Sammie Smiles Podcast (2025)

11/01/2023

Season 3 Episode 1: Ryan Hickman

It's season 3 of Sammie Smiles podcast and her first guest is Ryan Hickman who was Sammie’s very first guest on season one!

Back for more fun with these 2 friends that care about helping the environment and being goofy too! Sammie and Ryan got to meet in person back in June after being pen pals for over 4 years. They talk about that visit and their tour of POLYWOOD a company that makes amazing furniture out of recycled #2 plastics!
You won't want to miss a minute of these two friends fun chat. One this is for sure, these two are out to change the world and doing a great job of it at such a young age. Find out what Ryan has been up to and what makes both Sammie and Ryan smile.

This is a great way to kick off season 3 of 🎉

Watch on Youtube https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4u4UiAsfeQ0
or listen on &

18/10/2022

Season 2 Episode 29:Sammie Q&A

To wrap up season 2 and year 2 of Sammie Smiles Podcast, Sammie answers your questions and reflects back on the past year!
She has had some amazing guests and this is her 83rd episode over all!!

What episode made you smile?

Check out her latest here:
YouTube
https://youtu.be/MbBOTboJDP8

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mXkpmi2NVKFojOhebrfol?si=FiLfTiPkSAKJ1HOntAdtqQ

Apple Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000582831267

Reviews are much appreciated

19/09/2022

Season 2 Episode 28: Dr. Jen Welter

Are you ready for some football? And inspiration? And girl power? Look no further! In this episode Sammie talks to Dr. Jen Welter. Dr. Jen is best known for being the first female NFL coach, but she is so much more! She is a sports psychologist and a gold medalist, speaker, an author and does countless other amazing things including her Grrridiron Girls football camps. Find out why it is so important to Dr. Jen to set a good example for girls everywhere and the huge impact she has had. Sammie and Dr. Jen got to meet this past summer in person and were both inspired by each other. You will love this talk with two empowering females trying to make this world a better place. Don't forget to listen until the end for what makes Dr. Jen smile and the fun rapid-fire round.

https://youtu.be/5KPHWL0_2F4

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000579842826

05/09/2022

Season 2 Episode 27: Brad Montague

In this inspiring new episode Sammie talks to Brad Montague. Brad is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. He was the creator of Kid President, and his work is designed to connect with the hearts of children young and old. He is currently preparing to hit the road to celebrate the release of THE FANTASTIC BUREAU OF IMAGINATION. Brad and Sammie connected about a year and a half when he awarded her a Neighborhoodie award. Enjoy their conversation full of insight, inspiration, smiles, and laughter. Be a part of a circle spreading kindness in this world. Don't forget to listen until the end for the rapid fire round and what makes Brad smile. This episode will get you creating, imagining, and wanting to make the world a better place for young and old. Montague Workshop

https://youtu.be/F5MbqSV3BiE

22/08/2022

Season 2 Episode 26: Sammie interviews E Train

In this episode Sammie talks to fellow book lover and podcast host E Train's World of Books & Wonder. E Train has been hosting a podcast called E Train Talks where he interviews Middle Grade Authors. Sammie and him have a lot of fun talking all things books, interviews and other things in between! Find out about his service projects and you can't miss the rapid fire round and what makes E Train smile. Get ready to make a trip to an indie bookstore or the library after this because you will want to grab a book for sure. Sammie was recently a guest on his podcast❤️

Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify & ApplePodcast

https://youtu.be/iwljrB-II9A

08/08/2022

Season 2 Episode 25: Sammie Interviews Marissa Meyers

In this episode Sammie talks to New York Times Bestselling author and podcast host Marissa Meyers. Marissa Meyer, YA Author has written multiple best sellers and Sammie is a huge fan of her writing style. They both have being authors and podcast hosts in common. Find out where Marissa gets her inspiration from and her favorite character. You can't miss the rapid fire round full of fun answers. Stay tuned until the end to find out what makes her smile. This episode is sure to get your week started off right and might just make you want to write!

Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/1qtZpj94HEI

Listen on Apple podcast & Spotify
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000575305184

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qTX9N7WcIf4lBwjXHiSrx?si=v_X2LRKLRZK5556UnP1x4w

19/06/2022

Season 2 Episode 24: Sammie interviews Bill Barr

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.

https://youtu.be/bG2Tj9o4HOA

30/05/2022

Season 2 Episode 23: Samirah Horton “DJ Annie Red”

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.
Watch on YouTube or Listen on Apple Podcast & Spotify

https://youtu.be/imxBVWRHKeM

23/05/2022

Season 2 Episode 22: Sammie Interviews Dr. Mark Daniel

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 Fort Wayne Community Schools and ready to be an 8th grader in the fall! Don't miss this “schools out” episode!

https://youtu.be/TGpuT2mYGh8

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000563191067

09/05/2022

Season 2 Episode 21: Adina Lichtman

In this episode Sammie interviews Adina Lichtman, founder ofKnock 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.

Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcast & Spotify

https://youtu.be/EPdGPnYnFXw

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000560047429

02/05/2022

Season 2 Episode 20: Vladimir Duthiers

Sammies 70th guest🎉

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.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcast & Spotify

https://youtu.be/jm_BABUOTCU

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000559214983

25/04/2022

Season 2 Episode 19: Lennon Epand

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.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcast & Spotify
https://youtu.be/pJ81A38Pa_I

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000558543626

18/04/2022

Season 2 Episode 18: Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch

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!

https://youtu.be/OIhv0w_ZEiQ

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000557851661

11/04/2022

Season 2 Episode 17: Hana Mangat

In this episode Sammie interviews Hana Mangat, the founder of Sikh Kid 2 Kidand 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.

https://youtu.be/Gf_PLg3ZEN8

08/04/2022

Sammie has been working hard on recording some new episodes! Spring Break this week but that hasn’t slowed her down. New episode out on Monday!

28/03/2022

Season 2 Episode 16: Jeff Wall

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.

https://youtu.be/bCqxOVrMOeU

16/03/2022

Season 2 Episode 15: Stacy Bauer

In this episode Sammie talks to Stacy C. Bauer, author and publisher. 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!
Here is kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stacycbauer/champions-for-change-and-heroic-kids

Here is podcast!
https://youtu.be/E35PsKNNAUM

Or Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sammie-smiles/id1536338801?i=1000554154623

07/03/2022

Season 2 Episode 14: Rebecca Louie

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.

Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify & YouTube

https://youtu.be/qwyMOyTUUC8

Sammie Smiles Podcast