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.
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 PizzaMamma Celeste's Gastropub & Pizzeria - Sparks, NVHome - Blind Onion - Reno & Sparks PizzaPizza 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.https://peopleofredmountain.co...
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!https://youtube.com/@hillside4https://hillside4.orghttps://www.facebook.com/Hills...
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!https://www.facebook.com/profi...
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.https://www.nevadaesser.org/pu...?
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 TartPerfectly Ornate Orange ParakeetGlazed Almond SangriaPineapple 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/