Conversations Ignite

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we dive into the wild and deeply inspiring life of Michael Jai Grant—author, filmmaker, photographer, and longtime Sundance volunteer. Michael shares stories that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious, from navigating a 30-year love story that required three weddings, to a spiritual awakening in India where a dead guru delivered ten life-changing truths.

We also explore his debut novel, ...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we’re joined by fantasy author J.M. Shaw, creator of the Callum Walker series, including her latest installment The Fractured Veil. J.M. shares the personal inspirations and creative process behind her richly imagined world—where myth and magic collide with emotional depth, identity, and personal growth.

We explore how her characters navigate complex themes like friendship, trust, and sel...

Join Conversations Ignite for a powerful episode featuring retired fire captain and award-winning author Cindie Schooner-Ball, as she shares her incredible journey through 28 years in the fire service.

In her memoir, Sister in a Brotherhood, Cindie details what it took to rise through the ranks of a major South Florida fire department as one of the few women in the field. From high-stakes emergency calls to the camaraderie of th...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, I sit down with Tricia Copeland, a multiple award-winning and critically acclaimed author whose work spans fantasy, dystopian, and young adult fiction. Tricia is the creative force behind the Kingdom Journals series, To Be A Fae Queen, and Azreya, Aztec Priestess—a collection of novels that transport readers into magical, high-stakes worlds filled with richly drawn characters and powerful th...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we welcome Doug Lawrence, an experienced mentor, international bestselling author, and founder of TalentC – People Services Inc. With over 35 years of mentoring and leadership experience, Doug dives into the powerful role mentorship plays in personal growth, mental health, and professional development.

Doug shares his journey from coaching university students to co-founding the International ...

Season 1 Episode 29In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Jonni Jordyn, a multi-talented author whose journey spans from music and poetry to scriptwriting and novel writing. Jonni is the mastermind behind The Mother of All Viruses, a gripping cyber-thriller packed with high-stakes action, government conspiracies, and a hacker at the heart of it all.

We dive into Jonni’s creative process, the real-world inspira...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, acclaimed author and educator Don Sawyer takes us on a fascinating journey through his life and writing. With experiences spanning West Africa, Jamaica, Hungary, and beyond, Don shares how different cultures and human connections have shaped his storytelling.

We dive deep into his latest novel, The Burning Gem, a gripping mix of urban fiction and fantasy that explores empowerment, rebelli...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Angela Calzone, President and CEO of Inroads to Opportunities, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual, developmental, and mental health disabilities to reach their full potential—especially in the workplace.

Angela shares how her personal journey, inspired by her daughter with special needs, led her to transition from the for-profit sector to no...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, I sit down with Sabrina Osso, founder and CEO of Osso Safe, to discuss how she's transforming home safety through education and technology. Drawing from her personal experience growing up in a household affected by domestic violence, Sabrina has built a groundbreaking certification program that helps property owners create safer living environments.

We explore the powerful tools Osso ...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Kim Keane, a certified life coach, Reiki master, and holistic healer. Kim shares her journey of leaving a teaching career due to burnout and discovering the power of holistic healing to overcome trauma and limiting beliefs. She discusses the importance of self-care, resilience, and breaking free from external validation. Kim also explains how life coaching differs from tradi...

In this inspiring episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Ethan Poetic, a self-published author, mental health advocate, and survivor of a near-fatal car accident. With only a 1% chance of survival, Ethan defied the odds and transformed his experience into a powerful message of resilience and perseverance.

Ethan shares how his journey led him to earn two college degrees, become a role model for young athletes and local...

James Gebhardt, Founder and CEO of MyArkit, joins Conversations Ignite to discuss the future of digital memory preservation. With the rise of "digital dementia" and lost memories due to shifting technologies, MyArkit provides a secure and lasting solution for safeguarding personal histories. James shares heartfelt stories, the platform’s innovative features, and upcoming expansions. Discover why preserving your digital le...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we sit down with Tarra Stubbins, a dynamic entrepreneur and Lifestyle Manager who transitioned from the world of rock and roll to building two multi-million-dollar businesses. Tarra opens up about her unconventional path—from leaving high school to managing high-profile clients like Mick Jagger and Richard Branson.

She shares insights on the power of delegation, the myth of multitasking...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, who shares his remarkable journey from Philadelphia to Costa Rica at the age of 27. Richard talks about how his bilingual skills opened doors across Latin America and how he built his company from the ground up, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

We dive into his leadership philosophy, which focuses on empathy, motivation, and ...

In this insightful episode of Conversations Ignite, Josef Stetter—known as the "Resume Whisperer"—shares his unconventional career journey and passion for helping others achieve their dream jobs. With a track record of guiding over 12,000 people to success, Josef offers five essential tips for writing a better resume, strategies for confident job interviews, and the importance of personal branding. He also explores corpor...

In this inspiring episode of Conversations Ignite, Jessica Zemple shares her transformative journey from corporate life to becoming a life coach and advocate for mental health. Jessica reflects on overcoming personal challenges, including her father’s schizophrenia and a traumatic brain injury, to embrace her calling as a "life shucker." We delve into her philosophy of uncovering the pearl within, her groundbreaking documentary Cra...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we dive into the fascinating journey of John Bukowski, an accomplished author and former veterinarian who transitioned to a successful career as a fiction writer. John shares how his diverse experiences in veterinary science, epidemiology, and public health have enriched his storytelling. As the author of fast-paced thrillers like Project Suicide and Checkout Time, which was a 2024 finalist ...

In this episode of Conversations Ignite, I sit down with the inspiring Anne Montgomery—a former Emmy-winning ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Phoenix Suns studio host, author, teacher, and amateur sports official. Anne shares her remarkable career journey, from breaking barriers in sports broadcasting to discovering new passions after being told she was no longer “camera-worthy.”

We discuss her transition from TV to writing, the stories ...

Ever wondered what it’s like to get paid for cuddling strangers, sniffing armpits, or delivering pizzas underwater? In this episode of Conversations Ignite, we’re diving into the top 10 strangest jobs you can actually get paid for! From snake milkers to professional mourners, these careers are as quirky as they are fascinating. Tune in for surprising details, jaw-dropping anecdotes, and maybe even some inspiration to rethink what a...