The Rotary Spark Podcast

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 across different Rotary districts have influenced his perspective and how he found a strong connection with the Bricktown Club during the pandemic.

We also explore the far-reaching impact of Rotary’s mission, showcasing service projects that embody the spirit of "service above self." From modernizing a fruit drive fundraiser in North Texas to providing fresh produce for local shelters, Adam highlights the creative ways Rotarians make a difference. The conversation extends beyond the U.S. to Guatemala, where partnerships with local Rotary clubs have helped rebuild schools and construct a collegiate dormitory, proving that service not only transforms communities but also enriches those who give their time and effort.

As Rotary Clubs continue to evolve from traditional meetings to globally connected service hubs, Bricktown Rotary is gearing up for its next international project in Bucerias, Nayarit. This initiative will focus on supporting families and children through education and shelter efforts. Stay engaged with Bricktown Rotary and District 5750 through digital platforms, and be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Days of Wine and Rotary event on May 2nd. Join us in making a meaningful impact while strengthening the bonds of service and fellowship.

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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 understanding in both spheres. Discover how stepping outside one's comfort zone can create meaningful connections that drive positive change.
Rotary's ability to connect people locally and globally is truly unparalleled. We'll uncover strategies for expanding membership and impact, starting with local community involvement and moving up to district and zone levels. Through personal anecdotes and mentorship stories, we'll explore how eliminating barriers and leveraging shared knowledge can exponentially increase influence. This conversation offers a deep dive into fostering a culture of continuous learning and engagement within Rotary, with a focus on dynamic growth and retention strategies.
Club culture is more than just retention rates; it's about creating an engaging and vibrant environment. We'll challenge the notion that high retention equals vibrancy and discuss the importance of energizing meetings to attract and retain enthusiastic members. By making club activities member-centric and focusing on community involvement, Rotary clubs can foster a more exciting atmosphere. Whether you're navigating the dynamics between traditional and newer members or seeking ways to enhance engagement, we'll provide insights into being a change agent and ensuring Rotary's continued vibrancy and impact. Join us on this journey of gratitude and growth within the Rotary community.

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Kassandra Segura's journey from Mexico to becoming an influential force within the Edmond Summit Rotary Club is nothing short of inspiring. Her story kicks off with a serendipitous meeting with fellow photographer Bob Donaldson, which sparked her passion for community service and Rotary's mission. On our debut episode of the Rotary Spark podcast, Kassandra shares her experiences and insights into Rotary's impact on her life, touching on transformative projects like Mobile Meals and book donations to local schools. Her vibrant approach to reinvigorating club activities by aligning members' passions with economic development challenges offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in driving positive change.
As we explore the world of Rotary, you'll uncover the vast opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement that come with membership. From practical advice on joining a local club to the excitement of upcoming events like the Mid-America President Elect Training Seminar, this episode is brimming with insights. Join us as we launch our podcast journey, celebrating the power of community impact and positive change, with dedicated individuals like Kassandra guiding the way. Whether you're a seasoned Rotarian or curious about what Rotary can offer, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.

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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 through the vibrant advertising scene of Kansas City and prestigious institutions like Parsons and Cornell. Her experiences at Roku and Google reveal the significance of UX in creating user-friendly and privacy-focused products, blending creativity with responsibility.
Bhroovi's story is a testament to the importance of aligning career paths with personal passions, especially in a world where societal norms can often dictate one's choices. She reflects on the challenges and inspirations of being a trailblazer in design, emphasizing the need for daily creativity and inspiration. Through her personal anecdotes and community service experiences in India, Bhroovi illustrates the beauty of finding a passion-driven path and the role of mentorship and community in fostering a supportive environment. Her advice to aspiring designers is clear: pursue what truly excites you to avoid burnout and achieve fulfillment.
Our episode wraps up with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the many contributors and supporters who made this enlightening conversation possible. Bhroovi acknowledges the collaborative efforts of organizations like Google, Roku, and the district Rotary International, along with the Almonte Library for their support. Her journey not only inspires a new generation of designers but also encourages fresh conversations and cultural exchanges, bridging gaps and fostering a global community of passionate individuals. Tune in and be inspired by Bhroovi's remarkable journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

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What happens when a healthcare worker trades restraints for paintbrushes? Lori Ferreira takes us through her remarkable journey from the intensity of bedside nursing to the creative world of TikTok influencing in this candid conversation about career evolution and finding joy.
Lori doesn't hold back when describing the realities of nursing life - from the disturbing sight of patients in five-point restraints to treating wounds so severe you could see bone. These stark experiences, invisible to most of us but routine for healthcare workers, shaped her perspective on both gratitude and burnout. Her advice to new nurses cuts through typical career guidance: "Don't wait until you're completely burnt out, because then you're going to be bitter and not going to give the best care." This wisdom applies far beyond healthcare.
The conversation shifts dramatically as Lori explains her pivot to TikTok influencing and live shopping. Her impulsive Black Friday purchase of a course on social commerce has blossomed into a creative second career that taps into her passion for painting and connecting with others. Lori's insights into this emerging marketplace reveal why it's becoming the next frontier for digital entrepreneurs.
We wrap with a fascinating detour into the science of de-extinction and the recently created dire wolves, combining Lori's healthcare background with her curiosity about these technological breakthroughs. From hospital rooms to social media studios to prehistoric predators, this episode traverses unexpected territory while delivering practical wisdom about career transitions, creative renewal, and the courage to change direction when burnout threatens.
Ready to explore your own creative pivots? Listen now and discover how one healthcare worker found her spark beyond the hospital walls.

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