The Rotary Spark Podcast

Emmanuel Rivera's path from troubled teen to youth mentor reveals the transformative power of martial arts and positive guidance. As Executive Director of the Come Up Foundation, Rivera now shapes the futures of over 200 children across Oklahoma City through free martial arts training that builds discipline, confidence, and leadership skills.

Moving out at just 16 and lacking male role models, Rivera's early life...

What happens when ancient mystical wisdom meets modern business strategy? In this eye-opening conversation, Brian Triger sits down with Marisa Yakutis, a self-described "business alchemist" who brings together astrology, numerology, and practical business acumen to help entrepreneurs transform their ventures and lives.

Marisa breaks down what it means to be a business alchemist – someone who uses elemental unders...

Seth Block brings over five decades of photographic wisdom to this engaging episode, tracing his journey from childhood fascination to becoming an accomplished wildlife photographer. Growing up with a professional photographer grandfather and an encouraging father who recognized his "good eye," Seth developed his craft through meticulous self-teaching—carefully recording camera settings and studying developed photographs ...

Jeff Harrison's journey from aspiring graphic designer to managing editor of the Midwest City Beacon reveals the unexpected paths that lead us to meaningful work. The Wisconsin native never imagined Oklahoma would become his permanent home, yet the challenges and rewards of local journalism captured his heart and anchored him in a community he's grown to love.

As the sole full-time editorial employee at a small c...

Has community service evolved in the digital age? In this episode, we dive deep into the connections that Rotary fosters, showcasing how one local club navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while fostering fellowship among its members. Join us as Neal Hettinger shares his personal journey through Rotary, detailing how they effectively transitioned from in-person gatherings to virtual meetings, ensuring that community sp...

In this episode of The Rotary Spark Podcast, we welcome Adam Reese, a dedicated member of the Bricktown Rotary Club. Originally from Gotebo, Oklahoma, Adam’s Rotary journey took off when he earned a scholarship that led him to join the organization in Denton, Texas. His story is one of commitment and community impact, shaped by a strong family legacy in auctioneering and a deep passion for service. Adam shares how his experiences a...

Imagine being a superhero in your community. Evan Burrell does just that through his inspiring 26-year journey with Rotary. From joining Rotaract at 18, influenced by his mother's involvement, Evan's adventure evolved, leading him to Rotary at 30, encountering clubs resistant to change. His story is one of resilience and transformation as he navigated these challenges to find his place in an online e-club, ultimately beco...

Discover the essence of service and leadership with our guest, Alan, as he navigates through 13 transformative years in the Rotary Club. Gain insights from Alan’s journey that began with the Midtown Rotary and his mentor, Hal Stevens, leading him to impactful roles like President and Sergeant-at-Arms. Alan shares how he eventually found his ideal fit with the Bricktown Rotary, highlighting the unique character and camaraderie of ea...

Discover the incredible journey of Albert Hernandez, a man whose life has been molded by service and resilience. From joining Rotary at the age of 19 to leading District 5280 in Los Angeles, Albert's story is one of inspiration. As CEO of Home Again Los Angeles, he dedicates his life to aiding unhoused families, drawing on lessons learned from his upbringing as one of 11 siblings. Albert's account of a young boy's se...

James McQuillar, affectionately dubbed Chili, initially resisted joining Rotary due to time constraints and feeling out of place. Yet, after persistent encouragement from Mac Patel, Chili's journey took a transformative turn. Now, as the district and club membership chair, he draws compelling parallels between his role at Tinker Air Force Base and his Rotary work, emphasizing the transformative power of relationships and under...

Unlock the secrets to creating vibrant and impactful Rotary clubs with insights from Jeanean Yanish Jones, Past District Governor and member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City. Join us in this enlightening episode of the Rotary Spark podcast as Janine shares her passion for maternal and child health, and how Rotary International’s seven core areas of focus—ranging from peace and conflict prevention to environmental support—guide c...

Unlock the secrets to impactful community service with Dr. Roy Wood, as he shares his transformative journey into the world of Rotary. Dr. Wood, a pillar of community engagement, joins us to discuss his path to the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow and his new role as district trainer for District 5750. Get an inside look at the groundbreaking District Leadership Academy, an online program designed to enrich participants with leadership ...

What if your passion could lead you to an extraordinary career, bridging cultures and inspiring change? Join us for a captivating conversation with Bhroovi Gupta, a dynamic product designer whose journey from Mumbai to New York City offers insights into the world of design and the power of following one's true calling. Bhroovi shares her evolution from a graphic design enthusiast to a leader in UX design, exploring her path th...

Discover how a chance encounter at a Rotary meeting changed Andre Boyd's life forever. Our special guest from District 6940 reveals the unexpected journey that began with a simple marketing project for "Grills Gone Wild" and led to a deep commitment to service and community impact. Andre's story underscores the transformative power of showcasing Rotary's contributions and highlights the strategy of inviting...

What if you could connect more deeply with your community and make a lasting impact on global issues? Join me, Brian Triger, as I chat with Dr. Jack Werner about the inspiring work and ambitious goals of Rotary District 5750 in Oklahoma. We dig into Jack's journey through Rotary, the district's vibrant community projects like the Santa Claus Project, and their ongoing scholarship programs. We also explore the significance...

Discover the inspiring journey of Felix Linden, a trailblazing educator who made history as the first African-American male named Teacher of the Year for Oklahoma City Public Schools in 2022-23. This episode of the Rotary Spark Podcast reveals how Felix's passion for education and community service has flourished through his involvement with the Rotary, where he has found a platform to enact change and connect with others who ...

What happens when a single mother of three steps out of her comfort zone and into the world of Rotary? Nancy Lane from the Waxahachie Rotary Club shares her inspiring journey with us, revealing how a simple invitation from a friend named Brian led her to discover an intergenerational community that transformed her life. Despite initial feelings of being out of place due to age differences, Nancy found a warm, welcoming environment ...

Imagine stumbling upon a global network through a simple family connection. That's exactly what happened to Alyssa Weathers-Murphy, our guest and president of the Oklahoma City Midtown Rotary Club. Alyssa takes us through her decade-long journey, from discovering Rotary via her husband to leading innovative projects like the "Spelling Beer," a fundraiser that cleverly mixes spelling bees with craft beer tastings to s...

What happens when community spirit meets culinary passion? Join us for an insightful conversation with Tim Thielen, Midwest City Rotary Club member and proud owner of Pelican's Restaurant. Tim shares how his involvement in heartwarming community events, like the Thanksgiving dinner at Autumn House, has created a profound sense of belonging and purpose. We also address the significant shifts in the restaurant landscape, from th...