10/02/2024
A few months ago, I committed to run the Chicago Marathon to represent The Army of Survivors, an organization that aims to end abuse in sports.
During that time, I finally gained the courage to start a podcast. I launched the show during LA marathon weekend, which was, ironically, the first weekend of my official training.
It was seven years since I truly ran, let alone trained for anything. I thought it would be fun to document my journey and have guests that aligned with sports, mental health, and running. In a two week timespan, I had a venue, booked guest, and an upcoming party to celebrate the podcast, the only thing is, I didn’t have a name…
It would be 3AM approximately one week before my podcast launch, when the puzzle came together. Running was my roots, and the term “Sparkle” was coined because of running.
Sometimes we have to face our grief head on in order to truly heal✨
On the way to my launch party, my dad tried having a conversation with me about my training. Words like “miles, injury, and pace” rung through my ears and I stopped him, and said:
“Dad, no matter what happens these next few months, I don’t care. It got me to relaunch Sparkle. I’ve already won.”
Our silence for the rest of the car ride was better than our running song (Billy Idol’s Dancing With Myself). We both knew I was right.
During my time Xavier University, Sparkle was an attempt at a movement I wasn’t ready or able to navigate. These last two years I moved to LA and I have been fortunate enough to pair with amazing nonprofits to advocate for things like Title IX. I have worked on mental health films, and built a community of creatives that inspire me everyday. I became a Board Member for The Army of Survivors, an organization I deeply believe in.
It takes all of us to educate and change the things we care about. And with divine timing, the mission of Sparkle is a story I love telling, and sharing with others. It’s a story I continue to write because, like running this marathon and despite its past grief, I remain the author.
I will run the Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 13th. If you can, please consider supporting with your donation, or subscribing to the show. Sparkle On💖
With love,
Devi Jags✨
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/video/devi-jags-mission-to-fight-sexual-violence-mental-health-stigma-in-sports/
https://thesparklepodcast.komi.io/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabk4dv3bfw3Xpx8y1-n84sEcu5l_rhiaeVcLck6pxIF0BrIB9NCiywgH54_aem_Jp-KcBNFCU7MzJSFpXVBzQ
Jaime Maggio talks with entrepreneur, writer & activist Devi Jags. A former D-1 cross-country athlete at Xavier, Devi pulls off her own personal experience to stand as an advocate for athletes that are sexual violence survivors. Devi is returning to the sport of running to participate in the 2024 Ch...
