Act to Impact with Brandi DeVries

Brandi DeVries
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This show will fuel your fire within to make an impact in the world. It will ignite action to become aware of your untapped gifts, connect with causes close to your heart, and inspire you to take action to make a lasting impact. Brandi is a long-time advocate and fundraiser for a national non-profit and is dedicated to introducing you to stories of hope, resilience, and community from the pediatric cancer community and impact makers around the world that will inspire your purpose to make an impact.

  1. APR 15

    Mom on a Mission: Why Sun Safety Can’t Wait

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Act to Impact, Leah shares her journey from new mom to melanoma survivor—and how she’s now on a mission to make skin checks routine, sun safety non-negotiable, and awareness personal for families everywhere. Through her platform Make Derm Sure and her community advocacy work, Leah is helping parents understand that skin cancer doesn’t just happen later in life—it often starts with damage in childhood. From building a shade pavilion at her child’s school to teaching kids how to apply sunscreen like they brush their teeth, Leah is proof that small, consistent actions can save lives. If you’ve ever thought, “It won’t happen to me,” this conversation will change that—and show you exactly what to do next. 👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share this episode to help more families stay safe in the sun. 🔑 Key Takeaways Skin cancer can start young. Melanoma isn’t just an “older adult” issue—damage often begins in childhood and adolescence. One simple appointment can save your life. Leah’s melanoma was caught during her first-ever skin check—scheduled only because her mom told her to go. Awareness isn’t enough—action matters. Scheduling a skin check, reapplying sunscreen, and noticing changes in your skin can make all the difference. Sunscreen should be a daily habit. Just like brushing your teeth, SPF—especially on your face—should be part of your everyday routine (yes, even on cloudy days). Reapplication is where most people get it wrong. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours—and after swimming or sweating. Advocacy can start small and grow big. Leah began by sharing her story and went on to raise funds and build a shade pavilion for her community. You don’t have to be an expert to make an impact. Start by sharing your story, making connections, and taking one step forward. Your voice could save someone’s life. Leah speaking up helped detect melanoma early in someone she knew—proof that conversations matter.Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue. Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Leah Koskinen (@makedermsure) STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    39 min

  2. APR 1

    How Miss Minnesota USA Is Fighting for Girls’ Dignity

    Send us Fan Mail What if something as simple as a pad or tampon determined whether a girl could go to school? In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Megan Rivera to discuss how she’s using her crown to break the stigma surrounding women’s health and advocate for girls around the world. Through her work with Days for Girls, Megan is helping ensure women and girls have access to feminine hygiene products and education — something many people take for granted.  Megan shares the moment that ignited her passion for this cause, the surprising statistics around period poverty in the United States, and how her platform as Miss Minnesota USA has amplified her ability to make an impact. This conversation sheds light on an issue many people don’t realize exists — and shows how small actions can help restore dignity, confidence, and opportunity for women and girls everywhere. Key Takeaways from This Episode• Period poverty affects millions of women and girls. Even in the United States, many cannot afford basic feminine hygiene products. • Access to menstrual products directly impacts education. Girls without supplies often miss school, which can limit their long-term opportunities. • Breaking stigma starts with conversation. Talking openly about women’s health helps normalize the topic and empowers girls. • The power of pageantry goes beyond the stage. Megan has used her title as Miss Minnesota USA to raise awareness and mobilize community support. • Small actions can create real change. Hosting donation drives, volunteering, or supporting organizations like Days for Girls can help women in your own community. • Advocacy doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires the willingness to speak up and take action. 💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue. You can also support the mission of Days for Girls by donating menstrual products to a local women’s shelter or volunteering at a kit-building event in your community. Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Megan Rivera.  STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    27 min

  3. MAR 18

    The Secret to ‘Doing It All’ (DIML)

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered how some women seem to do it all? This episode pulls back the curtain on my daily life.  In this solo episode of Act to Impact, Brandi DeVries shares a behind-the-scenes look at her daily routine as a working mom, wife, podcaster, and fitness enthusiast. From early morning habits to family dinners, gym time, and winding down at night, Brandi walks listeners through the systems that help her stay energized, focused, and present in every role she values most. But here’s the truth: no one is doing it all alone. Brandi shares how communication, teamwork, routines, and clear priorities allow her family to make life work together while while still leaving room for personal growth, wellness, and purpose. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle work, motherhood, relationships, and self-care, this episode will leave you with practical ideas and encouragement to create a routine that works for your life and your season. Key Takeaways from This Episode• No one is doing it all alone. Behind every routine that works is communication, teamwork, and support. • Routines create freedom. Having a structure for mornings, work, workouts, and evenings reduces stress and decision fatigue. • Priorities change with seasons. What works during the school year may look different than summer — flexibility matters. • Small habits add up. Simple routines like preparing meals, time blocking tasks, or journaling each night can make a big impact. • Teamwork makes the dream work. Sharing responsibilities with your partner or family helps create balance for everyone. • Focus on three priorities each day. Brandi found a method keeps her focused and prevents overwhelm. • The goal isn’t perfection — it’s sustainability. The best routine is the one your family can maintain long term. 💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    44 min

  4. MAR 4

    How College Prep Is a Catalyst for Lifelong Purpose and Global Impact

    Send us Fan Mail What if preparing students for college could also prepare them to change the world? In this powerful episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Shellee Howard, Founder and CEO of College Ready and Empower Education, to explore how education can be a catalyst for lifelong purpose and global impact. Shellee has helped more than 3,000 students gain acceptance into their dream schools and secure over $40 million in scholarships, but her mission didn’t stop at college admissions. After a life-changing trip to Uganda, Shelley launched Empower Education, a nonprofit that removes barriers to learning for children in underserved communities around the world. In this conversation, Shellee shares how a single moment sparked the creation of schools in Uganda, how student-led passion projects are transforming lives globally, and why helping young people identify their “why” is just as important as test scores and GPAs.  If you’re a parent, educator, or someone who believes in using your gifts to make an impact, this episode will inspire you to think differently about education, leadership, and what’s truly possible. 💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode Education is more than academics — it’s about helping students discover who they are, what matters to them, and how they can serve others.Teenagers want to make an impact, but often don’t know how—guidance and opportunity unlock their potential.Student-led initiatives create exponential ripple effects, empowering both the giver and the receiver.Access to education changes entire communities, especially when barriers for girls and underserved populations are removed.Purpose-driven service strengthens college applications while also shaping future careers and leaders.Small actions can spark global change—one conversation, one trip, or one “yes” can alter countless lives.👉 Parents of middle or high school students: Visit collegereadyplan.info to take advantage of Shellee’s free 30-minute consultation and help your student discover their purpose, passion, and path forward. 💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Shellee Howard. Listen to her podcast "Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready?" STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    39 min

  5. FEB 18

    From Misdiagnosed to Mission-Driven: Protecting Skin, Saving Lives

    Send us Fan Mail Just three weeks after welcoming her daughter into the world, Melissa Kultgen was diagnosed with Stage 2C melanoma—after four doctors told her the spot on her lip was “nothing to worry about.” In this powerful episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Melissa, now seven years cancer-free, and Debbie Churgai, Education Program Manager at the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), to talk about why trusting your instincts matters, how early sun damage impacts lifelong health, and why prevention starts in childhood. Melissa shares her journey from growing up in toxic tanning culture to becoming a melanoma survivor, educator, and ambassador for SunAware, MRF’s free K–5 sun safety curriculum. Together, they unpack practical ways families can protect their skin, build confidence, and teach kids that sun safety is about celebrating your skin—not fearing the sun. ✨ Key Takeaways You are your best health advocate. If something looks or feels off, trust your instincts and act quickly.Most sun damage happens before age 18, making early education critical in melanoma prevention.Monthly self-skin checks using the ABCDEs of melanoma can catch changes earlier than annual exams alone.Sun safety is a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth—not just a summer thing.SunAware empowers kids to protect their skin while feeling confident, capable, and proud of who they are.Advocacy doesn’t have to be big—small actions can create powerful ripple effects in your community.🎯 Act to Impact Call to Action Want to turn awareness into action? 👉 Explore the FREE SunAware program from the Melanoma Research Foundation—available to parents, schools, youth groups, and communities nationwide. 👉 Use it at home to teach your kids simple, lifelong sun-safe habits. 👉 Share it with your child’s teacher, school nurse, principal, or local youth organization. 🔗 Learn more and access the curriculum for SunAWARE. 💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Melissa Kultgen.  STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    36 min

  6. FEB 4

    From Medicine to Mission: What Serving on a Nonprofit Board Really Looks Like

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually mean to serve on a nonprofit board, and how do you know if it’s right for you? This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about serving on a nonprofit board or volunteer committee. Dr. Abbie Miller breaks down common misconceptions about board service, explains how boards identify and leverage diverse skill sets, and offers practical advice for getting started—even if you don’t think you’re “qualified.” You’ll walk away understanding how board service can be both deeply fulfilling and powerfully effective when done with intention. 💡 Key Takeaways You don't need to have a high-paying job to serve on a nonprofit board—organizations value skills, experience, and passion.Board service is more than attending meetings; it requires energy, engagement, and belief in the mission.Serving on a committee can be a powerful first step before joining a full board.Sharing your personal “why” is often the most effective way to inspire others to support a cause.Nonprofits need diverse expertise—from healthcare and finance to marketing, governance, and storytelling.Seed funding and early support can create a ripple effect that leads to large-scale impact.The right board role should align with both your values and your capacity.Taking the first step—even a simple email—can open doors to meaningful leadership opportunities.💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Dr. Abbie Miller.  STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    35 min

  7. JAN 21

    Inclusion Revolution: The Impact of Buddy Benches

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Karri Seland—former Miss Minnesota Galaxy 2025, United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2024, marketing professional, and founder of the STAR initiative. Karri shares how her own experience with loneliness inspired her to create real, tangible change for children through Buddy Benches and her children’s book, A Seat for Friendship. Through STAR Karri is helping elementary school students build friendships, practice kindness, and feel seen. From fundraising and installing Buddy Benches to empowering educators, parents, and kids to take action, Karri proves that meaningful impact often starts with one simple idea and the courage to follow through. ⭐ Takeaways The STAR initiative helps foster inclusion and kindness in elementary schools.Buddy Benches serve as a visible signal that a child is looking for friendship or support.Small, intentional actions can create lasting ripple effects in communities.Pageantry helped Karri build confidence, leadership skills, and the drive to act.Children (and adults) thrive when they feel seen, included, and supported.Your personal experiences can become powerful platforms for change.Knowing and using your strengths is key to making a meaningful impact.💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! Karri's Book: A Seat for Friendship Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Karri Seland.  STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    27 min

  8. JAN 7

    What to Say (and Not Say) When a Child Has Cancer: How to Truly Support Families

    Send us Fan Mail When a family is facing childhood cancer—or grieving the loss of a child—many of us want to help but don’t know what to say. In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Abby Breyfogle, a mom, advocate, and nonprofit leader whose family has experienced both survivorship and unimaginable loss. Abby shares her journey as the mother of identical twins diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as infants, the heartbreak of losing her daughter Kendal at just two years old, and the joy of celebrating her twin Kenedi as a survivor. Together, Brandi and Abby have an honest, compassionate conversation about grief, community, and the real do’s and don’ts of supporting families facing childhood cancer. This episode equips listeners with practical, meaningful ways to show up—what to say, what not to say, and why actions often matter more than words. Abby also shares how her family turned pain into purpose by creating a childhood cancer journal to help other families navigate diagnosis and treatment, and how her children continue Kendal’s legacy through advocacy and fundraising. Whether you’re supporting a friend, a classmate, a neighbor, or simply want to be more confident showing compassion in hard moments, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to act. 💡 Key Takeaways You don’t need the perfect words—presence and action matter more than speechesSimple phrases like “I’m so sorry” and “I’m here” are often enoughAvoid minimizing grief or trying to “fix” the pain with platitudesAsking permission before using a child’s name can be deeply respectfulShowing up with meals, notes, or quiet support can mean everythingGrief doesn’t go away—it changes, and families carry both joy and sadnessChildren can play a powerful role in supporting classmates with cancerAdvocacy often begins with lived experience and small acts of courageCreating space to talk about loss helps families feel less aloneEveryone has a role to play in supporting the pediatric cancer community💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF! My Childhood Cancer Fight - A Journal Teagan's Twice the Fight Fundraising Page Subscribe and Follow: Don’t miss an episode! New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025. Thank you to guest Abby Breyfogle.  STAY CONNECTED. IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Watch now. SPOTIFY

    40 min
See All (59)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This show will fuel your fire within to make an impact in the world. It will ignite action to become aware of your untapped gifts, connect with causes close to your heart, and inspire you to take action to make a lasting impact. Brandi is a long-time advocate and fundraiser for a national non-profit and is dedicated to introducing you to stories of hope, resilience, and community from the pediatric cancer community and impact makers around the world that will inspire your purpose to make an impact.

Information