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!

  1. MAR 9

    Bill Daniels on ​​Rewiring Pain, Exploring the Brain-Body Connection and Transforming Lives with Each Workout

    This week I’m sitting down with award-winning personal trainer, compassionate changemaker, and pain neuroscience expert Bill Daniels, founder of Beyond Fitness Online, based in California's East Bay. With over 22 years of experience transforming lives and features in top fitness publications like Shape, Self, and Health Digest, Bill has built a reputation as one of the most innovative and caring trainers in the industry. But his path to brain-based exercise wasn't planned,  it started with a debilitating back injury that traditional methods couldn't fix. That turning point changed everything, sending him deep into the science of pain and how the brain drives it and igniting a mission to help others find the relief he once desperately needed himself. Now, through his neuro-centric training approach, Bill leads with both science and heart, helping people understand why pain persists long after an injury has healed, and more importantly, how to change it.  Bill is also the author of his brand new book, Rewiring Pain: Core Principles For Brain-Based Pain Relief, and was recognized as one of the Best of the East Bay trainers by Diablo Magazine. Beyond all of his credentials, he's a husband, a father of two, and someone who genuinely believes that working out is an act of self-love and that every person deserves to feel good in their own body. If you've ever struggled with chronic pain, felt limited by your body, or wondered why conventional fitness advice just isn't working this episode is for you. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Bill Daniels click HERE To connect with Melissa Turilli Smith click HERE Read more about the show on the Savvy Giving Gal website click HERE 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 https://betterhelp.com/savvygivinggal Shop Find The Good Clothing Brand using the code SAVVYGIVING for 10% off your purchase.  To explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    31 min
  2. JAN 12

    Andria Larson on Delivering Hope, Connecting Communities, and Transforming Lives One Homemade Lasagna at a Time

    In this episode, I sit down with Andria Larson, Executive Director of Lasagna Love, an organization proving that kindness can be delivered one warm meal at a time. What began as a simple gesture has grown into a global movement rooted in compassion, connection, and community. Under Andria’s leadership, Lasagna Love has delivered more than 500,000 homemade lasagnas to families in need of extra care, touched over 2 million individuals with the comfort of a home-cooked meal, built a volunteer network of more than 80,000 people, and expanded its presence into four countries. Andria brings together her professional expertise and her deep passion for service in a way that creates meaningful, lasting impact. From empowering volunteers to forging partnerships, she ensures that every lasagna delivered offers more than nourishment; it offers hope, comfort, and human connection. In our conversation, we explore Lasagna Love’s mission, the experiences that fuel Andria’s dedication, and the extraordinary ripple effect that a simple act of kindness can have on individuals and entire communities. If you have ever wondered whether small gestures truly make a difference, this episode is a powerful reminder of how everyday people can come together and uplift one another in profound ways. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Andria Larson click HERE To connect with Lasagna Love 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 franchise@vitalitybowls.com and mention The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast for more details. 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.  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 https://betterhelp.com/savvygivinggal Shop Find The Good Clothing Brand using the code SAVVYGIVING for 10% off your purchase.  To explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    29 min
  3. 12/08/2025

    Gina Nicholson on Faith-Fueled Motherhood, Real-Life Wellness, and Living with Unshakable Authenticity

    In 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; small, consistent steps can lead to lasting joy. Whether you’re navigating family life, searching for balance, or simply wanting to feel more energized and connected, this episode will inspire you to prioritize your health and happiness in ways that feel doable and meaningful. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Gina Nicholson click HERE Gina is generously offering The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast listeners a week free and a discounted rate on a red light therapy package at the Danville California location of SPANGA. Just mention The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast when you call 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 Vitality Bowls Vitality Bowls is giving our listeners an exclusive discount of $1,000 off the initial franchise fee! Just email franchise@vitalitybowls.com and mention The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast for more details. 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.  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 https://betterhelp.com/savvygivinggal Shop Find The Good Clothing Brand using the code SAVVYGIVING for 10% off your purchase.  To explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    57 min
  4. 11/10/2025

    Karen Henrich on Capturing Hope, the Healing Impact of Therapeutic Photography, and the Power of Compassion in Action

    In 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 art and empathy can bring healing and light to even the darkest moments. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Karen Henrich 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 franchise@vitalitybowls.com and mention The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast for more details. 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.  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 https://betterhelp.com/savvygivinggal Shop Find The Good Clothing Brand using the code SAVVYGIVING for 10% off your purchase.  To explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    32 min
  5. 10/13/2025

    Dr. Ryan Lazarus and Natalia Lazarus on Endurance Athlete Training, Immunity, and Finding Purpose in Inspired Challenges

    In 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 Lazarus, is a leading functional medicine practitioner, founder of The Lazarus Method, and author of the newly released The Essential Health Playbook: A Holistic Method to Beat Fatigue, Boost Strength, & Heal Your Gut. Together, they share insights we can all apply in our daily lives from simple habits that improve health and strengthen the immune system, to the importance of community, and the power of pursuing our own inspired challenges. Tune in! This conversation is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and wisdom that can truly transform the way we approach our well-being and our purpose. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Natalia Lazarus click HERE To connect with Dr. Ryan Lazarus 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 Immune Ready Immune Ready™ is the daily drink mix that fills those gaps. It’s powered by clinically proven BWH-85™ Beta Glucan—shown to double immune function. That means more energy, stronger recovery, better focus, and real resilience against colds and stress.  Visit drinkimmuneready.com and use code SGG40 for 40% off.  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 franchise@vitalitybowls.com and mention The Savvy Giving Gal Podcast for more details. 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 explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    46 min
  6. 08/25/2025

    Melissa Turilli Smith on How Kindness Boosts Well-Being, Five Wellness Tips and Five Simple Acts of Kindness You Can Start Today

    In 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 part: science backs it up. Research shows that kindness and giving boost levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. Acts of generosity lower stress, reduce inflammation, and even support heart health. In other words, by giving to others, you’re giving yourself a longer, healthier, and happier life. This episode is for you if you’re ready to discover simple and practical ways to up-level your well-being, learn how kindness directly improves mental and physical health, and feel inspired to take action today with small steps that make a big difference. Listen and start your journey to a more joyful, healthy, and purpose-driven life, one act of kindness at a time. To Listen to the Full Episodes of the Guests Featured 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 franchise@vitalitybowls.com 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 explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    23 min
  7. 08/11/2025

    Megan Eddings on Daily Positivity Shifts, Purpose-Driven Leadership and Impact Through Service

    What 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 beyond business. Megan opens up about the challenges she’s faced, the resilience she’s developed, and how giving back keeps her grounded. Her signature keynote, Pivot to Positivity, has moved audiences nationwide and now, she’s sharing her wisdom with The Savvy Giving Gal community. You’ll hear how she harnessed adversity to find her purpose, why kindness, confidence, and joy are true superpowers, what inspired the science (and soul) behind her game-changing invention, and how generosity has been a driving force in both her business and personal journey. This episode is your heartfelt reminder to stay grounded, stay generous, and lean into the power of positivity. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Megan Eddings click HERE To visit Megan Edding’s Website 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 franchise@vitalitybowls.com 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 explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    44 min
  8. 07/28/2025

    Lisa Sweet on Fighting Diaper Insecurity, Taking Action, and the Power of Volunteers

    In 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 story is a beautiful reminder of how one person’s compassion can spark meaningful change. From her work with young mothers and foster families to her grassroots leadership, you’ll walk away inspired by the power of simple acts to transform lives. To watch the Podcast click HERE To connect with Lisa Sweet click HERE To visit The Sweet Beginnings Diaper Bank Website 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 franchise@vitalitybowls.com 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 explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities click HERE To support the show click HERE Support the show Rate & Review

    47 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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!