Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
Melissa Turilli Smith
The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast showcases inspiring conversations with community changemakers who reveal how giving back can create big impacts, not only in the world but also for your health and well-being!
Every other Monday, join me as I sit down with extraordinary entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and innovators whose careers or passion projects have significantly impacted their communities and the lives of others. Through their heartfelt stories and unique insights, you’ll discover how giving back can transform lives, fight loneliness, and help you feel connected to something bigger.
Each episode is packed with actionable steps to help you uncover purpose, embrace true wellness, and feel your healthiest while making a meaningful difference in your community and beyond.
This show will provide answers to questions like:
- What are effective strategies for improving overall health?
- How can I contribute to my local community?
- What simple actions can I take to give back to society?
- How do I find meaning and purpose in my life?
- What can I do if I feel lonely?
- How can I build and maintain healthy relationships?
- How can I develop a positive mindset?
Tune in and start your path to a more connected, generous, and fulfilling life!
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Savvy Giving Gal Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Savvy Giving Gal Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Savvy Giving Gal Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Savvy Giving Gal Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Gaby Ghorbani - Transforming Lives Through Global Philanthropy and Generational Giving
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
01/27/25 • 47 min
This 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 nonprofit after-school community center in Mexico, providing vital support to under-resourced children.
Gaby’s unwavering dedication to empowering others is a testament to the transformative power of generosity and compassion. Tune in to be inspired by her story and learn how her work is inspiring a new generation of givers worldwide!
To connect with Gaby Ghorbani click HERE
To learn more about Pledge To Humanity click HERE
To shop Love You More click Here
Gaby is also generously giving The Savvy Giving Gal listeners 25% OFF and FREE GIFT with a purchase over $100, the promotion will be applied online and in-person. When shopping loveyoumore.com use the code SAVVY from January 27th to February 3rd to redeem this offer.
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 was 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.
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
Tara Gilad - Revolutionizing Allergy-Safe Dining, Championing Female Entrepreneurs, and Maximizing Your Potential
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
09/23/24 • 49 min
Join 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 advice on self-belief and overcoming fear to achieve your fullest potential. Balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and business leader, Tara provides insights into franchising Vitality Bowls and her passion for superfoods.
Tune in to discover how Tara is making a positive impact in communities nationwide and gain inspiration for your own journey to success!
To connect with Vitality Bowls click HERE
To connect with Tara Gilad click HERE
To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE
Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE
The episode is sponsored by eCosmetics.
Shop eCosmetics and use the code SAVVY25 at checkout for 25% off your purchase
Vitality Bowls Exclusive Offers for my Savvy Giving Gal Listeners:
Buy One Get One Free for any Acai Bowl purchase either online or through the Vitality Bowls app by using the code SAVVY during checkout. Just add two acai bowls to your cart and enter S A V V Y in all uppercase letters during checkout
For all the entrepreneurs out there, Vitality Bowls is offering our listeners an exclusive discount of 50% off initial franchise fee, which is a savings of $20,000! Just email [email protected] and mention Savvy Giving Gal for more details.
To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE
Narda Skov – Health & Sexuality Educator, Empowering Our Youth, Advocate for Women, and Champion of The Wig Exchange
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
09/09/24 • 50 min
In 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 journey into health and sexuality education, her personal story that led to her involvement with The Wig Exchange, and her passion for making a difference. She offers valuable advice on how to approach sensitive topics like puberty and sexual health with children, emphasizing the importance of these conversations. Narda also shares practical tips on how to cultivate a giving mindset and integrate acts of generosity into your daily life.
To connect with Narda Skov click HERE
To connect with the Wig Exchange 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
To connect with my Associate Producer Tanya Dublin click HERE
Andi Callaway - Transforming Pain into Purpose, Building a Community of Support, and Inspiring Future Generations
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
11/18/24 • 50 min
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
Shani Hall - Turning Celebrations Into Opportunities for Giving: Party In-Kindness, Golden Vibe Events, and Navigating Life’s Changing Tides
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
12/02/24 • 41 min
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
Dr. Karrie Heneman, PhD - Prioritizing Family Meals, Embracing Nutrient-Dense Foods, and Teaching Kids Healthy Choices
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
12/16/24 • 50 min
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
Lee Ann Coburn - Aligning Wealth with Purpose, Uplifting Women, and Finding Balance
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
12/30/24 • 48 min
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
Teyonna Bowman - From Surviving Cancer to Thriving in Menopause, Empowering Women On Their Journey
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
10/07/24 • 42 min
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
Mindy Longo and Gina Halow - Volunteering as a Family, Collective Giving and Creating Networks for Good
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
02/24/25 • 47 min
In 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 wondered how to make your charitable giving more meaningful, or how to involve your kids in philanthropy in a way that’s engaging and impactful, this episode is for you. We dive into how volunteering together teaches values like empathy, teamwork, and responsibility. How pooling resources with others amplifies impact, creating lasting change that ripples through communities. Plus, how being connected to your community can have profound health benefits for everyone involved.
Get ready to be inspired by the power of collective giving and learn how you, too, can be part of something bigger than yourself!
To connect with Mindy Longo & Gina Halow click HERE
To connect with Impact Diablo Valley 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.
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
Christopher Helfrich on Changing Lives with Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, Mission-Driven Career Choices, and a Heart for Giving
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast
04/07/25 • 55 min
In 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.
Christopher shares how his team is tackling systemic issues to end childhood hunger, improve education, and create safe spaces for kids to play and how we can all be part of the solution. His journey is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and community in driving real, lasting change. Before leading Eat. Learn. Play., Christopher built a remarkable career as a social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader — all while balancing life as a husband and father.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation and discover how you, too, can help shape a better future for kids everywhere.
To learn more about The Eat. Learn. Play Foundation click HERE
To connect with Chris Helfrich 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 Vitality Bowls
Vitality Bowls is giving our listeners an exclusive discount of $1,000 off the initial franchise fee! Just email [email protected] and mention The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast for more details.
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.
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
To explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Savvy Giving Gal Podcast have?
Savvy Giving Gal Podcast currently has 17 episodes available.
What topics does Savvy Giving Gal Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Entrepreneur, Lifestyle, Wellness, Podcasts, Inspiration, Self-Improvement, Education, Health, Gratitude and Philanthropy.
What is the most popular episode on Savvy Giving Gal Podcast?
The episode title 'Teyonna Bowman - From Surviving Cancer to Thriving in Menopause, Empowering Women On Their Journey' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Savvy Giving Gal Podcast?
The average episode length on Savvy Giving Gal Podcast is 45 minutes.
How often are episodes of Savvy Giving Gal Podcast released?
Episodes of Savvy Giving Gal Podcast are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Savvy Giving Gal Podcast?
The first episode of Savvy Giving Gal Podcast was released on Sep 2, 2024.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ