The SavvyCast

Latest Episodes:

Baccarat Rouge 540 is Splurge Worthy (But You Can Enjoy It for Less) Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

This week on The SavvyCast, I am sharing my all-time favorite fragrances. I love these scents because they smell so fabulous, are not at all overpowering, and are worth every penny in my opinion! If you are looking for a new perfume or body cream for yourself or to give someone as a gift, you will absolutely love my picks from this episode.

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on Apple Podcasts, it would be SO appreciated. If you would prefer to watch the podcast interview, check it out on YouTube. Blessings to you!

If you like this podcast, check these out: The Changes in My Kitchen Renovation That Made the Biggest Impact The Essential Spices & Seasonings Every Kitchen Should Have

Easy, Mouth-Watering Summer Recipes from the Best Cook I Know, Marie Marino Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, I am joined by my longtime friend and fabulous cook, Marie Marino. Marie is no stranger to The SavvyCast, and in this episode, she shares some of her favorite summer recipes. If you are in a "dinner rut," hearing about these light, delicious, flavorful recipes will leave you feeling inspired and heading for your kitchen!

Who Is Marie Marino?

Growing up in the Deep South and also being a part of a large Italian family, food has always been at the center of Marie Marino's life. From Sunday lunches and big holiday celebrations to barbecuing at the lake or simply enjoying a cheese board before dinner -- all of these times have been and continue to be opportunities to savor moments together! She loves spending time with family and friends and her passion is showing love to others through serving them delicious food. Her mission is to share recipes, along with tips and tricks to help simplify the process of preparing and serving good food. She loves to encourage others to show up for the people in their life that they can care for. And if you show up with food that is even better!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Marie Marino on Cooking Meals for Loved Ones in Need

Let's Talk: All You Need to Make a Perfect Charcuterie Board

Let's Talk: An Enneagram 7 During a Pandemic

Tips From an Insider: How to Navigate Disney to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

his week, former Disney Cast Member and Family Savvy's very own Finlay Coupland shares her expert advice on all things Disney travel.

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, Finlay Coupland, Family Savvy's Communication Coordinator & Podcast Editor, joins the podcast to discuss her Disney College Program experience and share her best Disney travel tips and tricks. In this episode, Finlay shares her advice on the best time to take a Disney trip, where to stay and eat, how to avoid long lines, and so much more!

Who Is Finlay Coupland?

Finlay Coupland graduated in Spring 2022 from Samford University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication. After graduating, Finlay decided to set off on the adventure of a lifetime and intern at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Finlay began working at ESPN Wide World of Sports and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Then, she had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at Disney's newest experience, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. From being a 6-year-old little girl dreaming of one day working for the most magical place on earth to receiving the job opportunity of a lifetime, Finlay's story is a testament that dreams really do come true.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

When is the best time to go to Disney World?
How can you avoid the long lines?
Where are the best places to stay?
How do you get a hard-to-get dining reservation at Disney?
What are some Disney dining tips?
What are the best restaurants at Disney?
What are the best modes of transportation?
How does Disney handle a missing child situation?
What are some activities that you can do at Disney that will keep your kids engaged?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

If you're looking to book any vacation, especially a Disney vacation, contact All About Travel
Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Disney VIP Tours
Disney College Program site

Behind the Scenes of Family Savvy: Meet the Team

How to Become a Writer and Publish a Book with Jonathan Merritt

How to Become a Writer and Publish a Book with Jonathan Merritt Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

This week, Jonathan Merritt joins me to discuss all things writing and publishing. If you have ever been interested in the behind-the-scenes of publishing a book or have the desire to refine your own writing, you will surely enjoy this episode!

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, Jonathan Merritt joins me to discuss all things writing, publishing, and ghostwriting. Jonathan is a widely celebrated author, cultural commentator, and ghostwriter. He is also an incredible writing teacher and has trained hundreds of young writers through one-on-one coaching, his online seminar, and writing courses. In this episode, Jonathan shares how he became involved with writing, the details of his writing seminar, the three main ways to publish a book, and so much more.

Who Is Jonathan Merritt?

Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named "Book of the Year" by the Englewood Review of Books.

Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, and Christianity Today.

As a collaborator or ghostwriter, Jonathan has worked on more than 50 books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online courses. He is often available for exclusive one-on-one coaching for a select number of advanced writers.

Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work focused on ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church.

Jonathan currently happily resides in New York City. He is an aspiring dog dad, a college football fan, and intolerable before coffee.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

How did Jonathan start writing?
What are other forms of writing people can do other than writing a book?
What is the "Write Brilliant" writing course and what skills does it teach?
What is ghostwriting? What is the ghostwriting process like?
What are the 3 main ways to publish a book?
What do you need if you want to go into trade publishing?
What is hybrid publishing?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Jonathan Merritt's website
Write Brilliant Writing Course - Use code SAVVY for 25% off until Oct. 1
http://www.christopherferebee.com/

Jamie Announces New Role With Birmingham/Nashville Christian Family Magazines

How Glorilight is Making Kids' Bedtime More Productive and Peaceful

The Essential Spices & Seasonings Every Kitchen Should Have Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, I am discussing the spices and seasoning blends I always keep stocked in my kitchen. In my opinion, the difference between home-cooked and restaurant-quality meals often lies in the seasoning. In this episode, I share my favorite spices and seasonings so you can take your meals to the next level. From my three absolute must-haves to the specialty spices and blends I love, I break down everything in my spice cabinet in this episode. Additionally, I share my favorite ways to use these spices and seasonings.

The Spices and Seasonings I Always Keep On Hand:

Kosher salt (Morton or Diamond)
Coarse ground pepper
EVOO (Kosterina is a new fave)
Red wine vinegar
Garlic powder
Garlic salt
Lemon Pepper (Kinders)
Chili powder
Cumin
Italian Seasoning
Taco Seasoning
Everything But the Bagel
Dried basil
Crushed red pepper
Dried chives
Dak's Spices NO SALT (all good but Italian Season and Taco Knight are FAB)
Cinnamon Sugar
Ghee (TJ's is great)
Worcestershire (Lea & Perkins)
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray
Nonna Pias Balsamic Glaze
Dry Rub for Meat (salmon, pork, etc…)

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Women's Health Q&A: Advice on Supplements, Nutrition, & Exercise for Perimenopausal Women Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

This week Ellie Hiller and Geena Pitts join The SavvyCast to answer listener-submitted questions via Instagram about women's health.

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, I am joined by two special guests - my daughter Ellie Hiller and Geena Pitts. Ellie is the owner of Vulcan Nutrition, where she and Geena both work as nutrition coaches. In this extremely informative episode, Ellie and Geena answer questions you submitted through Instagram regarding women's health. They share their expert opinions on topics such as what supplements are "worth it," the ideal forms of exercise for women, intermittent fasting, and so much more!

Who Is Ellie Hiller?

Besides being my daughter, Ellie Hiller is also a certified nutrition coach at Vulcan Nutrition in Birmingham, Alabama. Before becoming a nutrition coach, Ellie received her RN/BSN from Samford's Ida B. Moffet School of Nursing. Ellie describes her ideal client as anyone without a preexisting medical condition who wants to improve their health. She takes each client on a highly personalized journey to a lifestyle change that is effective and sustainable.

Who Is Geena Pitts?

During her competitive CrossFit years, Geena was also pursuing a Master's degree in Exercise Science. She held a graduate assistantship position and worked with the Children's Physical Activity and Research Group. She also aided with multiple research projects about exercise and supplementation (one is in the process of being published). After graduation, Geena taught Exercise Physiology at the University of South Alabama and continued as a research assistant. Nutrition has always been one of Geena's favorite topics of research & discussion. She has dedicated hours of study to nutrition and habit-based changes. Geena is eager to help educate clients about nutrition and to figure out how to best help meet his or her goals.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

What supplements are worth it?
Does it matter if you do cardio or weights first in a workout?
What should we be including in our workouts, especially for women?
Is there such a thing as too much cardio?
Is walking considered cardio?
What are the best ways to minimize the symptoms of menopause?
How can I prevent hair thinning?
What do you think about intermittent fasting?
Should we eliminate dairy and gluten from our diet to lose weight?
What are the best exercises for osteopenia?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Fall Off The Bone Baby Back Ribs
Follow Ellie, Geena, and Vulcan Nutrition on Instagram (@elliehiller, @geena.pitts, @the_vulcan_nutrition)
Vulcan Nutrition website
Whey protein powder - Use code elliehiller10 for 10% off
Vegan protein powder - Use code elliehiller10 for 10% off
Creatine- Use code elliehiller10 for 10% off

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review, and subscribe to The SavvyCast on Apple Podcasts, it would be SO appreciated! If you'd like to watch this episode, then you can view it on the Family Savvy YouTube channel. Blessings to you!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Ellie Hiller of Vulcan Nutrition Talks Meal Prep + Making My Recipes Healthier

How to Stay Independent in Older Age with Personalized Fitness Training

A Candid Conversation with my Family: The Truth About Zane as a Dad Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

In this heartfelt Father's Day episode, my husband Zane and my three daughters Ellie, Jud, and Emma have a conversation about what it has been like to grow up with Zane as a father.

Episode At A Glance:

Many of you tuned into The SavvyCast episode where Ellie, Jud, and Emma shared what it was like to have me as a mother. This week, the girls have a candid conversation with my husband Zane about what it has been like to have him as a father. In this special episode, our daughters share what Zane did well, how he could have improved, and give an inside scoop on the dynamics of our family.

Get To Know Zane:

Zane is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, and he and Jamie have been married for 35 years. In addition to being an incredible husband and father, Zane works as the managing partner with Founders Advisors. He is also the author of 17 Reasons Your Company is Not Investment Grade & What to Do About It. Zane is an Enneagram 3 wing 2.

Get To Know The Tarence Girls:

Ellie is our first child and is the typical firstborn. She is an Enneagram 3 and is driven, goal-oriented, and independent. She is married to Sean Hiller and owns Vulcan Nutrition.
Jud is our second daughter and is an Enneagram 2. She is joyful, a peacemaker, deceptively competitive, a mother to all, and wants everyone to be happy. Jud is a surgical nurse and soon-to-be wife to Owen Carr.
Emma is our youngest and is our "unicorn" daughter. She is an Enneagram 4, relational, spookily discerning, fun-loving, candid, and direct. Emma is majoring in Marketing at Auburn University.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

What was Zane like as a dad?
What did Zane do right as a father?
What are some of our daughters' favorite memories with Zane?
What could Zane have done differently?
What does Zane wish he would have done differently?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review, and subscribe to The SavvyCast on Apple Podcasts, it would be SO appreciated. If you would prefer to watch the podcast interview, check it out on YouTube. Blessings to you!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Let's Talk Common Sense and Biblically Based Parenting with Steve Hines

A Candid Conversation with the Tarence Girls on Having Jamie As a Mom

How First Liberty Institute Is Defending and Restoring Religious Freedom for All Americans Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

In recent years, many of us have grown increasingly concerned with the state of religious freedom in our country. This week, Matt Krause shares how First Liberty Institute is protecting religious freedom for all Americans.

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, Matt Krause joins me to talk about First Liberty Institue. First Liberty is the nation's largest legal organization dedicated exclusively to defending Americans' religious liberty. While most of their clients are Protestant Christians, First Liberty will represent anyone no matter their religion, and they have a win rate of over 90%. In this episode, Matt shares how First Liberty is protecting religious freedom, how everyday people can make a difference in this fight, and so much more!

Who Is Matt Krause?

Matt Krause serves as Of Counsel with First Liberty Institute. Along with litigation matters, Matt helps in a variety of other areas such as donor development and media outreach. He is currently finishing up his fifth term in the Texas House of Representatives. Since 2013, he has represented House District 93 in Tarrant County. He currently serves as the Chairman of the General Investigating Committee. During his five terms in the House, Matt has consistently been recognized for his efforts to defend and advance religious liberties. Additionally, Texas Values has named him a "Faith and Family Champion" several times. He has also received special recognition from pro-life groups for his efforts to defend the preborn. Matt was a founder and Co-Chairman of the Texas Prayer Caucus and a founder and officer of the Texas Freedom Caucus.

Prior to joining the Texas Legislature, Matt ran the Texas office for a national non-profit constitutional litigation firm. Matt was also part of the inaugural class at Liberty University School of Law. During his time in law school, Matt served as the President of the Student Bar Association, was an Editor for the Law Review, and was a member of the national moot court team. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and is licensed by the State Bar of Texas.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

What is First Liberty doing to protect everyone's religious freedoms, even those who are not religious?
How is First Liberty structured differently than a typical legal institution? How do they use affiliate attorneys?
What is the lemon test? And what is the history and tradition test?
What is the history behind our country limiting public displays of religion?
How can YOU make a difference in the fight for religious freedom?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

For anyone watching or listening who is an attorney and wants to get involved, call First Liberty: 972-941-4444
Restoring Faith in America
First Liberty's IG
First Liberty's Website
First Liberty Live! Podcast

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on Apple Podcasts, it would be SO appreciated! If you would prefer to watch the podcast interview, check it out on Youtube. Blessings to you!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Let's Talk: Q & A with Congressman Gary Palmer

Meteorologist Ashley Gann Shares All Things About Her Job, Family, And Faith

How Glorilight is Making Kids' Bedtime More Productive and Peaceful Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

This week, Clay Banks joins The SavvyCast to share about Glorilight, a company that aims to instill the Word of God in children's hearts through nightlights.

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, Clay Banks joins me to talk about his company Glorilight. Glorilight is a new start-up that is focused on teaching the Word of God to better children's lives. They make nightlights that project Bible verses on ceilings and walls to help children sleep at night and remember God's truth. I highly recommend these nightlights as a gift idea for any young children because it is meaningful and life-changing. In this episode, Clay shares how Glorilight was invented, his experience on Shark Tank, and more!

Who Is Clay Banks?

Clay Banks and his wife, Aimee, have two daughters (Gracyn 11 + Hadley 8) and are members of Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, TN. He has a BS in Communications and Advertising from the University of Tennessee and is a graduate of WestStar Leadership.

Clay appeared on the hit ABC™series SharkTank ™season 10 as the co-founder of HavenLock. HavenLock was featured on Inc., Forbes, Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, ABC, and CBS as a disruption to the home and school security sector.

Currently, Clay is building a new start-up called GloriLight; an HD night-light with interchangeable discs that projects Bible verses in high resolution on walls and ceilings.

Clay was awarded Top 40 Under Forty Economic Development Professional by Development Counselors International and the International Economic Development Council. He was a finalist for the Nashville Emerging Leader Award in 2019. He has over 20 years of community and business development leadership for private sector firms, non-profit, city, and state organizations.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

How did Clay become an entrepreneur?
What was his experience on Shark Tank like?
How did Glorilight come to be?
How did Clay know that this business is set apart from other businesses that he's helped start?
How can Glorilight help parents?
What products is Glorilight looking to release in the future?

Watch Clay Banks on Shark Tank: Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Glorilight.com - They are currently sold out, but they plan to restock at the end of June. Subscribe to their newsletter for updates!
Follow Glorilight on Instagram
Donate a Glorilight to a child in foster care here
How 12-year-old Amelia Lisowe has donated nightlights to children in foster care
Lisowes Lights website

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Let's Talk Common Sense and Biblically Based Parenting with Steve Hines

Jamie Announces New Role With Birmingham/Nashville Christian Family Magazines

A Wake Up Call to Parents: What some Schools are Teaching Children May 26, 2023

Show notes

In recent years, many of us have had growing concerns about the state of our public school systems. In this episode, Kali and Joshua Fontanilla educate listeners on the realities of public school education.

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, Kali and Joshua Fontanilla join me to discuss the state of public schools today. The Fontanillas are both educators with prior experience working in public schools. In this episode, they discuss how school systems are teaching children about things like critical race theory, sexual orientation, and hyper-raced focused lessons, all from an educator's point of view. Additionally, they share about their alternative school program, The Exodus Institute.

Who Is Kali Fontanilla?

Kali Fontanilla is a former public high school teacher of 15 years. Her rebuttal statement to Prop 16 in California helped to stop the push for legal reverse racism and a new extreme version of affirmative action in 2020. She wrote the guide for the BLEXIT Foundation to expose the dangers of critical race theory. She has made guest appearances on the Ingraham Angle, NewsMax, and the Dennis Prager Show and featured in several national newspapers. Her educational and political commentary videos on social media have accrued millions of views. Kali and her husband have launched a fully accredited online school called Exodus Institute to support parents who want to pull their kids from public schools.

Who Is Joshua Fontanilla?

Joshua is a credentialed teacher with a Masters in both Education and Business and is the CEO of Exodus Institute. Joshua is a former public high school teacher who loves history, economics, and Biblical studies. He is also a hip-hop artist that uses music to educate. Joshua is a dynamic public speaker and the former California State Director as well as West Regional Director for BLEXIT.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

What are some issues that the Fontanillas are seeing in the school systems today?
How has the education system changed drastically over time, especially within the last 5 years?
What is critical race theory & why is it harmful to teach children about it?
What is Exodus Institute? How does it work?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

If you like this podcast, check these out:

How to be Medically Prepared with Dr. Shawn Rowland from JASE Medical

The Story and Purpose Behind Legacy School of Discipleship with Francois & Wendy Fineberg

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