Inspired Changemakers Podcast

🎧 About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Father Paul Grankauskas, Pastor of St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Parish in Berryville, Virginia, and Calvin Smith, Director of Faith Formation, for a heartfelt conversation about faith, generosity, and discovering your calling.Having recently celebrated 25 years of priesthood, Fr. Paul reflects on the experiences that led him into ministry, while Calvin shares his journey from Protestant pastor to Catholic faith formation leader. Together, they explore how being open to God’s guidance can lead us down unexpected paths—and help us discover how we are meant to serve.With personal stories and plenty of humor, Julia and her guests discuss giving as an expression of gratitude, serving others with humility, and the role of prayer in everyday life. They also explore the importance of community and recognizing people who might otherwise fall through the cracks, from isolated seniors to those without family support.For anyone who has wondered whether their contribution is enough, this episode offers an encouraging reminder: start with the needs in front of you. Whether through financial gifts, volunteering, or simply being present for someone, each of us has something meaningful to give.🔗 Connect with St. Bridget of Ireland:sbichurch.org🎙️ Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!Subscribe, share this episode, and tell us how you’re helping make the world a better place.Support the show

About the EpisodeIn this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Svetlana Makarova for a timely conversation about artificial intelligence, human expertise, and leading responsibly in an increasingly automated world.Svetlana is the AVP of AI Technical Product Management at IKS Health, where she leads the development of an agentic AI platform used by hospitals, physician groups, and other healthcare organizations. She previously led technical product initiatives at the Mayo Clinic Center for Digital Health and is a doctoral candidate in applied artificial intelligence and machine learning at George Washington University. A two-time TEDx speaker, her work explores how people and organizations can build resilience as AI becomes more integrated into everyday life and work.Julia and Svetlana discuss how leaders can identify appropriate uses for AI, establish thoughtful guardrails, and balance greater efficiency with accuracy, authenticity, and human oversight. They also explore AI’s effects on education and content creation, the risks of delegating decisions without sufficient expertise, and why lived experience, empathy, and intuition remain uniquely human strengths.Ultimately, Svetlana encourages listeners to approach AI as a powerful tool that can amplify human ideas and capabilities while remembering that people must remain responsible for the decisions, risks, and outcomes it produces.Support the show

About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Josh Powell for a powerful conversation about resilience, fatherhood, faith, and finding purpose beyond the game of basketball.With a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in professional basketball, Josh Powell won two NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and a EuroLeague Championship with Olympiacos. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, he was honored with the 2025 President's Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to community and service. Guided by his personal motto, "If it's worth it, fight for it," Josh is passionate about strengthening families, advocating for fathers, and building resilient communities.Julia and Josh discuss Josh's journey from childhood adversity to professional basketball, the role faith has played throughout his life, and how his experiences inspired him to become an author and advocate. They also explore the importance of fatherhood, parental alienation, breaking the silence around trauma, and why honest conversations are essential to healing and creating stronger families.Connect with Josh:Instagram: @josh21powellPurchase his book: What I Wish I KnewJoin our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!Support the show

About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey welcomes back Hannibal Navies, Vice President of Development for United Charitable and Athletes Charitable, for a conversation about philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and building a legacy beyond the game.A former NFL linebacker with a nine-year career spanning the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers, Hannibal has dedicated his post-football career to helping athletes and communities create lasting impact. Drawing on his experience with The Trust powered by the NFLPA, founding 360° Sports Academy, and leading athlete-focused philanthropic initiatives, he shares why giving back is more than charity—it's an opportunity to build purpose, leadership, and sustainable change.Julia and Hannibal discuss the evolution of Athletes Charitable, the growing influence of NIL in collegiate athletics, why philanthropy should be viewed through the lens of social entrepreneurship, and how donor advised funds and fiscal sponsorship are helping athletes turn their passions into lasting community impact.Whether you're an athlete, nonprofit leader, advisor, or someone looking to create meaningful change, this episode offers an inspiring look at how purpose-driven leadership can leave a legacy that extends far beyond a career.Connect with Hannibal:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hannibalnaviesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bullnaviesAthletes Charitable: https://athletescharitable.org/Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the world. Each episode features a new guest, sharing their journey, insights, and projects aimed at creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us as we learn from these changemakers and get inspired to take action in our own lives!You can find us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutSupport the show

About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Tina Johnson for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and empowering women in business.Tina has been an entrepreneur for over 35 years, launching numerous successful businesses, including her event management company, JP Events & Consulting. In 2020, driven by a passion for helping mission-driven women entrepreneurs achieve independent business success, she launched the CEO Consulting Group and the Women’s CEO Business School. Built on a philanthropic mission, the programs focus on teaching women business owners the “how to” of building sustainable businesses through proven foundational frameworks. Tina also serves on several nonprofit boards and is currently President of the Loudoun First Responders Foundation.Julia and Tina discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood and business ownership, imposter syndrome, financial empowerment for women, and the importance of creating authentic communities where women can support one another personally and professionally. The episode also explores Tina’s passion for philanthropy and how she is building spaces that help women thrive both in business and in life.Connect with Tina:Instagram: @ceoconsultinggroupllcWebsites:The CEO Woman: https://www.theceowoman.com CEO Sisterhood: https://www.ceosisterhood.com Women’s CEO Summit: https://www.womensceosummit.comJoin our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!Support the show

About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Carrie Sheffield for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and purpose.Carrie Sheffield is a writer, broadcaster, and musician in Washington, D.C. Carrie serves as Program Manager of Healthy Faith at United Charitable, and authored the bestselling book Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness, published by Hachette Book Group. A Senior Policy Analyst at Independent Women’s Forum, Carrie serves as Board Vice Chair of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. A former White House reporter, Carrie earned a master’s in public policy from Harvard University, with a concentration in business policy. Julia and Carrie discuss the connection between faith and mental health, the importance of breaking generational cycles, and the work Carrie is doing through Healthy Faith to bridge the gap between spiritual and mental health care. The episode also highlights Carrie’s impressive professional career spanning journalism, finance, public policy, and advocacy.Connect with Carrie:Instagram: @sheffieldcarrieX/Twitter: @carriesheffieldHealthy Faith: https://healthyfaithsaves.substack.com/Book: Motorhome Prophecies (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546004386?tag=hacboogrosit-20)Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!Support the show

About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Jason Diamond, President of Diamond Consultants, to explore how the role of the financial advisor is evolving and why education and adaptability are key to long-term success. With experience at both Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley before starting Diamond Consultants, Jason brings a unique perspective shaped by working with some of the industry’s most sophisticated advisors.Jason shares how advisors are moving beyond transactional models toward more relationship-driven practices, while navigating challenges like growth, succession planning, and a shifting client base. As investment management and financial planning become “table stakes,” differentiation has never been more important.Julia and Jason also discuss the powerful lens on philanthropy, highlighting how tools like donor-advised funds can help advisors deepen relationships and align clients’ wealth with their values. Together, they unpack the growing influence advisors have not just on financial outcomes, but on legacy, purpose, and long-term impact.Connect with Jason: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-diamond/Diamond Consultants: https://www.diamond-consultants.com/Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!You can find us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutSupport the show

About The Episode: In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Annoica Ingram, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of the Shenandoah Valley, to explore how confidence, resilience, and leadership are built in young girls through movement, mentorship, and community. What began as a simple volunteer opportunity turned into a lifelong passion for Annoica. One that now impacts hundreds of girls across a 13-county region.Together, they dive into the power of combining physical activity with life skills, why addressing negative self-talk at an early age is critical, and how programs like Girls on the Run create safe spaces for girls to discover their voice and believe in their potential. Julia also shares a personal perspective as a parent watching the program’s impact firsthand, bringing the conversation to life in a deeply relatable way.From the transformative moment of crossing the finish line to the full-circle stories of former participants returning as coaches, this episode highlights how small, consistent investments in young people can lead to lasting change for individuals, families, and entire communities.Support the show

Beyond the Portfolio | A Conversation with Sarah Baker, CFP🎧 About the Episode:In this episode, host Julia Healey sits down with Sarah Baker, CFP®, Senior Financial Planner at Mason Investment Advisory Services, to explore how philanthropy becomes transformational when it’s fully integrated into financial planning. Sarah shares how her early exposure to service shaped her belief that wealth should align with values—and why she regularly asks clients, “Why do you have more than you need?”Together, they discuss donor-advised funds as a powerful, flexible giving tool, how thoughtful planning before a business sale can fund both retirement and lifelong philanthropy, and why automation is the key to building sustainable generosity. Sarah also reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to focus on empowering women through major life transitions and ensuring both spouses are engaged in financial conversations. This episode is a practical and personal look at moving from fear to freedom through intentional giving.Show your support for Sarah and this work by liking, sharing, and leaving a comment below.🔗 Connect with Sarah:Sarah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-baker-95046435/ Support the show

Control What You Can Control | A Conversation with Garry Gilliam (Part 2)About the EpisodeIn part two of this two-part conversation, Julia Healey continues her discussion with Garry Gilliam as he shares the next phase of his journey from an outstanding Pro Day performance at Penn State to going undrafted and navigating the realities of entering the NFL as a free agent.Garry walks through the emotional weight of Draft Day, the mindset shift required to focus on opportunity rather than disappointment, and his decision to sign with the Super Bowl–defending Seattle Seahawks. He reflects candidly on early struggles at training camp, experiencing imposter syndrome, and the importance of asking for help, stacking incremental improvement, and controlling what he could control each day Garry explains how his experiences living and playing in Seattle and San Francisco exposed him to deep systemic challenges around housing, food security, and access to opportunity. Drawing on lessons from the Milton Hershey School and his background in business and sustainability, he outlines the vision behind The Bridge Eco Village — a mixed-use, community-based model designed to help people work, eat, live, learn, and play, supported by education and pathways to self-sufficiency Connect with Garry: https://www.garrygilliamjr.com/Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!You can find us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutSupport the show