Real Talk Savannah

What actually happens at the Georgia state level—and how does it impact Savannah?

In this episode of Real Talk Savannah, Missy sits down with Savannah local and Georgia House District 165 candidate Kendra Clark to break down the upcoming election, grassroots campaigning, housing affordability, workers’ rights, healthcare, gerrymandering, and why local politics matter more than most people realize.

Kendra shares how her background in social work, criminal justice reform, and probate law led her to run for office—and why she believes systemic change starts at the state level.

The conversation also dives into:
• Savannah’s rising cost of living
• Private equity firms buying single-family homes
• Service industry worker protections
• Healthcare access & maternal health in Georgia
• Grassroots campaigning vs PAC-funded politics
• Sports betting money influencing elections
• Infrastructure & flooding issues in Savannah
• Why voting in local elections matters

Whether you agree politically or simply want to better understand how local government affects daily life in Savannah, this episode is an informative look at the issues shaping our city and state.

🗳️ The election is this Friday — please take the time to research your ballot and make your voice heard.

Voter information:
https://georgia.gov/

Learn more about Kendra Clark:
https://votekendraclark.com/

📍 Follow Kendra Clark:
TikTok + Instagram: @votekendraclark

#SavannahGA #GeorgiaPolitics #KendraClark #RealTalkSavannah

What if therapy didn’t have to happen in an office?

In this episode of Real Talk Savannah, Missy sits down with local therapist Kate Powers to talk about her unique approach to mental health—“walk and talk” therapy sessions right here in Savannah.

From meeting clients in a traditional setting to walking through Forsyth Park, Kate is reimagining what therapy can look like—and making it feel more approachable, flexible, and human.

The two also dive into how platforms like TikTok are helping people discover therapy in a new way, breaking down barriers for those who may feel intimidated or unsure where to start.

Whether you’ve been considering therapy or just want to learn more about mental health resources in Savannah, this conversation is a refreshing take on how support can fit into your everyday life.

What You’ll Learn:

• What “walk and talk” therapy is and why it works
• How movement can help you open up emotionally
• How to find the right therapist (and why it’s like “speed dating”)
• Signs it might be time to seek therapy
• Why therapy isn’t just for crisis—it can be maintenance and self-care
• How TikTok is changing access to mental health resources







Connect with Kate Powers:

• TikTok + Instagram: @thepowersoftherapy
• Find her via Psychology Today or C. Williams & Associates

This week on Real Talk Savannah, Missy takes over the mic and sits down with Harry Gardner, Chairman of the Veterans Council of Chatham County, to talk about one of the most unexpected (and exciting) events in Savannah…

👉 The Veterans Spring Fashion Show – April 29th

What started as a wild idea over a glass of wine has turned into a growing community event that highlights:

• Local Savannah boutiques & vendors
• Veteran stories and community connection
• A fresh vision for bringing fashion back to the city

This year’s show is leveling up:
✔️ Male AND female veteran models
✔️ Expanded vendor lineup
✔️ Men’s fashion sponsors (including J. Parker & Faherty)
✔️ A bigger vision for Savannah Fashion Week 👀

Harry shares how this event is about more than fashion — it’s about changing the perception of veterans, building community, and spotlighting small businesses across Savannah.

💥 Plus:

• Casting call for male veteran models
• Behind-the-scenes of building an event from scratch
• The long-term vision to bring a full Savannah Fashion Week to life

If you’re local — this is one event you don’t want to miss.

🗓️ April 29, 2026📍 Mackey House, Savannah, GA🎟️ Tickets: $45

In this episode of Real Talk Savannah, Michelle and Missy sit down with returning guest Caroline Gillespie to talk all things ESP Savannah, one of the most impactful nonprofits in our city.After attending ESP’s sold-out Talent Show, we were blown away by the energy, confidence, and sense of community—and this episode dives deeper into how YOU can get involved.We cover:-What ESP Savannah is and how it supports individuals with disabilities and their families-Behind the scenes of the Talent Show and why it’s such a powerful experience-Volunteer opportunities and how easy it is to get involved-ESP’s Java Joy coffee cart program and community impact-The upcoming Big Voyage Event (April 25) 🎉 BIG VOYAGE EVENT DETAILSESP Savannah’s inaugural Big Voyage is happening:📍 IGY Marina📅 April 25⏰ Check-in: 4:00 PM | Program starts: 5:30 PMExpect:✔️ Yacht hop experience✔️ Live music✔️ Local food vendors✔️ Silent auction (open even if you can’t attend!)✔️ Networking + community impact🎟️ Grab tickets + learn more:

espyouandme.org

All of the volunteer shifts can be found towards the bottom of page 1 and on page 2. Each shift includes role descriptions, time range of shift, age restrictions, and attire required.

https://www.givepulse.com/group/1232572-esp-savannah (https://www.givepulse.com/group/1232572-esp-savannah)

This week on Real Talk Savannah, Michelle sits down with Dallas Sellars RN BSN, owner of Tox Medspa by Nurse Dallas, to talk about the evolving world of aesthetic medicine, cosmetic injections, and confidence.With over eleven years of experience in aesthetic injections, Nurse Dallas has built a reputation in Savannah for delivering refined, natural-looking results rooted in both clinical expertise and artistic precision. In this episode, Dallas shares insight into the science behind popular treatments like Botox, fillers, and medical aesthetics, and explains why education and transparency are so important when helping clients make decisions about their appearance and skincare goals.Her philosophy is simple: every patient deserves honest guidance, exceptional value, and results that enhance natural beauty while building long-term confidence.If you're curious about aesthetic treatments or want to learn how medical spas approach modern cosmetic care, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the industry from one of Savannah’s trusted professionals.Learn more about Tox Medspa by Nurse Dallas or explore available services at:👉 https://toxsav.com/Follow the medspa on Instagram for treatment insights, before & after results, and updates:👉 @Toxmedspasavannah

This week on Real Talk Savannah, Michelle sits down with Joshua Hernandez, a licensed financial professional with World System Builder, to talk about something that impacts everyone — financial literacy.Joshua shares how the National Financial Literacy Campaign is working to bring free financial education to individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and young professionals in Savannah and across the country. Many people never learn about money management, investing, credit, or retirement planning in school — and that knowledge gap can have major consequences later in life. In this episode, Joshua explains how World System Builder is helping close that gap by offering free financial literacy workshops, educational resources, and personalized financial strategies designed to help people take control of their financial future.If you’re interested in learning more about the program, exploring their financial literacy workshops, or getting connected with resources, you can visit the World System Builder website at:👉 https://worldsystembuilder.com/You can also connect directly with Joshua Hernandez on Instagram to learn more about his work and upcoming financial education opportunities:👉 @joshuahernandez86In this episode we discuss:• Why financial literacy is no longer taught in many schools• How World System Builder offers free financial education and workshops• Financial strategies for young professionals just starting their careers• Why entrepreneurs and business owners benefit from financial planning• How couples should approach finances before marriage• Planning for retirement and long-term financial security• Common financial mistakes people make and how to avoid them• How Savannah residents can access free financial education resourcesJoshua also shares how the organization takes a holistic approach to financial education, helping individuals and families create plans for saving, investing, protecting their assets, and preparing for major life milestones.Whether you're a young professional, a business owner, planning for retirement, or simply looking to improve your financial knowledge, this conversation offers valuable insight into how financial education can help you build a stronger future.To learn more about World System Builder and their financial literacy initiatives, visit: https://worldsystembuilder.com/To connect with Joshua directly or follow his financial education content, find him on Instagram: @joshuahernandez86Subscribe to Real Talk Savannah for more conversations highlighting the people, businesses, and resources helping our city grow.

Savannah locals — it’s that time again.

Michelle and Missy sit down with Erica Baskin, Director of Events at Connect Savannah, to talk all things Best of Savannah 2026 — one of the most anticipated and community-driven competitions in the city.

With over 90,000 nominations submitted each year, Best of Savannah has become a staple credential for local businesses, creatives, restaurants, bartenders, medical professionals, tattoo artists, and more.

In this episode, we cover:

- The 21+ year history of Best of Savannah
-How the nomination and voting process works
-Why some businesses take it seriously (and why they should)
-The most popular categories (Best Tattoo Shop, Best Bartender, Best New Business & more)
-What happens at the Best of Savannah party
-VIP table options & event details
- How Connect Savannah evolved from print to community events
Upcoming nonprofit races & festivals

Erica also shares behind-the-scenes insight into how nominations are reviewed and how the competition has grown from a 300-person party to over 1,200 attendees.

Voting for Best of Savannah 2026 is open now and closes March 4th.

Support your favorite local businesses, entrepreneurs, restaurants, bartenders, artists, and service providers.

👉 Submit your votes here:
https://www.connectsavannah.com/2026-best-of-savannah/#//

Michelle and Missy sit down with Jenny Lynn Anderson, Savannah-based travel blogger, author, and curator behind Jenny Lynn on a Journey.Jenny Lynn specializes in helping women 40+ travel confidently to Savannah, Georgia — but her curated experiences are valuable for anyone looking to explore the city beyond the usual tourist spots.In this episode, we talk about:-How Jenny Lynn became a travel blogger after a viral Amtrak article-Why Savannah is more than just bars and bachelorette parties-Hidden hotel gems (Thompson Hotel, Thunderbird Inn, Plant Riverside)-Where locals actually eat (Chive, The Pink House, Crystal Beer Parlor, Starland Yard)-Food tourism trends & cooking classes-Traveling solo with confidence-Curated itineraries for different budgetsJenny Lynn shares how she interviews hotel GMs, bartenders, chefs, and locals to curate personalized itineraries — not paid ads, but real experiences.She also announces upcoming plans to expand as a hybrid travel advisor, helping coordinate group trips and curated travel experiences.Want to Travel Smarter in Savannah?📍 Explore curated Savannah itineraries📍 Subscribe to her travel newsletter📍 Book Jenny as your Savannah travel guide📍 Coordinate group trips & custom experiences👉 Visit: https://jennylynnanderson.com/Whether you’re a tourist, new resident, or longtime local — Jenny helps you experience Savannah intentionally, confidently, and beyond the surface.Subscribe for more episodes spotlighting the people shaping Savannah.

In this Valentine’s Day special, Michelle and Missy sit down with local wedding planner and host of the Marriage Material Podcast, Morgan Harrison, for our very first “Single in Savannah” episode.We cover:What dating is like in your 20s, 30s, and 40s in SavannahWhy dating apps aren’t what they used to beThe best bars in Savannah to meet singlesFirst date restaurants that actually set the vibeHow to approach someone without it being awkwardWhy getting involved in your community might be the real dating hackWe also talk about:📍 Starland vs Downtown dating scenes📍 Congress Street nightlife📍 Untitled, Honky Tonk South, Seed 2.0, The Whiskey, Repeal 33, Yukio, Common Thread, and Pink House Tavern📍 Pickleball, disc golf & volunteering as unexpected places to meet peopleMorgan also shares details about her upcoming Savannah Singles Event (Feb 26th at Seed 2.0) — complete with light-up cups so you know who’s single 👀This episode is honest, funny, and refreshingly positive about modern dating. Whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between — this one’s for you.Follow Morgan: @marriagematerialpodSubscribe for more Real Talk Savannah episodes spotlighting local life, culture, and community.

In this episode of Real Talk Savannah, we sit down with Caroline Gillespie to talk about the incredible work being done by ESP Savannah (Extra Special People), a nonprofit creating transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families.

Caroline shares how ESP officially launched in Savannah in January 2025 and has already grown to support over 120 local families — a clear sign of how deeply needed this work is in our community.

We dive into ESP’s three core pillars — Experience, Support, and Purpose — and what they look like in real life:

• Year-round programming, including summer camps and sibling support

• Free monthly family dinners that remove stress and build connection

• Inclusive events where people of all abilities are celebrated

• The Java Joy mobile coffee cart, which employs adults with disabilities and brings coffee and connection into the community

Caroline also highlights ESP Savannah’s first-ever local Talent Show, happening February 7th at 3:00 PM ET at Gateway Church.

This event gives individuals with disabilities the rare and powerful opportunity to be center stage, cheered on, celebrated, and seen — something many are not often afforded.

How to Get InvolvedYou can:

• Attend the talent show

• Vote online for the People’s Choice Award

• Volunteer at family dinners or events

• Support ESP Savannah through donations or service

🔗 Learn more, volunteer, or buy tickets:
👉 https://espyouandme.org/locations/savannah/

🎭 ESP Savannah Talent Show – February 7th