Sparks of Interest: Recent Episodes
Rulebooks Anonymous NV
Sparks of Interest is a new upcoming podcast discussing local issues in and around Sparks, Nevada. This also includes Reno and Washoe County but even if you aren't a local, that's ok too! The topics discussed may apply to your hometown as well.
Hosted by former Mayor Candidate, Jeff Bonano; with co-hosts Dennis Bagley II and Peggy Rew to help keep our conversations comparable to 3 friends just talking over a cup of coffee.
How do you cope with mental health issues? Do you cope in positive ways such as getting out in nature? Or do you cope negatively with isolation? There are many ways to cope with mental health both positive and negative and we’ve here to cover both sides.
And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Sparks Bits returns with a very special guest, Kealyanna, to talk about the amazing non profit; Unbound Now! We're discussing one of the heaviest and most important stories of our time; human trafficking. This amazing organization is working towards stopping it in all forms and providing support for survivors at all levels. Check out the link for more information. And if you can donate, please check out that link. Every dollar helps!
https://unboundnow.org/
https://give.unboundnow.org/gi...
Ever wonder what the process of getting a therapist is like? What education do they need? How do they feel about different treatments? And what if you don’t vibe with them? Today we are joined by Marcus, a therapist in our hometown to share some of how his profession works and ways you can have a better experience with your therapist. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Abuse is men. It’s a staggering statistic that through our research we have to wonder, how much goes unreported. In all its forms, abuse plagues men, and we are here to shine a light on this darkness. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Let’s talk about stress! In today’s episode, we are talking about the causes, effects, and even some relief from stress. There is help. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Addiction. It is a powerful vice that afflicts men more than women. It is a force that destroys lives, not just of the addict, but those around him. We are joined by very special guest Bob to share stories of addiction and ways that people can overcome them. There is help. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
When all hope is lost, one option rears it’s ugly head as the only solution: Suicide. The permanent solution to a temporary problem. Men account for around 80% of the suicides in the U.S, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We share our experiences with friends who made attempts as well as our own personal attempts. There is help. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Anxiety. What comes to mind when you think about that word? A stress response? Persistent worry? An affliction that only affects children and women? The answers are surprising as many men also suffer from one of anxiety’s many forms. We cover the different forms of anxiety as well as some treatment options. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone. Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Anxiety Home - Anxiety Disorders and universal Health Care - Anxiety Disorders and universal Health Care
Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Depression. It’s is an epidemic in our world. Men suffer from depression at higher rates than women, yet they refuse to seek help. One part societal pressures, one part not knowing where to go for help, it is a barrier to be broken down. Dennis is joined by his wife Lisa in this episode to provide a woman’s take on how to identify depression symptoms as we cover various aspects of depression. And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone. Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys https://headsupguys.org/
Mantherapy https://mantherapy.org/
Movember https://us.movember.com/
NAMI https://www.nami.org/
Email us at soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
This is where we start to make a difference, with episode 1 and Transparency. Dave and Dennis are here to inform and help men struggling with mental health issues ranging from anger or depression, to substance abuse or self harm. It is ok to not be ok and we are here for you. But to gain the trust of our listeners, there must be transparency. To that end, we have shared in this episode some of our own battles with mental health issues. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.
Please like, share, and subscribe!
Resources:
Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuys
Mantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental Health
Movember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - Movember
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Email us at soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com
Adam Mayberry joins us to talk about the possible future consolidation of our regional fire services. We cover what it could mean for service quality as well as cost. And since Adam is running for Sparks City Council, we talk about his campaign and what he hopes to achieve. If you would like to find out more info, check the link below or call or text the number below as well.
Adam Mayberry for Sparks City Council Ward 4
1-775-843-1957
Sparks is home to many things. and we are fortunate that amonst them is a plethora of fantastic restaurants! We are joined by councilman Donald Abbott to discuss a few hidden gems and even get a little Sparks history too.
We have another wholesome episode for you with the history of Peanuts! WE dive into the history of the strip, talk about the specials, and even get into the art style unique to the comic.
It's another game related episode as we talk Magic the Gathering. In a twist though, it's the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set!
It's another Avatar episode, but this time we played the ttrpg! We have FOUR guests joining us in the adventure as we completely throw out the starter campaign and replace it with our own. What sort of craziness have we unleashed?!
Thanks to a recent revival of sorts, we are talking about the Muppets! These characters have had a big influence on many lives and we delve into some of the interesting history of the Muppets, and provide our own ideas on how they should be utilized.
Candidate Alexis Hill joins us to talk about her policy positions and how she will work to improve Nevada.
Home - Alexis for Nevada
Spicy J (Jeff) returns for season 9, and he's brought salsa! Will D survive? Or is our hero going to burn to ashes thanks to the salsa known as Satan's Armpit?
How many of our 2025 predictions did we get right? The answer probably won't surprise you.
Dave has gotten into Magic the Gathering (with a little help from D) and we are here to talk about everything in Magic. FRom the start of the game, a few classic sets, to Universes Beyond, let's dig in!
Hunting season has come and gone and we've got such tales to tell. Joining us are Lisa, Lily, and Reed to share in their deer hunts from 2025. How did it go? Were they successful? Will the family be fed this winter? Listen in.
Turtle Power! It's all about the nostalgia in this episode dedicated to a huge influence in our childhoods: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
In this Sparks After Dark, we address the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the uptick in political unrest and violence. And since it's an After Dark, we're cursing a lot!
Dave got a house! This episode is a humble brag about Dave going through the process of getting his new house.
We are joined by special guest Chelsea Lowen of 911 Restoration. We talk about the process of restoration after various events; fires, water leaks, etc, and how 911 Restoration can help. As a bonus, Chelsea and D both share what might be the grossest stories we've had on the show!
www.911restorationreno.com
What is the line between a crime and a prank? Can friendly rivalries go too far? We delve into recent stories involving vandalism as well stories from when we were younger.
We are joined by Lisa to talk about the Reno Chamber Orchestra and the importance of music. As a bonus, Dave and Lisa reunited with their middle school strings teacher, Mrs. Hoffman.
The amazing game from 2006, Oblivion, has been remastered! As older games, we played the hell out of this game when it first released and wanted to share our excitement. Plus, a dive into AAA gaming woes, and an amusing Kinect Golf story.
Not many people realize that Nevada has quite the number of famous people that called the Silver State home. Listen in, some of these may surprise you.
The show has been taken over by Lilyshark! What topic could be so big, so important, so...epic that she would take over? Why, it's Epic the Musical! We go in depth from start to finish over every song as well as some of the animations attached to each one. Needless to say, SPOILERS AHEAD!
https://youtu.be/6K-eMKjo1bs?s...
Our 150th episode! We are back to our roots with some Nevada trivia and what better way to do than for Jeff to face off against a new rival; Geoff the Terrestrial Shark!
It's a new year, a new season, and new goals! We discuss current goals we each have for the upcoming year as well as plans for this season of the show.
As we wrap up another season, we decided to predict the future. From the serious, to the silly, to the wishful thinking, we cover it all with our predictions.
As we near Christmas, we discuss a variety of seasonal things including songs, music, lights, traditions and even Lego!
It's pizza time and we're not talking Ninja Turtles! Trustees Westlake and Mayberry join us for a variety of pizzas from local parlors and a discussion on various education related topics.
Check out these locations for some great pizza!
Best Pizza in Reno, NV & Sparks, NV | Boulevard Pizza
Mamma Celeste's Gastropub & Pizzeria - Sparks, NV
Home - Blind Onion - Reno & Sparks Pizza
Pizza Plus | It's Our Thing... Pizza and Wings!
Jeff has returned in time for us to go back to our childhoods with a chat about Nintendo. We talk about classic games, fond memories, and frustrating gaming moments. Join us!
Trustee Westlake has returned to discuss a troubling issue for our schools: student absenteeism. What is causing the absenteeism and what can be done to help? Are students engaged in school or just checking out? Tune in?
Something lurks beneath the surface of the Sparks Marina, but what is it? Dave and Dennis delve into the murky waters to bring you what we know of the Sparks Marina Monster! Plus, an update on the Annual Nevada Scavenger Hunt
Hunting season is almost gone but we have a tale to tell! D got an antelope tag and he's here to share the whole experience with you!
It was a crazy summer and we touch on most of it. From vacations, to Olympic events, to political strife, and movies galore, we've got it all!
The boys join us as we talk about Brickfest when it came to Reno! Ups and downs of the fest, but we provide ideas to improve upon what they have.
We're geeking out big time in this episode as we cover not only air fryers and how amazing they are, but the many aplications of 3D printers!
We made good on a previous conversation: we are trying out some tasty desserts on air! Joining us this time are WCSD Trustees Adam Mayberry, Alex Woodly, and Colleen Westlake. But there's more than just sweets in this episode as we talk graduation, election results, and a couple stories involving trucks.
Note: The message at the begining of this episode was recorded after the initial show had been recorded and edited. RIP Mr. Wilson
Feel uncomfortable around ducks? Don't like the open water? Do clowns freak you out? Today we have several different phobias to talk about as we butcher the pronunciation and complain about their names.
It's the finale of our D&D playthrough and we have the kids join to tell the tale. Did our heroes defeat the villains? Did they get handsomly rewarded? How does Lily open doors? And why is Reed's voice a dolphin sound? All that and more in this episode
It's time to put on your Pipboy and venture into the wasteland as we talk everything Fallout! How is the show and does it fit within the timeline of the games? Wondering which game is the best in the series? We talk that too. And Dave gives a rundown on Fallout 76 and how much it has evolved in the last few years.
Which media is better; digital or physical? We delve into the pros and cons of both types in this episode!
https://www.audible.com/search...
We are here to spread Easter cheer and Foolish fun in April! Listen in on our Easter holiday and even a few pranks from April Fools past
In this episode, we share our love for the one and only Weird Al! Some of our favorite songs were written by this amazing artist and we delve into how talented he is at making parodies.
David and D discuss the live action adaptation of Avatar the Last Airbender. Was the show worth a watch? D provides a rating from the viewpoint of a long time fan and for a person who knows little to nothing about the original show. We also discuss ideas on what future seasons could do as well as films set in the Avatar universe. Needless to say, SPOILER WARNING!
Check out Gamelogica from the link below:
https://youtube.com/@GamelogicaYT?si=oJ6VMnkKa1Q5H66e
In this episode, David and D share their experience with a recent Dungeons and Dragons campaign with the kids. How did the party do and were there shenanigans? Plus, a quick recap of the Superbowl and more gaming stories.
In our season premiere, we make good on our threat to taste fish n chips with a couple of guests: Beth Smith and Colleen Westlake. Want to hear your school board trustees in a new light? Listen in as we chat about food, air fryers, and even a medical issues.
In this season finale Dave and Dennis share their holiday fun as well as tasting a couple cookies. A brief discussion on 3D printers, and plans for next season!
It’s that time of year when everyone is a little nicer, a little happier, and a little more generous. We have several charities and good causes to highlight in this episode, but they tend to operate year round so if you can help out during the rest of the year, that goes a long way.
St Jude’s https://www.stjude.org/
Forever14 https://forever14.org/
Veteran’s Guesthouse https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/
Human Society https://nevadahumanesociety.org/
VFW https://www.vfw.org/
Ronald McDonald House https://rmhcnnevada.org/
Food Bank https://fbnn.org/
Assistance League https://www.assistanceleague.org/reno-sparks/
Toys for Tots https://secure.toysfortots.org/
It's time to talk some survival skills as Dave and Dennis talk hunting and fishing! Who is the better fisher between them? Did Dennis get a deer? And what of the Hunter Safety Course? Tune in!
In this redo episode (new equipment and recording program, please bear with us), Jeff brings the heat with a variety of hotsauces and peppers. Not to be outdone, the rest of the SoI team wrote jokes for Jeff to share with you all.
Saucythesauce.com
Elijahsxtreme.com
Laketahoesauce.com
Heatonist.com
bohicapepperhut.com
Dennis and Dave discuss the various improvements made around the area, including exciting upcoming projects!
The Silver Quill:
https://www.silverquillbk.com/
Jazzy Jays:
https://www.facebook.com/profi...
Big news involving Kirby Wyoming! Plus, we discuss various events around the Reno/Sparks area
David and Dennis discuss ROTC for a new generation of cadets as well as other aspects of highschool that have changed since they were in.
In this episode, we talk work ethic. Through our own experiences, we discovered the value of a strong work ethic and decided to talk with our listeners about the benefits of work ethic in the world at large.
It's time for a movie review and we are covering the classic film, The Wizard! This fantastic movie from the 80's is significant not just because of our love of classic games, but because part of the movie takes place in Reno. We share our thoughts as we walk through the various scenes and point out a few inconsistencies when the characters get to Reno. Plus, we have a bried chat about Ready Player One. Needless to say, MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
David and Dennis have gotten some much needed vacation this summer and they've got tales to tell!
Back from vacation and talking education, we've got Washoe County School District Board President Beth Smith! We cover it all; from victories in the legislature, to changes in the upcoming school year, to how certain things are funded, and even a brief chat about fish and chips.
It's time to talk about the environment in this episode as we discuss the lithium mine starting up in Nevada. What impact will it have? What can you do to help save this piece of wilderness that is home to many amzing plants and animals? Find out within.
Let's get back to nature and talk growing our own food! David and D discuss gardening and cooking in this epiosde. It's a little bit of work but worth it, and you can can grow amazing food too!
It's a celebration for the many people in our lives as we talk May birthdays! What sort of things have our hosts enjoyed during their birthdays? How have things changed over the years? We also have the writer's strike going on as of this episode and we do a dive into the pros and cons of the strike.
Pastor Louie returns! We had planned talking sports and spirituality but we branched out even further! You get Lord of the Rings talk, pop culture, and the importance of friendship!
We had originally planned on just talking about David's trip to Lego Land, but we had a surprise guest show up: Viktor Smith! We talk about his new book, golf, and food. To cap things off, we've got zombie talk and a fun story from when D worked reservations.
Big news this episode regarding the future of the show and opportunities that have opened up!
New Starwars content means another Starwars centered episode! This time we bring the boys back to talk the new shows, movies, and some of their favorite Starwars things. Minor spoilers are ahead
The board of WESP (Washoe Education Support Professionals) adresses the trusteeship placed upon them by the NSEA. Interested in the new assosciation? Check out the WASP Facebook page!
Trustee Adam Mayberry has returned! Adam shares with the crew some of the exciting programs available to high school students across Washoe County, as well as some of the triumphs and trials facing the district.
Want to help Reed High or Reno High get to DC? Here’s how:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?...
Contact the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement at 702-909-1059. Or donate online here: https://bit.ly/3IB6MJ6
Dennis recaps an interview with Callen Evans of the WEA regarding education and funding.
It's our season premiere and we've got a few things to talk about! We start with a quick rapid fire of subjects that occured whilst we were on vacation. In the second half of the show, we talk all things music; types we enjoy, various fun stories involving playing instruments, and even neat youtube channels Dave listens to.
It's our season finale and in a first for the show, we have a guest joining us. Dr. Enfield of the Washoe County School District is on to answer some tough questions, as well as share some of the positive changes within the district.
Peggy is back to talk holiday pet safety and we share a few fun pet stories. It's that time of year and we all want our furry friends to be safe. If you have any questions you'd like to direct towards Peggy, be sure to check out the link below.
M Peggy A Rew | All Things Pets with a Wordsmith Twist! (rewcrew.com)
While Dennis is sick, David continues the show with an interview of local candy maker Richard Butt! Hear about the amazing candies and treats he made, and of the tragic end to his shop up in Virginia City. Big thank you to Victor Smith from Ohio for putting us in contact with this amazing guest!
Richard's Treats:
French Artisan Raspberry Tart
Perfectly Ornate Orange Parakeet
Glazed Almond Sangria
Pineapple Enhanced Watermelon
We decided to not cover the mid terms this episode as we were still waiting for results when we recorded. Dave shares his daughter’s experience with getting her driver’s license. Second half of the show, we dedicate to holiday related topics and share a few favorite charities.
https://www.va.gov/southern-nevada-health-care/
https://www.stjude.org/
https://fbnn.org/
https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/
http://projectsweetdreamsnv.com/
https://rmhc.org/
It’s spicy episode as we cover crime and the upcoming midterms! But as with the timing of this episode, we have an article from the Atlantic to cover, as well as a HUGE story involving social media and the DHS. Links to the stories below!
(Editor's Note: We got flagged for a stray curse word in this episode. Apologies in advance)
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/10/covid-response-forgiveness/671879/
https://theintercept.com/2022/10/31/social-media-disinformation-dhs/
As we continue with our year of education, we have Karen Beerer of Discovery Education to tell us about their exciting platform! Are you a teacher? Are you looking for more resources for a variety of subjects? Are you looking to make education more engaging? Karen breaks down how the Discovery Education platform can aid you!
https://www.discoveryeducation.com/
In this Sparks Bits episode, we have three guests running for school board. Join D as he interviews Colleen Westlake, Melanie Sutton, and Graeme Reid over a variety of topics from the budget, to discipline, to sex education. Listen in and share with everyone you can!
Colleen Westlake: https://westlake4schoolboard2022.com/
Melanie Sutton: https://www.suttonforwcsd.com/
Graeme Reid: https://www.vote-reid.com/
This is a ranty episode as we unload on a trio of subjects. Dave has words to share with the school district's transportation department, and they aren't pleasant. Next up, we talk politics from the cost of campaigns to the messaging and everything in between. And to wrap it all up, World War 3 on the horizon and what certain news means for our country.
We made it! Episode 100 and we've got the match up you've all been waiting for: Jeff vs Penguin Jeff! Before we get into that, we reminisce about past episodes, past guests, and a few fun stories we hadn't shared on air. And did we mention, this episode is uncensored?! Because it is, didn't feel like editing out the bad words.
Phantom Jukebox: https://open.spotify.com/show/4juHMRGyysSMe01VE1U7zM?si=D7yuFKoURXCLAEc9vGfShg
It's time to talk student loan forgiveness and how it affects the entire country. We give the perspectives of both sides of the argument and the consequences of what could happen if the forgiveness plan goes through. All it not lost though, we also provide solid ways to go to college without taking out loans or taking out too much in loans. And as always with this topic, we present ideas the colleges could improve to make things cheaper.
Momma Murdered a Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1fBsFPHTdjeO0Rv4bLg1Ke?si=RAsN_N4vRtaleSUHyuqG7A
Summer is winding down and we're taking the time to reflect on how it went for us. From craziness with schools, amazing interviews, and even tv shows and movies, we cover quite a bit. Tune in and chill out with us.
Murdah Ink Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murdah-ink/id1622845927
It's another WCSD school board candidate joining Dennis this episode: Graeme Reid! Listen in on his thoughts and plans to better the district, as well as his background and what led him to run for school board.
Note: there were some technical difficulties in the beginning of the interview and as a result you'll hear audio in one speaker. We did fix the issue in the latter half of the show though.
It's time for another interview, this time with Adam Mayberry of the Washoe County School District's school board. Listen in on how Adam was appointed to the board and what made him decide to seek another term, as well as his accomplishments and plans for the future
https://www.adammayberry.com/
In this episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Dr Susan Enfield! Our new superintendent is here to share her experience, plans, and ideas to make our local school district successful for all! And even if you aren't from our area, perhaps there's ideas brought up that could help your local school district too.
We finally made good on our threat to do a Starwars episode focusing on the Clone Wars era with the boys. Brace yourselves, this one is a doozy filled with spoilers and analysis of various things Starwars. We've got old shows, Lego sets, new content, and even talk about the ways the Force works.
James’s YouTube
https://youtube.com/channel/UCHHnl2hRGYT9POrzRQY4IKw
Today we have a special guest, Colleen Westlake, candidate for Washoe County School Board! Hear her thoughts on improving the district, what inspired her to run, and some of her background. Even if you aren’t local to our area, there might be a few ideas talked about that you could apply to your own school district.
https://savewcsd.com/colleen-westlake/
https://westlake4schoolboard2022.com/
What is a phobia? What kinds of phobias exist out there? Which ones are some of the worst if you live in Nevada? David and Dennis dive into this fascinating subject with a few of their own phobias and amusing stories regarding...spiders.
In this episode, we get somewhat personal and cover mental health. Ever wonder what the stats are for mental health during the pandemic? We have you covered with commentary and analysis. Dennis shares his own issues with mental health. And we have a NEW co host!
Stats: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2020/11/10-surprising-mental-health-statistics-from-2020/
Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
It's time for our first, but not last, episode on Starwars! We've pulled Jeff from the depths of his cave to join as we talk old Starwars and new Starwars. We've got commentary on parodies, our first experiences with the franchise and a Triple Threat featuring our top 3 favorite characters!
Are you on social media? Do you find yourself constantly checking to see if you have more post likes, retweets, or followers? You might be addicted to social media. David and Dennis discuss various social media outlets and the addictive qualities they have. David shares a new certification he has. And the team chats about Elon Musk potentially buying Twitter.
It's time for baseball as David and Dennis talk baseball in the Reno/Sparks area! Hear all about the Aces Stadium, the great food, and entertaining stories from our hosts growing up playing and watching baseball.
The team is here to talk firearms and safety. Hear about our own experience with firearms, learn some helpful info on what to do if you haven't used a firearm before, and even get our take on some of the movements involving police.
Well, it was an eventful couple of weeks between episodes and now we are talking the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We discuss possible attacks we could face, bad takes from various people online, how the war affects us at home, and a legendary sandwich Dennis had at work. Note, we recorded on 3/7/22 so information changed almost over night.
In this special episode of Sparks of Interest, we have the mayor of Reno Nevada, Hillary Schieve! We talk about it all: affordable housing, mental health, green initiatives, even the changes to mid town. A huge thank you goes out to Mayor Schieve and her team for helping to set this up so we can get to know her better.
(Side note. There were a some issues with Zoom regarding the sound but you are still able to hear everything)
It's time for football as we cover the Super Bowl! We dive into the fun of the halftime show, a few wagers you can place, fantasy football, and even the singing of the national anthem. Listen in!
It's season 5 baby! In this episode we give updates from our vacation and the shenanigans that ensued. But that's not all! Have you wondered about our old cohost Jeff? What makes him tick? What crazy stories are there that involve him? Well, wonder no more as we highlight our buddy in a new segment called Jeff: Fact or Fiction?
We've got another Sparks Bits for you to start your year off with self published author Ashley Evans! Hear about her journey to publish her book, her triumphs, and future projects. Enjoy the positivity from this amazing person.
Want to follow Ashley? Check out the links below.
Facebook
https://m.facebook.com/Ashley-Evans-The-Self-Published-Author-104664065227606/
Website
https://evanspublishing4.wixsite.com/website
Instagram
Ashley_self_published_author
It's the end of the year and the end of the season! David and Dennis discuss some of the events of the year and what next year could bring. As a special treat, Dennis reveals exactly what the "First Quarter Curse" is and what has happened in the last five years.
David and Dennis share how Sparks has changed over the years and what Christmas was like growing up. Harken back to a time of snow days, Christmas lights, and the notorious 1997 flood. Kick back and enjoy!
In this special edition of the Sparks of Interest, Peggy and Jeff return to chat about holiday fun! We've got your pet care during the holidays covered, we've got fun activities covered, food covered, even a brief chat about favorite movies. Come join us and take your mind off your troubles.
It's time to dig into the nitty gritty of vaccine mandates! We cover the current plan as well as our thoughts on if the mandates are needed.
In Simpsons fashion, we are airing a Halloween episode in November! Dennis and David have taken a break and Jeff is back with special guests Joey Lanzoni and Viktor Smith. Enjoy stories from all three hosts ranging from candy stories, to scary camping trips, and even costumes!
Jeff returns to Sparks of Interest for at least one episode! Listen in on all that he's been up to including; voice over work, podcast work, and various auditions. Jeff even shares a few tips about conducting interviews on a podcast with guests.
It's our second Sparks Bits and we've got one of the founders of Sparks of Interest, Peggy Rew! Today we discuss elderly pet care, and that it is ok to let your pets pass on if they are at the end. We've also got general tips for older pets that aren't quite at the end. And we top it all off with talk about vets and future episodes.
Want to contact Peggy for any pet related questions? Check out her website below!
https://www.rewcrew.com/
It's all about how to podcast in this episode as David and Dennis share how to start your very own show! Get some helpful tips on how to get started, various options for software, and even how to distribute. Are you inspired to start a show? Write us and tell us all about it!
Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/
Libsyn: https://libsyn.com/
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/
Youtube Audio Library: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCsy198NdpYj2hKd7thnRrKQ/music
Terrell’s show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-finance-accounting-show/id1548194698
David carries the show in this episode as he interviews the legendary, Joey Lanzoni! Hear all about his time as a lounge singer, his encounter with Sinatra, and his legendary hunt in Africa! We may also have a tease of his future collaboration with a previous guest. Note, there were some minor technical problems while recording but we fixed it
In this episode, we talk about the 20 year conflict in Afghanistan and the Middle East. David shares his experience in Saudi Arabia as well as a few stories about being in the Air Force. The second half of the show is dedicated to the recent withdrawal and the consequences of how it was handled. Be warned, there is legitimate criticism of the withdrawal and we don't hold back our feelings on the matter. We would also like to encourage people to support our veterans as much as possible, we have an obligation to support them.
The enigmatic Viktor Smith joins a low energy Dennis for an interview on this episode. Hear about Viktor's amazing books, his adventures, how he got the life story of Couch James from Rulebooks Anonymous, and his collection of salt shakers.
Why does the phrase, "Calm down", infuriate more than calm? Dennis discusses the things going on in the world today that are driving people mad, and in the process, may infuriate you listeners even more. It's not all bad though, he gives hope in the form of a few nuggets of wisdom you can take or leave. But above all, we should all calm down.
Special guest Nate Jones of the Lifetips Podcast joins to talk podcasting, sports, faith, and more!
Want to follow Nate on social media? Here’s where you can find him:
Auth_Gen_Person: Twitter
Lifetips Podcast: Twitter
The Wise Orator: Facebook
Instagram: nate_the_speaker _oratornate
It's a short and sweet episode this round as Dennis shares a few tips on wildfire prevention. Always remain vigilant to potential hazards and practice safety when out camping.
We are back and it is time to talk vacations and summer fun! Dennis has a brief update on his trip to Boise, Dave shares some future plans for a few trips, and they offer suggestions for summer activities for your enjoyment!
It's time for another Sparks After Dark as we delve into the history of prostitution in Nevada. Did you know it's not legal in the entire state? Where are these brothels able to function? What pushback has the industry received? We've got those answers and more!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_Nevada
We have finally started our Nevada history series with a board covering of Nevada facts and stories! Join us as we cover how Nevada became a state and the various features of our state!
We start our show with another of D's Rants, this time on misplaced anger at a recent tragedy. After that, it's time to talk Smart Cities! What is a Smart City? What kind of undertaking is going on in Nevada to make that a reality? What are the consequences of building one? We've got answers and questions for you in this episode!
A new bill has made it to the state senate here in Nevada and it is all about the death penalty. We discuss the history of the death penalty in Nevada along with what it takes to receive it. What sort of consequences should exist for committing crimes and why do they exist? we discuss that along with another brief rant about Twitter.
It's a chaotic episode as the sons of David and Dennis take over the show! What gets discussed? What tales and interests do the boys have? Tune in!
Welcome everyone to the first installment of Sparks Bits! Sparks Bits will be episodes of interviews primarily but not necessarily tied to our usual schedule (you will see them from time to time in our usual time slot if a preplanned episode has issues). In this first Sparks Bits, we have an amazing guest, CPA Terrell Turner! Terrell is one of the hosts of The Finance and Accounting Show giving out important information to help new business owners understand the finance side of business ownership. Tune in and enjoy!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-finance-accounting-show/id1548194698
https://www.businesstalklibrary.com/
We all remember our first car, whether it's fondly or with disdain. Join David and Dennis as they discuss vehicle ownership, with a few handy tips everyone can benefit from. Talk of Teslas and Smart cars leads into a brief chat about some green energy. And Dennis shares his recent accident and the aftermath of dealing with the loss of his truck and recovering from injury.
We have returned after a much needed break and it's time to hit the ground running! Dennis and Dave cover some of the craziness 2021 has to offer from only one month in. Get caught up on the Gamestop Rebellion, vaccines, and even Bernie Sanders memes! Curious what the future holds for the game? We've got that covered!
It's our season finale folks, and its's time for reflection. Dennis and Dave take a look back at the various changes over 202 in terms of the show and society. They also delve a little further into the past and share fun stories to warm the depths of your heart. So pull up a chair, enjoy a hot beverage, and end your year with Sparks of Interest
It’s that time of year! With how much people are struggling right now, Dennis and Dave cover a plethora of charities both local and national that the listeners can donate to. There’s veteran charity, child charity, family charity, even animals too! It isn’t all business this episode though, there holiday movie suggestions for you and your family to enjoy!
Veteran’s Guesthouse
https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/
775-324-6958
St Jude’s
https://www.stjude.org/
Ronald McDonald House
https://www.rmhc.org/
775-322-4663
Thorn
https://www.thorn.org/
Compassion First
https://compassionfirst.org/
Teen Challenge
www.teenchallenge.net
www.teenchallenge.net/TC-Christmas
775-424-6777
SPCA
https://spcanevada.org/
775-324-7773
Toys for Tots
https://www.toysfortots.org/
In this important episode, Dennis and Dave go over tech censorship. Learn about Section 230 and what it does. Hear about instances of censorship across multiple platforms. And discover new tech platforms to try out if you want to escape the big dogs. It's not all doom and gloom though, our hero David rectifies an injustice from over 20 years ago ON AIR!
In this episode, we see the return of Jeff and a special guest, Lisa, join David and Dennis for stories about ROTC. Learn some of the things that can be learned in ROTC as well as the fun activities and teams each one of our hosts was on.
Dennis and David discuss the difficulties of stress in everyday life as well as ways to combat it. Our hosts give their own personal destressers and share some of their own stressful jobs (with an entertaining twist of course).
In this action-packed episode, David and Dennis cover Nevada Day with special guest Lily. Learn about some of the history of the state of Nevada and the annual NV Day Treasure hunt! Do you think some laws are silly? Here are a few of the silliest laws in Nevada to make you scratch your head. And we talk a little about Halloween in 2020.
It’s all about the act of protesting and assembly in this episode of Sparks of Interest. Dave and Dennis cover the legal right to assemble as well as some of statutes of Sparks. A case from the 1800’s has long reaching consequences that even affected us until recently. A look into how boycotting is a form of peaceful protest. And we cover the riots that have occurred in 2020.
In this episode, things take a more lighthearted tone as Dennis and Dave share stories of growing up in Sparks. Hear about some of the changes in the area since they were kids and get to know our hosts a little better. As a real treat, Dennis and Dave share their time in ROTC in high school.
It’s an emotional episode as Dave and Dennis discuss the September 11th attacks in 2001. We cover the timeline of events just before the attacks as well as our personal experiences in the following days.
During these trying times, we often overlook our spiritual needs. Whether you believe in a deity or not, whether you meditate or pray, your spirit is important and needs to be nurtured. David and Dennis speak with Pastor Louie Locke on faith in the Reno/Sparks area and what lessons have helped them in all aspects of life.
It’s that time of year again, the start of school! Dennis and Dave tackle the reopening of schools here in Washoe County amid the pandemic and the trials that await our community. We cover the plan laid out for in-person and distance learning.
It’s all about sports in Nevada in this episode of Sparks of Interest with special guest Nathan Shoup of The Reno Slant. Dave and Dennis dive into the effects the recent pandemic has on college sports, discuss the stadium for the Raiders built in the tiny town of Las Vegas and chat about Nevada’s own professional hockey team. To round things out, Dave, Dennis, and Nathan share their experiences during the infamous “Miracle at Mackay” Wolfpack game!
Jeff, Dennis, and Dave have successfully taken the Sparks of Interest to episode 50! So to celebrate, we wanted to share some of our experiences and also reveal some news about change!
In this episode, Jeff, Dennis, and David discuss a favorite pastime of theirs: gaming! Nevada is known for its gambling, but did you know there are a variety of non-gambling options available around the Reno and Sparks area? Join as they cover the many local, and not quite as local, gaming venues for your enjoyment.
Jeff and Dennis welcome a new member to the Sparks of Interest team. And what better way to celebrate than to pour a round of beers and talk about local brewers. Planning on visiting Sparks and Reno? Maybe these are some places you should visit when you get here!
During the time of deciding if we should be lifting parts of the world wide lockdown, Jeff and Dennis decided it was time for a friendly debate on if we should or not. In this episode, you’ll learn where each one stands and why.
A lot has happened and been affected by Covid, but one thing that we cannot forget about is how it’s affected education during these times. Jeff and Dennis dive into what their school district is doing and get as far as talking about other online education and what colleges are doing to solve this problem.
Dennis and Jeff are still stuck indoors at this point but that’s ok. But that also means Dennis has been spending a lot of time thinking about the entertainment industry and he gets Jeff involved in a conversation about how the COVID virus has been battling the Entertainment industry.
Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy have worked hard to bring you a seamless conversation, but behind the scenes, there’s nothing but mayhem. This episode covers some of the outtakes from past episodes and seasons. Listen to our bloopers and then enjoy a special never before released episode with a very special guest.
We are stuck at home because of the CoVid-19 virus, and many of you have been too. So we wanted to just talk about our experience since it’s certainly a topic that sparked our interest!
Are you prepared? In this episode Dennis wants you to just take in mind this quick short list of things you need to make sure you have. At the same time, this is for anything that could happen in the world. There are scarier things out there than the Coronavirus right now.
Every town or city, every state, even every country has some form of law enforcement. It’s a tough job and the fact that while people are running away from the situation, these fine men and women are running towards it.
In this special episode, Jeff opens up the flood gates and let’s the team go unplugged and censor free. In the last two years, the team has had a lot to say and a lot of it can’t be aired… or at least shouldn’t. So in this bonus episode, we let our hair down and share our thoughts. There is a lot of swearing and you learn just how un-classy we can be. Listener Discretion is advised as this episode’s content is not suitable for all listeners.
Season 2 has come to a close. Of course so has the 2019 year and the entire decade! So with so much ending the team at Sparks of Interest decided to do a reflection on a lot of things that have happened. There is also a little bit of foreshadowing on what to expect in the coming season 3!
Reno is proud to be a college town and are proud of being the home of the University of Nevada, Reno. You might be thinking about going to college in your home state or elsewhere. Or you may be deciding not to. Regardless, if college was or is on your mind, join us as we talk about our opinions on going to college.
Reno is Art Town! We are proud of all artists here and with such a diverse community of art, we wanted to share some of what we see here and everywhere else with you! We look at local artists and local events, then get into things that we see all over the place.
Some say that reading is becoming a lost art. More so, they say that libraries are a thing of the past now that we have the internet. Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy feel differently and will explain why. From Sparks, Nevada to around the world, libraries are still important to our society.
The team decided to do an episode on veterans even though it isn’t released on Veteran’s Day because they felt you don’t need just one day to appreciate the fine men and women who have served our country.
Do you understand what a Trust is? Can you tell the difference between a will and a trust? Well we sure couldn’t so we decided to bring in an expert. Cindy Armentrout Esq. joined the team in this episode to educate us and you on what a trust is as well as answer some commonly asked questions and myths.
There is a goal in our community to start reducing fatalities to a rate of zero. How are we going to do that? How can your community do that? In this episode Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy introduce to you a program that the City of Sparks is getting involved in called Vision Zero. Learn how it can help us and help you too!
Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, and Millennials. Three generations and three levels of understanding in finances. But as we hear news about a new recession, do you know what that means? And do you know how to prepare your investments? We cover a lot of it in this episode so if Finances spark your interest but you don’t know what it is, then this episode will benefit you in some way.
Does your community have a Parks and Recs program? Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy decided to talk about the Parks and Recs program in the City of Sparks and want to share with you some of the things that you could benefit if you had something similar in your area. Already have one, maybe it’s on the top 100 which they get into as well.
Jeff and Dennis get to dive into the abuse with modern smart technology. Joined by a very special guest, this episode will either educate you on smart homes and devices or only just make you want them less.
Do you have a hero in your life? What even defines a hero? The trio share their personal thoughts on the topic of heroes in one’s life and how to even recognize a real hero.
We’ve all done it, worked harder not smarter. So when it’s time to make your life a little easier, we try to hack it. Some things work great, others are just horrible ideas. Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy talk about just that. Listen in and let our life hacks change your life!
Do you support local businesses in your area? The Sparks of Interest Team sure does! Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy team up once again but along with special guest Dave Asher head of Buy Nevada First. Listen in and see why buying local is so important to where you live.
We talked about food in the Reno/Sparks area, but now it’s time to entice you, the listener, to check out some of the other fun stuff in our area when you aren’t eating. Fun for all ages can be found here and we highlight some places we feel you should check out!
Are you hungry? We dive into the best topic that sparked our interest. Food Trucks and some, just some, of our favorite restaurants. So if you aren’t a local to the Reno/Sparks area, you will need to listen to this episode before you come and visit! Or else, you’ll go hungry.
To celebrate our 25th episode we invited the hosts from the podcast, "Ghosts, or Whatever" to join us! Join Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy as we dive into what makes Ghosts, or Whatever tick. Ghosts, or Whatever is hosted by Cassandra, Charlie, and Brodie. We hope you enjoy!
The hosts of Ghosts, or Whatever are:
Cassandra Placious
Charlie Chappell
Brodie Roman
You can find them on Facebook and find other links on how to find them: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsorwhatever/
There are 50,000 children yearly who are adopted but there are more than that who need a family. This episode centers on Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy learning about adopting a child and what you can expect if you want to adopt yourself.
Nevada is well known for being a great place to get married, so let’s talk about getting hitched! This episode is all about getting married, being married, and how to survive it all!
Peggy takes the reigns again and helps educate the team and our listeners about pet adoptions in the community. How to go about doing it, what to expect, and Tips on integrating new pets into the family.
Are you ready to take control of your finances? Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy tackle the topic of controlling your finances, not letting your finances control you. There’s a lot of information in this one and a lot for your to think about.
In this episode Sparks of Interest talks about a topic every community suffers from, Drug Addictions and the use of Opioids. What it is, How it effects people, and Where you can go for help. The Trio are joined by Don from Wisconsin who tells a little bit about his struggles.
Do you like to run, walk, or crawl for a cause? Here in the Reno/Sparks area, Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy recognize there are sooo many different events throughout the year. Who knows, maybe you have something similar?
In this second part of a two part episode about keeping things green, Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy talk about recycling and cleaning up the place. In an effort to educate the community about how recycling works, this episode makes going green, be fun!
The trio, Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy, take on the first of a two part episode on what options there are in turning the community Green! In this episode they discuss renewable energy in all it’s clean glory. Take it all in and decide on what you think your community should do to keep our planet a cleaner place to live.
Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy finally tackle the long awaited topics regarding roads, mass transit, and infrastructure. They also finally have the highly anticipated answers regarding speeding and lay down some of their own facts and opinions that sparked their interest about that topic and much more.
It's the beginning of the new year and the team at Sparks of Interest wanted to start it off right with some advice on how you can stay healthy for yourself and how to maybe even save the lives of others. Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy are going to kick the new season off right, and you will enjoy the conversation!
Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy have enlightened you through the rest of 2018 and are taking one last opportunity to reflect on this year. Plus they dive into some behind the scenes of the podcast, updates from previous episodes, and talk about what’s to come next season.
Volunteering and being involved in the community is important for Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy. In fact so important that they are dedicating a whole episode to talk about local non-profits that make an impact in their community. There’s a wide diversity of organizations and the ones mentioned in this episode are only the tip of the iceberg. Check out our show notes for a list of more local and nationwide nonprofits!
With the help of special guest Mary Webber, Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy tackle some common questions, myths, and up to date information about Marijuana in Nevada. They cover some need to know info about the benefits of medical marijuana and what you need to know about having it in your community.
You can also follow along with the show notes by going to: https://sparksofinterest.net/episodes/marijuana-in-nevada-012/
Jeff asks Dennis and Peggy to talk about some of the good, bad, and ugly when it comes to the holidays in their life. They share some family traditions during the holiday as well as favorite recipes. Joined by family and pets in the background, it’s sure to be a good, raw conversation, and a fun time for all!
Jeff and Dennis discuss a topic that may be hard for some to listen to, but is important regardless. Depression in our community is real and is not something you should ignore. This goes for both those suffering depression or those who know of someone suffering depression. We also stress that if you or a loved one is at risk of suicide, please also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
With the help of Dennis and Peggy, Jeff lays it all out when it comes to ways on protecting yourself and your identity online in this second of a two part episode discussing how you can protect yourself. You can never be too careful and this episode covers some different ways to provide extra security when online. The trio then covers some phone and internet scams and shares an interesting discovery made by Jeff’s friend, Ashton Bingham over at Trilogy Media.
In this first of two episodes about protecting yourself, Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy introduce their first special co-host, 10th degree black belt Joseph Walker. Joey helps us learn how we can better protect ourselves in the event of an active shooter as well as what we can do to feel safer when out on the streets and enjoying our day-to-day lives.
Excerpt: This is the second of a two part mini bonus episode series which Jeff covers how you can do your own research on laws, city charters, and state legislative bills with a little bit more ease. In this episode, Jeff walks you through some information about your Legislative Bills, the path of a Bill, and a brief insight on National Bills.
This is the first of a two part mini bonus episode series which Jeff covers how you can do your own research on laws, city charters, and state legislative bills with a little bit more ease. In this episode, Jeff walks you through some information about your city charter and municipal codes.
Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy sit down to discuss the cost of living in Sparks, NV and get into some of the problems with living here when it comes to affordability in the housing market. After remembering what it was like when they each moved into a home or apartment years ago, they discuss some serious possibilities and challenge the opinions of anyone listening.
Peggy takes center stage as the pet health expert in this episode as Jeff and Dennis ask questions about all things pets. Learn more about CPR, First Aid, and overall pet health tips to ensure your woofer or kitty are safe. Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy also talk about their pets and some of these pet related things that are in the Sparks and Washoe County areas.
The City of Sparks is partnering with a Bike Share program called Lime Bike and Jeff, Dennis, and Peggy are talking about what Bike Share is all about. Everything from what the program is, what our options are, as well as the pros and cons that come with having Lime Bike leaving bikes all over Sparks and Reno.
Going back to school happens every year, but what happens during summer break while the kids are out of class? Jeff Bonano, Dennis Bagley, and Peggy Rew talk about getting ready for the next school year. Dennis and Jeff also both share their experience as Sight Facilities Coordinators for the Washoe County School District.
Sparks of Interest's first podcast episode where Jeff Bonano, Dennis Bagley, and Peggy Rew discuss local politics. They talk about some of Jeff's journey with running for Sparks Mayor, as well as some of the lessons learned while running.