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Deborah Heiser is a distinguished psychologist known for her pivotal role in the Mentor Project, where she creates unique opportunities such as connecting students with professionals like astronauts. Her approach to mentorship transcends traditional boundaries, viewing it as a reciprocal relationship where both mentor and mentee benefit by passing on wisdom and creating a lasting legacy. Heiser illustrates this perspective with the example of Nobel Prize winner Bob Lefkowitz, emphasizing that mentors are the biggest beneficiaries, as they shape future generations and establish a profound, enduring impact. Through her efforts in mentorship, writing for Psychology Today, and hosting the WV Uncommon Place podcast, Dr. Heiser seeks to foster a movement that prioritizes meaningful human connections and the creation of a legacy for legacies.



(00:01:53) "Psychology shape your mind." - Jr Sparrow

(00:07:24) "I do it because it makes me feel relevant. It makes me feel like I'm helpful, I'm useful, I'm productive, like I matter in the world. Like the world is better with me in it." - Deborah Heiser

(00:10:33) "Most people are like, I have no idea. And you know what, I don't want to approach a mentor because they're probably too busy or I'm a burden or something like that. But really, the biggest beneficiary for mentorship is the mentor, because the mentor is giving a piece of themselves to somebody and then that person is carrying that legacy within them." - Deborah Heiser" - Deborah Heiser

(00:22:23) "I truly believe that we're more in connected world because of it." - Deborah Heiser

(00:27:01) "That heartbreak ended up turning into, how can I continue his legacy in a different way?" - Deborah Heiser

(00:30:41) "Ask anyone for help. Never hesitate. Everyone in the world wants to help people." - Deborah Heiser" - Deborah Heiser

(00:34:35) "You created a legacy for legacies." - Jr Sparrow

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Honor Your Heart: Jessi Hartnett’s Journey from Addiction to Empowerment

Episode Description:

In this inspiring episode of WV Uncommonplace Podcast, JR Sparrow sits down with Jessi Hartnett—wife, mother, author, and advocate for personal transformation. Jessi opens up about her 15-year battle with addiction and how she overcame it by embracing spiritual principles and the gifts of her heart: wisdom, intuition, and love.

Jessi shares the story behind her transformative book, Honor Your Heart, which offers a unique, emotional approach to quitting smoking. She discusses how her background in Geology, Geography, and Early Childhood Education shaped her perspective and how mythic and psychological concepts guided her journey toward self-discovery and healing.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to make a change or looking for tools to quit smoking, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•Jessi’s personal journey through addiction and recovery.

•The spiritual principles that helped her transform her life.

•How she developed the method outlined in her book, Honor Your Heart.

•The emotional and psychological aspects of quitting smoking.

•Practical advice for overcoming negative self-talk and finding purpose.

Connect with Jessi Hartnett:

•Website: www.honoryourheart.net

•Book: Honor Your Heart

Connect with WV Uncommonplace Podcast:

•Instagram: @wvuncommonplace

•Website: wvuncommonplace.com

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review WV Uncommonplace Podcast on your favorite platform.

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In this insightful and inspiring episode of WV UncommonPlace Interview and Sessions, JR Sparrow sits down with Nathaniel A. Turner, a visionary author, speaker, and humanitarian. Nathaniel shares his extraordinary journey of creating a purpose-driven life and his pioneering Life Template method that empowers individuals and families to design their lives backward for success.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Life Template: How Nathaniel's backward design approach helped his son achieve academic excellence and personal growth without privilege or shortcuts.
• Parenting with Purpose: Nathaniel's mission to provide his son with opportunities for success, including playing soccer in Brazil, mastering four languages, and excelling at Harvard-level standards.
• Education and Empowerment: The strategies behind raising a child who earned a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from NYU Stern.
• Life Lessons: Nathaniel's passion for leaving a positive legacy, embracing joy, and ensuring others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Why You Should Listen:

Nathaniel's story will leave you motivated to think differently about success, parenting, and personal growth. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply someone striving to live life on purpose, Nathaniel's tools and techniques will provide a fresh perspective.

Tune in to this episode for laughter, thought-provoking moments, and actionable strategies to serve something greater than yourself.