Best The SPARK Initiative Podcasts (2025)

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China's foreign trade shows resilience in H1 59:45

Play Pause

3h ago59:45

59:45

Chinese officials say the country's foreign trade showed resilience through the first half of the year (01:04). The European Union is pausing its trade retaliation against the United States until August as the bloc considers its options (12:31). Gaza's health authorities say the number of Palestinians killed in the strip has surpassed 58-thousand s…

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2002: Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head / Most Polarizing Bands 1:00:46

10h ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Send us a text What makes for a polarizing band? Does Coldplay fit description for you? While being one of the world's biggest bands, they definitely have some haters as well. But back when A Rush of Blood to the Head came out, they were hugely popular. Listen as we remember how this album fit into our mid 20's as we go song by song. If you happen …

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Chinese FM calls for advanced regional integration among China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN 59:45

3d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia, urging efforts to advance regional integration (01:13). U.S. President Donald Trump announces a 35-percent tariff for goods imported from Canada starting August 1st (09:26). Safeguarding the diversity of human civilizations for world peace and deve…

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32. Depth Psychology and Soul Initiation – with Bill Plotkin from Animas Valley Institute 1:14:45

3d ago1:14:45

1:14:45

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Plotkin, founder of Animas Valley Institute. Over the past 40 years, Bill has developed intricate, nature-based models of human development and education that challenge dominant psychological frameworks and invite us into a maturation process rooted in wholeness, wildness, and the more-than-human world. We expl…

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China voices support for Arab countries' unity, development: premier 59:45

4d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Premier Li Qiang expresses the country's support for Arab countries in strengthening strategic autonomy, during a meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo (01:12). U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose tariffs on eight more countries, including a 50-percent levy on Brazil (16:35). Former South Korean Pres…

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2005: How I Met Your Mother / Top 5 Sitcoms of All-Time 1:02:21

4d ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Send us a text Our first topic for 2005 is the classic sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Brad chose this after watching the whole series as it was aired, and then after reliving its brilliance on a second watch a year ago. We break down a couple of the early episodes, including the pilot, but we get into much more. Giff is also a huge fan, and now Pete…

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Chinese economy shows strong resilience from 2021 to 2025: officials 59:45

5d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is on an official visit to Egypt (01:08). Chinese officials say the country's economic increment from the 14th Five-Year Plan is expected to exceed 35 trillion yuan (04:32). U.S. President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on copper and pharmaceutical imports (15:29).

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BRICS countries criticize Trump's tariff threat 59:45

6d ago59:45

59:45

BRICS countries have sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on any country aligning with the bloc (01:55). President Trump extends the pause on the so-called reciprocal tariffs to August 1st while announcing new levies on 14 countries (07:35). Hopes are fading for finding survivors after de…

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231: Should I Text First? 4:42

6d ago4:42

4:42

In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks about how overthinking the smallest things, like whether or not to text someone first, can reveal a deeper struggle with confidence, fear, and trusting your SPARK to guide your social instincts.By The SPARK Initiative

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Chinese premier calls on BRICS to be vanguard in advancing global governance reform 59:45

7d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Premier Li Qiang calls on BRICS nations to be the vanguard in advancing global governance reform, as leaders gathered in Brazil for the group's summit (01:09). China commemorates the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident which marked the start of Japan's full-scale invasion and the beginning of China’s whole-nation war of resistance…

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2002: Scrubs / Top Sitcom Bromances 57:30

7d ago57:30

57:30

Send us a text Giff's choice for 2002 is Scrubs. This little show that could spanned 9 years and two networks. Known for it's zaniness, it also had a ton of heart. Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley and others plus a bevy of guest stars helped create a series we all loved. We discuss two episodes from season two that represen…

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2025 marks new start of China-Germany All-round Strategic Partnership: Chinese FM 59:45

10d ago59:45

59:45

China and Germany hold the eighth round of Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security in Berlin (01:10). The western and northeastern parts of China face heavy rain storms (15:36). The U.S. House of Representatives passes President Donald Trump's tax cut and spending bill (17:41).

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South Korea to rapidly improve relations with China: Lee Jae-myung 59:45

11d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for dialogue over division in his meetings with EU leaders in Brussels (01:11). South Korean President Lee Jae-myung says his administration will rapidly improve relations with China (08:52). At least four people are dead after a ferry carrying 65 people capsized near Bali, Indonesia (22:35).…

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31. Holistic Landscape Restoration and Inspirational Returns – with Willem Ferwerda from Commonland 1:08:40

12d ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Almost 40% of Earth’s land is degraded, meaning that the natural cycles that sustain biodiversity, water, food, and livelihoods are breaking down. This degradation is an ecological crisis, and, it also lies at the root of massive social breakdown, displacement, and conflict. And it’s accelerating. In this episode, I speak with Dutch ecologist and e…

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Iran suspends cooperation with IAEA 59:45

12d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for consolidating a unified national market and high-quality development of the marine economy (01:07). The U.S. Senate has passed President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill (11:01). Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved Tehran's suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency …

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HK celebrates 28th anniversary of return to China 59:45

13d ago59:45

59:45

General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Communist Party of China Central Committee calls for full and rigorous self-governance through good conduct as the CPC celebrates its 104th founding anniversary (01:11). Hong Kong marks the 28th anniversary of its return to China (10:23). Thailand's constitutional court suspends the prime minister from duty (25:5…

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230: The Big Impact of Small Insights 20:54

13d ago20:54

20:54

In this week's podcast, Mari reflects on the impact that the SPARK Mentoring Program is having on the young people at a Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center and the importance of making programs like ours available to individuals experiencing incarceration.By The SPARK Initiative

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Palestinians ordered to evacuate Jabalia before Israel's bombardments 59:45

14d ago59:45

59:45

The Israeli army has ordered Palestinians to evacuate from Jabalia area and most of the districts in Gaza City before bombardments (03:02). The U.S. Senate is voting on President Donald Trump's so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" (11:31). Emergency response measures for flooding are in place in several parts of China amid heavy rainfall (21:24).…

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Special Insert: Gear Daddies and Minnesota Music with The 70s vs. the 80s Podcast! 1:31:21

14d ago1:31:21

1:31:21

Send us a text We all have those bands we love that maybe fly under the radar or stay local. For many of us from Minnesota, Gear Daddies is one of those bands. They flashed in the late 80s and early 90s, captivated audiences and were gone just as fast (though they still reunite and play today from time to time). We've enlisted fellow Minnesota podc…

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China, Ecuador sign cooperation plan on promoting Belt and Road Initiative 59:45

17d ago59:45

59:45

China and Ecuador sign a cooperation plan on promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (01:06). Iran says the U.S. gained no achievement from the Israel-Iran conflict (10:29). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the UN Charter is not an a-la-carte menu (20:39).

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Heavy rains batter south China 59:45

18d ago59:45

59:45

NATO member states agree to raise their defense spending to five percent of GDP annually by 2035 (01:11). The United States will hold talks with Iran on a possible deal over Iran's nuclear program (09:03). Heavy rains are battering large parts of southern China (23:07).

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China to open its door wider to the world: premier 59:45

19d ago59:45

59:45

At the Summer Davos forum, Chinese Premier Li Qiang says the country will continue to foster a first-class business environment (01:02). The Iranian parliament approves a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (09:26). NATO is holding its annual summit in the Netherlands (24:13).…

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Xi calls for deeper Belt and Road cooperation between China, Singapore 59:45

20d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls on China and Singapore to deepen Belt and Road cooperation (01:04). China will hold a military parade to mark 80th anniversary of the victory in the war against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (02:56). Israel accuses Iran of violating a ceasefire shortly after agreeing to it, Tehran denies the c…

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229: Living in the Moment 8:56

20d ago8:56

8:56

In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla opens up about her personal journey as a forward thinker—someone who’s always looking ahead, planning, and preparing for what’s next. While this mindset has its strengths, Makayla shares how it can also pull us away from fully experiencing the moments right in front of us. She invites listener…

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UN Security Council holds emergency meeting to discuss U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran 59:45

21d ago59:45

59:45

The U.N. Security Council has held an emergency meeting to discuss the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran (06:49). Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is on a five-day official visit to China (20:36). The Summer Davos Forum will kick off in northern China on Tuesday (43:08).

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2nd Chance Month: 80s/90s Sequels Draft with Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast! 59:08

22d ago59:08

59:08

Send us a text We've got 2 great reasons for you to listen to this one: 1. We are joined in this draft with Jason and Dee from the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast. These guys have a fantastic show, and they know their stuff as well as anyone out there. You'll definitely want to check them out when you're done listening to this one. 2. We are dr…

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Xi calls for deeper China-New Zealand ties 59:45

24d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for further development of China-New Zealand relations (01:02). Residents in Tehran continue to flee the Iranian capital amid Israeli attacks (05:45). Over 110 Chinese nationals in Israel evacuate to Egypt (12:25).

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China willing to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East: Xi 59:45

25d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping says the country is willing to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin (01:01). New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is on an official visit to China (18:46). The United States is threatening a possible travel ban on 36 countries (2…

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Xi outlines plans for building closer China-Central Asia ties 59:45

26d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping outlines plans for building closer ties with Central Asian countries (00:59). The conflict between Israel and Iran enters a sixth day (17:22). A youth delegation from Taiwan is visiting the Chinese mainland (26:54).

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China ready to work with Kazakhstan to contribute to peace, development: Xi 59:45

27d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets counterparts from Central Asian countries ahead of the second China-Central Asia Summit (00:59). An Israeli airstrike hits Iran’s state television broadcaster (14:27). The third China International Supply Chain Expo will be in Beijing in July (37:00).

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228: You Don't Have to Feel Ready to Begin 11:47

27d ago11:47

11:47

In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Nicole shares a powerful realization: you don’t have to feel a certain way to take action. She dives into the idea that while emotions are natural and ever-changing, focusing too much on the unhelpful ones can hold us back. Nicole explains that waiting to feel motivated or "ready" isn’t necessary—you’…

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Xi to attend second China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan 59:45

28d ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Kazakhstan to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit (00:56). Iran and Israel continue to trade fire with missiles and airstrikes (12:50). The suspect who allegedly shot dead a U.S. democratic lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota is in custody (23:57).

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Special Insert: Initials Game with Smokin' Sounds, Spinning the Wheel, and Or Is It Podcasts! 1:22:01

29d ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Send us a text We've invited some of our friends to play another one of Giff's Initials games. Get to know Shawn from Smokin' Sounds, Matt from Spinning the Wheel, and Derek from Or Is It and Film Studies. Then play along as we compete in a heated Initials game hosted by Giff. Check out each of guests at the links below! Smokin' Sounds Spinning the…

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India launches investigation into deadly plane crash in Gujarat 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Iran launches drones toward Israeli territory following Israel's attacks on Iran's military and nuclear targets (01:02). A formal investigation into the deadly plane crash in Gujarat, India, is underway (14:30). The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo features 30 trade and economic events (21:55).…

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Beijing calls for sound and sustainable China-U.S. economic and trade ties 59:24

1M ago59:24

59:24

China calls for sound and sustainable economic and trade ties with the United States (01:01). The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo kicks off in Changsha (08:44). The overnight curfew remains in effect in Los Angeles for another night amid the federal immigration crackdown (19:56).

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Special Insert: TV Theme Songs with Special Guest Brian Rappe! 31:15

1M ago31:15

31:15

Send us a text As our guest, Brian Rappe got to choose this week's draft. We're picking the best TV theme songs of all-time. This is a special installment you don't want to miss! Then check our polls on social media to vote for your favorite list and tell us what we got wrong! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Pod…

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China urges the U.S. to resolve trade disputes through dialogue and cooperation 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng urges the United States to resolve trade disputes with China through dialogue and cooperation (01:03). China is set to begin zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries (12:03). The mayor of Los Angeles declares a curfew in the downtown area amid clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers over immigrat…

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China, U.S. hold trade talks in London 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

China and the U.S. hold fresh trade talks in London (01:01). U.S. law enforcement officers and protesters continue to clash over immigration raids in Los Angeles (11:07). Participants at the UN Ocean Conference call for protections for the marine environments (23:07).

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227: A Stroke of Insight - Stephanie’s Story of Unexpected Change and Resilience 16:53

1M ago16:53

16:53

In this episode, Stephanie shares her recent experience when her partner suffered a stroke. She reflects on the divine timing of the event, which occurred just one day after she resolved to stop scaring herself with her own thoughts. Tune in to discover the resilience she has found through this experience.…

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From Orbit to Intimacy | Beyond the Overview Effect 16:24

1M ago16:24

16:24

What if the next shift in planetary consciousness didn’t come from looking back at Earth from space, but from listening deeply to the voices already here? In this thought piece I propose the “inworlding effect” as the overview effect of our time: one where developments in science, technology, law, and many other disciplines are revealing our entang…

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UN Ocean Conference opens in France 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng meets the U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation system (1:01). Tensions in Los Angeles escalate amid protests against U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard (8:23). Participants at the UN Ocean Conference discuss ways to co…

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Special Insert: Pulp Fiction with Special Guest Brian Rappe! 1:22:37

1M ago1:22:37

1:22:37

Send us a text In 1994, Quentin Tarantino made a little movie that changed the landscape of film and rejuvenated the career of John Travolta all at once. In a year of great movies, Pulp Fiction was arguably the best. We welcome back Brian Rappe to help us break down this modern classic. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes…

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Dialogue, cooperation only correct choice for China, U.S.: Xi 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Chinese President Xi Jinping says dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for China and the U.S. during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump (1:03). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges the international community to keep alive the two-state solution amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza (14:13). Political tensions flare…

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U.S. doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs sparks criticism 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

U.S. trade partners criticize Washington's doubling of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports (0:58). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for healthy and stable relations with Japan (14:49). The 54th World Environment Day has a focus on solutions for plastic pollution (23:27).

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Lee Jae-myung becomes South Korea's 21st president 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Lee Jae-myung takes the oath of office as South Korea's new president (1:07). The U.S. raises tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%, doubling the previous rate (12:39). Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announces temporary closure of its aid distribution centers amid recent chaos (16:10).

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Russia, Ukraine make no breakthrough on peace deal, but agree to another prisoner exchange 59:44

1M ago59:44

59:44

Russia and Ukraine make no major breakthrough in their peace talks in Istanbul (1:00). South Koreans head to the polls in a snap presidential election (23:58). China launches an ASEAN Visa for the ten member countries, and for ASEAN observer Timor-Leste (31:37).

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Dragon Boat Festival celebrations held across China 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

People across China celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with folk activities (03:00). Russian officials say explosions caused the collapse of two bridges and derailed trains in Bryansk and Kursk (13:00). Karol Nawrocki wins Poland's presidential runoff election (22:50).

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Special Insert: Summer Preview 24:05

1M ago24:05

24:05

Send us a text We've got a busy summer here at PCY. But we'll do our best to keep putting out quality content. Here about our plans and the special guests we have lined up in this fun preview episode. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Podcasts app or wherever you listen. Or better yet, tell a friend to listen! Wan…

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China leads efforts in setting up new global mediation body 59:45

2M ago59:45

59:45

China is among the more than 30 founding members of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong (1:05). A U.S. federal judge has extended the block on the Trump administration's attempt to bar foreign students from entering Harvard, while a court temporarily reinstated the president's tariffs (11:03). And Israel has approved 22 more s…

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China, Pacific Island countries pledge mutual support, closer trade ties 59:45

2M ago59:45

59:45

China has announced projects to help Pacific Island countries to resist climate change over a three-year period (1:05). China says the U.S. announcement to revoke visas for Chinese students is discriminatory (11:51). And China has launched its asteroid sampling Tianwen-2 mission (17:47).