WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

By Jr SparrowSociety & Culture
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WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations episodes

  • Telltale
    In this episode, Jr. discusses the unique approach to storytelling that made Telltale Games a prominent video game developer, with games like The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us. However, the company faced financial difficulties due to taking on too many games at once and not diversifying their offerings. Jr. also shares his personal experience playing these games and his thoughts on the company's downfall. He ends the episode with a why question for the company: why did they go beyond their capacity and not diversify their game offerings?
    8 min
  • Erik DaRosa
    Erik DaRosa
    For as long as I can remember, I have been “okay” according to society's definition. Yet, I’ve experienced everything from the fear of sleeping as a young child, to the onset of terrifying obsessive thoughts as an adolescent, to the ever-worsening panic attacks and paralyzing anxiety throughout my high school and college years. This all culminated in two debilitating dissociative episodes as an adult. To this day, I have no recollection of two lost weekends – the first in summer 2004 and the second in fall 2006. My most recent episode occurred in October of 2021 and resulted in a renewed healing journey consisting of both Western and Eastern treatment modalities.
    For some reason, I did everything to hide my "not okay-ness" from the world. After years of therapy and a highly effective regime of medications, there were still times that I chose the path of least resistance, the same path that far too many people choose: to suffer in silence. For decades I outwardly displayed a facade, that of a usually smiling, highly functioning, type-A successful overachiever. I had, subconsciously or not, chosen to accept society's stigma rather than embrace my own vulnerability.
    Stigma says we shouldn't talk openly about these things. I say we should! Stigma also says we shouldn't stand high upon the mountain top, vulnerable and transparent, for the entire world to see. I say we must!
    Together, let's work to break the stigma of mental illness and remind one another that it's perfectly okay to not always be okay. Collectively, and with a bit of patience, we'll get through this, I promise.
    40 min
  • Navigating Professional Pivots and Finding Joy in Music

    - Host: JR

    - Location: West Virginia

    - Guest: Ray Hartjen

    - Recap: After attending a podcast conference in Orlando, JR is back with an interview featuring Ray Hartjen.


    **Segment 1: Getting to Know Ray Hartjen**

    - Ray introduces himself as a writer and musician.

    - Shares an anecdote about the movie "City Slickers" and the concept of finding one's "one thing."

    - Reflects on his career journey, spanning investment banking, pharmaceuticals, and now writing and music.

    - Emphasizes the importance of storytelling in various professional fields and personal endeavors.


    **Segment 2: Embracing Change and Facing Challenges**

    - Ray discusses his diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2019.

    - Describes how the diagnosis prompted him to reevaluate his priorities and adopt a motto of seizing the moment.

    - Shares insights from a timeline exercise that helped him recognize the value of time and relationships.

    - Explains how the motto "If not now, when?" influenced his decision to co-author a book about the Pittsburgh Steelers with Tom Oleinik.


    **Segment 3: The Healing Power of Music**

    - Ray talks about his acoustic band, Chronic Padres, and the therapeutic role of music in his life.

    - Explains the band's minimalist approach and love for playing live music.

    - Highlights the joy of sharing music with others and their experiences performing at wineries and breweries.


    **Conclusion:**

    - JR and Ray wrap up the conversation, reflecting on the importance of embracing change, pursuing passion, and finding joy in life's journey.


    43 min
  • Splinter Cell
    Title: Exploring the Legacy of the Splinter Cell Game Series
    Guest: None
    Description:
    In this episode of West Virginia Uncommon Place, host Jr explores the significance and legacy of the Splinter Cell video game series developed and published by Ubisoft. The Splinter Cell series is a franchise of stealth-based video games that revolutionized the stealth genre with its innovative gameplay, story, and advanced graphics. The first game in the series, Splinter Cell, was released in 2002 for the Xbox and PC, and it followed the story of Sam Fisher, a special agent from the third Echelon agency.
    Jr talks about the success of the first game, which led to the development of several sequels, including Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, Splinter Cell Double Agent, and Splinter Cell Conviction. He also highlights Splinter Cell Chaos Theory as the best game in the series due to its advanced artificial intelligence for enemies, making them more challenging and unpredictable.
    Jr shares his disappointment with Ubisoft's decision to discontinue the Splinter Cell series after the release of Splinter Cell Blacklist in 2013, despite the series being significant in the gaming industry. He expresses his love for the player choice aspect of the game, allowing players to approach each mission in their own way, whether stealthy or gun blazing.
    Overall, Jr emphasizes the significance of the Splinter Cell series, which popularized the use of gadgets and weapons and introduced the concept of hiding in shadows, inspiring other games such as Metal Gear Solid and Hitman.
    8 min
  • Top Ten Video Games Of All Time
    Introduction:
    Welcome to West Virginia Commonplace! Host J.R. takes a unique approach to discuss video games in a prelude to the upcoming top ten video games countdown. J.R. shares his personal experiences and thoughts about games that significantly impacted his life.
    Overview of Honorable Mentions:
    Bully, The Warriors, Manhunt by Rockstar:
    Discussing the significant impact and experience of these Rockstar games on gameplay and gaming style.
    Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and Fighting Games:
    Noting J.R.'s experience and challenges with fighting games, paying tribute to iconic titles like Tekken and Mortal Kombat.
    Racing and Platformer Games:
    Recalling memories and experiences with titles like Ridge Racer, Sega Rally, Sonic the Hedgehog, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and more in the racing and platformer genres.
    Wrestling Games:
    Sharing insights into the world of wrestling games, recognizing iconic Nintendo 64 titles and the generation-spanning appeal of wrestling games.
    Versatility and Consoles:
    J.R.'s personal history and experience with various gaming consoles from ColecoVision to the current-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
    Role-Playing Games (RPGs):
    Briefly touching upon RPGs such as Albert Odyssey, Beyond Oasis, Legend of Oasis, and others, with a mention of the diversity within the genre.
    Anticipation for the Top Ten Countdown:
    J.R. expresses excitement about the upcoming top ten video games countdown, emphasizing that each game holds a special place in his heart, tied to different phases of his life.
    Conclusion:
    Thanking the audience for listening to the episode's preview of the upcoming series on top ten video games.
    Encouraging listeners to stay tuned for the upcoming episodes to delve deeper into J.R.'s experiences with each of his favorite games.
    9 min
  • Overcoming Domestic Violence and Healing through Energy Work with Dee Hurley
    Summary:
    In this powerful episode of the WV Uncommonplace Podcast, host Jr Sparrow invites a special guest, D. Hurley, to share her inspiring journey of overcoming domestic violence and finding healing through energy work. Hurley delves into her experience with a narcissistic, abusive marriage that spanned 11.5 years and how it shaped her path toward energy healing and advocacy.
    Key Points:
    1. **Survivor of Domestic Violence:** Hurley opens up about her personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence, emphasizing the challenges faced within the court system and the emotional traumas associated with such situations.
    2. **Formation of Advocacy Groups:** Motivated by her own experiences, Hurley took proactive steps to form and join advocacy groups to support other victims of domestic violence, highlighting the importance of community and mutual support.
    3. **Energy Healing and Emotional Release:** Hurley shares her journey into energy healing and emotional release techniques, citing the book "The Emotion Code" by Dr. Bradley Nelson. She explains how releasing trapped emotions and traumas positively impacted her mental and physical well-being.
    4. **Importance of Self-Love and Boundaries:** The conversation touches on the significance of self-love, setting boundaries, and recognizing patterns to break the cycle of attracting abusive relationships.
    5. **Introduction to Bio-Resonance Scanner:** D. Hurley introduces a bio-resonance scanner, a tool used in her energy healing practice. The scanner provides insights into the energetic balance of the body, addressing issues from chakras to physical imbalances.
    6. **Healing Beyond Emotional Trauma:** The discussion expands to how emotional healing can positively impact physical health, including addressing chronic pain and ailments related to emotional traumas.
    7. **Message to Others:** Hurley encourages listeners, especially those facing domestic violence, to trust their instincts, seek help, and engage in the inner healing process. She emphasizes the innate capacity of the body to heal itself.
    8. **Optimal Health in Energy Frequency:** Optimal health, in the context of energy frequency, is discussed as a state where one feels positive, balanced, and aligned. The importance of maintaining a harmonious energetic state is highlighted.
    9. **Empowering Women Through Podcasting:** Jr Sparrow and D. Hurley discuss the importance of using podcasting as a platform to empower women, share stories, and break the silence surrounding domestic violence.
    10. **Closing Message:** D. Hurley concludes with a powerful message, highlighting the incredible healing potential within our bodies and the importance of recognizing our inner power.
    Social Media and Contact:
    - Website: [Lighthouse Energy Healing](https://www.lighthouseenergyhealing.com)
    - Instagram: [@d.hurley](https://www.instagram.com/d.hurley/)
    - TikTok: [@d.hurley](https://www.tiktok.com/@d.hurley)
    - LinkedIn: [D. Hurley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-hurley)
    Listeners are encouraged to connect with D. Hurley, explore her energy healing resources, and join the conversation on overcoming challenges and finding healing.
    35 min
  • Lover Boy : A Movie Review That Is Interesting
    In "Loverboy" (1989), Patrick Dempsey plays Randy Bodek, a college dropout who has been drifting through life and working as a pizza delivery boy. When he meets a beautiful and wealthy young woman named Alex (Barbara Carrera), she offers him a job as a "delivery boy" for her high-end escort service.
    At first, Randy is hesitant to take the job, but he soon finds that being a male escort comes with a lot of perks - not just financial ones, but also the attention and admiration of numerous wealthy and beautiful women. However, as Randy's double life as a delivery boy and an escort starts to spiral out of control, he finds himself getting in over his head and struggling to keep his two worlds from colliding.
    Meanwhile, Randy's girlfriend Jenny (Kirstie Alley) is growing increasingly suspicious of his behavior and starts to investigate what he's been up to. As Randy's lies and deceptions start to catch up with him, he must find a way to set things right and win back Jenny's trust.
    "Loverboy" is a romantic comedy that explores themes of ambition, temptation, and the consequences of dishonesty. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Patrick Dempsey in one of his early breakout roles, and was directed by Joan Micklin Silver, who is best known for her work on the films "Crossing Delancey" and "Hester Street."
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    16 min
  • Unveiling the Untouched: Super Mario RPG Journey
    Jr. welcomes listeners to another exciting episode of West Virginia Uncommonplace.
    Introduces the topic: his personal journey with the Super Mario RPG game.
    Segment 1: A Gap in Gaming History:
    Jr. explains that despite being a Super Mario fan, there's one game that has escaped him: Super Mario RPG.
    The game's development and release year: 1996.
    Mentions the developers, Square, known for Final Fantasy, and the collaboration with Nintendo.
    Segment 2: A Changing Gaming Landscape:
    Reflects on the video game landscape of 1996, when he owned multiple gaming consoles.
    The rise of PlayStation and Sega Saturn and their impact on gaming preferences.
    The abundance of game releases, including Resident Evil, Tekken 2, and more.
    Segment 3: Super Mario 64 Dominance:
    Discusses the overwhelming popularity of Super Mario 64 at the time.
    The dispute between Square and Nintendo leading to the development of Final Fantasy VII for PlayStation.
    Other gaming distractions that kept Jr. from playing Super Mario RPG.
    Segment 4: The Price Tag and Priorities:
    Jr. highlights the high price of Super Mario RPG at its release.
    His decision to focus on other games due to the availability of other compelling titles.
    Segment 5: The Remake Revelation:
    Announces the upcoming remake of Super Mario RPG in June 2023.
    The sudden rekindling of interest in the game due to the remake's announcement.
    Segment 6: The RPG Distinction:
    Discusses the distinction of Super Mario RPG as the first RPG in the Mario series.
    Shares his thoughts on other RPG-like Mario games like the Paper Mario series.
    Segment 7: Niche of Nostalgia:
    Emphasizes the niche aspect of Super Mario RPG in his gaming history.
    Acknowledges the role of nostalgia in the anticipation of playing the game.
    Segment 8: Playing the Waiting Game:
    Jr. contemplates whether to play the original Super Mario RPG or wait for the remake.
    Considers seeking advice from the gaming community on whether to experience the original or the remake.
    Segment 9: Reflecting on the Past:
    Highlights the complexity of personal gaming histories and the games that went unplayed.
    Shares his personal feelings and thoughts regarding Super Mario RPG.
    Segment 10: The Exciting Gaming Landscape:
    Jr. looks forward to the upcoming remake and reflects on the evolving gaming landscape.
    The excitement of experiencing Super Mario RPG after all these years.
    Conclusion:
    Jr. concludes the episode by thanking listeners for joining him on this nostalgic gaming journey.
    Encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with West Virginia Uncommonplace on various platforms.
    Teases upcoming episodes and uncommon conversations.
    Outro:
    Jr. signs off as Jr. from West Virginia Uncommonplace.
    Encourages feedback, engagement, and interactions from the audience.
    Invites listeners to stay tuned for more unique and exciting content.
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    11 min
  • Michelle Still With Me
    Introduction:
    J.R. introduces a special episode where he reflects on the loss of his partner, Michelle, who passed away due to complications from gastric bypass surgery.
    He explains that the episode is an opportunity to share his thoughts and feelings regarding the surgery and how it has impacted him over the years.
    Michelle's Story:
    J.R. talks about his past relationship with Michelle and their strong romance.
    He details Michelle's decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery and how it was influenced by societal pressures and an emotionally damaging relationship.
    J.R. expresses his growing anger and confusion over time regarding the surgery.
    The Grief Journey:
    J.R. discusses how grief changes over time and how the memories of Michelle have shifted from the forefront of his mind to the background.
    He mentions personal growth and self-acceptance, indicating that he has moved forward in life while still cherishing Michelle's memory.
    The Importance of Self-Love:
    J.R. emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, urging listeners to love themselves before succumbing to external pressures.
    He reflects on how self-love might have made a difference in Michelle's life and decisions.
    Dealing with Loss:
    J.R. admits to the enduring pain of not being able to fully understand or influence Michelle's choices, despite his efforts.
    He explains how dealing with loss has made him more desensitized to certain situations.
    Moving On:
    J.R. shares how he's been able to move forward and not let Michelle's memory impede his life.
    He talks about how he still keeps her memory alive but is no longer consumed by grief.
    Conclusion:
    J.R. thanks listeners for tuning in and expresses gratitude to Michelle for the time they had together.
    He acknowledges the bond he shares with Michelle, unaffected by time or opinions.
    J.R. closes the episode with an introduction to his podcast and his location.
    8 min

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