grow up. Driven by deep compassion and lived experience, Prince shares his passion for helping young people discover the peace that already lives within them.

In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks with Rob Cook, internationally recognized speaker and transformational coach, about resilience, leadership, and the power of psychological safety.

Rob shares how understanding the nature of thought can help people move through stress, uncertainty, and change with greater ease—and why wellbeing is not something we need to achieve, but something we already possess. This episode offers a glimpse into the perspective Rob will bring to the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit.

Want more wellbeing and resilience? Good news—you already have it. What if it’s really that simple?

Join Brooke as she sits down with bestselling authors and thought leaders Michael Neill and Mavis Karn as they share a taste of what’s to come at the upcoming National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit and why this topic matters now more than ever.

In this conversation, they unpack the innate wellbeing and resilience we’re all already equipped with, why we tend to overcomplicate it, and how recognizing the Fact of Thought is often the missing key to lasting change.

Learn more about the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit and join us in Tampa on February 16th! Get your Summit Ticket today!

We’re kicking off the new year by coming together as a full SPARK team for a meaningful “around the table” conversation. In this special episode, Brooke leads us through thoughtful questions about what we’re carrying forward from the past year, the goals we’re setting for SPARK in 2026, and the personal intentions shaping our individual futures.

Rooted in gratitude for all that last year brought and grounded in hope for what’s ahead, this conversation offers an honest look at growth, reflection, and the shared vision guiding our work. Join us as we celebrate progress, name what matters most, and step into 2026 with clarity, purpose, and optimism for the impact we’re continuing to build together.

In this episode, Chad is joined by fellow SPARK team members Makayla Wheeldon, Ashley Hunt, and Stephanie Fox for an inside look at the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit. Together, they explore the why behind the summit and the impact it’s designed to create through a series of individual reflections and thoughtful group questions.

One of the most meaningful conversations centers on what sets the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit apart from other conferences and summits. Rather than focusing on the challenges and negativity that often surround the industries we work in, this summit is intentionally grounded in action, practical solutions, and a renewed sense of possibility. The team shares how the experience is designed to leave every attendee feeling supported, inspired, and empowered to carry wellbeing and resilience forward into their work and communities.

Ready to be part of the experience? Registration for the National Wellbeing & Resilience Summit is now open. Join us and take the next step toward meaningful connection, hopeful action, and lasting impact by registering at the link below.

https://www.thesparkinitiative.com/store/p/national-wellbeing-resilience-summit-2026