The Shā Sparks Show

Hosted by Sha Sparks

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

220

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

About the show

Innovation is moving fast. Trust and people are often struggling to keep up. The Shā Sparks Show bridges that gap through honest conversations with business and military leaders. For employees, veterans, and purpose-driven professionals navigating change, Shā explores how to build trust, invest in people, and create meaningful work without losing your human spark.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 12, 202640 min

The $4,500 Moment That Made Him Quit with Chad Betz

What would make you quit your job? He was making the sales. Everyone called him successful. Then a borrower agreed to pay $4,500 in fees to get $1,500, and Chad Betz said, “I’m done.” On this episode of The Shā Sparks Show, our special guest, Chad Betz opens up about the moment his values and his paycheck stopped matching, and what it taught him about building success on your own terms. Chad is the author of An Authentic Success and The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese, with 30+ years in financial services. We talk about: Why comparing yourself to someone else’s highlight reel keeps you stuck The accountant who asked, “Did I waste 30 years?” and why the answer is no How veterans can carry their skills into civilian life The 20 Goals exercise for finding what you’re really meant to do Using the OODA loop to stop planning and start moving Why a mastermind doesn’t just help you. It multiplies you. A value-driven purpose: your flashlight in the dark If you’ve ever felt successful on paper and empty inside, this one is for you. Chad C. Betz is the author of An Authentic Success and a financial services professional with 30+ years of experience helping organizations and professionals navigate leadership, reinvention, performance, uncertainty, burnout, and long-term growth without relying on motivational clichés or unrealistic advice. He brings a practical, experience-driven perspective to these conversations, helping audiences understand the mindset patterns, sunk-cost thinking, and societal pressures that keep smart people trapped on paths that no longer fit who they are.  After confronting his own mid-career crisis and questioning why years of hard work still left him feeling unfulfilled, Chad developed a practical framework helping people redefine success, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and move forward with clarity and confidence.  Connect with Chad: anauthenticsuccess.com _______ Meet Shā Sparks. She is a Chief Excitement Officer of Sparks of Fire International, Co-Creator of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, and Human Integration and Innovation Coach and Speaker. She bridges the AI with the HI (Human Integration).  Shā transforms “one day” into “day one” for purpose-driven leaders and creators through courageous conversations, mindset breakthroughs, and accountability that kicks you in the pants when needed. Her work blends EQ, AI, purpose, and strategy to ignite people to invest in themselves and each other. She believes smart tools grow income, and strong people multiply their purpose. Through The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, she cultivates a space where creative visionaries transform isolation into collaboration, challenges into clarity, and conversations into breakthroughs. When she’s not guiding powerful conversations that spark transformation, you’ll find her being “Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, capturing sunrise photos that remind her of God’s new mercies, or kayaking across calm waters, dreaming up her next legacy project. Because for Shā, thriving isn’t just about success, it’s about living fully aligned, fearless, and free.  Join the Makers Machine Inner Circle, Thursdays at 3 PM Eastern: themakersmachine.com Connect with Shā: shasparks.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 31, 202639 min

Why Asking for Help Is a Strength with Tom Sö

What happens when the success you worked so hard to build still leaves you feeling empty? For Tom Sö, the turning point came when pushing harder, chasing money, and suppressing what he felt was no longer sustainable. He finally placed his hand over his heart and admitted, “I need help.” That moment began a deeply personal journey through meditation, healing, spiritual exploration, and entrepreneurship. In this episode of The Shā Sparks Show, Tom shares why vulnerability is not weakness, how community can help us move through difficult seasons, and why starting a new business or chapter does not mean beginning from nothing. You are carrying every lesson, skill, connection, and experience you have already earned. This conversation is for anyone navigating burnout, reinvention, entrepreneurship, or the uncomfortable realization that doing everything alone is no longer working. ______ Tom Sö brings over 12 years of specialized experience in trauma healing, energy work, and spiritual growth. As the founder of MiddleWave® Meditation and a specialist in energy healing (serving clients worldwide),  Tom has dedicated his practice to creating safe, personal, and deeply supportive healing spaces. Rooted in Buddhist and Hindu wisdom traditions, Tom's work centers on helping people release pain, calm anxiety, and reconnect with their true nature through the MiddleWave® system.  Whether navigating processing trauma or seeking deeper spiritual connection, his approach honors both ancient wisdom and lived experience, creating sessions that are deeply healing, dynamic, and inspiring.  Explore MiddleWave®: https://www.awakenedenergyhealing.com ______ Your Next Step You do not have to navigate your next chapter alone. If you are building something meaningful, navigating transition, or craving a community that will challenge and support you, join us inside The Makers Machine: Inner Circle. Learn more: https://themakersmachine.com Book Shā Sparks is a Human Integration and Innovation Coach, Speaker, and the host of The Shā Sparks Show. She helps employees, veterans, and purpose-driven leaders navigate change, build meaningful work, and leverage innovation without losing their human spark. Connect with Shā: https://theshasparksshow.com   https://shasparks.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 3, 202637 min

The One Thing School Never Taught You About Becoming Unstoppable with Jay Menez

What would be possible if you stopped waiting to feel ready before pursuing your next chapter? Jay Menez shares how curiosity, courage, and a growth mindset helped him navigate major career transitions—from public service to entrepreneurship, Wall Street, Hollywood, and beyond. This conversation is for anyone considering a career change, stepping into entrepreneurship, rebuilding after a transition, or wondering whether they have what it takes to begin before they feel fully prepared. You’ll hear why waiting to feel ready can keep you stuck, how courage creates momentum during career and identity transitions, and how meaningful connection, contribution, and growth mindset help build a fulfilling next chapter. Jay Menez has spent more than 28 years leading individuals and organizations through Wall Street finance. He is the bestselling author of Spark, the inspiration behind Hollywood Real®, and has been featured in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Investors’ Business Daily, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. Connect with Jay: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeneztvExplore Spark: https://sparkthebook.com You do not have to navigate your next chapter alone. For a community of purpose-driven leaders and creators who challenge and support one another, learn more about The Makers Machine: Inner Circle: https://themakersmachine.com Connect with Shā Sparks: https://theshasparksshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 18, 202654 min

Influence, Faith, and the Power of Intentional Living With Brian Ahearn

What if the way we influence others begins with how intentionally we live, love, forgive, and lead? In this heartfelt episode, our special guest, Brian Ahearn, shares how faith, forgiveness, and intentional choices can reshape family relationships, marriage, and legacy. Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. An international speaker, TEDx Talk speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply research-based approaches to influence to boost results. He has written four books on influence. His most recent work, Influenced from Above, is a business parable that explores the intersection of faith and influence. And one of my favorite books, His Story, My Story, Our Story about a Marine and his son. Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by more than 850,000 learners around the world and his TEDx Talk has surpassed a million views! You are invited to connect with him on his website at https://influencepeople.biz/ ______ Do you believe that it has to be "lonely at the top"? Or do you think when you are connected with the right-aligned community, you are investing in each other? Meet Shā Sparks. She is a Chief Excitement Officer of Sparks of Fire International, Co-Creator of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, and Human Integration and Innovation Coach and Speaker. She bridges the AI with the HI (Human Integration). Shā transforms “one day” into “day one” for purpose-driven leaders and creators through courageous conversations, mindset breakthroughs, and accountability that kicks you in the pants when needed. Her work blends EQ, AI, purpose, and strategy to ignite people to invest in themselves and each other. She believes smart tools grow income, and strong people multiply their purpose. Through The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, she cultivates a space where creative visionaries transform isolation into collaboration, challenges into clarity, and conversations into breakthroughs. When she’s not guiding powerful conversations that spark transformation, you’ll find her being “Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, capturing sunrise photos that remind her of God’s new mercies, or kayaking across calm waters, dreaming up her next legacy project. Because for Shā, thriving isn’t just about success, it’s about living fully aligned, fearless, and free. Connect with Shā and learn more at https://theshasparksshow.com We invite you to join her at The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, go to https://themakersmachine.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 4, 202645 min

“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” Is Not a Flex: It’s a Warning Sign with Dr. Leah Kaylor

We’ve turned exhaustion into a badge of honor. Sleep is not weakness. Sleep is wisdom. And if you want to lead, heal, create, and show up fully, your nervous system cannot run on fumes forever. In this episode our special guest, Dr. Leah Kaylor shares her expert research on sleep and what she has learned about the quality of our sleep. Dr. Leah Kaylor is a licensed clinical and prescribing psychologist who has served as the FBI’s Sleep Expert for over six years. She specializes in optimizing human performance through the science of sleep, trauma recovery, and stress resilience—particularly within high-stakes professions like law enforcement and the military. Dr. Kaylor is the author of the bestselling book If Sleep Were a Drug: The Science of Sleep Optimization: Biohack Your Brain, Body, and Performance (2025). She translates cutting-edge neuroscience into practical, real-world strategies to help people sleep smarter, think sharper, and perform at their best. You are invited to reach out to her on website at https://drleahkaylor.com/ ______ Do you believe that it has to be "lonely at the top"? Or do you think when you are connected with the right-aligned community, you are investing in each other? Meet Shā Sparks. She is a Chief Excitement Officer of Sparks of Fire International, Co-Creator of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, and Human Integration and Innovation Coach and Speaker. She bridges the AI with the HI (Human Integration). Shā transforms “one day” into “day one” for purpose-driven leaders and creators through courageous conversations, mindset breakthroughs, and accountability that kicks you in the pants when needed. Her work blends EQ, AI, purpose, and strategy to ignite people to invest in themselves and each other. She believes smart tools grow income, and strong people multiply their purpose. Through The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, she cultivates a space where creative visionaries transform isolation into collaboration, challenges into clarity, and conversations into breakthroughs. When she’s not guiding powerful conversations that spark transformation, you’ll find her being “Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, capturing sunrise photos that remind her of God’s new mercies, or kayaking across calm waters, dreaming up her next legacy project. Because for Shā, thriving isn’t just about success, it’s about living fully aligned, fearless, and free. Connect with Shā and learn more at https://theshasparksshow.com We invite you to join her at The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, go to https://themakersmachine.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 12, 202652 min

Navigating The Storms of Life with Ashley Booker

Have you ever noticed that the storms we walk through often prepare us for something bigger than we could imagine? In this episode, our special guest, Ashley Booker, shares how the storms she’s faced, including a literal hurricane, helped shape her generosity muscle. Proud military veteran and devoted mother who’s lived a life of service, sacrifice, and love. She is a beacon of light. From boots-on-the-ground to holding it down at home, her journey is rooted in resilience. Her dedication to the military shaped her discipline, but motherhood shaped her heart. She is also the co-host of a new podcast called She Birthed Da Vibe. With wisdom earned through experience and a voice full of truth, she brings depth, warmth, and realness to every episode. She’s not just a mom; she’s a warrior, nurturer, and legacy-builder, co-creating a space where generations connect and grow. You are invited to connect with her at Instagram @SheBirthedDaVibe. ___________ What if your next level of success isn’t found in striving alone… But inside a community of purpose-driven leaders who pour into each other’s growth, vision, and legacy? Meet Shā Sparks. She is a Chief Excitement Officer, a Certified Fearless Living Coach (CFLC), Co-Creator of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, and award-winning host of The Shā Sparks Show podcast. With more than three decades of experience in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence, Shā helps high-impact entrepreneurs and executives align their values, speak their truth, and take intentional action that ignites both profit and purpose. Through The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, she cultivates a space where creative visionaries transform isolation into collaboration, where purpose-driven leaders don’t just grow businesses, they grow in every area of life. When she’s not guiding powerful conversations that spark transformation, you’ll find her being “Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, capturing sunrise photos that remind her of God’s new mercies, or kayaking across calm waters, dreaming up her next legacy project. Because for Shā, thriving isn’t just about success, it’s about living fully aligned, fearless, and free. Connect with Shā and learn more at www.theshasparksshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

January 16, 202645 min

From Front Door to Center Stage with Julie Deem

Have you ever wanted to attend an event and felt a little shy about going by yourself? Maybe you’re an introvert, or maybe your personality isn’t as outgoing as others. In this episode, our special guest, Julie Deem, shares how she went from just wanting to go to the event to now speaking on stage at this podcasting event. Also, Julie and Shā share how fun it is to acknowledge those full-circle moments in life. Julie Deem is a podcaster, podcast manager, and the founder of The Business Podcast Editor. She helps individuals and businesses grow their podcasts by creating customized strategies to increase their impact. Julie hosts two successful podcasts: UNITED State of Women, empowering women to embrace their purpose, and Not Your Mom’s Sales Podcast, helping businesses leverage podcasting as a marketing tool. In her free time, Julie mentors young survivors of trafficking with the non-profit Allies-Inc and loves spending time with her two beautiful daughters. She’s passionate about empowering others to find their voice in the podcasting world. We invite you to connect with her on her website at www.thebusinesspodcasteditor.com Feel free to reach out to her through email thebusinesspodcasteditor@gmail.com Instagram @indymompreneur ______ What if your next level of success isn’t found in striving alone… But inside a community of purpose-driven leaders who pour into each other’s growth, vision, and legacy? Meet Shā Sparks. She is a Chief Excitement Officer, a Certified Fearless Living Coach (CFLC), Co-Creator of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, and award-winning host of The Shā Sparks Show podcast. With more than three decades of experience in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence, Shā helps high-impact entrepreneurs and executives align their values, speak their truth, and take intentional action that ignites both profit and purpose. Through The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, she cultivates a space where creative visionaries transform isolation into collaboration, where purpose-driven leaders don’t just grow businesses, they grow in every area of life. When she’s not guiding powerful conversations that spark transformation, you’ll find her being “Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, capturing sunrise photos that remind her of God’s new mercies, or kayaking across calm waters, dreaming up her next legacy project. Because for Shā, thriving isn’t just about success, it’s about living fully aligned, fearless, and free. Connect with Shā and learn more at www.theshasparksshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 26, 202550 min

What’s the secret to building a network on LinkedIn?

In this episode, our special guest, Trevor Greenberg, shares his journey of failing his PMP certification exam multiple times, all while making genuine connections on LinkedIn. Trevor Greenburg is the creator of the popular "PM Monday" series on LinkedIn and the host of The Disgruntled PMpodcast, where he shares practical strategies from his own experience and that of his expert guests. And he’s a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served as an Airborne Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division before transitioning to a successful career as a "Project Innovator" in the private sector. A highlight of his career was leading the U.S. commercialization of an Israeli-made interior drone system for security, a project that resulted in three U.S. patents bearing his name as a co-inventor. You are invited to connect with him at his LinkedIn Trevor Greenburg https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorgreenberg/ ______ What if your next level of success isn’t found in striving alone…But inside a community of purpose-driven leaders who pour into each other’s growth, vision, and legacy? Meet Shā Sparks. She is a Chief Excitement Officer, a Certified Fearless Living Coach (CFLC), Co-Creator of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, and award-winning host of The Shā Sparks Show podcast. With more than three decades of experience in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence, Shā helps high-impact entrepreneurs and executives align their values, speak their truth, and take intentional action that ignites both profit and purpose. Through The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, she cultivates a space where creative visionaries transform isolation into collaboration, where purpose-driven leaders don’t just grow businesses, they grow in every area of life. When she’s not guiding powerful conversations that spark transformation, you’ll find her being “Auntie Shā-Shā” to her friends’ kids, capturing sunrise photos that remind her of God’s new mercies, or kayaking across calm waters, dreaming up her next legacy project. Because for Shā, thriving isn’t just about success, it’s about living fully aligned, fearless, and free. Connect with Shā and learn more at www.theshasparksshow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 1, 202553 min

From Combat to Calling: Harnessing Hardship for Meaningful Impact with Dominic Licata

When life knocks you down, will you let it define you or refine you? Hear how Dominic Licata transformed pain into purpose and is now changing lives. In this powerful episode of The Shā Sparks Show, we sit down with US Marine veteran and Faith Valor Growth founder, Dominic Licata. Dominic opens up about his journey through PTSD, addiction, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how faith, family, and community helped him find purpose and hope. If you’re a veteran, know someone who is, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories that ignite change! Connect with Dominic on his website: www.faithvalorgrowth.com Email: dominic@luxelending.com chanel@luxelending.com Podcast: Faith Valor Growth ______ The Shā Sparks Show sparks powerful conversations with business and military leaders about what it truly means to invest in people. The award-winning host, Shā Sparks, is a leadership coach, speaker, and co-founder of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, a community for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and creators who are ready to turn networking into life-changing connections. Whether on the podcast or in the Inner Circle, Shā’s mission is the same: spark your ideas into action so your business and your impact can thrive. Drop the word “Maker” in a message to Shā at www.theshasparksshow.com if you want a special invitation to the next inner circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 19, 202556 min

From Rock Bottom to Reinvention: Journey Through Transition, Healing, and AI with Adam Peters

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: the overwhelming challenge of transitioning from military life to civilian identity. How to navigate a system that throws resources at you without real guidance, which leads to confusion, loss of purpose, and even despair. Adam takes us on a journey from hitting rock bottom to discovering plant medicine. He opens up on how he found authenticity, healing, and a renewed identity through the importance of investing in oneself before being able to help others. And now he helps others do the same by leveraging community and technology. ______ Adam Peters operates at the intersection of tech, transformation, and truth. He is unapologetic about challenging broken systems and helping people take their next mission into their own hands. Adam is a veteran, entrepreneur, and host of The Strategic Veteran podcast, where he dives deep into the hard truths of transition and reinvention. As the CAIO of Alset Technologies, he builds AI automation systems that help entrepreneurs and small businesses reclaim their time, streamline operations, and scale with intention. Also, he is a partner at Amakaya, a plant medicine retreat in the Peruvian Amazon, serving veterans, first responders, and their families through deep healing in the Shipibo tradition. We invite you to connect with Adam on his website at www.thestrategicveteran.com ______ The Shā Sparks Show sparks powerful conversations with business and military leaders about what it truly means to invest in people. The award-winning host, Shā Sparks, is a leadership coach, speaker, and co-founder of The Makers Machine: Inner Circle, a community for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and creators who are ready to turn networking into life-changing connections. Whether on the podcast or in the Inner Circle, Shā’s mission is the same: spark your ideas into action so your business and your impact can thrive. Drop the word “Maker” in a message to Shā at www.theshasparksshow.com if you want a special invitation to the next inner circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices