Find Your Spark

Chad hits pause this week, and he's inviting you to do the same. In a lighthearted reflection on summer, he speaks directly to the students and educators SPARK serves and reminds us all that rest isn't something you earn, it's something you need. Summer is the perfect time to recharge, and this episode is your permission slip to do exactly that.

In this episode, Chad sits down with SPARK's newest team member, Shawn Adkins, for a fun and candid conversation about all things Shawn. With a background in case management and a lifelong heart for working with youth, it's no surprise that SPARK felt like home from day one. Shawn shares what brought him to SPARK, what his role looks like, and the impact he's already witnessed from the curriculum — even in his short time here. The two also get into life beyond the office, balancing work and home, and yes…the role Red Bulls play in it all.

In our final episode of the series, Brooke and Chad sit down with the woman whose words started it all: Mavis Karn. You may not have known her name, but chances are you've felt the truth in her words: "My state of mind is the most important thing to me." That simple statement became the heartbeat of this entire series. And now, Mavis is here to tell us what she really meant. She starts with a story almost every woman has lived: the quiet, relentless habit of making sure everyone else is okay before even thinking about yourself. It's woven into how many of us were raised, how we love, how we show up. Then, Mavis takes us somewhere unexpected: an airplane. We've all heard it. "Adjust your own oxygen mask before assisting your child." Mavis heard it too, and as a mother, her first instinct was the same as yours probably would be; however, then came the line that stopped her cold: "If you're unconscious, you cannot help your child." It sounds simple. It is simple. And yet it changes everything. Because what's true at 30,000 feet is true everywhere. If your state of mind is depleted, if *you* are running on empty, if your own wellbeing keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list, how can you truly show up for the people who need you most? This is the conversation we've been building toward this series. Don't miss it.

What if the key to showing up as your best self wasn't a practice you had to perfect, but simply an awareness you could come back to, moment to moment? In this episode of the State of Mind series, Chad sits down with Jena Travise for a conversation that is as honest as it is eye-opening. Jena shares her understanding that state of mind isn't fixed. It's fluid, shifting from one moment to the next. And the real power lies not in always being in a great state of mind, but in noticing when you're not. Jena opens up about a recent trip with her son, recalling a moment where she caught herself slipping, responding in ways that didn't feel like her, acting out of character in ways that, on reflection, she could only explain as a shift in her state of mind. That moment of recognition changed everything. Awareness is the turning point. When you can see that your state of mind has shifted, you have the ability to adjust, to pause, reset, and show up differently. This episode is a reminder that taking care of your state of mind isn't a one-time decision. It's a moment to moment choice to pay attention, and the simple but profound power that comes with that.

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.

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.

With Chad back as host to kick off the new year, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Meghan Waldron — a mother, partner, educator, and passionate advocate for education in its truest form. Deeply committed to K–12 learning environments, Dr. Waldron believes education extends far beyond academics and plays a vital role in cultivating resilience, confidence, and lifelong growth. In this episode, Chad dives into Dr. Waldron’s background, educational journey, and the experiences that have shaped her passion for education. Dr. Waldron shares her personal experience navigating life with MS and how the strength of her community helped her recognize and lean into her own innate resilience. She also speaks openly about the importance of mental health and creating space for honest, supportive conversations in schools and communities. This conversation sets a meaningful tone for the year ahead, grounded in learning, connection, and the power of resilient minds.

In this special episode, Brooke is joined by former co-host, and decade-long team member, Ashley Hunt to celebrate her 10 incredible years at SPARK. Together, they look back on Ashley’s journey, from her very first days on the team to the countless moments that have shaped her both professionally and personally. Ashley opens up about how working at SPARK far exceeded anything she expected when she started. What she thought would be “just a job” that involved working with kids became a transformative experience—one that changed the way she sees herself, others, and the world. With honesty, humor, and her signature spark, Ashley reflects on the personal growth, meaningful relationships, and unforgettable impact she’s discovered along the way. Tune in for stories, laughs, and heartfelt reflections as we honor a decade of Ashley’s light, leadership, and legacy at SPARK!