I Spark Change Podcast

Hosted by Rick Ornelas

Business Entrepreneurship Society Culture EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

187

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Are you ready to join us in creating a better world? Awesome! Because you’re in the right place. The I Spark Change Podcast is about those who spread positive change across the globe. They are doing acts or work that have a positive impact on humanity. The guests on our show are what we call Social Impact Heroes. These are everyday people like you and me. They make a difference, whether through their actions or their impact on others. Their impact may be big or small. In all instances, it's a beacon of light for everyone they encounter. Each week we feature inspiring stories and messages of struggle, courage, and hope to help spread positive change and create a better world for all of us.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 18726 min

Ep#187: Create Lasting Community Impact w/ Tarik Kitson

In this episode, Rick interviews Tarik Kitson, healthcare leader and co-founder of Active Plus , a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of young people through fitness, mentorship, mindfulness, nutrition, and leadership. His work connects healthcare and community service to create healthier opportunities for children and families. Tarik shares how his passion for community health began during his college years, when he went door to door in Rochester, New York, helping residents without health insurance connect with healthcare resources. That early experience inspired him to pursue public health and eventually co-found Active Plus after volunteering at a school in East Harlem. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ How a college health survey in an underserved community sparked Tariq’s lifelong commitment to public health and service. ⭐️ Why Active Plus combines fitness, mental health, nutrition, mindfulness, and leadership to support the whole child. ⭐️ How a small volunteer program in an East Harlem school grew into a nonprofit serving communities across multiple states. ⭐️ How yoga, mindfulness, and restorative justice are being used to help young people navigate violence and difficult situations. ⭐️ Why creating positive change doesn't require a large donation and how simply supporting local organizations can make a meaningful difference. & more... More information about Tarik Kitson: Website: https://www.activeplus-nyc.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActivePlusNYC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarik-kitson-mph Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

September 28, 202638 min

Ep#186: How to Give With Purpose w/ Rick Peck

In this episode, Rick interviews Rick Peck, also known as The Philanthropy Guy , a philanthropy educator, financial professional, and advocate for purposeful giving. Through his work with donors, nonprofits, and professional advisors, he helps people understand how generosity can align with their values, create meaningful impact, and build a lasting legacy. Rick shares the experiences that shaped his approach to philanthropy, beginning with a supportive upbringing that encouraged him to take risks while also teaching him to think carefully about his decisions. After becoming a financial advisor, he discovered the lasting impact that thoughtful financial guidance could have on families, eventually leading him into the world of charitable giving. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ Why taking imperfect action can create opportunities that would never exist through analysis alone. ⭐️ How financial education and philanthropic literacy can help people make more intentional decisions about their money and legacy. ⭐️ Why we should focus on leaving people and communities better than we found them. ⭐️ How a single conversation, introduction, or act of kindness can create a ripple effect years later. ⭐️ Why listening to others with genuine curiosity may be one of the simplest ways to create positive change in the world. & more... More information about Rick Peck: Website: https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peck/ Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

September 14, 202633 min

Ep#185: Connecting With God w/ Sunny Wessel

In this episode, Rick interviews Sunny Wessel, author, Bible study teacher, and faith-filled leader dedicated to helping people develop a deeper, more personal relationship with the Lord. Through her writing, teaching, and ministry, Sunny encourages others to connect with God, grow in their faith, and recognize His presence in their everyday lives. Sunny shares the story of how her relationship with God began at just five years old after witnessing the dramatic transformation of her parents' lives. That early experience became the foundation for a lifelong journey of faith, teaching, writing, and service. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ How a life-changing experience at age five shaped Sunny's lifelong relationship with God. ⭐️ Why developing intimacy with God requires authenticity, communication, and consistent connection. ⭐️ How decades of journaling and spiritual reflection eventually became the God's Special Invitation book series. ⭐️ Why recognizing and confronting pride can open the door to deeper faith and spiritual growth. ⭐️ How believing that God hears our prayers can inspire people to take a more active role in their communities and the world. & more... More information about Sunny Wessel: Website: https://sunnysbook.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnywesselofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnywessel.author/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-wessel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunnywessel Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

August 31, 2026Episode 18430 min

Ep#184: How EFT Can Help You Break the Cycle w/ Carol Look

In this episode, Rick interviews Carol Look, a pioneering practitioner, bestselling author, international speaker, and expert in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping. Through her work, Carol helps people identify and overcome the emotional conflicts, limiting beliefs, and fears that can keep them from achieving the success, confidence, and abundance they desire. Carol shares how her own struggles with anxiety, insomnia, self-sabotage, and professional limitations led her to become her own case study and ultimately discover EFT tapping. After incorporating the technique into her work as a psychotherapist and hypnotist, she experienced dramatic changes in her own life and began seeing similar breakthroughs with her clients. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ How EFT tapping can help address limiting beliefs, fears, and emotional conflicts that influence behavior. ⭐️ Why people can unconsciously resist greater success even when they genuinely want to achieve it. ⭐️ How identifying the hidden “yes, but” behind a goal can reveal the fears keeping you stuck. ⭐️ Why sustainable transformation requires consistent systems and practices rather than goals alone. ⭐️ How becoming less reactive can create a ripple effect of greater peace and generosity in your relationships and community. & more... More information about Carol Look: Website: https://www.carollook.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-look-6066692/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolLookEFT Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

August 17, 2026Episode 18338 min

Ep#183: Building a Business That Thrives Without You w/ John Moncrieff

In this episode, Rick interviews John Moncrieff, Head of Community and Purpose at the Small Giants Community, an international community dedicated to helping purpose-driven business leaders build companies that prioritize people, values, and long-term impact. Originally from South Africa and now based in Switzerland, John draws from decades of entrepreneurial experience to help founders create businesses that thrive without requiring their constant involvement. John shares how his early experiences of freedom and inequality shaped the values that continue to guide his work today. He reflects on building and scaling a successful business in South Africa, the challenges he faced when preparing to sell it, and the realization that being at the center of every decision had ultimately limited the company's value and his own freedom. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ Why giving up control and building a strong leadership team is essential for creating entrepreneurial freedom. ⭐️ How John’s early experiences with freedom and inequality shaped his values and purpose as a leader. ⭐️ Why self-awareness and recognizing what you don't know can be a turning point in an entrepreneur’s journey. ⭐️ How empowering employees to make decisions can create healthier businesses and stronger teams. ⭐️ Why purpose-driven businesses have the power to create meaningful change and greater freedom in the world. & more... More information about John Moncrieff: Website: https://smallgiants.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.moncrieff/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanmoncrieff/ Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

August 3, 2026Episode 18231 min

Ep#182: Building Purpose Through Creativity w/ Diane Strand

In this episode, Rick interviews Diane Strand, co-founder of JDS Creative Academy , award-winning nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, producer, speaker, and creative strategist. Diane is dedicated to helping youth, adults, and individuals with diverse abilities discover their talents and build meaningful careers through the transformative power of the arts. Drawing from her own journey as a young girl with dyslexia, Diane shares how creativity became the foundation for her confidence, communication, and lifelong mission to empower others. She reflects on her career in television production, her transition into producing meaningful healthcare content, and the pivotal moments that led her to entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ How creativity can become a powerful tool for personal growth, leadership, and career development. ⭐️ Why combining passion, purpose, and business strategy leads to meaningful and sustainable success. ⭐️ How saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities can create life-changing ripple effects. ⭐️ Practical ways to overcome fear and use community, mentorship, and storytelling to grow. ⭐️ Why helping just one person can spark lasting impact across countless lives. & more... More information about Diane: Website: https://dianestrand.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/DianeStrand.JDS/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianestrand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrand/ Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

March 11, 2026Episode 18132 min

Ep#181: Building Adaptability, Presence, and Stronger Teams w/ Beth Sanchez

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Beth Sanchez , founder and CEO of Impactful Improv , a company that helps professionals and teams strengthen communication, collaboration, and adaptive thinking through improv-inspired learning. Beth shares how her background in business and leadership led her to discover improv as a powerful tool for skill-building while earning her MBA at Duke University. She explains how improv helps people become better listeners, think on their feet, embrace uncertainty, and build authentic human connection—especially in today’s fast-paced, virtual work environments. Through stories from her journey and client work, Beth highlights why presence, play, and curiosity are essential for effective leadership and meaningful teamwork. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ Improv builds essential business skills like listening, adaptability, and collaboration. ⭐️ Presence and human connection drive stronger communication in teams. ⭐️ Learning through play helps ideas stick and strengthens engagement. ⭐️ Great leaders create trust by embracing uncertainty and curiosity. ⭐️ Small moments of connection can create powerful ripple effects. & more... More information about Elizabeth: Website: www.impactfulimprov.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-beth-sanchez/ Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

February 25, 2026Episode 18035 min

Ep#180: Global Education and Human Connection w/ Scott Marshall

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Scott Marshall , President & CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education and host of the As Unexpected Podcast . Scott reflects on how a formative study abroad experience in Japan sparked his lifelong commitment to global education and cross-cultural understanding. He shares his journey from academia to leading Semester at Sea , the world’s leading comparative study abroad program, and explains how immersive travel builds empathy, challenges assumptions, and deepens human connection. Together, they explore leadership, purpose, and why experiencing the world firsthand is more important than ever in an increasingly divided and digital age. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ Global education builds empathy by exposing students to diverse cultures and perspectives. ⭐️ Experiential learning creates deeper understanding than classroom study alone. ⭐️ Human connection across borders reduces fear, bias, and misinformation. ⭐️ Purpose-driven leadership starts with curiosity, humility, and service. ⭐️ Travel and cultural immersion help shape more informed, compassionate global citizens. & more... More information about Scott: Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-marshall-b250305/ Semester at Sea YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9BX34qeu4MTcQnAkeJokYg Semester at Sea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/semester-at-sea-ise/ Semester at Sea Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semesteratsea/?hl=en As Unexpected Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@asunexpectedpodcast Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

February 11, 202634 min

Ep#179: Ending Child Trafficking w/ Erin Williamson

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Erin Williamson , Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146 , an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking and exploitation. Erin shares her powerful journey from working with unhoused children in Kenya to leading national prevention and survivor care programs across the United States. She explains how trauma-informed, relationship-based care can help young survivors heal, reclaim their identity, and build a future beyond exploitation. Erin also discusses the realities of child trafficking in the U.S., the importance of prevention education for families and communities, and why hope, connection, and trust are essential to systems-level change. This conversation offers a deeply human look at leadership, resilience, and how everyday actions can create a ripple effect that protects and empowers vulnerable youth. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ Child trafficking prevention starts with education, awareness, and trusted relationships. ⭐️ Trauma-informed care helps survivors heal without being defined by their past. ⭐️ Community support and connection are critical to protecting vulnerable youth. ⭐️ Parents play a key role in online safety and early prevention conversations. ⭐️ Real systems change happens when compassion and evidence-based practice work together. & more... Know more about Erin: Website https://love146.org/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williamson-5b88b58b Twitter (X) https://x.com/Love146 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/love146 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/love146.org/ Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show

January 28, 202628 min

Ep#178: Building Fearless Leaders w/ Brendan P. Keegan

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Brendan P. Keegan , visionary CEO, board leader, bestselling author, and founder of bFEARLESS Ventures , an investment and advisory firm built on courage, clarity, and bold action. He shares how leadership first took root in his life at a young age, shaped by mentorship, service, and the belief that leadership is a gift you must choose to accept. Brendan reflects on leading six companies through successful exits, raising over $10 billion in capital, and why his true mission today is building one million fearless leaders. This powerful conversation explores mentorship, curiosity, service, and the responsibility leaders have to lift others as they climb. Brendan reveals why true impact is not measured by titles or numbers, but by the people you empower and the legacy you leave behind. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following: ⭐️ Leadership begins with courage, service, and the decision to lift others along the way. ⭐️ Mentorship is essential for personal growth, career success, and long-term fulfillment. ⭐️ Purpose-driven leadership creates lasting impact beyond business results. ⭐️ Curiosity and connection are foundational skills for effective leaders. ⭐️ True success is measured by the leaders you help build, not just the companies you grow. & more... Know more about Julie: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bpkfearless/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanpkeegan/ Website https://brendanpkeegan.com/ Grab your gift and Join our group of thousands from all across the globe who want to spread positive change. 25 TRANSFORMATIONAL TIPS TO A BETTER YOU ➡️ https://www.isparkchange.com/join Become a Patron today here 👉 https://www.patreon.com/isparkchange Rick will bring you relevant and practical episodes each week, empowering you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Each week, we will bring you an inspiring person who learned how to turn their struggles into strengths or a message to help you unlock your inner gifts to share with the world. 🌎👇🏽 IG: @i_spark_change & @rickornelas FB: Group Twitter: @isparkchange YTB: @i_spark_change Support the show