Unlocking Potential: Seyyed Sharifi on Connection in the Classroom

Unlocking Potential: Seyyed Sharifi on Connection in the Classroom

Teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s where dignity is rebuilt, potential is unlocked, and lives are changed forever. Today on The Stand4Kind Podcast, we sit down with one of Utah’s most inspiring educators — Seyyed Sharifi, a special education teacher and Utah Teacher of the Year finalist who is redefining what inclusion and innovation look like in education. The son of Afghan refugee teachers who were forced to flee war, Seyyed turned his family’s sacrifice into a mission to restore dignity, opportunity, and belonging for every student he serves. Subscribe to stay up to date. A new episode drops every Thursday.

The Courage to Be Seen: Jason Dunnigan on Confidence and Authenticity

Shara Park sits down with Jason Dunnigan, known to millions online as The Modern Dad. Jason has built a platform by doing something many people are afraid to do: showing up authentically and unapologetically as himself. From overcoming embarrassment and self-doubt to learning how to celebrate his own progress, Jason shares the lessons he's learned about confidence, self-care, and personal growth. He explains why talking kindly to yourself matters, how small daily habits can transform the way you see yourself, and why being present and encouraging as a parent can shape a child's confidence for life. Filled with humor, honesty, and practical advice, this conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence isn't about perfection—it's about embracing who you are and having the courage to let the world see it. Subscribe to stay up to date. A new episode drops every Thursday.

Against the Odds: Bill Schuffenhauer's Journey from Homeless to Olympian

Imagine going from sleeping on the streets of Salt Lake City to standing on an Olympic podium in front of your hometown crowd. Shara Park sits down with three-time Olympian and Olympic silver medalist Bill Schuffenhauer to share a story that seems almost impossible. Raised in a home marked by addiction, uncertainty, and hardship, Bill spent part of his childhood homeless and facing odds that suggested success was out of reach. In this deeply personal conversation, Bill opens up about the people who believed in him, the dreams that carried him forward, and the journey from a kid struggling to survive to an Olympian representing Team USA on the world's biggest stage. He recounts the emotional moment of winning silver in Salt Lake City, looking into the crowd and realizing just how far he had come. When Bill reflects on his journey, he shares a powerful truth: "Dreams are only dreams until we take the actions to ignite them. What actions are we willing to take today to change our tomorrow?" More than a story about sports, this is a story about resilience, hope, and the belief that your beginning does not have to determine your ending. Subscribe to stay up to date. A new episode drops every Thursday.

Finding Strength in Standing Out with Sadie Hull

Sadie Hull may be preparing for Miss Utah, but her story goes far beyond the stage. In this episode of The Stand4Kind Podcast, Sadie shares the unexpected path from achieving her childhood dream of becoming Miss Pleasant Grove 2025 to stepping into a much bigger opportunity with Miss Utah. Along the way, she opens up about overcoming fear, dealing with bullying, and learning to keep moving forward even in difficult moments. Subscribe to stay up to date. A new episode drops every Thursday.

Under Pressure: Coach Eric Kjar on Leadership, Mental Health, and Resilience

What does it really take to lead when the spotlight is relentless, expectations are sky-high, and every misstep is visible? Welcome to the second episode of The Stand4Kind Podcast with Shara Park—a space built to share real stories of inspiration, resilience, and growth. In this episode, we sit down with Coach Eric Kjar as he steps into a defining new chapter—his first year as head coach of the Weber State University football program, after building one of the most dominant high school football programs in Utah history. With 7 state championships, a 48-game winning streak over three seasons, and a track record for developing elite athletes at Corner Canyon High School, Coach Kjar knows what pressure feels like. But this conversation goes far beyond wins and losses. Coach Kjar opens up in a deeply personal way—sharing his own mental health journey, including being diagnosed with MS as a young coach and the lasting impact of losing his father to suicide. It’s a powerful reminder that even those who lead and inspire others are carrying challenges we don’t always see. We talk about what pressure does to your mindset, how to handle expectations when they feel overwhelming, and why mental health matters just as much as physical performance—especially for young athletes navigating high-stakes environments. Coach Kjar shares lessons on leadership, self-doubt, and the kind of resilience that isn’t always visible on the scoreboard. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, questioned your abilities, or wondered what it truly takes to succeed when everything is on the line—this episode is for you. Subscribe to stay up to date. A new episode drops every Thursday.