"You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." - Robin Williams This storytelling podcast aims to expose the moments that create change in our personal journeys, pulling from experiences and memories that forever altered how we think, feel and live. Maria Konopken and Julie Schmerbeck provide a safe space for guests to tell their stories in their own authentic voice, discussing those little sparks in our lives that make us unique, while bridging together the human experience full of hardships, triumphs and many laughs. Sparks of Madness Theme - composed & performed by John Love
Latest episodes
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1 h 33
The Story of Joel and Yolanda Konopken
In our season finale, we sit down and talk to two very special people, Maria's parents. Get a snack and buckle up. This story is full of joy, wisdom and lots of splashing around be…
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57 min
The Bright Side with Julie's Mom
On this special episode, my mom, Sara Schmerbeck, joins us with some personal tales filled with ups, downs and some unexpected turns. How do you react when you learn your mother wa…
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1 h 02
"I gave myself one month to learn drag" with Derry Queen
Comedy can open many doors and for this guest, one of those doors was drag. Derry retells his discovery of drag, after giving himself one month to learn the craft that he is now kn…
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47 min
I Hope You Dance with Jillian Ebanks
Sometimes a silly bit can lead you to serious joy. Jillian guides us through her journey with pole-dancing, which started as a little joke between friends but evolved into a lesson…
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1 h 36
My Third Eye with Lawrence Nemeh
Recently, hope seems kind of hard to come by. Our dear friend, Lawrence (AKA Rence), enlightens us with a spiritual awakening that they experienced over the course of 2020's darkes…
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57 min
"Do it. Give the flowers." - David Ibarra
We all know the last few years have been tough. David recounts his experiences with regret and self-reflection over the loss of his father during the pandemic and how therapy (shou…
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1 h 00
A Beginner's Guide to Polyamory with Tina Arfaee
Love is complicated, no? This time around, Tina discusses their personal journey in discovering they've got too much love for just one person and the nuances of romantically invest…
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48 min
People Pleaser with Jess Martinez
Jess gives us a taste of her standup with her retelling of an awkward sexual encounter that made her realize the importance of advocating for yourself and that maybe first times do…
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57 min
The British Getaway with Max Thomas
Max discusses his time abroad studying theater in the UK during a tumultuous time back in 2013 with a focus on hope, healing and the importance of protecting and preserving safe cr…
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59 min
Talkin' Bout Jazz with Damon Royster
Damon delights us with a story about his first love and as you can imagine, all the necessary ingredients are involved: Band camp, Sexual questioning and the soundtrack to Cruel In…
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56 sec
Introducing: Sparks of Madness
"You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." - Robin Williams This storytelling podcast aims to expose the moments that create change in our personal journ…