Ron King shares his journey from Youngstown to becoming a successful model and now giving back through affordable fitness programs and community events. His passion for bringing people together through music and wellness shines through as he discusses his upcoming big band concert and his work at the Eugene Atkinson Recreational Center. • Affordable fitness at Eugene Atkinson Recreational Center costs just $100/year with $20 personal training sessions • Big Band concert event happening September...
Aug 12, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Karnina Szymanski, founder of The Invisible Woman Collective, shares her mission to help single mothers in Youngstown secure reliable transportation, enabling them to pursue financial stability and better care for their families. Her organization partners with local businesses and community agencies to identify struggling single mothers who are working hard but face transportation barriers. • Transportation challenges force some single mothers to wake up at 6am to make it to work by 9am • The In...
Jul 25, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 68
Marcie Consiglio, founder of Moab House, shares how a chance encounter with a traumatized foster girl transformed her from business manager to advocate for youth aging out of foster care. She describes building a residential program that provides housing, life skills training, and unconditional support to young adults who would otherwise face homelessness, exploitation, or continued cycles of trauma. • Moab House serves young adults ages 18-21 who have aged out of the foster care system • Young ...
Jul 25, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 67
Joey Mamounis, Director of Sales for Prima Kachina Group, shares his journey from a mass media communications background to becoming a marketing expert who finds unique sales angles for businesses across Youngstown. • Background in mass media communications and journalism from YSU • Working with Prima Group, overseeing Bar Prima downtown and assisting with Prima Events at the Apollo Center • Successfully marketed a CBD cannabis drinkable product to over 100 accounts across the region • Growing u...
Jun 19, 2025•29 min
Madison Orlando of Massage Alchemist shares her journey from childhood abandonment to becoming a healer who helps clients transition from physical and emotional disharmony to balance and healing. • Helping others transition from disharmony to harmony through massage therapy • The importance of stillness in receiving divine guidance among today's information overload • How emotional issues often manifest physically after being suppressed for years • Madison's remarkable life story of being raised...
Jun 19, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 65
The moment Tom Orlando's life changed forever sits at the heart of this powerful conversation. A promising football player whose career was cut short by injury, Tom found success as a business owner, growing his motorcycle dealership into the top 1% nationwide. But beneath the surface success lurked habits that would lead to devastating consequences. When a night of drinking ended in a fatal car accident that killed his friend Frank, Tom faced the unimaginable – standing before his friend's fami...
May 19, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 64
We explore the power of community connection through Boardman Neighbors, a new magazine helping Boardman residents rediscover their neighborhood one family at a time. Publisher Taryn Sallie shares her entrepreneurial journey and her mission to rebuild local connections. • Boardman Neighbors magazine features a different local family on each monthly cover • Unlike other publications, the magazine is delivered directly to residents' doorsteps without subscription • Readers have responded enthusias...
May 02, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 63
Jennifer Frank, creator of the Every Body Fashion Show, shares her journey from fashion-loving Italian girl to New York City professional and finally to passionate mentor of fashion students. • Started the Every Body Fashion Show in 2013 in memory of student Danielle Peters who passed away from complications of bulimia • Models of all shapes, sizes, and ages (from 6 months to 74 years old) walk the runway • Fashion has psychological impact, giving people opportunity to "sparkle" and feel confide...
Apr 23, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 62
Susan Sutton transforms the landscape for teen mothers through The Ember Project, an organization dedicated to empowering young mothers to pursue education and career goals despite early parenthood. Drawing from her personal experience as a teen mom who faced discouragement and stigma, Susan has created a mentorship program that helps young women maintain their ambitions while navigating the challenges of early motherhood. • The Ember Project stands for Early Mothers Becoming Empowered and Resil...
Apr 23, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 61
Jere B takes us behind the curtain of Entree Musician International, a thriving global community born during the 2020 pandemic when musicians everywhere faced the devastating reality of canceled performances. Drawing from his own career of failures and comebacks, Jere B transformed personal lessons into a movement that now connects artists across continents. What began as practical advice quickly evolved when industry veterans recognized something special in Jere B's approach. Linda Bolero from ...
Apr 21, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 60
This episode is a deep dive into Angela Johnson's transformative journey. A life coach, Angela shares her personal story of loss, love, and professional growth. She explores the importance of self-discovery, relationships, and the possibilities that come with seeking guidance. • Angela's insights on navigating loss and resilience • The balance between success and happiness in personal lives • Importance of communication and establishing boundaries • How seeking coaching parallels seeking medical...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 59
Casey Krell (cfmv.org), the inspiring president of the Community Foundation in Youngstown, joins us for a heartfelt discussion on gratitude and generosity. Despite starting her marketing and public relations career, Casey found her true calling in the nonprofit sector, using his communication skills to support community causes. She shares the challenges and rewards of fundraising and how her career evolved into a mission of giving back and becoming a beacon of hope and change in the community. W...
Nov 19, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Have you ever wondered how love can endure through the chaos of war? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Vietnam veteran Butch Shood and his wife, Joyce, as they share their incredible love story that began on roller skates and survived the trials of Vietnam through the exchange of audio tapes. Their story, filled with resilience and devotion, offers a profound glimpse into the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, showcasing the strength of the human spirit during times of confli...
Nov 12, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 57
Unlock the secrets to a healthier and more vibrant you by tuning into our latest episode of the VIP Cafe Show! We're starting with Lucia Cerimeli, the visionary owner of Color Vanity Glam Medi Spa https://colorvanitybeauty.com/ . Lucia's journey from a makeup artist battling skin issues to a holistic health advocate is inspiring. She reveals the innovative beauty and recovery treatments she's brought to Youngstown, making luxury accessible for everyone without breaking the bank. Get inspired by ...
Oct 30, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 56
What happens when you mix an entrepreneurial spirit with a penchant for processes and systems? Join us in the cozy back room of Havana House for an insightful chat with Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Growth Partners, as he shares his journey from his family business to washing semi-trucks in college. Discover how these formative experiences laid the groundwork for his understanding of business systems and the importance of transferable skills like accounting. Tim's story highlights how these skills have ...
Oct 28, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Curious about the transformative power of urban development? Join us on the VIP Cafe Show for an enlightening conversation with Eric Holm, the visionary Executive Director of Youngstown Jubilee Urban Development. We kick off the episode with our co-hosts Debbie Larson and Greg Smith, who shed light on the unique role of a Discussion Master at the local Toastmasters club, fostering open and engaging dialogues on various topics. Eric takes center stage to share his inspirational journey from a suc...
Sep 17, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 54
What if you could transform life's messiest moments into laugh-out-loud stories? On this episode of the VIP Cafe Show, we have the pleasure of chatting with Sharla Haun, a seasoned lawyer-turned-humor coach who teaches business professionals to find the funny in life's most stressful situations. Sharla takes us on her journey from a 25-year legal career to teaching English composition with a comedic twist at the University of Akron. We hear about the creative assignments she gave her students, t...
Aug 26, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 53
How does one go from higher education to becoming the first black female cider owner in Ohio? Meet Hannah Ferguson, the dynamic force behind Dope Cider House and Winery in Youngstown. After facing a tough job market and battling depression, Hannah discovered her passion for wine-making right in her mom's apartment, starting with just 10 gallons of Riesling and Shiraz. Join us as she shares her remarkable story of resilience, creativity, and the journey from academia to cider crafting. In this ep...
Aug 26, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 52
What if you could transform your life from factory floors to motivational stages? Join us as we sit down with John Ruble, a dynamic consultant coach from Achieve Your Dreams, who has done just that. John shares his inspiring journey of how a single book, "The Art of Living" by Bob Proctor, ignited his passion for helping others achieve their goals. Listen as he discusses the importance of setting stretch goals and overcoming the "terror barrier" that often holds people back. You'll hear incredib...
Jul 22, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 51
What if a single act of kindness could change the course of your life? Join us on the VIP Cafe Show as we welcome April Mason, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and owner of the enchanting Christmas Cafe in Boardman, Ohio. Hosts Greg Smith and Debbie Larson kick things off by recounting Greg's recent trip to the magnificent Gaylord Opryland in Nashville before diving into April's extraordinary journey. You'll hear about April's early aspirations of acting in Los Angeles and the winding path tha...
Jul 02, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Feel the pulse of Youngstown's jazz heartbeat as Jeff Green, president of Jazz in the Park, takes us on a melodious journey through the event's 31-year history. Wick Park comes alive in our conversation, echoing the soulful notes of generations of musicians and the laughter of families that have transformed this local celebration into a unifying force. We pay tribute to the seasoned artists whose legacies reverberate through the community and explore how this jazz fest has become a symphony of u...
May 06, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Ever wondered how the strategic game of chess can unveil life’s grander strategies? That's just a slice of what we unpacked with Mr. McGeorge, the soul behind Warriors Inc, the Chess House, and Eagle Christian Preschool and Child Care. His story, from a challenging childhood to becoming a Marine, evokes the essence of resilience. During our heart-to-heart, Mr. McGeorge opens up about how his own trials sparked a fiery dedication to nurturing the community's youth and fathers in Youngstown. His w...
May 06, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Have you ever wondered what truly connects us as human beings? This week, Debbie Larson and Greg Smith, discuss Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann's knowledge to uncover the intricate tapestry of human connection through storytelling. With Scott's insight into the M-E-S-S-S of our nature—our search for meaning seeking, emotional landscapes, social bonds, and storytelling prowess, and struggles—we traverse the emotional undercurrents that drive every decision and conversation. Our exchange hig...
May 06, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 47
When we sat down with Juan Santiago to reminisce about TEDx Youngstown, it struck us how many stories go unheard in our bustling community. Our conversation quickly branched out to the fascinating banking world beyond the vaults and interest rates—the vital community outreach and sponsorship that breathe life into our neighborhoods. Juan, with his rich family history and passionate work in community development, illuminated the transformative effects of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. It...
Apr 05, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 46
Welcome to the cozy corners of Havana House, where Youngstown's very own Rob Fernback joins us with a mug of steaming coffee and tales that'll leave you with a warm heart and a head full of dreams. This hometown hero, with roots as deep as the family tree in his spirited Italian upbringing, shares not just his journey but the laughter and grit that shaped him from a high school athlete to a community icon. It's an intimate look at how life can toss the ball in unexpected directions, from the foo...
Apr 05, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Every dollar tells a story, especially in the restaurant business. Join us as John Rudy, a culinary connoisseur and the brains behind Youngstown's new hot spot, the Varsity Club, shares a feast of wisdom on how a dollar spent wisely can be the key to success. With a nod to his roots and the values instilled by his Catholic education, John reveals the behind-the-scenes rigor of running a restaurant that's more than just about the food—it's about creating a cultural heartbeat in the heart of downt...
Feb 26, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 44
Have you ever witnessed a city's heart beat in unison with the struggles and triumphs of its people? Join us as we sit with Derek McDowell, the lifeblood of the Youngstown Flea, who shares an emotional rollercoaster of a story that mirrors the very essence of Youngstown's fighting spirit. From the devastation of his brother's murder to his own personal struggles and eventual rise as a community beacon, Derek's journey is more than inspiring—it's a blueprint for transformation. His deep-seated em...
Feb 21, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 43
Sitting with Donna McCauley at the Havana House, we're reminded of the warmth and resilience that can emanate from the most tragic circumstances. Our discussion centers on Donna's transformation from a grieving mother to a fierce advocate in the wake of her daughter Amanda's battle with addiction—a narrative that is both harrowing and inspiring. Donna's creation of a play based on Amanda's life is not just a heartfelt tribute but a potent educational piece on the dangers of drug use, particularl...
Feb 05, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 42
As the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through Havana House in Boardman, Ohio, we sit down with Nate, the remarkable teacher who traded chalkboards for vineyards. He weaves the tale of his transformation from an introverted high schooler to a spirited winemaker and owner of the enchanting Woodland Estate—a destination where "I dos" are exchanged against a backdrop of historic splendor. Nate's journey, marked by a leap from educating young minds to mastering the art of fermentation, showcase...
Jan 29, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 41
Embark on a journey through the uncharted territories of government oversight with Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber and YSU trustee Rick Frida, where vigilance meets courage in the fight against fiscal malfeasance. We'll unravel the complex tapestry of the auditor's office, a bastion of taxpayer protection, where Keith's efforts have led to an impressive 117 convictions for fraud. From the dark web of cybercrime to the poignant repercussions felt by one of our team members' families, we expose the...
Jan 25, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 40
