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The Small Magic Podcast

by Lisa L. Demmi

SMALL MAGIC was actually born out of the 2016 election cycle. I realized that I didn't like all the boxes people were being put into and I didn't like all the separation that was happening around me. From Islamaphobia to Black Lives Matter, there was more and more of that "us" against "them" feeling and no one was doing anything about it. I'm determined to change that and the world around me. And SMALL MAGIC is the vehicle I choose to use to do so.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Interview with Kristi Campbell

    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,...

  2. Lisa talks Imposter Syndrome and Believing in Yourself

    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...

  3. Interview with Chelsea and Kayla of Birthday Candles for Kids

    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."…

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  4. Interview with Melanie Griffin

    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...

  5. Interview with Jodi Pelletier

    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.…

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  6. Fast Friday with Amanda Kofoed

    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...

  7. Interview with Mason Wartman of Rosa's Fresh Pizza

    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!…

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  8. Fast Friday with Lisa Demmi

    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…

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  9. Interview with Lee Silverstein

    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…

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  10. Fast Friday- Evoni Williams

    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...

  11. Interview with Ria Colon

    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…

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  12. Fast Friday- Anonymous Do Gooder

    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...

  13. Interview with Deb Cheslow

    "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…

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  14. Fast Friday- President Austin from Alabama

    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…

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  15. Interview with Gail Gabbert

    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…

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  16. Interview with Dr. April Murdaugh

    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…

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  17. Magic Minutes- Lisa Demmi Take 2

    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 [email protected] or submit your story at The Small...

  18. Magic Minutes- Community First! Village

    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...

  19. Interview with Ricky Sailor of Unsigned Preps

    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...

  20. Interview with Liz M. Lopez of Captivate Your Audience

    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...

  21. Magic Minutes with Nasir Sobhani

    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…

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  22. Interview with John Robinson of Post 9/11 Veterans

    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...

  23. Magic Minutes- Trio

    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...

  24. Interview with Tyler McMahon of "I Love Seminole Heights"

    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...

  25. Magic Minutes with Fill My Basket

    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…

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  26. Interview with Sarah Llanos of FitCity CrossFit

    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…

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  27. Magic Minutes- Alex in Arkansas

    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...

  28. Lisa Just Talking From The Heart

    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…

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  29. Magic Minute- Denis Estimon and We Dine Together

    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...

  30. Interview with Beth Ross of Blanket Tampa Bay

    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...

  31. Magic Minutes - Kevin Barber

    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...

  32. Interview with Frank of Frank's Pens

    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....

  33. Magic Minutes- The Waitress

    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…

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  34. Interview with Claire Elisan from Project No Labels

    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...

  35. Magic Minutes- Wangari Maathai of the Green Belt Movement

    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...

  36. Interview with Omar Fuentes of Semper Fi Project

    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…

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  37. Magic Minutes- Sally Oakes Ballas

    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...

  38. Interview with Jason Sowell of the Laundry Project

    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...

  39. Magic Minutes- Afroz Shah and The Beach

    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…

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  40. Interview with Deb Cheslow of the Cheslow Achievement Group

    "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…

    more
  41. Interview with Ryan DeJong of the Fighter Foundation

    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...

  42. The Small Magic Podcast Episode 12

    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...

  43. The Small Magic Podcast Episode 11

    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...

  44. The Small Magic Podcast Episode 10

    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...

  45. The Small Magic Podcast Episode 9

    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...

  46. The Small Magic Podcast Episode 8

    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...

  47. The Small Magic Podcast - Episode 7

    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.…

    more
  48. The Small Magic Podcast- Episode 6

    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...

  49. The Small Magic Podcast- Episode 5

    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...

  50. The Small Magic Podcast Episode 4

    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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

SMALL MAGIC was actually born out of the 2016 election cycle. I realized that I didn't like all the boxes people were being put into and I didn't like all the separation that was happening around me. From Islamaphobia to Black Lives Matter, there was more and more of that "us" against "them" feeling and no one was doing anything about it. I'm determined to change that and the world around me. And SMALL MAGIC is the vehicle I choose to use to do so.

HOSTED BY

Lisa L. Demmi

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Small Magic Podcast have?

The Small Magic Podcast currently has 54 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Small Magic Podcast about?

SMALL MAGIC was actually born out of the 2016 election cycle. I realized that I didn't like all the boxes people were being put into and I didn't like all the separation that was happening around me. From Islamaphobia to Black Lives Matter, there was more and more of that "us" against "them"...

How often does The Small Magic Podcast release new episodes?

The Small Magic Podcast has 54 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Small Magic Podcast?

You can listen to The Small Magic Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Small Magic Podcast?

The Small Magic Podcast is created and hosted by Lisa L. Demmi.
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