Wv Uncommon Place

Dr. Shila Patel, a retired psychiatrist, has made significant contributions to the field of mental health empowerment through her writing and multimedia engagement. Her work, available on her website, www.drshilapatel.com, includes three influential books, podcasts, and videos that aim to help individuals take control of their mental well-being. Dr. Patel's perspective on mental health empowerment emphasizes understanding the complex interplay of societal, relational, and familial dynamics, especially in the context of pre- and post-COVID situations. She advocates for the acceptance of differing viewpoints, addressing anger and fractured relationships, and recognizes the role of open communication in families and the broader community to foster a more empathetic and harmonious society.(00:00:48) Unveiling Mental Health through Personal Narratives(00:09:10) Decline of Genuine Human Connections due to Social Media(00:12:09) Mental Health Discourse Revolutionized by Internet(00:16:09) Digital Overload: Disco

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of WV Uncommonplace, we sit down with Jennifer Chase, certified life coach and founder of Rise Addiction Life Coaching. Jennifer shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and transformation as both a woman in long-term recovery and a mother navigating the painful realities of her son’s addiction.From living through addiction herself, to the heartbreaking realization that she was unknowingly supplying drugs to her son, Jennifer has experienced the cycle of addiction from every angle—daughter of an alcoholic, person in recovery, and parent. Today, she channels those hard-won lessons into coaching individuals and families through their own recovery journeys.We discuss:Jennifer’s personal journey through addiction and recoveryThe impact of generational cycles of substance use within familiesHow she turned her pain into purpose by founding Rise Addiction Life CoachingWhy family healing is just as important as individual recoveryTools, strategies, and hope for

Massimo Rigotti is a passionate advocate for addiction recovery, with a focus on assisting high-performing professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers in achieving lasting sobriety. Drawing from his own experiences as a former business owner who struggled with limited support, he emphasizes the need for personalized recovery methods, believing that traditional approaches may not suit everyone's journey. Inspired by a personal loss and the memory of his late partner Samantha, Rigotti is driven to help others find their unique "flavor of confidence," ensuring they receive ongoing support even after formal rehabilitation. His innovative Sober Method not only addresses substance addiction but also acknowledges the growing challenges of device dependency, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with technology.(00:02:45) The Sober Method: Personalized Paths to Recovery(00:05:40) Personalized Paths to Lifelong Sobriety(00:15:52) Tailored Recovery Approach: The Silver Method(00:21:

Kristina Wright, a multifaceted podcaster from Concord, channels her diverse interests into her engaging variety podcast, where she delves into crucial topics such as mental health, empowerment, and intimate theories. Her journey into podcasting was profoundly influenced by her personal growth and healing from childhood trauma, motivating her to share her story and create a supportive platform for open conversations. Through her podcast, "Behind the Lens," Kristina aspires to foster a sense of connection and empathy, allowing guests to share their experiences and insights with a wider audience. Her close friendship with Amanda Hall has not only enriched her personal life but also sparked the exciting possibility of a future live podcast collaboration, further expanding her mission to inspire and connect.(00:11:45) Healing Journey Through Resilience and Faith(00:14:15) Exploring Self-Discovery Through Supportive Relationships(00:19:47) Power of Resilience in Overcoming Trauma(00:22:04) Navigating Lif

Amy Lewis, a devoted mother of four, embarked on a transformative journey to improve her health and quality of life through bariatric surgery. After years of struggling with weight loss via traditional methods, she decided to pursue this path upon the advice of friends who had positive outcomes, dedicating six months to rigorous preparation. Amy's perspective on her experience is both detailed and complex; she emphasizes that the surgery is not an easy way out and underscores the importance of mental preparation and the ongoing commitment to a strict diet. Her journey highlights the mental resilience needed to embrace a new identity post-surgery, with her children playing a significant role in supporting her decision and serving as a primary motivation for her commitment to a healthier life.

Episode Summary:In this captivating episode of WV Uncommonplace, we’re joined by Autumn Karen, a professional ghostwriter, screenwriter, and writing professor whose work brings uncommon and untold stories to life. Autumn’s journey is filled with extraordinary experiences that challenge societal norms, inspire deep conversations, and empower through storytelling.Autumn shares her insights on how storytelling shapes culture, fosters empathy, and sparks transformation. From feminist erotica set in Appalachia to award-winning sci-fi screenplays addressing disability and women’s autonomy, her work redefines the narrative landscape.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The inspiration behind Amy: Book One, a feminist novel set in Charleston, WV, exploring women’s agency and sexuality in Appalachia.How ghostwriting fosters empathy and offers unique perspectives on mental health, identity, and connection.A behind-the-scenes look at Autumn’s award-winning sci-fi screenplay, Infinity Care, and its cultural impact on conver

Host: JRGuest: Beth Dudzik, Accomplished AuthorSummary:In this episode of West Virginia UnCommonplace, JR sits down with Beth Dudzik, an accomplished author hailing from Westchester County, New York. Beth shares her vibrant journey growing up in the dynamic music scene of the 1970s and 80s, her evolution from a passionate music enthusiast to a self-published author, and the inspiration behind her captivating book series, the Perfection Saga. Dive into Beth's fascinating world where rock and roll meets romance, and learn about her unique approach to storytelling that has been years in the making.Key Points:Beth's Early Life:Journey to Writing:The Perfection Saga:Beth's Unique Writing Process:Future Plans:Quotes:"The universe was giving me signals for three years, telling me to write the book.""My characters' story came in color, and it flowed through me like a water faucet."Where to Find Beth Dudzik:Website: Perfection SagaAmazon: Playing Hard: Perfection SagaSocial Media:Closing Message:Beth Dudzik's mission

Episode Summary:In this episode of WV Uncommonplace, J.R. sits down with Jennifer Longworth, founder of Bourbon Barrel Podcasting, editor, podcaster, and now author. Jennifer shares her journey from podcast producer to published writer, opening up about the inspiration behind her book and what it means to finally put her story on paper.We also dive into her appearance at Podcast Movement, where she connected with creators from around the world, shared her insights on podcast editing and storytelling, and highlighted why community-driven events are vital for the future of podcasting.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Jennifer’s path from audio editor to author.Behind-the-scenes of her new book and what inspired her to write it.Key lessons she took away from Podcast Movement.The importance of clarity and authenticity in both writing and podcasting.How she balances entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal storytelling.About Jennifer Longworth:Jennifer Longworth is the founder of Bourbon Barrel Podcasting, where

n this episode, we welcome J.M. Shaw, author of the thrilling Callum Walker fantasy series. Shaw takes us deep into her imaginative world where magic, necromancy, and prophecy collide in an epic battle that tests the limits of courage, friendship, and destiny.From The Ascension to Forsaken Souls, Shaw’s novels weave together adventure, supernatural battles, and powerful human themes—exploring mental health, resilience, and the bonds that hold us together in times of chaos. Drawing from her own experiences as a writer, martial artist, and advocate for autism and ADHD representation, Shaw offers a unique perspective on both the creative process and the deeper truths her characters embody.The inspiration behind the Callum Walker seriesHow J.M. Shaw balances epic fantasy with real-world themes like PTSD, anxiety, and isolationInsights into her creative process and how her background in psychology and martial arts shapes her storytellingWhy representation of neurodiversity matters in literature and how she incorpo

In this exciting episode of The Uncommon Place, hosts Stacey and J.R. Sparrow sit down with Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey, the dynamic duo behind the Enigma Series of techno-thrillers. What began as a career in technical writing has now evolved into an action-packed literary journey filled with cyber threats, high-stakes drama, and, yes, a touch of humor.The conversation dives into how two tech professionals transitioned from creating manuals and reports to crafting page-turning thrillers. They share their creative process, the balance of writing as a team, and how they inject humor into the intense world of tech thrillers. Plus, they talk about real-world technology like AI and cryptocurrency—and how fiction can sometimes predict the future.Whether you're a budding writer or simply a fan of gripping, tech-driven narratives, this episode offers unique insights into the intersection of technology and storytelling.Key Topics:​The transition from tech writing to fiction: How they shifted from technical repor

"Fantasy isn't just fiction—it’s transformation." In this deeply layered episode, J.R. steps inside the world of award-winning author Tricia Copeland, whose creative journey began with personal healing and grew into an epic fantasy universe. From her first YA series about battling anorexia to the magical depths of The Realm Chronicles, Tricia shares how writing became both refuge and revolution.

In this moving and insightful episode, J.R. sits down with author Tong Ge as part of the Author’s Circle series to explore her debut novel The House Fiddler. Born and raised in China, Tong shares the incredible true story that inspired her book—based on her grandmother’s harrowing and courageous life spanning war, political upheaval, and bound-foot oppression in early 20th-century China.

In this episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, host JR Sparrow sits down with the legendary Annie Korzen—an 86-year-old TikTok sensation, actress, writer, and storyteller. Best known for her role as Doris Klompus on Seinfeld, Annie has seamlessly transitioned into the digital age, captivating millions with her wit and wisdom.

Episode Summary:In this episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, host JR Sparrow sits down with Helene Gidley, the mastermind behind The Art of Agile Living and founder of A2Agile Inc. With 40 years of experience in project management and coaching, Helene shares how she transformed IT industry methodologies into a powerful system for personal productivity and success.Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or just looking for better ways to manage your daily tasks, Helene’s insights on Agile techniques will change the way you approach organization and efficiency.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Agile project management techniques can help organize your life✅ The Art of Agile Living and how it simplifies personal and professional tasks✅ Practical strategies for tackling overwhelming to-do lists✅ The connection between focus, order, and motivation✅ How to implement Agile principles into your daily routineConnect with Helene Gidley:

In this eye-opening episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, JR Sparrow sits down with Vic Lagina, the author of the brutally honest memoir Filthy! The Rise and (Pending) Death of Vic Lagina. Vic takes us on a raw, unfiltered journey through his 20-year career in the adult entertainment industry, where he worked for the world’s largest company (Mansef/Manwin/Mindgeek).Vic opens up about why he left the industry, his decision to write his memoir, and the process of reflecting on his unconventional life. He shares the highs, lows, and the surprising irony that his memoir has been nominated for the 2025 AVN Mainstream Endeavor of the Year award.Listen as Vic discusses the importance of being real, unfiltered, and unapologetically himself, both in his writing and his life. Whether you’re familiar with his past or hearing his story for the first time, this episode offers a unique perspective on redemption, truth-telling, and navigating one’s own narrative.Key Discussion Points:​Vic's 20 years in the ad

Episode Description:In this empowering episode of WV Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions, JR Sparrow is joined by Betsy Pepine, a best-selling author and serial entrepreneur in the real estate industry. Betsy is the powerhouse behind Pepine Realty, a brokerage that has been featured on Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and consistently recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a top-producing real estate team.Betsy opens up about her journey to success, discussing her best-selling book Breaking Boxes: Dismantling the Metaphorical Boxes that Bind Us, where she shares insights on breaking through the limitations we impose on ourselves. She also talks about the importance of mentorship, her mission to help families in need through Pepine Gives, and how she’s built a thriving business empire with a heart for giving back.In addition to her real estate ventures, Betsy is passionate about supporting at-risk families, which led her to create Pepine Gives, a non-profit organization

Gina Economopoulos's life journey is a remarkable tale of transformation, redemption, and faith, shaped by a myriad of experiences that have guided her to her current purpose. From her early days working as a bartender and living as a nun, Gina has evolved into a sober woman of faith and an end-of-life doula, roles that bring her profound peace and fulfillment. Inspired by her mother's passing 33 years ago, she views her past struggles as essential steps on her path to embracing her calling with grace and dignity, as vividly captured in her memoir, "Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk." Today, Gina not only shares her inspiring story on social media but also finds joy in personal connections, particularly with her boyfriend Brian, whose companionship underscores the significance of love and support in her life.- Reflect on personal experiences to find purpose and faith- Navigate relationships and identity outside of familiar communities- Support loved ones through struggles with addiction-