Advertise on podcast: Sammie Smiles

In this episode on World Juggling Day Sammie talks to Bill Barr. Bill and Sammie met a few years ago at the IJA, International Jugglers Association Convention. Sammie was a guest speaker at the Benefit show and received the first IJA Sammie Vance Youth Achievement award named in her honor. Find out what juggling and service have in common and the impact it has had on Bill and Sammie. Bill is an award-winning juggler with a heart of gold. Don't miss a minute of this fun conversation. Stay tuned until the end for rapid fire and what makes Bill smile.

In this episode, Sammie talks to Samirah Horton, known by many as DJ Annie Red. She is an award-winning DJ and activist from Brooklyn, NY. Samirah uses her music to spread an anti-bullying message. Sammie and Samirah hold in common: both being authors, recent Kid of the Year finalists, and most importantly, seeing a problem and being willing to do something about it. They talk about the importance of being kind and how they can make a difference. Get ready to be inspired and start your week off on the right note.

In this episode Sammie talks to Dr. Mark Daniel, the superintendent of the largest school district in Indiana (Fort Wayne Community Schools) This week marks the end of the school year, but the summer break is only for students. Find out what a superintendent does and why Dr. Daniel loves his role. Sammie and Dr. Daniel talk school, little known parts of the job and of course what makes him smile. Sammie is glad to be a part of FWCS and ready to be an 8th grader in the fall! Don't miss this “schools out” episode!

In this episode Sammie interviews Adina Lichtman, founder of Knock Knock Give a Sock. Adina started her nonprofit to help humanize homelessness one sock at a time by turning transactions into interactions. Find out what inspired her and how the pandemic changed how she did things. Adina is also and author. You will enjoy this conversation between to powerhouse ladies out to change the world for good. Don't forget to listen until the end to find out what makes Adina smile.

You are in for a treat! Sammie interviews the Peabody and Emmy award winning journalist Vladimir Duthiers. Vlad is a CBS News correspondent in New York that has an incredible way of interacting with people all over the world. This episode covers so much and is jam packed full of topics from flying with the blue angels to interviewing Lin Manuel Miranda. Toss in a whole section on Reading Rainbow and their mutual love of books with a fun sprinkling of rapid-fire round that goes both ways. You will not only learn a lot about Vlad and his passion for talking with people and sharing stories but also about how he deals with reporting the hard topics. See if you are surprised by Sammie's favorite animal. This interview will have you smiling from start to finish. Stay tuned until the end to find out what makes Vlad smile.

In this episode Sammie talks to 8 year old Lennon Epand who is the front woman and co writer of the band Homescool. This interview will get you Rockin' for sure! Find out how Lennon first got involved in music and what it's like working with her dad and good friends. With a new song release called "The Drums" Lennon was joined with friends that have rock stars for parents. You will learn what former podcast guest Lennon and Sammie are both friends with. Don’t forget to listen until the end for the rapid fire round and to find out what makes Lennon smile. I promise you this episode will put a song in your heart.

In this episode Sammie talks to Indiana's Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch is the President of the Senate, overseas multiple boards and is the founder of the Brilliant Firefly Award. Find out about the Lt. Governors responsibilities and the pros and cons of the job. What is it like to use the gavel and get order? Learn about Sammie's recent trip to the Statehouse and what the Brilliant Firefly Award is. Being a government leader is so much more than most people know and I can guarantee you will leave inspired and ready to accomplish something after listening. Don't forget to tune in until the end for the fun rapid fire round and to find out what makes Lt. Governor Crouch smile. This episode is not to be missed!

In this episode Sammie interviews Hana Mangat, the founder of Sikh Kid 2 Kid and an intern at Channel Kindness. Channel Kindness is a part of Lady Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation. Sammie was recently asked to write an article about kindness for their blog and that is how this interview came to be. Hana and Sammie talk all things kindness and how important mental health is. Find out about Lady Gaga's book that Hana was a part of. Learn about how a little kindness goes a long way. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode as these two girls speak from the heart. Don't forget to tune in until the end to find out what makes Hana smile.

In this episode Sammie talks to Jeff Wall, founder of Golden Age Karate. Jeff goes to different senior citizen facilities and teaches them karate and shows kindness. Sammie and him recently worked on a small project together and because what he does is so inspiring it was a no brainer to ask him to be a guest on Sammie Smiles. Find out what motivates Jeff and how he overcame obstacles to continuing his mission while so many places were shut down during the pandemic. This is a kickin' good episode that will inspire you to want to get out and help the elderly or anyone for that matter. Don't forget to stay tuned until the end for the rapid-fire round and what makes Jeff smile.

In this episode Sammie talks to Stacy Bauer. Stacy is an author, teacher, and founder of Hop off the Press. They talk writing books, making a difference and kids changing the world. Sammie is featured in Stacy's new book series Young Changemakers. You will no doubt leave inspired after listening to these two talks and don't forget to check out book 5 in the Young Changemakers series. You will see a familiar girl on a buddy bench on the cover!

In this episode Sammie talks to Rebecca Louie, Executive Director of The Bee Conservancy. You will learn about bees and appreciate them in a whole new light after listening to this conversation. Find out why bees are so important in our every day life and what we can do to help make sure they are protected. You will also hear about fun ways to teach others about bees through comics or building habitats. You will BEEEE amazed and ready to buzz about what you learn. Huge thank you to Buddy Fruits for introducing us to this amazing nonprofit dedicated to protecting bees and safeguarding the environment. Don't forget to listen until the end to find out more about Rebecca, her role and what makes her smile.

In this episode Sammie talks to Amy Guglielmo, the Creative Director for the new Reading Rainbow LIVE. Amy is also an author, illustrator, artist and teacher. You will love their colorful conversation on writing books, the importance of art and inspiring others. Find out about the new Reading Rainbow LIVE and how Sammie will be a part of the first event. It will feature her book and her project. Amy is so creative on so many levels and this talk will keep you captivated until the end. Don't miss the rapid fire round and what makes Amy smile.