Episodes

  • Melissa Turilli Smith - Reflecting on 2024’s Most Inspiring Podcast Moments
    Jan 13 2025

    This week on The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, I’m excited to bring you a special episode, a collection of some of my favorite moments from 2024. I’ve gathered highlights from six powerful conversations with incredible guests who have inspired us with their insights on giving, both in extraordinary charitable efforts and in the small, meaningful moments of everyday life.

    Each guest offers a unique lens on how we can make a difference, whether it’s through simple acts of kindness, bold innovations in their careers, or transformative initiatives that uplift entire communities. From heartfelt stories to actionable advice, these moments are a testament to how generosity shapes the world around us.

    I hope this episode serves as a reminder that every one of us has the power to create positive change, no matter the size of the act. Together, let’s celebrate the inspiring generosity of 2024 and carry these lessons forward into the year ahead!

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics.

    Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY25 at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.

    BetterHelp, is an online therapy service that makes it easy to get the help you, or your family, needs from the comfort of your own home. For listeners of the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, you’ll get 10% off your first month of therapy when you use the link betterhelp.com/savvy

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    44 mins
  • Lee Ann Coburn - Aligning Wealth with Purpose, Uplifting Women, and Finding Balance
    Dec 30 2024

    In this episode of The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, I sit down with Lee Ann Coburn, Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch. Named Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors for four consecutive years, Lee Ann shares why she’s not your typical wealth advisor. She’s passionate about helping people make purposeful financial decisions that reflect their values, showing how investing in socially responsible companies can grow wealth while creating positive change in the world.

    Lee Ann also opens up about founding BAWLers - Bay Area Women Leaders, an empowering organization that helps women connect, collaborate, and create ripple effects of success in their communities. From mentoring to resource-sharing, BAWLers provides women with the tools to thrive in both personal and professional spaces.

    Our conversation highlights Lee Ann’s inspiring journey into wealth advising, her mission to uplift women, and her advice for women striving to make a difference in finance, leadership, and personal growth. Finally, she shares how she balances career and motherhood, emphasizing that staying passionate about your work is key to success, while still making time for family, self-care, and meaningful community impact.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to align their values with their wealth, lead with purpose, and find balance in the process.

    To connect with Lee Ann Coburn click HERE

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    Lee Ann is offering listeners a complementary Personal Wealth Analysis that provides a fresh look at your financial plan. This typically helps determine if you are on track to reach your financial and life goals and what to do in order to optimize and maintain your wealth. Mention the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast when contacting Lee Ann for this opportunity.

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics. Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp, is an online therapy service that makes it easy to get the help you, or your family, needs from the comfort of your own home. For listeners of the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, you’ll get 10% off your first month of therapy when you use the link betterhelp.com/savvy

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    48 mins
  • Dr. Karrie Heneman, PhD - Prioritizing Family Meals, Embracing Nutrient-Dense Foods, and Teaching Kids Healthy Choices
    Dec 16 2024

    I was thrilled to sit down with the incredible Dr. Karrie Heneman for this episode! Dr. Karrie, a PhD in nutrition with a deep passion for healthy living, shares her wisdom and enthusiasm about leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

    We discuss her impactful work teaching nutrition to moms in the food stamps nutrition education program and how she continues her mission to help families eat nutritiously and affordably through her platform, Family Meals First. Grounded in Karrie's values of kindness, community, and eating well, this resource supports families nationwide and reflects her dedication both in one-on-one sessions and her online community.

    Karrie emphasizes the power of gathering around the table with loved ones and the human connection fostered through family meals. She passionately reminds us to nourish our bodies with wholesome food, prioritize our health, and surround ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us. If you're eager for simple, practical steps to nurture your well-being and create a life filled with positivity and fulfillment, this episode is for you!

    To connect with Dr. Karrie Heneman, PhD click HERE

    To connect with Family Meals First click HERE

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    Dr. Heneman is also generously offering a 20% discount off a 1:1 session with her. This includes a one hour chat, follow up email, and membership to my online community. Use the code SAVVY when booking an appointment on her website www.familymealsfirst.com.

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics. Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp, is an online therapy service that makes it easy to get the help you, or your family, needs from the comfort of your own home. For listeners of the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, you’ll get 10% off your first month of therapy when you use the link betterhelp.com/savvy

    This episode is sponsored by All Business Class. Book travel using the promo code SAVVY, they will include complimentary black car airport transfers, letting you reach your destination in style.

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    50 mins
  • Shani Hall - Turning Celebrations Into Opportunities for Giving: Party In-Kindness, Golden Vibe Events, and Navigating Life’s Changing Tides
    Dec 2 2024

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Shani Hall, the co-founder of Party In-Kindness and owner of Golden Vibe Events. Shani is a mother, creative visionary, and an advocate for meaningful community impact through events that inspire and empower.

    Together, Shani and I, along with the Party In-Kindness community, have made a profound difference, donating over 45,000 essential items to local nonprofits in the Bay Area. We’ve raised more than $160,000 to provide food, toys, clothing, toiletries, backpacks, and more to those in need. Through transforming 261 celebrations into opportunities for giving, hosting 79 fundraising events, and organizing 40 family volunteer activities, we’ve touched the lives of over 800 children, fostering a new generation of givers.

    In this conversation, we delve into how personal and professional growth intertwines with a passion for giving. Shani shares her journey, including the milestones and challenges that have shaped her path. We’ll also discuss practical ways to incorporate kindness into daily life, offer advice for navigating life’s changes, and reflect on how motherhood has profoundly influenced our approach to philanthropy and personal development.

    This episode is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and compassion to inspire lasting change. Tune in for heartfelt stories, actionable insights, and a golden vibe that will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated, like it has me for years!

    To connect with Shani Hall click HERE

    To connect with Golden Vibe Events click HERE

    To connect with Party In-Kindness click HERE

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics. Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp, is an online therapy service that makes it easy to get the help you, or your family, needs from the comfort of your own home. For listeners of the Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, you’ll get 10% off your first month of therapy when you use the link betterhelp.com/savvy

    This episode is sponsored by All Business Class. Book travel using the promo code SAVVY, they will include complimentary black car airport transfers, letting you reach your destination in style.

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    42 mins
  • Andi Callaway - Transforming Pain into Purpose, Building a Community of Support, and Inspiring Future Generations
    Nov 18 2024

    In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andi Callaway, president and founder of The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, a nonprofit born from a deeply personal mission after her son Wilson’s diagnosis. Recognizing a crucial need in her community, Andi embarked on a journey to offer meaningful support and encouragement to patients and families navigating Nephrotic Syndrome, creating transformative programs that now benefit people around the world.

    We delve into Andi’s background, her experiences in the nonprofit sector, and her personal connection to Nephrotic Syndrome, uncovering the ways these have shaped her incredible ability to rally a community for a cause.

    Throughout our conversation, you’ll see how Andi’s organization has grown to touch countless lives, all fueled by her unwavering dedication to her son and those affected globally. You’ll be inspired by Andi’s practical insights on uniting family, friends, and community to drive lasting, positive change in the lives of those around you.

    To connect with Andi Callaway click HERE

    To connect with Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation click HERE

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics.

    Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by All Business Class

    Book travel using the promo code SAVVY, they will include complimentary black car airport transfers, letting you reach your destination in style.

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    51 mins
  • Lisa Henderson - Empowering Foster & Homeless Youth, Raising the Next Generation of Philanthropists, and the Power of Community Partnerships
    Nov 4 2024

    In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Henderson, the passionate founder of Set To Thrive, a nonprofit in Contra Costa County dedicated to providing essential resources to children in foster care and homelessness. Since its inception in August 2021, Set To Thrive has distributed over 2,000 Thrive Bags to support foster youth in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, envisioning a future where every child has the necessities to succeed in school, life, and their community.

    We explore Lisa's unwavering commitment to ensuring that foster children receive the items they need to build confidence and thrive, starting with those critical early moments in the foster care system. It's not just her mission—her grown children, raised with a philanthropic mindset, now work alongside her. Lisa shares her insights into how she instilled a spirit of giving in her children and why she’s chosen this second chapter of her life to focus on giving back and community collaboration.

    To connect with Lisa Henderson click HERE

    To connect with Set To Thrive click HERE

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics.

    Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by All Business Class

    Book travel using the promo code SAVVY, they will include complimentary black car airport transfers, letting you reach your destination in style.

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    37 mins
  • Kerry Maunus - Teaching Gratitude to Our Children, Building Generational Traditions, and Fighting Food Insecurity
    Oct 21 2024

    In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Kerry Maunus, co-creator of Turkey on the Table alongside her business partner April George. This one-of-a-kind book and activity set has families nationwide embracing gratitude in a fun, meaningful way, making thankfulness a daily habit.

    Featured in top publications like People Magazine, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, and even on Good Morning America and ABC News, Turkey on the Table has truly captured hearts across the country. But what makes this project even more powerful is its mission to give back. For every turkey sold, 10 meals are donated to Feeding America, with 1.5 million meals provided so far.

    In this episode, Kerry shares her passion for gratitude, explaining how nurturing thankful hearts can create happier children, families, and communities. She walks us through how Turkey on the Table serves as a beautiful tradition-builder, helping families create lasting memories of expressing gratitude. Finally, Kerry dives into the importance of giving back within a business model and the incredible impact it can have on communities. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about gratitude, family, and making a difference.

    To connect with Kerry Maunus click HERE

    To connect with Turkey on The Table click HERE

    Turkey on the Table is generously giving our listeners 15% off all products when you use the code SAVVY at checkout. That is SAVVY in all capital letters. Visit www.turkeyonthetable.com to place your order today.

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics.

    Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY25 at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by All Business Class

    Book travel using the promo code SAVVY, they will include complimentary black car airport transfers, letting you reach your destination in style.

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    48 mins
  • Teyonna Bowman - From Surviving Cancer to Thriving in Menopause, Empowering Women On Their Journey
    Oct 7 2024

    Join me for an inspiring episode where I sit down with Teyonna Bowman, a two-time cancer survivor, devoted wife, and mother of two. Teyonna is the visionary behind Pausitive Outlook, a platform born from her personal journey through medically induced menopause, where she now helps women transform their challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment. She is also the creative force behind her Second Bloom events, dedicated to helping women thrive through life's transitions.

    In this conversation, Teyonna shares how she turned her health obstacles into a powerful mission to give back. From offering practical advice on optimizing health during menopause to outlining her self-care routine, Teyonna’s insights remind us that even our toughest battles can lead to the greatest opportunities to support others. She also shares valuable resources for women navigating perimenopause and menopause and offers a behind-the-scenes look at her journey in content creation. Teyonna explains how she built a vibrant online community, turning her story into a source of strength and connection for women everywhere.

    Tune in to discover how life’s challenges can become opportunities to give, grow, and bloom anew.

    To connect with Teyonna Bowman click HERE

    To connect with Pausitive Outlook click HERE

    To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE

    Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE

    This episode is sponsored by eCosmetics.

    Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY25 at checkout for 25% off your purchase

    This episode is sponsored by All Business Class

    Book travel using the promo code SAVVY, they will include complimentary black car airport transfers, letting you reach your destination in style.

    To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE

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    43 mins