Join Beverly Smirnis, an esteemed journalist and author as she interviews people who fearlessly pursue their passions. She presents these impactful stories to inspire you to embrace a life without limits.
In each episode, Beverly showcases the narratives of people who have dared to chase their dreams, defying traditional boundaries of age, race, gender, and disability. Like Beverly, her guests have made the intentional choice to pursue their passions with an equal dedication to their personal relationships and professional callings, with the knowledge that true fulfillment lies in the balance.
Ep 18 - From Beauty to Balance: Jennifer McDaniel’s Journey of Reinvention Through Pilates and Culinary Passion
Jennifer McDaniel spent years traveling the world in the beauty industry, a career that offered excitement and travel, but also came with physical demands that eventually took a toll. After taking a leave of absence to recover, she discovered the healing power of Pilates. Not only did it aid her recovery, but it sparked a new passion.
Determined to turn that passion into purpose, Jennifer left corporate America and earned her Pilates training certificate. With her natural leadership skills and a gift for teaching, she quickly became a beloved instructor at Club Pilates in Preston Hollow.
But her journey didn’t stop there. Driven by a lifelong love of food and wellness, Jennifer enrolled in the culinary program at El Centro. She’s set to graduate next spring and plans to specialize in cuisine that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Jennifer’s story is a testament to courage, reinvention, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether through movement or meals, she’s inspiring others to live with intention and embrace every chapter of life.
10 Jul 2025
Ep 17 - Sipping Success: Carla Nichols' Journey Through Wine and the Boisset Empire
As Regional Sales Director South Central for the Boisset Collection (https://www.boissetcollection.com/), Carla brings a contagious passion for wine, hospitality, and living well. Boisset Collection is the U.S. arm of Boisset La Famille des Grands Vins—France’s third-largest wine group and Burgundy’s leading producer.
Carla shares how Jean-Charles Boisset’s charisma and love for wine, life, and luxury have inspired her for over 15 years. She’s watched JCB build an extraordinary empire in California’s wine country, becoming one of its most iconic residents. Representing the Boisset family’s wines—and JCB spirits—across eight states, Carla has crafted a career that blends her own passions for food, wine, and travel. With a client base ranging from top-tier hospitality venues to a thriving JCB wine club community, Carla’s story is a toast to excellence and connection.
5 Jun 2025
Ep 16 - The Regenerative Medicine Revolution with Natalie Ray
Natalie Ray believes true healing starts at the root. Instead of masking symptoms, she and the expert team at ReGen & Aesthetics Concierge of Texas take a deeper approach—tackling the underlying causes of PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions by restoring neurochemistry and neuronal connections to rebuild brain function. Beyond mental health, ReGen offers a full spectrum of aesthetic treatments, advanced weight loss solutions, and cutting-edge longevity and performance programs designed to help both men and women look, feel, and function at their best. To learn more visit ra-tx.com (http://ra-tx.com) or ra-tx.com/mens-health. (http://ra-tx.com/mens-health)
7 May 2025
Ep 15 - Shifting Gears: Paul Evan’s Ride from Engineer to Race Car Driver
Many people know Paul Evans for his impressive career in the building products industry — but what they might not know is that he’s also a passionate race car driver with a love for the thrill of the track. As an engineer at heart, Paul’s curiosity and hands-on spirit extend well beyond his day job, fueling his love for tinkering with the collection of vintage cars he proudly owns. His lifelong passion for cars began when he found himself stuck at just 17 years old — and he’s never looked back.
31 Mar 2025
Ep 14 - Crafting Excellence in the Hospitality Industry: with Johnny Carros and Fred Shlesinger
In this episode, proudly sponsored by Cindy Cox of C & L Foods, Beverly welcomes industry experts Johnny Carros and Fred Shlesinger for an insightful discussion on the art of hospitality and fine dining. They explore the nuances of the industry, highlighting the vital role of passion, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality in crafting unforgettable dining experiences.
4 Sept 2024
Ep 13 - Traditional Korean Art meets Modern American Luxe with Sharon Lee Clark
Dallas-based designer and artist Sharon Lee Clark balances motherhood and charity fundraising with Krane Home, her playfully original line of home decor blending traditional Korean symbolism and luxe American aestheticism, inspired by her family's own artistic legacy.
Follow Sharon Lee Clark on Instagram. For the Krane Home website, click here, and you can also follow Krane Home on Instagram.
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
7 Aug 2024
Ep 12 - Life in the Fast Last with Kimberly Shults
Kimberly Shults, Southern Region Communications Director for Stellantis, joins Beverly to discuss the journey from doing her own oil changes to becoming a PR executive for iconic brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram.
3 Jul 2024
Ep 11 - Manners Matter with Elise McVeigh
Etiquette expert, Elise McVeigh, shares her passion for manners and teaching them to children and young adults in fun and engaging ways. Elise discusses how the power of etiquette and good manners can positively influence everyday interactions, social media, and personal and professional relationships. To learn more about Mrs. McVeigh’s Manners you can visit mrsmcveigh.com or follow @mrsmcveighsmanners on Instagram. Visit thesavvylist.com and
follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
5 Jun 2024
Ep 10 - A Balanced Life by Design with David Copenhaver
David Copenhaver, Senior Partner at BSB Design, joins Beverly to discuss architectural innovation, his inspirations, and his professional journey. From designing the New American Home for the International Builders Show to his Iowa roots, David creates community-centered, modern living spaces.
He also shares BSB Design's unique four-day workweek philosophy, his experience as a therapy dog handler, and his passion for singing. Emphasizing people, creativity, and adaptability, David demonstrates a balanced and purpose-driven career in architecture.
Learn more about David and BSB Design at www.bsbdesign.com. Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
15 May 2024
Ep 09 - The Joy of Philanthropy with Venice Stuart
Venice Stuart discusses the joy of philanthropy, family, and hockey!
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
3 Apr 2024
Ep 08 - Elevating the Art of Hairdressing with Johnny Rodriguez
Finding the right hairstyle and regimen isn't only about what looks good, but how it fits into your lifestyle and personality. Dallas salon owner Johnny Rodriguez explains how education, passion, and the personal touch equal a loyal, happy clientele.
To learn more about Johnny Rodriguez The Salon, including services, styling classes and consultations, click here.
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
6 Mar 2024
Ep 07 - Gioia di Vivere with Nick Bonanno
Nick shares his passion for Southern Mediterranean culture, family, and parenting and discusses his career in digital marketing.
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
7 Feb 2024
Ep 6 - The Art of Investing in People with Andrew Chooljian
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Chooljian discusses the passions that propel his concepts, the value of authenticity, and the art of investing first and foremost in people.
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
3 Jan 2024
Ep 05 - An Author's Journey with Catherine Team
Catherine Team joins Beverly to discuss how a chance encounter made them fast friends, and ultimately co-authors of the Anna from Atlanta and Anna from Iowa books. To learn more about the author's journey, and purchase the books visit the Life in the Heartland page on thesavvylist.com.
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
6 Dec 2023
Ep 04 - Laughing All the Way with Fred Shlesinger
Fred Shlesinger joins Beverly to discuss how his father's incredible sense of humor has guided him through life, how that legacy of laughter lives on his family today, and what it means to be a "Momentist.” Visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
1 Nov 2023
Ep 03 - Life in the Fast Lane with Kinzie Wilson
College student & Race Car Driver, Kinzie Wilson, discusses her passion for racing, the business of motorsports, and her experience on an all female team in The Great Race.
If you share Kinzie’s passion for cars you follow The Savvy List automotive blog, or to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue visit thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
4 Oct 2023
Ep 02 - The Unseen Sacrifices of Military Families with Jeff Gault
Distinguished military veteran, Jeff Gault, joins Beverly in the studio to discuss the unseen sacrifices of military families, and how his own family’s sacrifices inspired his passion for creating the Army Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation provides college scholarships to the children and spouses of those who have served, or are currently serving, our nation as soldiers in the United States Army.
If you would like more information, or to purchase to tickets and sponsoships to the October 24, 2023 Help Our Heroes Luncheon you can visit armyscholarshipfoundation.org. Check out the thesavvylist.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn even more about our guests and the passions they pursue, as well as few of our own!
Produced by the WAM Network
6 Sept 2023
Ep 01 - On Track or Off the Rails?
Beverly introduces her husband, Steve Smirnis, and they discuss their own personal journeys, what inspired them to start The Savvy List, and what living life “off the rails” means to them.
Visit thesavvylist.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our guests and the passions they pursue.
Produced by WAM Network
25 Aug 2023
Welcome to People Pursuing Passions
Join Beverly Smirnis, an esteemed journalist and author as she interviews people who fearlessly pursue their passions. She presents these impactful stories to inspire you to embrace a life without limits.
In each episode, Beverly showcases the narratives of people who have dared to chase their dreams, defying traditional boundaries of age, race, gender, and disability. Like Beverly, her guests have made the intentional choice to pursue their passions with an equal dedication to their personal relationships and professional callings, with the knowledge that true fulfillment lies in the balance.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
91
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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