Surgeland Podcast with Julie Sparks

S1/E2 Bonnie Blue- Author, Advocate, Survivor, and New Friend!

All In Illinois- Bonnie Blue Interview. 5/19/2022 VIBRANT, COMMUNITY- MINDED, WRITER, MOM, GRANDMOTHER, WRITER, ADVOCATE, SURVIVOR, AND FRIEND- BONNIE BLUE IS THE NEXT GUEST ON THE SURGELAND PODCAST. SHE SHARES HER PERSONAL JOURNEY THOUGH THE PAST 2+ YEARS, INVOLVEMENT IN THE MODERNA VACCINE TRIAL, AND HER BOOK  EMMETT TILL'S SECRET WITNESS: FBI CONFIDENTIAL SOURCE SPEAKS BY BONNIE BLUE https://www.amazon.com/Emmett-Tills-Secret-Witness-Confidential/dp/0989697819 [https://www.amazon.com/Emmett-Tills-Secret-Witness-Confidential/dp/0989697819] She is also working on Her Children’s Book series- Granny B’s Garden- a series dedicated to Children with chronic health conditions, and limited mobility. Her aim with this children’s book series is to provide joy, and encouragement to children and families.

A Mother's Love- Jenny P. S1/E1

Welcome to Surgeland ! Season 1/ Episode 1 A Mother's Love- Jenny P. I truly can not think of a better way to officially launch the Surgeland Podcast off- than to kick it off talking about Mother’s Day ! This episode features a special interview with a Chicago area Mom, Jenny P.- a recent widow, and among many other titles- she is a real inspiration to her friends and colleagues. She is a walking definition of Faith Thru Fire. Her journey of loss and grief far extends beyond this pandemic season, as she finds comfort in being there for others. She talks about what has been her anchors of strength during these times and by sharing a snapshot of her story- I hope you feel comfort in the truth- that you are ALSO not alone.. and that you are encouraged in your own journey in ways too numerous to count. I also paired up with Singer/Songwriter/Producer Kevin Reeves to create a special remix of his song MOTHER off the Album ITS ABOUT TIME. This remix features the spoken word of three Chicago Area Mom’s and Grandmothers sharing their thoughts on Mothers Day. Their Message, as well as the song’s message is of Love, Adoration and Thanks to our Beloved Mothers. Special Shoutout to Jenny P, Deb T, and Jennifer O. for their spoken words on Mother's Day added to the song! Looking for unique way to say I Love You for Mothers Day??? I truly feel that the song – in its original form and full lyrics.. would make the perfect Mothers Day gift.  You can stream the full original track of MOTHER off of Kevin Reeves album IT'S ABOUT TIME on your favorite music services… send it to Mom as an audio Mothers Day Card.. visit the spotify link here    https://open.spotify.com/album/4EnyvDOOwvHoOhM1t4vsWG [https://open.spotify.com/album/4EnyvDOOwvHoOhM1t4vsWG] Or just simply share this podcast episode with her at the links below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surgeland-podcast-with-julie-sparks/id1618698471 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surgeland-podcast-with-julie-sparks/id1618698471] https://open.spotify.com/show/4nRMnBOSa62oN5FiSRm3Bq [https://open.spotify.com/show/4nRMnBOSa62oN5FiSRm3Bq] Looking forward to sharing this journey into Surgeland with you all. Please reach out if you, or someone you know has a story to share about Resilience, Strength and or Courage… There is so much to be thankful for! Email me at surgelandpodcast@gmail.com on Instagram at @surgelandpodcast Be Well, Julie Sparks

The Surgeland Podcast Trailer- with Julie Sparks

Enter Surgeland...  I don't know about you, but I know it is beyond time- to get about the business of emerging from this Global Pandemic- and start addressing all the issues that these past 2.5 years have brought to the surface.  We have spent the better part of the last 2.5 years, waiting for the next shoe to drop,  living in a constant state of reaction instead of having the bandwith to create the change that so many facets of day to day life needs.   If we are honest- we will say that we have literally been building the plane- while we have been a passenger on it....  And.... How is that REALLY working for us all? If you are anything like me, you are caught in between complaining about the state of the world, and also aware that there are others that have not only survived- but somehow- thrived, during this Pandemic Season.   But how do we gather our hard won wisdom and make sense of it, without causing more division?  How do we prioritize the desires of a few, over the desperate needs of the many?   How can You, or I actually make a difference in this state of Covid fatigue, political tension or ambiguity?   I think It may appear, in concept, to be hard answer.  But, I feel there really is a simple solution.  We start the dialogue.  We start listening to other's unique stories of Resilience, Strength and Courage, and we focus on what unites us.  Instead of will end up dividing us, and the overall toll on us all, will be far worse than the damage this Pandemic left in it's wake. Have you ever practiced the art of Listening to  Understand, instead of Listening to Respond?    We need to get back to the place where we took the time to listen. To absorb someone's pain, struggle, or triumph.  Once we get there as Humanity.. we can start the process of fixing our collective houses, villages, and world.      Everyone has a story.  Here we will dive into the stories that have been part of the core experience of this Pandemic Season.  Stories of Loss and Love, Stories of Growth and Learning, Stories of Devastation, and Renewal. For in the sharing of these stories.. amidst providing ongoing information and resources that ARE still needed to so many... We will begin the dialogue that is critical for getting back to where we were pre- 2020.. But Better.  Way Better!  The stories you hear may have different characters, settings, or endings, than the ones you have walked through,  But I do believe the similarities will far outweigh the differences. Once we get to that sacred place, or Listening to Understand... then we can get to the business of restoration, eradicating social, financial, and health disparities.   I Invite you join us,  for what I am certain will be ---  A compelling look inside all that should be uniting us.  It is long overdue.