Bob Friedland, a toy expert who worked with Hasbro and grew up loving 1980s franchises like *Transformers*, *G.I. Joe*, and *Star Wars*, brings a deeply personal perspective to the 1986 *Transformers* movie. He was 11 when the film came out, and he remembers Optimus Prime’s death and the “real stakes” of the story as a genuinely traumatic moment that hit kids harder than most cartoons ever had. At the same time, Friedland believes that the movie ultimately strengthened the franchise by proving that animated stories could carry real emotional weight, even if the loss felt unfair to young viewers at the time. Looking back now, he sees the film as both a painful childhood memory and a defining moment that helped make *Transformers* a more enduring and meaningful brand.

(00:03:24) Optimus Prime’s Death Makes Transformers Movie Traumatic

(00:16:49) DVD Collector’s Editions and a Newfound Respect

(00:24:04) Heavy Synth and Rock Orchestra Question

(00:26:34) The Transformers Movie Reissue as Marketing Stunt

(00:29:49) Nostalgia-Fueled Premium Pricing for Adult Collectors

(00:30:53) From kids-only toys to Hasbro Pulse collectors

(00:38:03) Optimus Prime’s Return Versus GI Joe’s Rules

(00:42:17) 1986 Horror and Transformers’ Traumatic Shake-Up



Revisiting Transformers Reveals Its Bold Emotional Power

Dr. Roseann Capana-Hodge is a psychologist and lifelong helper whose work centers on mental burnout, nervous system dysregulation, and helping children regulate through practical, compassionate support. She sees burnout as the result of chronic stress building up over time, and believes that when the nervous system is overloaded, both children and adults can become reactive, inattentive, or emotionally overwhelmed. Her perspective is that children’s difficult behavior is often a sign of dysregulation rather than defiance, so the first step is helping adults regulate themselves with calm, simple tools like pausing and breathing. By supporting parents to stay grounded and respond with empathy, she aims to create the conditions children need to heal, learn, and return to balance.

00:05:53) Max’s Tick-Bite Triggered Neuroinflammation and PANS

(00:14:34) When stress becomes sympathetic dominance and burnout

(00:18:51) Be the Wall of Calm First

(00:29:43) The Love Pause: Three-Second Nervous System Reset

(00:34:30) Burnout’s hidden link to anxiety and ADHD diagnoses

(00:44:23) Empowering Kids to Love Themselves and Succeed

(00:46:55) Supporting Trust Through Calm, Empathetic Conversations

(00:52:05) Regulated People, Empowered Growth, Collaborative Leadership

(00:53:28) Building a Supportive Mental Ecosystem for Kids

Burnout’s hidden link to anxiety and ADHD diagnoses

0:00 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — Intro WV Uncommon Place podcast introduction. JR Sparrow welcomes listeners back from hiatus and introduces Dr. Jo to discuss the mental health stigma of codependency.

1:27 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — What Is Codependency? Dr. Jo defines codependency as a phenomenon where someone cares more about another person's needs and feelings than their own, often originating in addiction-affected families. She shares her personal experience growing up with an alcoholic father.

2:49 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — Codependency Beyond the Home Dr. Jo explains how codependent patterns extend into workplaces, friendships, and all types of relationships — and why boundaries and communication are essential to preventing them.

4:12 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — The Nervous System Perspective Discussion of how the nervous system adapts to chaos and how caretaking others can feel "safe" because it's familiar, creating a feedback cycle that reinforces codependent behavior.

5:33 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — Kindness vs. Codependency Dr. Jo breaks down the key difference: kindness comes from authentic love with proper selfhood boundaries, while codependency comes from insecurity, a need for validation, and often involves enabling.

9:22 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — How Childhood Shapes Codependency Dr. Jo discusses how early trauma (before age five), shame, and "repetition compulsion" — unconsciously seeking partners who recreate unresolved childhood dynamics — contribute to codependent patterns in adulthood.

12:35 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — Why High-Achieving Women Fall Into Codependency Dr. Jo explores how perfectionism, drive to prove worthiness, societal pressure on professional women, and the "sister wound" (women competing rather than supporting each other) all contribute to codependent behaviors.

14:45 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — People-Pleasing and Why It's Hard to Stop How societal conditioning teaches women to please, the difficulty of saying no, and how people-pleasing early in a relationship creates expectations that are hard to break — leading naturally into codependency.

17:50 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — Genuine Love vs. Fear of Abandonment JR asks how to tell whether someone is expressing genuine love or acting from fear of rejection. Dr. Jo emphasizes self-awareness, embodiment, and honest communication about insecurities.

20:14 [https://web.descript.com/94e724cf-e31c-4c7e-bd28-471f4a0cc36e/52c21?lite=false&onboarding=hide#] — Embodiment: Reconnecti

Codependency: Stigma, Healing & Reclaiming Self

Codependency is the topic at hand . We do deep dive into how we hurt ourselves without our so called needs .

Addiction, Codependency & The Road to Freedom

Dr. Mindy is a board-certified sexologist and sex therapist who has spent years helping people work through intimacy issues, sexual health concerns, and relationship burnout. Her perspective is that sex therapy goes far beyond the physical act itself, focusing instead on the emotional patterns, communication problems, and deeper stressors that often affect desire and connection. She believes intimacy includes both emotional and physical closeness, and that sex should be understood broadly as a form of physical connection shaped as much by the mind as by the body. For Dr. Mindy, healthy relationships require ongoing effort, honesty, and vulnerability, and she sees sexual health as a vital part of overall well-being.

(00:03:44) Emotional closeness beyond penetration defines intimacy

(00:09:03) Learning to communicate physical, sexual, emotional intimacy

(00:14:28) Trauma Stored in the Body Shapes Desire

(00:22:22) Deep Relaxation for Unconscious Sexual Blocks

(00:30:51) Orgasm Is Just the Cherry on Top

(00:36:55) Love, Chemistry, and Friendship Sustain Relationships

(00:45:00) Honest dating by sharing needs early

(00:50:18) Swiping So Fast Builds Dating App Immunity

(00:53:05) Sex Happens in the Brain, Not Legs

Sex Therapy Rewires Hidden Blocks to Connection

In this brutally honest episode, Jr breaks down what really destroys podcasts — and how to avoid those traps before they cost you your audience, your credibility, and your sanity.

From the false high of going viral to fake engagement spikes from bought listeners, Jr calls out the myths, mistakes, and marketing messes that lead creators off track. Then, he shares what actually builds longevity: consistency, community, and real connection.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

 * Why chasing virality can confuse your audience and kill trust.

 * The dark side of “fake” growth through bot-driven platforms.

 * How to use analytics to meet listeners at their doorstep.

 * Why retention beats growth — and how to stop the churn.

 * The power of storytelling and nostalgia in audience building.

🔥 Quote of the Episode:

“Think of your podcast like a newspaper route — you already have readers who love what you do. Now it’s about how you deliver to them, and how you reach new porches.”

🎧 Listen if:
You’re tired of the “get big fast” lies and ready to learn what makes a show last.

Facebook / LinkedIn:

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT: How to Be a Bad Podcaster (and Fix It)

Jr keeps it real about what destroys most podcasts — chasing virality, buying fake listeners, and ignoring your audience’s voice.

Learn why consistency, community, and nostalgia win every time.

🎧 Listen now on WV Uncommonplace — available everywhere you stream podcasts.

Instagram Caption (short + punchy):

Going viral ≠ success.
Fake followers ≠ fans.
Growth without retention = failure.

Jr breaks it ALL down in this week’s WV Uncommonplace.

🎧 “How to Be a Bad Podcaster (and Fix It)” — link in bio.

#PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #WVProud #WVUncommonplace #PodcastersUnite

X / Twitter:

“Think of your podcast like a newspaper route — your audience already loves what you do. Now it’s about how you deliver.”

New episode: How to Be a Bad Podcaster (and Fix It) 🎧
Jr breaks down the myths that ruin good shows.
#PodcastAdvice #WVUncommonplace

📱 Social Media Captions

How to Be a Bad Podcaster (and Fix It)

Big Pun, an iconic figure in hip-hop, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his exceptional lyrical skills and dynamic collaborations, despite his career being cut short at the age of 28. His partnership with Fat Joe, particularly on songs like "Twinz," not only demonstrated his remarkable talent but also cemented his influence in the rap scene. Jr Sparrow, reflecting on Big Pun's legacy, asserts that while Big Pun's lyrical prowess rivals that of legendary rappers like Biggie, he has not received the recognition he deserves. Jr Sparrow's perspective is shaped by an understanding of the close relationship between Big Pun and Fat Joe, noting how Big Pun's artistry elevated Fat Joe's career and lamenting the lack of a proper legacy for such a transformative artist

Remembering Big Pun: Impactful Rap Collaboration

Ryan Reichert is a passionate advocate for personal growth and reflection, co-hosting the podcast "Our Healer, Our Protector" with Lisa Sanders, where he explores communication and finding hope after tragedy. He believes in the transformative power of personal experiences, emphasizing humility, emotional intelligence, and self-improvement as essential components for healing and growth. Acknowledging the lessons hidden within past failures, Ryan encourages self-reflection as a means to foster continuous improvement. His commitment to personal development is evident in his writings and active social media presence, where he invites engaging conversations and champions a perspective that embraces both the good and the bad in every situation.

(00:01:37) Generational Values of Politeness and Respect

(00:08:02) Transformative Journey: Finding Fulfillment and Purpose

(00:10:31) Purpose-Driven Advocacy: Ryan's Journey After Addiction

(00:15:07) Embracing Vulnerability and Building Self-Connection as Men

(00:22:53) Embracing Growth Through Life's Storms

(00:26:36) State Library ISBN Distribution Strategy

(00:29:40) Life Success Beyond Material Achievements

(00:34:57) The Value of Failures as Lessons

(00:39:59) Cultivating Gratitude for Daily Achievements





Ryan's Journey: From Addiction to Advocacy and Leadership

Mario Wissa is a dedicated researcher, author, and speaker who champions the power of communication on a global scale. Through online podcasts, engaging workshops, and compelling keynote speeches, he strives to highlight the profound impact effective communication can have on individuals and communities. With three published books and a fourth in progress, Mario's work emphasizes the significance of both interpersonal and intrapersonal communication, drawing insights from his experiences across diverse cultures in Cairo, Nashville, and Asia. He is committed to creating a positive legacy, inspiring others to appreciate the delicate gift of life and the transformative potential of intentional dialogue.

Mario Rissa's mission centers on living intentionally and impacting future generations through knowledge sharing and positive influence, a journey shaped by travel and cultural exploration. His work, including public speaking and writing, aims to empower others by fostering authentic communication and connections. Alongside Jr Sparrow, Mario discusses the evolving landscape of male communication, particularly post-COVID, where there's more openness about vulnerabilities. Mario reflects on cultural shocks experienced during his travels, emphasizing the role of culture in shaping empathy and compassion. The playful debate with Jr Sparrow about mythical identities underscores the power of persuasion in communication, highlighting its influence on self-perception.

(00:02:58) Legacy of Empowerment through Intentional Living

(00:05:51) The Power of Authentic Communication in Connecting

(00:12:08) Exploring Cultural Empathy Through Travel Experiences

(00:18:00) Authentic Communication for Building Genuine Connections

(00:28:02) Mindful Responses for Effective Communication Strategies

(00:31:19) Beard as Werewolf Identity Persuasion Debate

Wise and the denial of being a wolf

In this episode, host JR Sparrow sits down with Rusty Austin — a Hollywood veteran with nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry — to talk about reality TV, life after Hollywood, and his unexpected pivot to children's books.

About the Guest

Rusty Austin attended UCLA Film School, graduating in 1990 right as the reality TV boom was beginning. He went on to work on landmark productions including:

 * Survivor (Season 1) — one of the first and most iconic reality shows
 * Hell's Kitchen — as a producer for multiple seasons
 * Big Brother
 * Cops
 * Nanny 911
 * Terminator 2, Sister Act, and Lorenzo's Oil (as an electrician/grip)

He is now a self-published children's book author based in the Palm Springs area.

What We Talked About

 * How reality TV is actually made — and why "reality" isn't as real as viewers think
 * The 400:1 shooting ratio on Hell's Kitchen (400 hours of footage for every 1 hour of TV)
 * The brutal race to get Nanny 911 on air before ABC's Supernanny
 * Why Survivor became a worldwide sensation — and how nobody saw it coming
 * What Cops taught Rusty about human nature (hint: 7+ hours of a shift is just coffee and staring out a window)
 * The parallels between reality TV and professional wrestling
 * How retirement led Rusty to write animal poetry books for kids
 * Collaborating with middle school students as illustrators for An Awesome Bird, the Pelican
 * The self-publishing process using Blurb, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark
 * Why self-publishing pays far more per book than traditional publishing
 * Advice for anyone starting a meaningful second act in life

Books by Rusty Austin

 * Beware the Grizzly Bear
 * The Unicorn Has One Horn
 * An Awesome Bird, the Pelican (illustrated by middle school students)
 * Dave and Me (memoir/short stories)

All books feature a Do It Yourself section where kids can write their own poems and draw their own pictures.

Connect with Rusty Austin

 * Website: rustyaustin.com [https://rustyaustin.com/]
 * Amazon: search "Rusty Austin"
 * Barnes & Noble: search "Rusty Austin"

Key Takeaway

"You still have a lot of life left to live — so why not live it?" Whether you're 40, 60, or beyond, your first act doesn't have to be your only act. Find what you love and keep after it.

WV Uncommon Place Conversations — hosted by JR Sparrow.



From Survivor to Children's Books: A Hollywood Insider's Second Act : The Rusty Allen Story

Wilbert Sparrow (@wvuncommonplace) · Zencastr

Wilbert Sparrow (@wvuncommonplace)

This podcast is a variety podcast that houses numerous series to cover mental health, empowerment , podcast framework , and various intimate series to get to know the hosts . Along with occasional movies reviews and dives in pop culture with our Event podcast episodes ... The Uncommonplace digs into bringing guests on that stories don't fit the mold and are very different .. WV stands for the great state of WV and every quarter we cover something in WV ....