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The Power of Charms Podcast

The Power of Charms Podcast

Hosted by Kay McDonald

BusinessArtsInterviews guests

Episodes

59

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Since 2004, Charity Charms have been used as a vehicle for non-profits and organizations of all types to creatively brand, fundraise, and engage with their community. We began this journey as a way to meet the growing demand for socially conscious brands. Being socially conscious has grown into an international movement founded on collaboration, giving, and awareness. Our mission is to empower organizations and their supporters, employees, and customers through symbolic pieces that bring their important work to life. Charms have the power to tell a story, connect people in a meaningful way, and build a legacy of love. Charity Charms founder, Kay McDonald's love for charms began as a child. Kay was enamored with her grandmother's charm bracelet, adorned with small treasures each holding special significance that embodied the stories of her life. Today, Kay wears her grandmother's charm bracelet as a connection to the past and a reminder of the future of charms. We believe charms have the power to tell a story and bring people together through a common thread. They build a sense of community and bring your important work to life. Charms are a unique, elegant way to brand your organization.

Listen to episodes

59 recent
April 27, 202622 min

#58: Moms Celebrated

Some women raise three daughters on their own in 1972, work their way from executive secretary to Fortune 500 purchasing agent, and shape every daughter who watces them do it. Some keep showing up to water aerobics at 91 and balancing the church books until the week they pass. Kay McDonald and her cousin Debbie Howard had two of those mothers: sisters-in-law who became career women in eras that didn't exactly hand that out.  In this Mother's Day episode of the Power of Charms, Kay and Debbie share stories about Sydna and Maryanne - and the lessons their mothers left behind about resilience, financial responsibility, self-care, and showing up for people you love. They also get into the practical side of caregiving: the small home modifications that keep aging parents safe, why traveling with an older mom takes more planning and more patience, and how to build new traditions that honor the moms who are no longer here.  Debbie Howard is a caregiving expert, founder of Aging Matters International, and author of The Caregiving Journey and The Caregiving Crisis. She's a returning guest on the show - and Kay's cousin.  Plus: Kay surprises Debbie with a piece of family jewelry neither of them had seen in years - a charm necklace their grandmother made to hold all 13 of her grandchildren close.  A conversation about mothers, memory, and the small things we keep.  After you listen:  Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn Purchase The Caregiving Journey and The Caregiving Crisis Order our special Mother's Day sterling silver charm

July 20, 202520 min

#57: Empowering Survivors: Laura Pahulas' Mission to Save Lives

🎙️ In this powerful episode of The Power of Charms, we sit down with Laura Pahulas, founder and Executive Director of Control Alt Delete. Laura shares her personal journey as a domestic violence survivor and how it inspired her to create a nonprofit that has facilitated over 48,000 escapes for individuals in crisis. Learn how technology, heart, and a simple idea became a nationwide movement to help survivors reset their lives. 💜 🔗 Learn more: https://dvcontrolaltdelete.org 🔗 Learn more: www.charitycharms.com/blog  🎧 Tune in for insight, inspiration, and impact.

July 22, 202411 min

#56: Show More Kindness Charity: A Story to Inspire

In this episode, host Kay McDonald sits down with Kimberly Guimarin, founder of Show More Kindness Charity, and CEO of Pop's Coffee! Tune in to hear how Show More Kindness Charity was founded, the meaning behind its mission, their signature event Derby & Diamonds, and more! After You Listen: Learn more about Show More Kindness Charity  Donate to their foundation Read our blog post about our collaboration Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

May 8, 202428 min

#55: Finding Hope Through the Hurt

In this episode, host Kay McDonald sits down with Jenny Hubbard, founder and director of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. Jenny shares the touching story of how the sanctuary was created out of tragedy following the loss of her daughter, Catherine, in the Sandy Hook massacre. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Jenny turned her grief into hope and founded the sanctuary to honor Catherine's memory. Tune in to hear how the sanctuary promotes compassion and acceptance through its educational programs, care for animals, and community outreach. Learn about the upcoming Catherine Violet Hubbard Butterfly Party and how you can support the sanctuary's mission. Join us as we celebrate Catherine's legacy of kindness and compassion and explore the incredible work being done at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Sanctuary and Foundation. After You Listen: Attend the Butterfly Party Learn more about the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary Read our blog post about our collaboration Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

February 5, 2024Episode 5421 min

#54: Maggie's Place - A Home With Heart

Episode Summary: Join host Kay McDonald as she explores inspiring stories of resilience, growth, and community impact. In this episode, Kay sits down with Laura Magruder, the Chief Executive Officer of Maggie's Place, a haven for pregnant mothers and infants. Discover the incredible journey of Maggie's Place, it's expansion, and the heartwarming stories of the women it serves. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insights into the power of communityn and support. After You Listen: Read about our collaboration with Maggie's Place Support Maggie's Place by volunteering or donating Explore ways to collaborate with Charity Charms in your organization Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

December 6, 202318 min

#53: Meet Jewel Ya - Where Fashion Meets Compassion

Episode Summary: Join us for our latest engaging podcast episode where Kay interviews Julia Winter, a remarkable jewelry entrepreneur. Listen in as they discuss Julia's 20-year journey in the jewelry business, blending fashion with compassion, and her transition from a tech career to creating a successful jewelry line. Learn about Julia's inspirations, the materials she uses, and her unique approach to design. After You Listen: Discover Jewel Ya's collection  Connect with Jewel Ya on Instagram and Facebook, for more updates. Explore ways to collaborate with Charity Charms in your organization Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

November 6, 202313 min

#52: Empowering Communities - Back with Brilliance

Episode Summary: Join us on this journey of community empowerment and philanthropy as we celebrate the power of collaboration and the impact it can have on those in need. Join Kay as she chats with Jeni Williams and Shaun Gear of the Phoenix AKArama Foundation about their organization, our collaboration on a signature bracelet, and their upcoming fashion event!   After You Listen: Learn more about the Phoenix AKArama Foundation Get involved in this year's Fashionetta Event Read about our collaboration   Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

August 29, 202315 min

#51: Caregiving Crisis Update

Episode Summary: Explore the intersection of caregiving and the workplace in this enlightening podcast episode catching up with author, speaker, and founder, Debbie Howard. Join our caregiving expert, Debbie, and host Kay as they delve into the pivotal role caregivers play in modern workplaces, unveil strategies to foster caregiving-friendly environments, and share information about a special selfcare course.   After You Listen: Learn more about The Caregiving Crisis Sign up for the course Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

July 10, 202327 min

#50: Recyling Bras for Social Impact with Elaine Birks-Mitchell

Episode Summary: Meet the inspiring Elaine Birks-Mitchell, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of The Bra Recyclers! Join Kay and Elaine as they discuss The Bra Recyclers mission, their nonprofit arm The Undie Chest, how you can get involved helping women and girls around the world, and more.   After You Listen: Learn more about The Bra Recyclers Get involved in their back to school drive Get the facts about textile recycling and be a part of the movement! Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

June 5, 202321 min

#49: Paws for Independence - Meet Canine Companions!

Episode Summary: Meet the inspiring Jeanine Konopelski, VP of Marketing and Advocacy at Canine Companions! Join Kay and Jeanine as they discuss Canine Companions rebrand, the increasing demand for service dogs, their impact on lives and the community, and more!   After You Listen: Learn more about Canine Companions Sponsor a Puppy! Learn More about Jeanine and our charming projects together Connect with Charity Charms at kay@charitycharms.com | 602.615.3200 | www.charitycharms.com

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