The Small Magic Podcast

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 used his intellect though & modeled his idea around another he knew already worked. Kevin is an impact maker. Listen to his story & see how he's making a difference for many people in his city.In the meantime, go out an make your own Small Magic!

Our guest today is an example for everyone 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. Frank makes and sells pens, $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. 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. 

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. 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 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.

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 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. Listen to Omar's story and see what diamonds you can get for your own life. As always, get out there and be magic!

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. Now go out and make your own MAGIC!

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. 

Afroz Shah loves the beach. 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.

“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's 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.

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. For more information if you need help or if you want to help, go to fighterfoundation.org Remember, "Be The Good." This isn't a sad story though. This is a story of hope, inspiration, and most of all, fight.

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.

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. 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. 

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.

Did you know that the Girl Scouts started on March 12, 1912? How do they remain fresh and relevant? It's the people. AND the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida has great people, specifically someone 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 making an impact! They are  SO much more than cookies...but don't worry, we do talk about cookies too!