The Small Magic Podcast

Kristi Campbell is a friend, a business owner and an impact maker. I can't even remember how many times she has helped me and my family with her generosity, kindness, and her business, Home Instead Senior Care. Kristi and her husband, Jon, along with a great team of administrators and caregivers, have been making a difference in people's lives for many years now. They essentially have their own brand of "Small Magic." AND now, they also have their own 501c3 called "Be A Santa To A Senior." Listen to today's episode to find out how Kristi, Jon and their team continue to forward the mission of making an impact for the better. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Today, it's just me. I wanted to talk with you about feeling like an imposter and believing in yourself. For me, these are hurdles I have struggled with often and still do. What a gift I can give myself by allowing myself to be confident in my own capabilities. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!  

Meet Chelsea and Kayla. "We are 2 kids, with a village of support, who throw birthday parties for homeless & less fortunate children in Pinellas County." But they are SO much more than that. They are making an impact on their community and the lives of others with "Birthday Candles for Kids." This is a story of two young women who decided they wanted to help and then, just did. For more information, go to their website (above) or their Facebook page here or email them at BirthdayCandlesforKids@gmail.com If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Melanie S. Griffin practices in Dean Mead's litigation department, representing clients locally in Tampa and Orlando, statewide throughout Florida, throughout the southeast, and beyond. More importantly, she is my friend and a woman in the Tampa Bay area making BIG waves in our community! Among other things, Melanie mentors and advocates for women in not only the legal industry but across the board! Most recently, she presented on a diversity and inclusion for the Florida Bar YLD Diversity Symposium. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did making it. AND keep an eye out for Melanie. She's just getting started! If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!  

Jodi Pelletier would say she is no one special. I disagree. Jodi is a teacher in the local Tampa Bay area and teaches second grade. I'd be willing to bet you that the eight learning challenged students whom she has taught would say she's pretty special too.  Jodi is not a special needs teacher. She does not have an organization backing her other than the elementary school she teaches at. What Jodi does have is heart and love and respect for other humans. Jodi has given her time to these kids and likely always will.  She's made a difference in their lives and they will be forever changed because of it. If I had a child in elementary school. I'd want Jodi to be his or her teacher.  She is what Small magic is all about. She didn't like the way something was so she just took it upon herself to make things better. Mission accomplished, Jodi. AND thank you for making a difference.  If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Amanda Kofoed is a wife and mother of four young children. Amanda also has Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and no insurance. This episode is the story of hope, kindness and a future. To donate to Amanda Kofoed's future, click here If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Today, we're talking about how pizza can help change the world. Mason Wartman is the owner of Rosa's Fresh Pizza. He is helping make an impact on the world by starting pay it forward pizza program that allows people to donate $1 for a slice of pizza for the homeless. Simple program- HUGE impact! To become a member or donate to the program, go to their website here. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Today's edition of Fast Friday isn't about someone else whose story I found online. It's about me and how two others brightened MY day and made me smile. It's SO very easy to make difference in someone's day and you never know when that difference could be a life saver. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Lee Silverstein can cook a mean latke. BUT that's not the best thing to know about him. Lee has been dealing with Cancer for several years now and even as a child. To know him and interact with him, you'd never know. In this episode, Lee talks about his experiences as well as his podcast, "WE Have Cancer ." Lee is a podcast veteran and his show reaches thousands and thousands of people.  I invite you to listen today and see what Lee is all about. I know you'll like him as much as I do. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

A few weeks ago we shared a story of a waitress who helped a customer cut his meat. This is a very happy update to this story and proof that what you put into the world comes back to you. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Ria Colon is an ordinary person but she is an EXTRAORDINARY human being. Ria has been helping a homeless man, Juan, that she first came in contact with about three months ago. She is essentially Juan's lifeline and he has come to depend on her. They have a TRUE love for each other and there is more kind ness here that you would typically see for the homeless. Listen to Ria and Juan's story and if you are so moved, please help her help him. For more information or to help, click here If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Today's episode came to me with the caveat, "If you use this, you can't use my name." This is a simple story of a do-gooder who wants no credit but does want to inspire others to do the same. Listen and see what you think. It's easy to help our fellow humans. Why don't YOU try it? If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

“Where would you be if every time you said ‘I Should…,' you actually DID?” That's the question, Deb Cheslow asks everyone and then inspires them to do just that! Deb Cheslow is someone who is passionate about life and squeezing every drop out of it AND she wants to make sure that others do as well! Her mission is to continually develop mind, body and spirit, living a life of prosperity and joy, so that she may change lives for the better and empower others through teaching, coaching and training, to seek out their own purpose, live their lives to the fullest and realize their dreams. Listen to Deb talk about "Brain Science" in a way that all of us can understand and apply to every area of our lives. Her methods are "Unrealogical" and share ways to keep logic at bay and create a life that you probably have only ever dreamt of. Take a list and then ask yourself the question again... “Where would you be if every time you said ‘I Should…,' you actually DID?” For more information on Deb or the Cheslow Achievement Group, click here. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

A four year old in Alabama is already making his mark on the world. "President Austin" says that highlight of his life is feeding the homeless. AND his catch phrase is one we should all hear; "Don't forget to show love." I believe one day he WILL be President Austin. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Gail Gabbert is a counselor at the Galena Clinic. She has seen a LOT of things in her time but this story is something  that had us both speechless. Listen to Gail talk about the support the community gave to the clinic to help those addicted to opiates and others coming to the clinic for treatment. This is truly an example of a city taking on the mind set of Small Magic! If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Dr. April Murdaugh will tell you she's blessed. She has lost a husband, been divorced, had her children live with their father, had credit problems among other things. She has been through it. All through it she knew she wanted to something more and she never lost sight of that. Listen to the story of April's journey from homelessness to today where she has a doctorate and a thriving business. AND especially listen to how she helps others avoid financial ruin. For more information on April and the Empowerment Financial Group, click here. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own SMALL MAGIC!

Today's episode is me talking again. This week it's my thoughts on comparison, authenticity and social media. AND I issue a challenge to you!  If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

In Austin, Texas they have a unique way of dealing with their homeless population. Community First! Village is a Master Plan community that covers approximately 27 acres and provides housing, among other things, for their local homeless population. Listen in to hear more details! If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

Ricky Sailor is a very special guy. He founded and has been running an organization called Unsigned Preps for some time now. The organization is built on positioning exposure, education, community service and consulting as the keys to effectively producing well-rounded student-athletes that flourish on college campuses. Unsigned Preps has a 100% high school graduation rate and currently, they have 50, soon to be 101, kids that have graduated from college. Additionally, they have a handful in the NFL. The NFL isn't the goal, however. Graduating from college and becoming a good citizen, responsible adult and all that comes with it, is. Ricky has been there and done that. He was highly recruited out of both high school and junior college. There's nothing these kids can do that Ricky probably hasn't already tried. he says he never had a kid get kicked off of a team for lack of ability BUT he has had a kid get kicked off a team for attitude. Listen to him and you can't help but hear the passion he has for this program! For more information, you can go to the website here. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

Liz M. Lopez is a Speaker, Trainer and Businesswoman in the Tampa Bay area. She's also an impact maker. At Captivate Your Audience, Liz changes lives every day directly working with businesses and individuals who need help with their resumes, LinkedIn and so much more. Liz is 1/2 of the ownership for the Keystone Mastermind Alliance. Along with Tracie Thompson, they have created an active networking environment where professionals of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and thrive.  Listen to Liz discuss her journey and how she shares her Small Magic with her clients! If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

You know how you feel when you get a haircut? You strut a little. You feel more confident. Now, imagine you're homeless and haircuts are a luxury that you don't even consider. What if someone came a long and gave you a haircut and shave, made you feel a little pampered and reminded you that you're not invisible. That's what Nasir Sobhani does. He's known as the Streets Barber and he makes homeless people feel a little less invisible and gives them the push they need to possibly change their lives. If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

John Robinson is one of those people making a BIG difference in his community, specifically when it comes to veterans. John is the Co-Founder and President of Post 9/11 Veterans and a former Marine. He, along with Marc Wolfson and a diverse Board of Directors and Advisory Board have put together one of the most unique and impactful veteran-centric organizations in the Tampa Bay area. They serve other Post 9/11 veterans in many ways whether it be providing them with financial direction, bridge loans for education or simply giving them a mission and a reason to feel like they're part of a unit again! For more information regarding Post 9/11 Veterans, take a listen and then go to https://www.post911veterans.org If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

Today's episode is more like three mini magic minutes. Three stories all hinging on a person or group of people doing something without agenda to help someone that they don't know. This is Small Magic in it purest form. Not too much commentary necessary here. I think the stories speak for themselves.  If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

Five years ago, Tyler McMahon moved into a community called Seminole Heights. He noticed that his new neighborhood wasn't getting as much attention as others and decided to do something about it. He created "I Love Seminole Heights," a Facebook page, in order to get more exposure for local businesses who were and still are locally owned, to advocate for the community at large regarding transportation and land use issues, and to serve as a type of virtual newspaper for the members of the community.  Listen to this week's episode to see how one man and woman impacted the community they live in! For more information, click "I Love Seminole Heights."  You can message Tyler directly through the page. He'll be there! If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

Imagine having to choose between feeding your family and pretty much anything else. Now, imagine someone coming up behind you and paying your entire grocery bill. That's what Fill My Basket does.  Fill My Basket was started by Matthew Danuser and some of his friends when they pooled together $55 of their personal money along with a handful of money raised through social media and they started picking random families and people to pay for their groceries. While it seems like a simple idea, they have made a tremendous impact for most everyone they have paid for. You'll hear one story in this podcast. It was just that easy. Ask for money to buy groceries for random people. Impact made. For more information about them, click Fill My Basket or follow them on Facebook at Fill My Basket If you have a story of your own or know of someone making an impact in their community, share with Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out there and make your own MAGIC!

Some of you know that the whole Small Magic journey started with me stepping into a CrossFit gym about a year and a half ago. That was my first act of Small Magic for me. I didn't know at the time that that act would be a game changer for me and trigger so many good things in my life. Sarah Llanos is one of the owners and a coach and has been a catalyst for change not only for me but for countless others at FitCity CrossFit. Listen in on this conversation for some talk of CrossFit but also mind set, strength and vulnerability. It could be just the push you need to do something good for yourself. Click for more information about FitCity CrossFit or follow them on Facebook! If you know of someone making an impact in their community or you have a story of your own, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. No go out an be MAGIC!

Alex is a little boy in Arkansas. He's a bit different and because of that, Alex gets bullied at school. So much so he doesn't want to go. Alex's friends didn't like that and decided to do something about it. This is the story of Alex, bikers and acceptance. If you have a story that you want to share, please email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast. Now go out there and be MAGIC!  

So today's episode is a little different than usual. I did tell you that from time to time I would jump in a share some Small Magic that I saw going on in the world. Today, it's about mind set and people who have been supporting me. I hope you get some insight out of it and that it helps you get to a place that's a little more than you were yesterday. As always, thanks for listening and I hope this inspires you to create your own Small Magic! If you have a story about someone changing their community or your own, email me at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story at The Small Magic Podcast!

High school is hard for most kids, let alone if you're different and Denis Estimon knows that all too well. He is a Haitian immigrant who came to the US when he was in first grade and he knows first hand what it's like to be different and feel alone.  Denis has since graduated from high school but while he was there, he created something pretty special, "We Dine Together." Listen here to hear the story of Denis and "We Dine Together." For more information, go to https://www.wedinetogether.org or check out their Facebook page If you like what you hear, consider reviewing us and sharing with your friends. If you have a story to share or know of someone making a difference in your community, email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com or submit your story on our website at The Small Magic Podcast. No go out there and create your own Small Magic!

We're Floridians so Blankets aren't something we need often...unless the temperature gets below 70 degrees and then we're all freezing. BUT, we have blankets at our fingertips if we do want them. Not everyone has that luxury and Beth Ross didn't like it. Beth Ross will tell you that she's an ordinary person, a mom, a wife, a daughter. Beth forgets to mention that she has saved lives before. Listen to Beth's story and see how she started Blanket Tampa Bay and find out where they're headed next. It will be time well spent. If you like what you hear, we hope you'll consider reviewing us and sharing with your friends. Have a story of your own? Send it to lisa@lisademmi.com or submit it at The Small Magic Podcast! We might just share it here! Now. remember...go out there and make your own Small Magic.    

Kevin Barber is a young adult. He is also an example of how many of us (including a lot of us who are older than he) should be acting. Kevin  saw a problem and decided to do something about it.  He didn't wait until he had it all figured out. He did use his intellect though and modeled his idea around another he knew already worked. Kevin is an impact maker. Listen to his story and see how he's making a difference for many people in his city. If you like what you hear and you have a story to tell, share it with us at lisa@lisademmi.com or go to The Small Magic Podcast and submit your story! In the meantime, go out an make your own Small Magic!  

Lately, the youth of this nation has been showing the adults how to act and behave. Our guest today fits into that category but he's not trying to teach or "school" anyone. He's just doing. Frank is an 11-year-old from the Tampa Bay area and he wants to make a difference. AND that he is doing. Frank makes pens by hand and sells them for $15, $5 of which each go to a charity of his choice. He was not told to do this; he just thought about it and decided to do it. For the record, I have two of Frank's pens and they are my favorites.  If you think you can't make a difference until you have it all figured out, listen to Frank's story and then let me know if you changed your mind.  For information on getting your own pen from Frank's Pens, follow them on Frank's Pens on Facebook and DM them to place an order! If you know of anyone else making a difference in their community or have your own story, please contact us a The Small magic Podcast or email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com In the meantime, go out an make your own Small Magic!

The purpose of the Magic Minutes is to share quick stories of people doing right, being kind or making a difference with no agenda. Today, we have a story that has a little of all three. It's a simple story about a waitress. She probably doesn't event know that she made an impact on anyone. I think after you listen to this, you'll agree. If you know of any stories that you'd like to share or if you know of someone making  difference in their community, let us know! You can go to The Small Magic Podcast and submit your story there or email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com Now, go out and make your own Small Magic!

Inclusion and diversity are integral to connections and tolerance. I believe educating people on our differences and learning to accept each other is what this world needs more of. Our guest for today's episode, Claire Elisan of Project No Labels, is doing just that! Project No Labels is uniting all LGBTQ+ Supporters in Tampa Bay through positive activities and events. They are an all inclusive organization who is interested in not only reaching their community but also contributing to and giving back to it. For more information on Project No Labels, visit their site here. If you have a story about someone making an impact in your community or know of someone else that you'd like to submit, please contact us at The Small Magic Podcast or email Lisa directly at lisa@lisademmi.com Now go out and be MAGIC!  

I attended an event in Tampa for International Women's Day and the speaker, Lorna Taylor, told the story of Wangari Maathai. It truly moved me. Today, I am sharing that story with you but Lorna should get all the credit. I hope you find Wangari's story as powerful as I did. For more information regarding the Small Magic podcast or to submit a story, please go to The Small Magic Podcast or email Lisa at lisa@lisademmi.com Now go out an be MAGIC!

Omar Fuentes is a former Marine and all around do-gooder AND being transparent, I call him my brother from another mother. He's a father, a son, a husband and a friend. AND he's so much more than that. Omar is on a journey to be better than he was yesterday AND to inspire others, specifically, his brothers and sisters who have returned from service to a new mission as a civilian. He had his own challenges upon his return from service and not only did he decide to work on himself, he also wanted to help others and stop them from making the same mistakes he did. AND that was the birth of Semper Fi Project. Like many others we have interviewed here, Omar didn't wait for conditions to be perfect. He only knew that he wanted to make a difference and he just did it. Listen to Omar's story and see what diamonds you can get for your own life. As always, get out there and be magic! If you have a story to share or know of someone in your community doing something to bring positive change, please email me at lisa@lisademmi.com or visit The Small Magic Podcast.

A couple weeks back I asked for submissions of stories from listeners. The intent is to expand the reach of good news stories from not just my network but as far as possible.  My friend, Sally Oakes Ballas, shared a wonderful story about her mother, Pat. This story illustrates the power of Small Magic and I hope it inspires you to take action. If you have a story of your own or know of someone else making an impact in their community, please share it with me at The Small Magic Podcast or email me at lisa@lisademmi.com Now go out and make your own MAGIC!  

Laundry- I hate to do it. I will avoid it until I have to do it and then, I do it begrudgingly. But, what if I couldn't do it? What if I had to choose between clean clothes and food? How would that affect my life? In today's episode, Jason Sowell and I discuss those situations. He saw a need and just decided that he would do something about it. He didn't wait until the he had a plan or he had an organization. He just did it. AND after doing it for some time, he created the Laundry Project here in the Tampa Bay area. Now, it's in cities all across the US. AND that's not where he stopped. He also created the Hope for Homes Project and Affordable Christmas.  Jason is one of the impact makers that I talk about and then some. Not only has he changed his local community and the lives of people in it, but also communities across the nation and countless other lives. I hope you listen to Jason's story and that it inspires you to do more. For more information on the The Small Magic Podcast or to submit a story, please go to our website here.

I'm a Florida girl and there is nothing I love more than spending an afternoon on the Gulf beach! I love to put my toes in the sand, hear the waves lap on the shore and lay in the sun with the warm gulf breeze blowing over me. Afroz Shah loves the beach too. After a childhood spent near his beloved beach, he moved away only to return as an adult. Wha he found upon his return was nothing short of shocking, garbage piled up in places as high as five feet tall and covering the beach. It was unhealthy and the beach was basically unusable.  Listen to today's episode to hear what Shah did next. I hope it both warms your heart and inspires you. If you have or know of a story of someone ordinary making an extraordinary impact on their community, please email me to submit it at lisa@lisademmi.com Now, go out there and be Magic!

“Where would you be if every time you said ‘I Should…,' you actually DID?” That's the question, Deb Cheslow asks everyone and then inspires them to do just that! Deb Cheslow is someone who is passionate about life and squeezing every drop out of it AND she wants to make sure that others do as well! Her mission is to continually develop mind, body and spirit, living a life of prosperity and joy, so that she may change lives for the better and empower others through teaching, coaching and training, to seek out their own purpose, live their lives to the fullest and realize their dreams. Listen to Deb talk about "Brain Science" in a way that all of us can understand and apply to every area of our lives. Her methods are "Unrealogical" and share ways to keep logic at bay and create a life that you probably have only ever dreamt of. Take a list and then ask yourself the question again... “Where would you be if every time you said ‘I Should…,' you actually DID?” For more information on Deb or the Cheslow Achievement Group, click here.

I met Michelle DeJong several years ago and knew she was special from the second she opened her mouth. Everything she did, every person whose life she touched. We all benefitted from having known her. Sadly, Michelle's story ended sooner than anyone wanted as she passed from Brain Cancer.  This isn't a sad story though. This is a story of hope, inspiration, and most of all, fight. Michelle was a fighter and left behind a legacy of so much more than what she did or how her story ended. Ryan DeJong is her husband and today, he carries on that fight through the organization that he and Michelle founded, The Fighter Foundation. The Fighter Foundation objectives are as follows: Fund Brain Tumor Research Promote Brain Tumor Awareness Support Quality of Life Enrichment Community Events For more information if you need help or if you want to help, click here. You can also follow on Facebook here or shop at the Fighter Store. Remember, "Be The Good."

Good is all around us. Everywhere, ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. I call these people Impact Makers. And...you can be one too! I'll provide the inspiration and stories here and you provide the magic! Let's change the world together! Once a week, I'll either be sharing stories of people who made an impact on me or people who's stories have been shared with me by someone else or that I found on the internet. The mission is to flood the internet with good stories and to inspire and motivate you to do what you can to bring about change in your community!  Welcome to the Small Magic Podcast! Let's create some magic together! If you know someone who's making a difference in their community, please share it with me at lisa@lisademmi.com or go to our Facebook Page, The Small Magic Podcast, and DM me! 

Rita Lowman is a force to be reckoned with but not like a freight train, more like a motivator and conductor.  Rita motivates people with her actions and charisma. She commands a room without trying and inspires us all to be more. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for a few years now and am always spurred to do more and be more in both my personal and professional life.  I invite you to get to know her a little more here. I KNOW you'll walk away from this episode feeling a bit more empowered and inspired about your own hopes and dreams.  NOTE: As of this recording, Rita was still the COO of Pilot Bank. A few short weeks after, she was named the President.  Congratulations, Rita, for always breaking new ground for women and leaders.

Lee Silverstein can cook a mean latke. BUT that's not the best thing to know about him. Lee has been dealing with Cancer for several years now and even as a child. To know him and interact with him, you'd never know. In this episode, Lee talks about his experiences as well as his podcast, "The Colon Cancer Podcast." Lee is a podcast veteran and his show reaches thousands and thousands of people.  I invite you to listen today and see what Lee is all about. I know you'll like him as much as I do. One more thing: The Undy Run is a run that Lee does every year to help raise money for colon Cancer. I'm running it and if you're a runner or walker and you'd like to participate, go here for registration 

Everyone has heard of the Girl Scouts. Did you know that they've been around since March 12, 1912? That makes the organization 105 years old. How does something that age still remain fresh and relevant? It's the people. AND the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida has great people, specifically someone very special at the helm.  Jessica Muroff is the CEO and she hit the ground running. In our interview today, you'll hear some of the new things Girl Scouts are doing and how Jessica and her team are putting their own spin and flavor on the West Central Florida Chapter. If you're interested in finding out more about the Girl Scouts, click here. They are  SO much more than cookies...but don't worry, we do talk about cookies too! For more information on Small Magic or to find out what I'm up to, just visit lisademmi.com or drop me a line at lisa@lisademmi.com

Tampa is an entrepreneurial city and we are full of people creating new business ventures that impact not just them but also our community. One of those entrepreneurs is Valerie Ellis Lavin. Valerie retired after 21 years in the Army as the U.S Central Command Commandant Headquarters First Sergeant. Her military background and her experience as an entrepreneur has given her a unique perspective on Veteran's as professionals and as business owners. She is a dynamic leader who works tirelessly to ensure every Veteran (and Veteran Spouse) who wants to become a business owner can accomplish that mission.   Now, Valerie's new mission is with Operation Startup, showing other former military and entrepreneurs the ropes when it comes to business. Her motto: Serving those who served. Valerie is a gift to Tampa and we are truly grateful for not only her service to our country but also her continued service to our community!   

Jodi Pelletier would say she is no one special. I disagree. Jodi is a teacher in the local Tampa Bay area and teaches second grade. I'd be willing to bet you that the eight learning challenged students whom she has taught would say she's pretty special too.  Jodi is not a special needs teacher. She does not have an organization backing her other than the elementary school she teaches at. What Jodi does have is heart and love and respect for other humans. Jodi has given her time to these kids and likely always will.  She's made a difference in their lives and they will be forever changed because of it. If I had a child in elementary school. I'd want Jodi to be his or her teacher.  She is what Small magic is all about. She didn't like the way something was so she just took it upon herself to make things better. Mission accomplished, Jodi. AND thank you for making a difference. 

Melanie S. Griffin practices in Dean Mead's litigation department, representing clients locally in Tampa and Orlando, statewide throughout Florida, throughout the southeast, and beyond. More importantly, she is my friend and a woman in the Tampa Bay area making BIG waves in our community! Among other things, Melanie mentors and advocates for women in not only the legal industry but across the board! Most recently, she presented on a diversity and inclusion for the Florida Bar YLD Diversity Symposium. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did making it. AND keep an eye out for Melanie. She's just getting started!  

Today, I just wanted to talk with guys about some changes I'd like to make to the podcast. AND to thank you so much for your support and encouragement! You've been great!  So have a listen today and let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear your feedback on the changes as well as some challenges and maybe some suggestions on inspirational people you know, in Tampa or anywhere! To send feedback or make suggestions, email me at lisa@lisademmi.com or you can find me on all social media or my website at http://lisademmi.com I look forward to hearing from you!  

Ricky Sailor is a very special guy! He founded and has been running an organization called Unsigned Preps for some time now!  The organization is built on positioning exposure, education, community service and consulting as the keys to effectively producing well-rounded student-athletes that flourish on college campuses. Unsigned Preps has a 100% high school graduation rate and currently, they have 50, soon to be 101, kids that have graduated from college. Additionally, they have a handful in the NFL. The NFL isn't the goal, however. Graduating from college and becoming a good citizen, responsible adult and all that comes with it, is. Ricky has been there and done that. He was highly recruited out of both high school and junior college. There's nothing these kids can do that Ricky probably hasn't already tried. he says he never had a kid get kicked off of a team for lack of ability BUT he has had a kid get kicked off a team for attitude. Listen to him and you can't help but hear the passion he has for this program! For more information, you can go to the website here.

Jennifer Lockwood is a special human being. She's a pilot, a mother, and a former resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands. When her former home was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, she couldn't sit idly by and do nothing. She got her employer, St. Pete Air, and the Glasscock Family Foundation and decided to take matters into her own hands. Little by little, they started taking over chain saws, water, and generators. Eventually, it got to be getting supplies in and pets out and today they have teamed up with dozens of organizations to provide vital supplies, people, and other needs! This relief effort will last for some time and there is still plenty of need for animal rescue, skilled labors, tarp installation, solar power, and supplies.  You can help! Just go to usvirelief.org and you can scroll the home page for ways to donate and help.  In the meantime, meet Jen and see that people CAN and DO make a difference.