In this episode of the WV Uncommonplace Podcast, JR Sparrow interviews Dr. Edward Feinberg, a renowned expert in restorative dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction. Dr. Feinberg shares his extraordinary journey, beginning with the influence of his father, Dr. Elliott Feinberg, a pioneer in crown and bridge dentistry. With a career that spans decades, Dr. Feinberg has meticulously documented over 70 years of dental history, including more than 100,000 photos of clinical work.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Feinberg discusses the significance of full-mouth reconstruction, the pitfalls of the current trend toward implant overuse, and how a second opinion can often lead to better outcomes for patients. He also highlights the critical role of mentorship in his career and the challenges today’s dental practitioners face, such as heavy student loan debt and economic pressures that prioritize profitability over patient care.

Dr. Feinberg further introduces his book, Open Wide: Essays on Challenges in Dentistry to Achieve Excellence, and his online educational initiative, The ONWARD Program, which aims to pass on his extensive knowledge to new generations of dentists.

Key Takeaways:

• The legacy of Dr. Feinberg’s father and the importance of traditional crown and bridge dentistry.
• Why getting a second opinion is crucial, especially with the increasing reliance on implants.
• The ONWARD Program, an online platform for dental professionals to learn restorative techniques from Dr. Feinberg.
• Insights from Open Wide, focusing on the need for excellence in modern dentistry.
• The value of mentorship and how it shaped Dr. Feinberg's approach to dentistry.

Guest Links:

• Website: ONWARD Program - Dr. Edward Feinberg’s Dental Teaching Platform
• Book: Open Wide: Essays on Challenges in Dentistry to Achieve Excellence available on [Amazon].

Podcast Episode Title: Unveiling Inclusive Leadership with Delphia Howze: A Journey Through D&I, HR, and Mentorship

Episode Summary: In this special episode, J.R. Sparrow sits down with Delphia Howze, a renowned Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion leader with over two decades of experience. As the CEO of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, and Chief Inclusion Officer for a large national organization, Delphia shares her insights on leadership, public speaking, and strategic business strategies.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to Delphia Howze: Delphia introduces herself and discusses her journey in the HR and D&I space, including her role as CEO of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, and author of the book "Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are."
• Defining Moments in D&I Leadership: Delphia reflects on a pivotal moment early in her career in the banking sector that led her to champion diversity and inclusion, laying the foundation for her work today.
• The Evolution of Sensitivity Training: Delphia discusses the historical context and evolution of sensitivity training and how it has progressed into the broader D&I frameworks we see today.
• Challenges in D&I: Delphia addresses common challenges organizations face in implementing D&I initiatives, such as getting started and overcoming resistance, and shares her strategies for addressing these issues.
• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Delphia offers her approach to mentoring future leaders, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in effective leadership.
• Personal Insights: In a nostalgic nod to the classic "20/20" news magazine, J.R. puts Delphia on the hot seat with personal questions that reveal her views on success and her personal journey.

Notable Quotes:

• "Inclusion begins with 'I' and always needs 'you.'"
• "Success is continued growth—an ongoing journey, not a final destination."

Connect with Delphia Howze:

• Website: D. Howze Solutions, LLC
• LinkedIn: Delphia Howze
• Book: Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are

Tune in to discover how to lead with inclusion and why diversity is more than just a checkbox—it's the key to long-term success in any organization.

Host: J.R. Sparrow

Guest: Marie Alessi, Author, Speaker, and Grief Coach

Episode Description: In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host J.R. Sparrow sits down with Marie Alessi, a grief coach, author, and global movement leader based in Sydney, Australia. Marie shares her inspiring journey of navigating life after the sudden loss of her husband, Rob, to a brain aneurysm. This episode dives deep into themes of grief, resilience, and the conscious decision to choose joy in the face of unimaginable loss.

Marie opens up about the pivotal moments in her life, including moving from Austria to Australia, her initial struggles with grief after losing her father at a young age, and the life-changing decision she made with her husband to live life to the fullest, no matter what. She discusses the concept of "two choices," a guiding principle she and her late husband embraced, and how it has shaped her approach to life and grief.

Marie also talks about her bestselling book, Loving Life After Loss, which has touched countless lives and sparked a global movement. She shares how the book came to be, the intense personal journey of writing it, and the unexpected impact it has had on readers around the world.

Listeners will also hear about Marie’s TEDx Talk, where she challenges traditional perceptions of widowhood and encourages others not to let labels define them. Her message is one of hope, empowerment, and the incredible power of perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of having the "what if" conversation with loved ones before tragedy strikes.
• The concept of "two choices" and how it can guide you through life's toughest moments.
• How to shift from victimhood to empowerment in the grieving process.
• The story behind Marie's book Loving Life After Loss and its impact on the global grief community.
• Insights from Marie's TEDx Talk on redefining widowhood and breaking free from societal labels.

Quotable Moments:

• "Life won’t ever be the same, yet what it’s going to be like is still up to you."
• "Grief can be a source of empowerment when we choose to see it that way."
• "Love just wants you to be happy."