Shows
Savvy Giving Gal PodcastGina Nicholson on Faith-Fueled Motherhood, Real-Life Wellness, and Living with Unshakable AuthenticityIn this uplifting episode, I sit down with Gina Nicholson, a devoted mother of four, woman of faith, trusted friend, and passionate fitness and health coach. Gina and I talk about how she stays grounded while juggling motherhood, marriage, and her calling to help women feel their best inside and out. She opens up about the importance of authenticity, faith, and grace in everyday life and shares practical ways to weave wellness into even the busiest seasons.I loved this conversation because Gina reminds us that we don’t have to overhaul our lives to feel better; sm...
2025-12-0857 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastKaren Henrich on Capturing Hope, the Healing Impact of Therapeutic Photography, and the Power of Compassion in ActionIn this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Karen Henrich, founder of Moment by Moment Photography, a nonprofit with over two decades of compassion and service. Moment by Moment provides free in-hospital and hospice portrait sessions for families of children facing life-impacting illnesses, offering not just photos, but lasting memories of love, courage, and hope.To date, they’ve documented the stories of more than 8,000 families, earning national recognition from NBC Bay Area Proud, Children’s Hospice International, and Diablo Magazine’s Threads of Hope Award. Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of how ar...
2025-11-1032 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastDr. Ryan Lazarus and Natalia Lazarus on Endurance Athlete Training, Immunity, and Finding Purpose in Inspired ChallengesIn this episode of The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, I welcome a true powerhouse couple, Natalia and Dr. Ryan Lazarus. You’ve heard their voices separately in past episodes, but today they join me together to share a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.Natalia is just one month away from an extraordinary feat, The Great World Race, running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. She’s also the author of The Inner Race, a powerful book that helps women navigate midlife and reignite their inner spark through bold, life-changing challenges.Her husband, Dr. Ryan...
2025-10-1346 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastMelissa Turilli Smith on How Kindness Boosts Well-Being, Five Wellness Tips and Five Simple Acts of Kindness You Can Start TodayIn this special episode, I’m taking you on a heartfelt journey back through some of my favorite moments from Season One. Over 25 inspiring episodes, my guests have shown us the incredible truth: when we help others, we don’t just change their lives, we transform our own.I’m sharing my top five tips to enhance your well-being and five simple acts of kindness you can start doing today. These aren’t complicated or time-consuming, just small, powerful steps that can bring more joy, connection, and purpose into your everyday life.And here’s the best p...
2025-08-2522 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastMegan Eddings on Daily Positivity Shifts, Purpose-Driven Leadership and Impact Through ServiceWhat if the secret to transforming your life wasn’t some major breakthrough, but a powerful shift in perspective?In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Eddings, a visionary entrepreneur, inventor of the science-backed fabric behind Accel Lifestyle, keynote speaker, and positivity powerhouse.Megan’s journey from chemistry labs to the fashion industry is anything but ordinary. Fueled by a desire to solve everyday problems (like stinky gym clothes!) and guided by her unwavering optimism, Megan has built more than just a brand, she’s built a mission.But her story goes far beyo...
2025-08-1144 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastLisa Sweet on Fighting Diaper Insecurity, Taking Action, and the Power of VolunteersIn this episode I sit down with Lisa Sweet, a Registered Nurse, foster care liaison, and the inspiring founder of The Sweet Beginnings Diaper Bank. What began as a heartfelt response to the urgent needs of vulnerable families has grown into a vital nonprofit serving thousands each month.In this powerful conversation, Lisa shares how diaper insecurity, an often overlooked but deeply impactful issue, affects the health, mental well-being, and stability of families across the country. With no government assistance for diapers, her 100% volunteer-run organization fills a critical gap, offering support, dignity, and hope.Lisa’s st...
2025-07-2846 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastBrittinie Tran on Empowering Women Through Community, the Importance of Finding True Friendship, and the Power of Showing Up as You AreIn this episode of The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, I sit down with Brittinie Tran, the powerhouse behind The Hot Mess Express Mission and host of the popular podcast Girl, Same. As a proud mom of three, devoted wife, and dynamic leader, Brittinie is redefining what it means to create community in the midst of life’s chaos.We dive into her inspiring journey from joining the very first Hot Mess Express mission to now leading over 300 chapters across the country. Brittinie shares how she built a thriving nonprofit that empowers women to show up as they ar...
2025-07-1437 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastKavin Carter on Helping Teens Navigate Faith, Identity, Purpose, and the Power of Belonging to a Christ-Centered CommunityIn this episode, I sit down with Kavin Carter, a dynamic leader making a lasting impact in the lives of teens and families through faith, mentorship, and youth ministry. With over 11 years of experience, Kavin currently serves as the High School Ministries Director and Pastor at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, CA. Originally from Los Angeles, Kavin brings deep insight, compassion, and leadership to his mission of helping students develop biblical literacy, build authentic community, and live out their Christian faith in today’s complex world.We explore how faith can guide teens through life’s challenges, why...
2025-06-1654 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastSandy Bassin on Empowering Teen Girls Through Early Intervention Programming, Mental Health Support, Intentional Social Media Use, and Purpose-Driven MentorshipIn this episode, I’m joined by Sandy Bassin, founder of Her Story Mentorship, a nonprofit mental health initiative dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of teen girls. Sandy shares how her background in behavioral health and her personal journey in long-term recovery led her to create a space for early intervention, purpose-driven mentorship, and intentional social media use.We dive into the role of purpose as a protective factor for mental health, the unique pressures today’s girls face, and how Her Story’s research-backed workshops are equipping them with the tools to thrive. With features in Opr...
2025-06-0252 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastAudra Carrion on Advocating for First Responder Wives, Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load, and Finding Your Authentic VoiceIn this episode, I’m joined by Audra Carrion, the founder of the Carry On Community and co-host of the Dear Chiefs Podcast. Audra is a fierce advocate for first responder families, helping them not just survive, but truly thrive.But Audra’s impact goes far beyond that. As a mom of four and a proud wife to a first responder, she has become a powerful voice for exposing the often-invisible mental load women carry. Through her work, she champions the importance of community, self-care, and using social media with intention - focusing on purpose, passion, and auth...
2025-05-1938 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastNatalia Lazarus on Running The Great World Race, Navigating Midlife, Chasing Inspired Challenges, Unlocking Your Spark, and Making Movement Your SuperpowerJoin me as I sit down with Natalia Lazarus, a woman who is truly redefining resilience and self-discovery.Natalia is a working mom of two teenagers, an ultra-distance runner, a health coach with The Lazarus Method, and a fitness instructor. She’s also the author of The Inner Race, a powerful book guiding women through midlife by helping them reconnect with their inner spark through meaningful challenge.And speaking of challenge, Natalia is currently preparing for The Great World Race, where she’ll run seven marathons, in seven days, on seven continents this November. In...
2025-05-0540 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastDr. Kamile Lim and Dr. Nashwa Aziz Elrashidy on Dental Innovations, Community Impact, and Empowering Women in DentistryJoin me for a powerful conversation with two inspiring women - Dr. Kamile Lim and Dr. Nashwa Aziz Elrashidy, co-founders of Diablo Dental Group in Danville, California. These rockstar dentists are not only known for delivering exceptional dental care, but also for their deep commitment to giving back.What sets them apart is their passion for making a difference beyond the dental chair. Through community partnerships, school sponsorships, and charitable initiatives, they are actively investing in their community - organizing donation drives, supporting women’s shelters, and funding local education programs. Their practice is rooted in the be...
2025-04-2142 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastChristopher Helfrich on Changing Lives with Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, Mission-Driven Career Choices, and a Heart for GivingIn this episode, I am honored to sit down with Christopher Helfrich, the President and CEO of the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry with a mission to unlock the potential of every child.For the past five years, Eat. Learn. Play. has made an incredible impact in Oakland and beyond, investing over $72 million to support kids and families. Their work includes delivering more than 25 million meals to fight childhood hunger, investing over $6 million in literacy programs, revitalizing more than 17 school and community play spaces, and so much more....
2025-04-0755 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastDr. Ryan Lazarus on Unlocking Your Potential, Finding Your Thrive Tribe, Raising Resilient Kids, and Empowering Holistic Wellness with The Lazarus MethodIn this week's episode, I'm chatting with an extraordinary guest whose mission is transforming lives - Dr. Ryan Lazarus.Dr. Lazarus is the Founder and Clinical Director of The Lazarus Method, a revolutionary health program designed to empower individuals to take control of their well-being. With a master’s in nutrition, a bachelor’s in exercise science, and multiple certifications as a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Nutrition Specialist, Personal Trainer, and Rehabilitation Specialist, his expertise is as vast as his passion for helping others.In this episode, we dive into Dr. Lazarus’s personal journey of resili...
2025-03-2455 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastChristina Flach - Empowering Change, Nurturing Inner Beauty & Rising Beyond HeartbreakIn this episode, I welcome an extraordinary guest who embodies creativity, resilience, and generosity: Christina Flach. As a renowned celebrity makeup artist, visionary entrepreneur, and dynamic host of I'm Too Busy TV, Christina has captivated Hollywood with her impeccable talent and unique eye for beauty. As the CEO and founder of Pretty Girl Makeup, she has collaborated with top A-list celebrities and leading beauty brands.Beyond her professional achievements, Christina is a devoted mother, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for empowering women. In our engaging conversation, she shares her journey of balancing a high-profile career with motherhood, transforming...
2025-03-1051 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastMindy Longo and Gina Halow - Volunteering as a Family, Collective Giving and Creating Networks for GoodIn this episode, I’m joined by the founders of Impact Diablo Valley, Mindy Longo and Gina Halow, two powerhouse women who are transforming the way we give back. Impact Diablo Valley is a nonprofit that’s redefining philanthropy through a collective giving model, inspired by the national organization Impact 100. Since their inception in 2018, they’ve raised over $860,000 for local nonprofits, making a huge impact in our community.What makes them stand out? Their focus on family giving, bringing families together to engage in philanthropy and inspire the next generation of givers.If you’ve ever won...
2025-02-2447 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastJulianna Cavalli - The Transformative Power of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom, Raising Givers, Overcoming Challenges, and Leading with LoveThis week on The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, we’re shining a light on some of the most inspiring changemakers in our communities, our incredible stay-at-home moms! These remarkable women are not only raising the next generation of givers, but they’re also infusing strength, love, and grace into the very fabric of our future, all while juggling countless responsibilities.In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Julianna Cavalli, a stay-at-home mom to two amazing kids, a loving wife, a cancer survivor, a generous giver, and a loyal friend. Beyond these titles, Julianna takes on role...
2025-02-1040 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastGaby Ghorbani - Transforming Lives Through Global Philanthropy and Generational GivingThis week on The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Gaby Ghorbani, the inspiring founder of Pledge to Humanity and the creator of the jewelry, clothing, and accessories brand Love You More. Gaby is a true force for good, channeling her passion for philanthropy to uplift underserved communities both locally and globally.In this episode, Gaby shares her incredible journey with Pledge to Humanity, which was honored as the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year for its profound impact. She also discusses receiving Diablo Magazine’s Threads of Hope Award and her latest endeavor, a nonp...
2025-01-2747 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastMelissa Turilli Smith - Reflecting on 2024’s Most Inspiring Podcast MomentsThis 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 action...
2025-01-1344 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastLee Ann Coburn - Aligning Wealth with Purpose, Uplifting Women, and Finding BalanceIn 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 empowe...
2024-12-3048 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastDr. Karrie Heneman, PhD - Prioritizing Family Meals, Embracing Nutrient-Dense Foods, and Teaching Kids Healthy ChoicesI 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...
2024-12-1650 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastShani Hall - Turning Celebrations Into Opportunities for Giving: Party In-Kindness, Golden Vibe Events, and Navigating Life’s Changing TidesIn 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 vo...
2024-12-0241 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastAndi Callaway - Transforming Pain into Purpose, Building a Community of Support, and Inspiring Future GenerationsIn 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...
2024-11-1850 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastLisa Henderson - Empowering Foster & Homeless Youth, Raising the Next Generation of Philanthropists, and the Power of Community PartnershipsIn 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...
2024-11-0437 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastKerry Maunus - Teaching Gratitude to Our Children, Building Generational Traditions, and Fighting Food InsecurityIn 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 dona...
2024-10-2147 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastTeyonna Bowman - From Surviving Cancer to Thriving in Menopause, Empowering Women On Their JourneyJoin 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...
2024-10-0742 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastTara Gilad - Revolutionizing Allergy-Safe Dining, Championing Female Entrepreneurs, and Maximizing Your PotentialJoin me for an inspiring episode as I sit down with Tara Gilad, the dynamic President and Co-founder of Vitality Bowls—a fast-casual sensation with nearly 70 locations across the nation. Known for their delicious acai bowls, smoothies, salads, and wraps, Vitality Bowls stands out for its unwavering commitment to health and allergy-safe foods. Tara shares her mission to make nutritious food accessible to all, highlighting her collaborations with allergy-focused nonprofits and schools to foster healthy eating habits among children.In this episode, Tara also opens up about her journey as a trailblazing female entrepreneur. She offers invaluable ad...
2024-09-2349 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastNarda Skov – Health & Sexuality Educator, Empowering Our Youth, Advocate for Women, and Champion of The Wig ExchangeIn this episode, I sit down with Narda Skov, a dedicated Health and Sexuality Educator who works with teens in schools and private groups. Narda tackles crucial topics like anatomy, bullying, body image, consent, contraception, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, HIV/STIs, media literacy, pornography, puberty, and the dangers of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.Amazingly, in addition to her educational work, Narda is the program coordinator for The Wig Exchange, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that provides high-quality wigs to women undergoing chemotherapy, helping them feel confident during a challenging time.We dive deep into Narda's inspiring...
2024-09-0950 minSavvy Giving Gal PodcastSavvy Giving Gal TrailerThe Savvy Giving Gal Podcast with Melissa Turilli Smith features inspiring conversations with community change-makers and explores the defining moments of their lives!You'll hear stories, practical advice, and tips you won't find anywhere else.Melissa speaks with some of the most influential people, including entrepreneurs, philanthropists, creators, and experts, whose careers or passion projects have made a significant impact on their communities and the people they serve.Together, we explore the power of generosity and uncover the secrets of positivity. The challenge for everyone is to find small acts of kindness in...
2024-09-0202 min