WV Uncommonplace : Uncommon Conversations

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!

Topic: Education Reform, Healthcare Advocacy, and Running for Georgia Superintendent of Schools

In this 43-minute episode, host JR Sparrow sits down with Dr. Nelva Lee, a healthcare administrator, entrepreneur, and candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lee shares her inspiring journey from Panama to the United States, her work in healthcare advocacy, and her vision for transforming Georgia's education system through literacy, trade certifications, and school choice.

• Growing up in Panama during the Noriega dictatorship
• Family heritage from Costa Rica and Jamaica
• Moving to the US as a teenager and appreciating democratic freedoms
• Lessons learned from her grandmother Nelva about gratitude and work ethic

• Obtaining a trade certification in healthcare during high school
• Earning bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in healthcare administration
• Working as Director of Patient Advocacy at Grady Health System
• Founding a vocational school for medical interpreters
• Creating the certification exam for medical interpreters
• Involvement with AI and human interpreting integration

• Appointment to Georgia Department of Community Health by Governor Kemp
• Learning the slow process of government policymaking
• Importance of community engagement in healthcare policy
• Advocacy rooted in personal experience with dictatorship

Current State of Georgia Education:

• Georgia ranks 38th out of 50 states in education
• Mississippi improved from 50th to top 10 by returning to basics

Key Campaign Initiatives:

1. Literacy First

   • No child leaves second grade without learning to read
   • Clear guidelines for teachers on literacy benchmarks
   • Recognition that prisons are built based on third-grade literacy rates

2. Universal Trade Certifications

   • All Georgia graduates receive high school diploma AND trade certification
   • Benefits both college-bound and workforce-ready students
   • Provides financial independence and career options

3. Expanded School Choice

   • Expansion of Promise Scholarship Act
   • More public Montessori and KIPP schools
   • Matching learning environments to individual student needs

Special Education & IEP Reform:

• Concerns about overuse of IEP labels
• IEP test scores don't count toward school performance metrics
• Risk of implicit bias from teachers toward labeled students
• Need for appropriate learning environments rather than automatic labeling

Post-COVID Challenges:

• Addressing learning deficits in current 6th-7th graders
• Mental health impacts from isolation (anxiety, depression)
• Need for motivation and self-esteem building

"By the third grade, they're building prisons based on whether or not children are literate."

"Every child can learn, but they need to have a learning environment that matches their specific learning needs."

"Good leaders really are great because they motivate others to do the best."

"Anything that you do for children lasts a lifetime."

Learn More About Dr. Nelva Lee:

• Website: drnelvalee.com
• Books and additional information available on her website

Follow WV Uncommon Place:

• Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Merch: wvuncommonplace.square.site
• Subscribe and rate on your favorite podcast platform

• Education Reform
• Healthcare Advocacy
• Entrepreneurship
• Immigration & Democracy
• Special Education
• Trade Schools & Vocational Training
• School Choice
• Leadership & Public Service

Episode SummaryKey Topics DiscussedBackground & Immigration (0:00 - 8:00)Healthcare Career & Entrepreneurship (8:00 - 18:00)Public Service & Policy (18:00 - 25:00)Running for Georgia Superintendent of Schools (25:00 - 43:00)Notable QuotesResourcesEpisode Themes

M.E. Torrey - Author of "Fox Creek," a historical novel exploring slavery in the antebellum South

In this powerful 51-minute conversation, author M.E. Torrey discusses her critically acclaimed novel "Fox Creek," which confronts the whitewashed narratives of plantation history. Torrey shares her journey from writing children's books to tackling one of America's most difficult historical periods, and why honest conversations about race and history are more important than ever.

The Genesis of Fox Creek

• Torrey's eye-opening visit to Louisiana plantations in the 1990s
• Encountering tours that completely omitted slave narratives
• Three years of intensive research before writing the first sentence
• The challenge of finding authentic slave narratives vs. abundant plantation owner records

Research Revelations

• The shocking diaries of James Henry Hammond (Governor of South Carolina) and Bennett Barrow
• How "ordinary people" justified extraordinary harm
• The concept of willful blindness among slave owners who considered themselves good people
• The FDR Writers Project interviews with ex-slaves from the 1930s

Writing Approach

• Deliberately avoiding author judgment to create moral complexity
• Using "silence" as a literary device, especially for enslaved characters
• Crossing white and Black narratives to tell a complete story
• The most difficult scene to write: sexual abuse

Contemporary Relevance

• Why white people need to see themselves in slave owner characters
• The importance of owning history without guilt or defensiveness
• How forgiveness and love are essential to healing
• The loss of community in modern America
• Parallels to current social justice movements

Personal Reflections

• Growing up in integrated military schools in Europe
• The bubble of racial harmony vs. American reality
• Transition from children's book author to adult historical fiction
• Redefining success from financial to relational and spiritual

"I would never have owned a slave" - white people do an injustice when they say this because they were ordinary people, and horrific things are happening even today by people because society says it's okay."

"I have never, to my knowledge, done any wrong to any human being in my life" - Governor James Henry Hammond, despite a diary full of documented abuses

"The lesson that we bring from the past is a lesson of forgiveness... this world will not get healed without being kind and loving one another."

• Title: Fox Creek
• Author: M.E. Torrey
• Awards: Multiple awards, starred review from Publishers Weekly
• Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or support local bookstores at Bookshop.org
• Website: METorrey.com (T-O-R-R-E-Y)

• "Secret and Sacred" - Diaries of James Henry Hammond
• Bennett Barrow's plantation journal
• FDR Writers Project slave narratives
• St. Francisville, Louisiana (fictionalized as St. Marysville in the book)

• Purchase "Fox Creek" and engage with this important historical narrative
• Request the book at your local library using the ISBN
• Have honest conversations about race and history in your community
• Follow M.E. Torrey at METorrey.com

Episode SummaryKey Topics DiscussedPowerful QuotesBook InformationResources MentionedCall to ActionEpisode ThemesHistoricalFiction #Slavery #CivilRights #RaceRelations #AmericanHistory #SocialJustice #Forgiveness #Community #AuthorInterview #BookDiscussion

Clarence Edward "Big House" Gaines Sr. (May 21, 1923 – April 18, 2005) was an American college men's basketball coach with a 47-year coaching career at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Among his numerous honors for his achievements, he is one of the few African Americans to be inducted as a coach into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Before graduating and becoming a coach, he had an outstanding collegiate career as a football player for Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lee Woodman is a profoundly artistic individual whose global upbringing in countries like France and India has imbued her with a unique voice enriched by diverse cultural dynamics. She perceives artistic expression, particularly poetry, as an amalgam of all arts, where language, observation, and listening converge in a powerful and unique form. Woodman's rational skepticism and exploration of the unexplainable infuse her work with depth, as she navigates the emotional landscapes of color, mood, and healing in her poetry. Through her mentorship and passion for accessible artistic expression, she fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates and connects individuals across cultures and senses.

(00:00:49) Lee Woodman's Inspiring Journey Through Mentorship

(00:11:08) Color and Poetry: Evoking Emotional Artistry

(00:16:33) Woodman's Multidisciplinary Approach to Poetry

(00:24:57) "Exploring Color Psychology's Impact Through 'Colorscapes'"

(00:32:49) Sensory Exploration and Cultural Connection through Art

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 show
• Upcoming Events: JR and Stacey will be at Lexington Comic Con (March 26-29) with a crossover episode
• Behind the Scenes: JR reveals he ghost writes podcast episodes and series for other creators
• Gaming 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 2006
• The Y Series: Promises to bring back this neglected series soon
• Guest Etiquette: Important message about respecting recording times and treating podcast appearances professionally

Key Takeaways:

• Recording schedule: 6:00 PM sharp - no-shows after 6:05 PM are future endeavored
• JR schedules multiple guests per day knowing some will fall through
• New recording setup: DGI microphones for in-person interviews on the road
• College football NIL money has changed the game completely

Shout Outs:

• Vanessa at Tri-State Time Machine
• King Germ Rode, Common Mystics
• Katie Brinkley (for podcast guest management insights)
• Alex Sanfilippo and the Pod Fest team
• Corp projectors and Sound Core (RIP Nebula)

Connect:

• Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr: @WVUncommonPlace
• Merch: woncommonplace.square.site
• Guest Form: [Available on website]

Kendra Erika, an innovative artist known for her unique fusion of jazz, dance, and EDM, is set to release her album "License to Thrill" on February 13th, reimagining iconic Bond songs with her distinctive sound. Overcoming personal obstacles, such as being born tone deaf, and growing musically under the guidance of a German operatic coach, Kendra infuses her work with resilience and a touch of the James Bond elegance. Her perspective on the album's release is centered around honoring divine vision and unfolding a journey through the decades of Bond, with carefully chosen tracks that promise further volumes. The album's debut showcase in Las Vegas on February 15th marks a pivotal moment in her career, as she channels the grace of artists like Kylie Minogue and Katie Lang, while fans are encouraged to support her work for a tangible connection with her evocative music.

00:09:39) License to Thrill: Reimagining Bond Songs

(00:11:13) Decades of Bond-Inspired Musical Journey Release

(00:13:58) Bond-Themed Album Showcase with Kendra Erika

(00:20:29) "Surrender": A Hidden Gem by Katie Lang

(00:26:34) Classy and Timeless Style Emulation

(00:33:22) Supporting Artists Thr

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.

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.

Jack McMahon is an insightful author acclaimed for his book "Atrophy and Asymptotes," which intertwines philosophical ideas with personal narratives to explore themes of decline and limits. Drawing from his experiences, especially the loss of his brother and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, McMahon uses the book as a means to confront his fears and strained family relationships, particularly with his daughter. Motivated by a desire to create a lasting legacy, he delves into topics such as the decay of American values, the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of emotional responsibility in maintaining open communication and empathy. Through his narrative, McMahon also addresses societal issues like censorship, government overreach, and the strategic design of public spaces, using his platform to advocate for personal accountability and the preservation of fundamental freedoms.