I Spark Change Podcast

Hosted by Rick Ornelas

Business Entrepreneurship Society Culture EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

181

Latest episode

Mar 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.

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60 recent

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.comLinkedIn: 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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport 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/UC9BX34qeu4MTcQnAkeJokYgSemester at Sea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/semester-at-sea-ise/Semester at Sea Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semesteratsea/?hl=enAs 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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport 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:Websitehttps://love146.org/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williamson-5b88b58bTwitter (X)https://x.com/Love146Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/love146Facebookhttps://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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport 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:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/bpkfearless/?hl=en LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanpkeegan/Websitehttps://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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show

January 14, 202628 min

Ep#177: Equity for Multilingual Learners w/ Dr. Julie Lara

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Dr. Julie Lara, Multilingual Programs Director at Ensemble Learning, former Director of the Emergent Bilingual Support Division at the Texas Education Agency, and a leading advocate for educational equity. She reflects on her journey from special education teacher to statewide policy leader serving 1.3 million emergent bilingual students. Julie opens up about her identity as a first-generation Latina, how her family’s story shaped her purpose, and why embracing students’ home languages is essential for academic success and generational change. Julie shares the pivotal moments that fueled her passion for dual-language education, including the creation of the Texas Effective Dual Language Immersion Framework and her work influencing national conversations on multilingual policy. She explains how bilingualism is a superpower, why culturally responsive education matters, and how community members can advocate for more equitable schools. This inspiring conversation reveals the heart behind Julie’s leadership and her mission to ensure every child—regardless of background, identity, or zip code—has access to an empowering education that honors who they are.This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following:⭐️ Dual-language education is one of the most effective ways to support emergent bilingual students and promote long-term academic success.⭐️ Dr. Lara explains how multilingualism strengthens cognition, identity, and opportunities for generational upward mobility.⭐️ The episode explores how equitable policy decisions directly shape student outcomes statewide and nationally.⭐️ Listeners learn why community advocacy and voting are essential to advancing bilingual education.⭐️ Julie shares how her lived experience fuels her commitment to transforming systems for multilingual learners.& more...Know more about Julie:Julie's LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/in/julie-lara-ph-d-97591437Ensemble Learning LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ensemblelearning/posts/?feedView=all Ensemble Learning Websitehttps://ensemblelearning.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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show

December 31, 2025Episode 17629 min

Ep#176: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome w/ Josh Green

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Josh Green, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and mindset coach who teaches individuals and organizations how to transform negative self-talk into a catalyst for growth.Josh has lived many lives: actor, stand-up comic, yoga instructor, business founder, and creative storyteller. But behind every chapter was a deeper internal battle — imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and the fear of being seen. Today, he helps others face those same inner critics with compassion, humor, and practical tools that move people from self-doubt to self-leadership.In this conversation, Josh opens up about the moment he realized the voice in his head wasn’t the enemy — it was a messenger. He shares how awareness, connection, and taking one small brave step can rewrite your identity and unlock the confidence you’ve been avoiding your whole life. From men’s circles to keynote stages, Josh’s work is reshaping how we talk to ourselves and how we show up in the world.If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing small or stuck inside your own mind, this episode will give you a new way forward.This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following:⭐️ Learn how to transform negative self-talk into a tool for growth instead of a barrier.⭐️ Discover practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and taking bold action.⭐️ Understand why awareness is the foundation of personal and leadership development.⭐️ Explore how connection and vulnerability accelerate long-term mindset change.⭐️ Hear how one small step can shift your identity and help you stop playing small.& more...Know more about Josh:Websitehttps://joshuaowengreen.com/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/joshuaowengreen/?hl=enLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaowengreen/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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show

December 17, 202534 min

Ep#175: From Actor to Mentor w/ Aaron Marcus

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Aaron Marcus, a full-time actor, author, and coach with over 40 years in the industry and nearly 1,300 bookings — including a memorable role alongside Tom Hanks in A Man Called Otto.Aaron opens up about his unexpected journey into acting, how generosity shaped his life philosophy, and why he believes true success comes from helping others. From his humble beginnings to becoming a global mentor, Aaron’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, humility, and purpose.He also shares what inspired him to teach over 800 workshops across three continents, his approach to eliminating competition through self-awareness, and how giving freely has transformed his career and life.This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following:⭐️ Learn how Aaron Marcus turned decades of acting experience into a mission to mentor others worldwide.⭐️ Discover why eliminating competition and focusing on personal growth leads to greater fulfillment.⭐️ Explore how generosity and humility can transform both your career and relationships.⭐️ Find out how Aaron’s workshops and coaching have helped hundreds break into acting and modeling.⭐️ Be inspired by Aaron’s belief that kindness, honesty, and helping others can change the world.& more...Know more about Aaron:Follow: instagram.com/aaronrmarcusFriend: facebook.com/howtomodel Follow: twitter.com/aaronrmarcusSubscribe: youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktipsGrab 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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show

December 3, 20257 min

Ep#174: I Spark Change Through I Spark Change

In this episode, Rick shares a personal and heartfelt update on the evolution of I Spark Change, reflecting on its origins, its global growth, and the powerful milestone of releasing Voices of Impact: Stories from Social Impact Heroes.He takes listeners back to 2020, when I Spark Change began as a simple act of service during a time of uncertainty. What started with gratitude posts on social media grew into a worldwide community, a top-ranked podcast, and now an Amazon-bestselling book featuring 17 extraordinary changemakers.Rick opens up about the journey—from writing 12 Hours of Heaven, to producing more than 170 podcast episodes, to building the framework for the world’s first social-impact-driven social media platform. He also shares an honest update about the future: a shift in focus, a season of transition, and continued faith that the ISC community will carry the movement forward.This episode is both a celebration and a closing chapter. It honors the power of one person to spark change—and the collective strength of a community united by purpose, service, and love.This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following:⭐️ Learn how I Spark Change grew from one book into a global social impact movement.⭐️ Discover the story behind Voices of Impact becoming an Amazon bestseller in multiple categories.⭐️ Understand why gratitude and service were the foundation of ISC’s creation and mission.⭐️ Hear Rick’s candid reflection on transitioning leadership, community growth, and the next chapter.⭐️ Explore how one person—and one story—can spark meaningful, lasting change in the world.& more...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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show

November 19, 202549 min

Ep#173: Building Beds, Building Hope w/ Luke Mickelson

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Luke Mickelson, the Founder and Executive Director of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) — a global nonprofit ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor in their town.From humble beginnings as a small-town farm kid in Idaho to becoming a CNN Hero and national changemaker, Luke’s story is one of faith, humility, and action. What began as a simple act of kindness — building a bunk bed for a child in need — has grown into an international movement impacting hundreds of thousands of children.Luke opens up about his personal journey of purpose, the moment that sparked SHP, and how service and community can transform lives. He also shares how one small decision to help others can ignite a ripple effect that changes entire communities — and the world.This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following:⭐️ Discover how Luke Mickelson turned a single act of kindness into a global nonprofit movement.⭐️ Learn how Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds hope — one bed and one child at a time.⭐️ Explore how small-town values, service, and community can spark global change.⭐️ Be inspired by how faith and compassion can transform ordinary people into changemakers.⭐️ Find out how you can get involved in SHP’s mission to ensure no child sleeps on the floor.& more...Know more about Luke:Luke’s personal InstagramLuke’s Personal LinkedInSHP’s FacebookSHP’s LinkedInSHP’s InstagramSHP’s FacebookGrab 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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show

November 5, 2025Episode 17236 min

Ep#172: A For-Profit Model for Social Impact w/ Carmen Sample

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Carmen Sample, Founder and CEO of Sample Supports, a groundbreaking social enterprise redefining what it means to create impact in the social services industry.Carmen is a visionary leader, licensed social worker, and fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, and those often overlooked by traditional systems. Through Sample Supports, she’s proving that profit and purpose can coexist—and that innovation, empathy, and courage can change the way we serve vulnerable communities.In this inspiring conversation, Carmen opens up about her early life in an alcoholic household, how those experiences shaped her empathy and resilience, and why she decided to disrupt the nonprofit model to build sustainable, human-centered care. From employing individuals with disabilities in restaurants and retail to creating housing opportunities for high-risk adults, her story is a masterclass in compassionate entrepreneurship and social change.This episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 🎙🚀 We will discuss the following:⭐️ Discover how Carmen Sample is transforming the social services industry with a sustainable, for-profit model for good.⭐️ Learn how personal hardship and resilience can shape purpose-driven leadership.⭐️ Explore the power of combining business strategy with social impact to create lasting change.⭐️ Understand how empowering individuals with disabilities can strengthen entire communities.⭐️ Be inspired by how compassion, innovation, and courage can redefine what it means to serve others.& more...Know more about Carmen:https://changeitanyway.com/f/the-humanity-toll-of-marco-rubio%E2%80%99s-foreign-aid-cutshttps://www.samplesupports.com/our-story.htmlGrab 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/joinBecome 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 & @rickornelasFB: GroupTwitter: @isparkchangeYTB: @i_spark_changeSupport the show