The Illuminate Podcast

Meet Sundra Flansburg, a musician turned non-profit guru. In this episode, we talk about her work with VOICE in Oklahoma City and how the work they are doing can impact you or get started in your community. We also manage to talk about the power of meeting people, the impact of tension and its role in change, and so much more. Make sure to check out the quote cards!  This episode was hosted by Emm...

We are so excited to be able to start bringing you TWO episodes a month thanks to the addition of our newest co-host, Meagan Donoghue!  In this episode, you’ll learn all about Meagan and the exciting perspective and interviews she’ll be bringing to the show. We can’t wait for you to get to know her and we can’t wait to hear her incredible guests!  This episode was hosted by Emmy ( @dremm...

Let’s talk about living into your most authentic version of YOU! Educator, author, and international public speaker, Jen Rafferty started as a middle school music teacher for 15 years in Central New York. She is known for bringing her energy, humor and expertise in her presentations while inspiring educators to stay connected to their “why.” Jen is a certified Emotional Intelligence Pr...

Dr. Tina Bailey is a certified Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts therapist, body coach, visual performing artist, an ordained minister and endorsed Chaplain working cross-culturally. She was born in Savannah and grew up in Springfield, GA. Her own life experience as a survivor of Septic shock, Graves Disease, and Melanoma among several other things related to a life in Cross-cultural Ministry h...

Where are my “avid consumers of music?” This episode is for you! It’s also for those that love rock and roll, wants to learn more about the roots of the genre, is thinking of starting a band, learning a new instrument, or figuring out ideas for marketing your musical thing…yes, we cover a lot in this episode! Meet Roberta and Syd, members/creators of the rock and roll band, The Record Players NYC....

In this episode, you get to hear the story of entrepreneur, business coach, and film producer, Kewaan Drayton. He shares his story about building his dreams and how you can make it happen too!  Listen to this episode if you’re looking for some entrepreneurial inspiration, ideas to get started, or simply want to hear a great story from an authentic soul with actionable ideas! This episode was hoste...

Meet Brook, Eliza, and Bucky, just a few of the huge hearts behind the Hope Arbor Respite Care Program in Savannah, GA. What do they do? Why do they do it? How does it impact the lives of all participants and volunteers? This program is life-changing and so very impactful….and it is replicable! If you or someone you know is going through memory care or if you’re looking to “age gracefully,” this i...

Meet Dr. Raul Dominguez, a dynamite community building, choral conductor, and educator, as we explore his work with GALA Choruses, their choral response to Club Q, and ultimately ways to create community and support our LGBTQIA+ singers and friends. We talk about ways to share stories, support, and more! This episode was hosted by Emmy ( @dremmyb ). Show Notes https://galachoruses.org/ https://rau...

Ready to “build community through creative expression!”? Get ready to meet an inspiring educator/artist/entrepreneur who will inspire and invigorate you with ideas in this conversation! Yogi Guyadin (better known as “Y?”) is an interdisciplinary “Artivist” and educator born in Queens NYC. He expresses through artistic mediums of music production/ composition, songwriting, vocals, live instrumentat...

Ready to break through some barriers? Maybe start something you’ve always wanted to try (or retry)? Looking for a way to make something more entry-friendly or accessible? Let’s talk about walking on purpose and the Galloway system of run-walk with Chief Training Officer and International Program Director at Galloway Training, Chris Twiggs.  Chris supervises local Run-Walk-Run program directors in...

You hear a story and feel the connection to the storyteller, but why? We’re all chemicals, and this episode explains the power of storytelling and why.  What started as listening to stories evolved into a career that continues to benefit and impact the entire community. Meet Jamey Espina who serves as Vice President of Development and Community Services for Hospice Savannah, helping people with a...

As the year wraps up and you’re thinking of 2023, what are you doing with your successes and how are you handling your disappointments? Not to fret! Today’s guest shares some incredible stories, quotes, and inspirations to help us all as we wrap up the year and look ahead.  Meet Akram Shalabi, a London-based solicitor and the pace team coordinator for the London Marathon (among many other thi...

Helmi Ansari and his business Grosche International are changing the World through business. Groshe is a brand built with the purpose to raise money to fund clean water projects. This business grew from the laundry room, to the living room, garage and now on to their 8th warehouse expansion.  After being on the trajectory of living the corporate dream he was challenged to talk on a new s...

Have you ever had to practice something? There’s nothing quite like taking the time to practice and reaping the benefits – but what about when that journey of practicing becomes boring, we lose motivation, or worse, it just stops happening?  In this conversation we talk to artist, runner, entrepreneur/owner of “Pace of Me” and “We Run on Art,” Jess Hofheimer about her incredible (and in...

Erin Tarr is a Confidence Coach for teen and tween girls and creator of the fierce&flourish empowerment program and a thought leader in the youth confidence space. Erin’s twenty year career in education and personal development serving tweens, teens, and moms led her to be named among Central Illinois Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40. She has led countless Confidence Building workshops with gir...

With a mission of “Building long-term life-changing relationship with urban youth equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community,” Elevate programs are popping up across the country and making a big impact! Elevate Savannah’s unique, relationship-based approach employs full-time staff who represent the community they serve. Part teacher, part mentor, part life coach, our dedicate...

Today on the podcast is a crossover from my podcast for runners, the I’ll Have Another Podcast. My guest is Hollie Hughes. Hollie is an incredible woman. She is the mother of four and she pushes her son Jonah, who has Cerebral Palsy, in a Team Hoyt chair. He is 12 now and she has been pushing him since he was a baby. Jonah and Holly run so many miles and races together. It is such a unique relatio...

Have you heard of the benefits of music therapy or just interested in listening to an inspiring story? This episode features Kourtney Tigner, a board-certified music therapist who most recently worked for Hospice Savannah. Kourtney finds her passion in providing comfort and compassion to those facing end-of-life issues and their families through music. In this episode, we talk about her journey to...

Angela Douglas is the Executive Director for Healthy New Albany which is an organization that promotes wellness in Ohio. They have toddler in nature programs, nourish cooking lessons, a food pantry, and five races throughout the year that help fund their programming. They also have a virtual kids marathon where you do 26 miles over an 8 week period. She started the food pantry in her garage when s...

With college football starting up in a couple of weeks, this episode couldn’t come at a more perfect time! Meet Greg LeFils; he has been involved in football officiating his entire life, since his father, Greg Sr., was also a high school and NCAA FBS official for 40 years. Greg currently works as a Center Judge for a prominent football conference in the Southeastern United States. He has served in...

Hawa Kipilili & Ruth Meriki are the founders of the organization, Elle Peut Naidim (EPN). EPN exists to deal with the issues most likely to hinder students’ ability to complete school: Menstrual Health Hygiene, Violence Against Women and Children, Reproductive Health, Early Childhood Marriage, and Mental Health. They were founded in 2020 and in just 2 short years that have made a huge impact a...

Issues in your tissues? Let’s talk Chiropractic Care, Physical Therapy, and more with entrepreneur (and killer athletes) Dr. Kurt Barnhill and Dr. Chelsea Hollingsworth-Barnhill.  This episode not only walks you through the basics of chiropractic care and physical therapy, including explanations of ART, Graston, Taping, and more – it shares the story of starting a business, working with...

Some people run to clear their minds, others for fitness…there are so many reasons to run (or not), but have you heard of “historical ultra running?” In this episode you meet Todd Aydelotte is an ultrarunner and race director living in New York City. Todd’s unique approach to running long distances, historical ultrarunning, has been covered by media outlets all over the world. Todd has completed n...

When you think “massage,” what comes to mind? A relaxing splurge? A fancy spa? What about an opportunity to simply feel better, move better, and live better? That’s exactly why Darren Colvil became a licensed massage therapist.  In this episode, Darren shares his journey to the massage table, why “massage will help you move,” and how you can get the most out of your massage, where to start, w...

Meet Justin Bristol, the Safety Education Programs Manager for Georgia Bikes! As Safety Education Programs Manager, Justin oversees bicycle safety educational programs for Georgia Bikes. This includes hosting youth and adult bicycle events, training law-enforcement officers, distributing educational materials, and assisting with activities that support the growth and development of local bicycle a...