🎧 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

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About the Episode

In 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.

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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: @josh21powell

Purchase his book: What I Wish I Knew

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!

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