Savvy Giving Gal Podcast

Join 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 sponsor...

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 ...

In 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, Nu...

In 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.

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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.

Wh...

This 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,...

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 th...

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, w...

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 invest...

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 ...

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 rais...

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 ...

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 i...

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...

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 ...

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 collab...

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 coordi...

The 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 i...