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In this powerful episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with legendary high school coach and leadership speaker Coach Jim Johnson, the man behind the unforgettable “J-Mac Game” that inspired millions around the world.

Coach Jim shares the extraordinary story of that miraculous night, the unseen hours that made it possible, and the deeper lessons of leadership, clarity, vulnerability, and purpose that shaped his life and coaching career.

From overcoming early failures to discovering his mission of being an outstanding role model and helping others achieve their dreams, Coach Jim offers timeless wisdom for anyone striving to lead with heart, integrity, and gratitude.

A moving reminder that when we lift others, miracles happen.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:50 – Coach Jim’s background: Teaching, coaching & early struggles
05:00 – Getting fired at 25 & learning leadership under Coach Van Gundy
06:11 – Meeting J-Mac: The player who would change everything
12:28 – The miracle goes global: Media, ESPN, and Kobe Bryant
15:30 – The book "A Coach and a Miracle"
16:15 – J-Mac inspires the team to win their first championship
19:47 – Coach’s mission & living with purpose
22:44 – Core values & aligning actions with words
26:00 – A humbling moment: The tie story & being a true role model
29:56 – The responsibility of being “Coach”
30:45 – Learning from mentors & great leaders
34:35 – The power of words: Jealousy vs. being happy for others
39:00 – How gratitude shifts perspective
42:03 – Signature stories and everyday inspirations
46:10 – Coach Jim’s advice: Gratitude journals & daily scoreboards

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Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

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In this inspiring episode of the Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, host Randy Sparks sits down with Randy McNeely, Captain Kindman, to explore how Courageous Kindness can heal division, strengthen connection, and transform lives.

A survivor and lifelong advocate for intentional kindness, Randy shares personal stories, pivotal moments that shaped him, and practical frameworks, including The Courageous Kindness Shift™, the ICA Method™, and The Kindness Giver’s Formula™, that help people lead with love in everyday life.

A heartfelt reminder that kindness saves lives… and it starts with each of us.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:50 – Why Randy Wears the Cape
05:00 – What Is Courageous Kindness?
06:34 – The Courageous Kindness SHIFT Framework
09:40 - The ICA Method (Identify, Clarify, Amplify)
10:10 - The Kindness Giver’s Formula
13:00 – How Kindness Releases D.O.S.E. Chemicals
16:00 – Practicing Kindness Like a Muscle
18:14 – Courage vs. Fear: How They Work Together
19:13 – Accepting Yourself Exactly As You Are
22:52 – How Gratitude Beats Entitlement & Resentment
26:53 – BeYourselfBook.com Mention
35:23 – Reflecting on Kindness Experiences
37:00 – Kindness During Family Trauma
40:22 – Motherly Love, Roses & Small Acts of Kindness
43:43 – “Somebody Thinks I'm Pretty Neat” Story
47:04 – How a Small Sentence Can Change a Life
47:54 – Kalani Sitake’s Childhood Story of Kindness
50:30 – How Love Ends “Hell Week”
53:06 – A Powerful Invitation to Self-Love & Appreciation

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude
Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
info@sparksofgratitude.com

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In this inspiring episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks talks with Eric Ayers, an optimist, thought leader, and human-centric coach dedicated to helping others rediscover their potential and become their best selves.

Eric opens up about his journey from burnout as a pediatric nurse to renewal through gratitude, courage, and connection. His story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to grow and transform.

A heartfelt conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of choosing to become your best self.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:18 - Who Is Eric Ayers?
05:07 - The Turning Point: From Nursing Burnout to Awakening
09:38 - The Role of His Wife in His Transformation
13:34 - Hitting Rock Bottom
16:05 - Rediscovering Self Through Human Design
17:00 - The Hero’s Journey
20:00 - Evolving Relationships Through Change
25:27 - The Dance of Expansion and Letting Go
31:30 - Fear as a Signal for Growth
34:42 - The Sandbox Metaphor
37:27 - Discovering Purpose Through Doing
39:48 - The SMRX Project
43:00 - Coaching and Life by Design
45:00 - Six-Week Journey of Transformation: https://www.lifebydesign.me/
45:52 - Pep Talks With Eric: https://www.youtube.com/@emc-life-by-design
47:23 - The Power of a Simple Mindset Shift
49:30 - Reflection on Wayne Dyer’s Quote — “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Follow Sparks of Gratitude:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude
Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com

Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
info@sparksofgratitude.com