In our season finale, we sit down and talk to two very special people, Maria's parents. Get a snack and buckle up. This story is full of joy, wisdom and lots of splashing around because as you know, all the greatest love stories begin at the pool at the YMCA...
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1:33:53
The Bright Side with Julie's Mom
On this special episode, my mom, Sara Schmerbeck, joins us with some personal tales filled with ups, downs and some unexpected turns. How do you react when you learn your mother was almost arrested at 12? Got kicked out of girl scouts? Loves "Freak on a Leash" by Korn?
The only way we know how - we laugh.
TW: Death of a parent, mental health - some strong themes in this one.
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57:07
"I gave myself one month to learn drag" with Derry Queen
Comedy can open many doors and for this guest, one of those doors was drag. Derry retells his discovery of drag, after giving himself one month to learn the craft that he is now known for across the greater Chicago area and the popular social media platform, TikTok.
You can follow Derry on all the socials @derryqueenhaha
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1:02:14
I Hope You Dance with Jillian Ebanks
Sometimes a silly bit can lead you to serious joy. Jillian guides us through her journey with pole-dancing, which started as a little joke between friends but evolved into a lesson of self acceptance and body empowerment.
Follow Jillian on all the socials @curlyhairnocare
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46:58
My Third Eye with Lawrence Nemeh
Recently, hope seems kind of hard to come by. Our dear friend, Lawrence (AKA Rence), enlightens us with a spiritual awakening that they experienced over the course of 2020's darkest days which honed in on love, connection and the power of leaning in to who you are.
Rence wanted to note that the beliefs discussed in this episode are theirs and theirs alone. They do not intend to insult or offend any other beliefs, and they approach this subject with respect and compassion.
"You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." - Robin Williams
This storytelling podcast aims to expose the moments that create change in our personal journeys, pulling from experiences and memories that forever altered how we think, feel and live. Maria Konopken and Julie Schmerbeck provide a safe space for guests to tell their stories in their own authentic voice, discussing those little sparks in our lives that make us unique, while bridging together the human experience full of hardships, triumphs and many laughs.
Sparks of Madness Theme - composed & performed by John Love
México