The Sweet Smiles Podcast

Meet the family behind the newest Icing Smiles PSA. In this deeply personal and emotional episode of The Sweet Smiles Podcast , Chelsea sits down with Charissa Thomas, mom to twin daughters Emerson and Elle, for a raw and honest conversation about a journey that began when the girls entered the world at just 25 weeks. Charissa shares the realities of life with micro-preemies, the medical challenges her family has faced, and Emerson’s incredible journey—including undergoing a hemispherectomy, a life-changing surgery that disconnected half of her brain. Through hospital stays, surgeries, uncertainty and milestones once thought impossible, there have also been MANY moments worth celebrating. Charissa shares what Icing Smiles has meant to their family, the memories created through the cakes Emerson has received, and why those celebrations have mattered in the midst of so much more. Their story eventually came full circle when the Thomas family was chosen to help tell the story of Icing Smiles as the featured family in our new PSA. Charissa takes us behind the scenes of that experience and what it meant to see a piece of their family's journey become part of something designed to reach families across the country. This episode is emotional. It is vulnerable. And above all, it is a story of two remarkable girls, a family that continues to move forward through unimaginable challenges, and the importance of celebrating life along the way. Stay through the end of the episode to hear the Icing Smiles PSA featuring Emerson, Elle and their family. Until there’s a cure, we celebrate their lives. To learn more about Icing Smiles please visit www.icingsmiles.org

What does a cake really mean to a child facing critical illness? For Icing Smiles, it’s so much more than a sweet treat—it’s a moment of joy, normalcy, celebration, and a memory that can last a lifetime. In this episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast, Chelsea sits down with Icing Smiles Board President Jodie Nicholes to talk about her journey with Icing Smiles, her career in storytelling and production, and the passion that led her to become such an important part of the organization. Jodie also takes us behind the scenes of Icing Smiles’ brand-new public service announcement, sharing how the vision came together, what it was like to help bring the story to life, and why this PSA captures the heart of the Icing Smiles mission. A cake can’t change a diagnosis. But until there’s a cure, we can celebrate their lives. Stay through the end of the episode to watch the new Icing Smiles PSA and experience the story for yourself. 💜 Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

On this episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast, Chelsea sits down with Sugar Angel Amy Rogers, who has baked and mailed 48 surprise cookie sets to families through the Icing Smiles Cookie Club. Amy shares how she discovered the Cookie Club, why she loves the creative freedom of designing cookies based only on a child’s name and age, and how the program gives families a little unexpected joy during incredibly difficult times. They also talk about the flexibility of volunteering, the powerful messages families have shared after receiving their cookies, and why sometimes a dozen cookies can mean so much more than a sweet treat. Plus, Chelsea and Amy chat about their favorite cookie flavors, decorating styles, cookie cutters, true crime podcasts, and the joys of baking. To learn more about Icing Smiles, visit www.icingsmiles.org

For more than a decade, Sugar Angel Jerri Brownfield has been turning flour, frosting, and creativity into unforgettable moments for families facing childhood critical illness. In this heartfelt episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast , Jerri shares how she discovered Icing Smiles, the inspiration she found from her grandmothers, and why creating 28 dream cakes has become one of the most meaningful parts of her life. Together, Chelsea and Jerri reflect on the emotional moments behind the deliveries, the joy of celebrating children during life's hardest seasons, and why every cake is so much more than dessert—it's hope, love, and a reminder that every moment deserves to be celebrated. Whether you're a baker, a volunteer, or simply someone who believes in the power of kindness, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest acts of love can leave the biggest impact. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

What happens when a passion for baking meets a passion for community? In this episode of The Sweet Smiles Podcast , Chelsea sits down with Marissa Sertich , Executive Director of the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and one of the newest members of the Icing Smiles Board of Directors. Marissa shares her journey from pastry chef to nonprofit leader, discusses the biggest challenges facing today's independent bakeries, and explains how organizations like RBA are helping bakery owners thrive through education, networking, and professional development. The conversation also explores why giving back matters, how the partnership between Retail Bakers of America and Icing Smiles is creating new opportunities to serve families, and why a simple cake can become so much more than dessert. Whether you're a bakery owner, pastry professional, or someone who believes in the power of kindness, this episode is full of inspiration, practical insights, and reminders that together we can truly Bake a Difference. To learn more about Icing Smiles, visit www.icingsmiles.org

Monica wears many hats—respiratory therapist, mom of three, baker, and Local Outreach Ambassador—but one thing ties them all together: compassion. In this episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast , Monica shares how her grandmother sparked her love of baking, why she chose to keep baking a passion instead of a business, and how her experiences in healthcare have deepened her appreciation for celebrating life's moments—big and small. We also chat about: 🧁 How baking became her creative outlet 💜 Why she volunteers as an Icing Smiles Local Outreach Ambassador and helps connect families to our mission 🎂 Her journey auditioning for The Great American Baking Show ✨ Why passion matters more than perfection 🍰 Favorite baking trends, buttercream vs. fondant, and more! Whether you're a baker, healthcare professional, or someone who believes kindness can change a life, Monica's story is a beautiful reminder that using your gifts to serve others doesn't always look the same. Sometimes, making a difference starts with simply saying "yes" to sharing your passion. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to find your own way to Bake a Difference. 💜 To learn more about Icing Smiles, please visit www.icingsmiles.org

"Never give up. Keep trying. Things can only get better." Those simple words have guided Gavin through years of medical challenges after being diagnosed with a rare autoinflammatory disease and Crohn's disease as a child. In this inspiring episode, Gavin shares his journey from diagnosis to remission, his passion for advocacy, and the impact Icing Smiles has had on his life. As an eight-time cake recipient, he offers a firsthand perspective on how moments of celebration can bring joy, hope, and strength to families navigating critical illness. His wisdom, gratitude, and determination shine through in every part of this conversation. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

In this episode of the Icing Smiles Podcast, Chelsea Boog sits down with longtime Sugar Angel Coral Hamner of California. Since joining Icing Smiles nearly a decade ago, Coral has created 33 dream cakes and fun cakes for children and families facing critical illness. Coral shares how a love of baking, a few YouTube tutorials, and encouragement from her family turned into a passion for cake decorating and volunteer service. From delivering her very first Icing Smiles cake to a young boy named Jacob, to celebrating milestones like the end of chemotherapy and transplant anniversaries, Coral reflects on the families, memories, and life lessons that have shaped her journey. Listeners will hear heartfelt stories about the impact of donated cakes, the connections formed with families, and why Coral continues to say "yes" to volunteering year after year. Plus, she shares her favorite cake themes, decorating tips, and advice for bakers who may be considering becoming an Icing Smiles Sugar Angel. Whether you're a baker, volunteer, or simply someone who believes in the power of kindness, this conversation is a reminder that a cake can be so much more than dessert—it can create joy, celebration, and lasting memories during life's most difficult moments. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

For 15 years, Icing Smiles has had the honor of celebrating Lyla’s birthdays with dream cakes made by our incredible Sugar Angels. 💜 In this episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast, Lyla and her mom Courtney share their journey with short bowel syndrome, the impact of community support, and how something as simple as a birthday cake can create lasting memories during difficult seasons. From Minnie Mouse cakes to a show-stopping Peter Pan creation, this conversation is filled with gratitude, resilience, laughter, and hope. 🎂✨ Listen now and help us continue to bake a difference for families facing medical challenges. To learn more about Icing Smiles, please visit www.icingsmiles.org

In this deeply moving episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Brown, mother to Liam, who passed away from neuroblastoma. Amanda shares Liam’s story with honesty and love, reflecting on the journey their family walked and the lasting impact he continues to have. Through her grief, Amanda found a powerful way to honor Liam’s memory by participating in the Icing Smiles Pay It Forward program—ensuring another child and family could experience the joy of a custom celebration cake during an incredibly difficult time. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that love doesn’t end with loss. It continues forward—through generosity, through remembrance, and through the simple but powerful act of helping another family feel seen and celebrated. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Smith, Operations Director for Icing Smiles, to explore both the mission behind the organization and the personal journey that brought her to it. Lauren shares her own experience navigating medical illness and how that chapter of her life led her to discover Icing Smiles—not just as a resource, but as a community rooted in compassion. Now leading operations, Lauren offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Icing Smiles coordinates thousands of volunteer bakers to deliver custom celebration cakes to families impacted by critical illness. From managing logistics to supporting volunteers and families, she gives insight into the care and intention behind every cake. It’s a conversation about resilience, connection, and how meaningful moments—no matter how small—can bake a difference during life’s most challenging times. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

Since 2013, Mike Elder has been baking more than cakes—he’s creating moments families will never forget. In this episode, he shares his journey into baking, how he found Icing Smiles, and the incredible impact of the 32 dream cakes he’s delivered to families during their hardest times. To learn more about Icing Smiles, please visit www.icingsmiles.org

How did Icing Smiles begin, and how did it grow into a nationwide nonprofit organization? In this episode of The Sweet Smiles Podcast , founder Tracy Quisenberry shares the inspiring story behind Icing Smiles—from delivering one cake to a family in need to building a network of volunteer bakers across the country. Learn how Icing Smiles supports families impacted by critical illness through custom celebration cakes, the challenges faced along the way, and the vision for expanding awareness and impact nationwide. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in nonprofit growth, volunteer-driven organizations, baking for a cause, and stories that truly bake a difference. Learn more about Icing Smiles at www.icingsmiles.org

In this episode of The Sweet Smiles Podcast: Where smiles are baked into every story, we sit down with Shellie Allton, Icing Smiles’ Local Outreach Manager, to talk about what it truly means to be “boots on the ground” in your community. Shellie shares how local outreach plays a vital role in spreading awareness of Icing Smiles—connecting with families, building relationships, and helping more people discover the mission behind every cake. From community events to meaningful conversations, her work is all about making Icing Smiles a household name so more families can experience a moment of joy during difficult times. This episode highlights the power of showing up, speaking up, and creating connections that allow us to bake a difference far beyond the kitchen. Tune in to hear how local outreach is helping turn awareness into impact—one community at a time. If you are interested in becoming a Local Outreach Ambassador, please visit: Administrative Volunteer Questionnaire – Icing Smiles, Inc.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Sweet Smiles Podcast , an inspirational podcast sharing real stories of hope, resilience, and joy. Host Chelsea Boog—baker, nonprofit leader, and bereaved mother—introduces the mission behind Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that provides custom celebration cakes for children facing serious medical conditions and their families. In this episode, Chelsea shares her personal journey—from becoming a volunteer baker to experiencing life as a medical mom to her son Vincent, who was born with congenital heart defects. After his passing, Icing Smiles provided her family with a dream cake through their memorial program, a moment that showed how even the smallest acts of kindness can bring light during the darkest times. This podcast will feature: • Inspiring family stories • Volunteer and baker spotlights • Stories of children facing critical illness • Moments that remind us to pause, celebrate, and find joy If you’re looking for a heartfelt nonprofit podcast about giving back, baking for a cause, and making an impact, you’re in the right place. Subscribe and follow along as we continue to bake a difference—one story at a time.