Shows
VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE68 The VIP Café Show with Karnina Szymanski - The Invisible Woman Collective: Empowering Single MothersKarnina 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 Invisible Woman Collective works with agencies like Beatitude House and Mercy Health to identify candidates• Recipients must have a driver's license, live in Mah...2025-07-2524 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE67 The VIP Café Show with Marcie Consiglio - Life After Foster Care: The Moab House SolutionMarcie 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 residents receive housing, meals, and life skills training in a family-like environment• Live-in house parents provide guidance while respecting reside...2025-07-2528 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE65 The VIP Café Show with Madison Orlando - Healing Through Touch: The Power of Massage TherapyMadison 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 by her invalid grandmother after losing both parents• The path from Northern Shaolin Kung Fu champion to finding her calling as a massage therapist• The healing...2025-06-1923 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE66 The VIP Café Show with Joey Mamounis - Finding Your Unique Angle: Connecting People and ProductsJoey 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 up as the grandson of Joey Naples shaped his resilience and drive• Planning to expand Youngstown Coffee Company distribution to Cleveland, Columbus...2025-06-1928 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE64 The VIP Café Show with Tom Orlando: From Prison to PurposeThe 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 family in court as "just the guy that killed their son," before serving five years in prison for manslaughter. Ra...2025-05-1936 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE63 The VIP Café Show with Taryn Sallie - Boardman Neighbors: How One Magazine is Reviving Local BondsWe 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 enthusiastically, requesting even more local content• The magazine includes "expert contributor" sections where local businesses share valuable knowledge• Taryn's entrepreneurial spirit was inspired by her great-grandmother who owned a be...2025-05-0225 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE62 The VIP Café Show with Jennifer Frank on Fashion for All: Celebrating Every BodyJennifer 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 confident• Show planning requires thousands of hours of preparation and coordination• The fashion industry now focuses more on social med...2025-04-2325 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE61 The VIP Café Show - Susan Sutton's Ember Project for Teen MothersSusan 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 Resilient• Less than 50% of teen mothers obtain high school diplomas by age 20• Even at age 40, women who had children before 20 earn 30% less than those...2025-04-2338 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityTurning Passion into Purpose: Jere B's Musical JourneyJere 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 Berkeley, Tony Bennett's former road manager Vance Anderson, and metadata strategist Daryl Looney joined forces with him to create a virtual hub where musicians could...2025-04-2126 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE59: The VIP Café Show with Angela Johnson - Life Coaching: Unpacking the Journey to Self-DiscoveryThis 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 help • Cultivating one's potential and embracing vulnerability If you're curious about how life coaching can transform your life, contact Angela on Instagram at @coachang.allin...2025-03-0629 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE58: The VIP Café Show with Casey Krell - Transforming Lives with Strategic GivingCasey 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.We explore innovative philanthropic practices and the pivotal role of community foundations in shaping a better tomorrow. Listen as...2024-11-1928 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE57 The VIP Café Show with Butch and Joyce Shood: Veteran's Tales of Courage and HeartHave 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 conflict.We also bring you the gripping experiences of a Vietnam War truck driver, whose...2024-11-1229 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE56: The VIP Cafe Show with Lucia Cerimeli - The Path to Authentic Beauty and WellnessUnlock 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 the transformative power of natural health and beauty solutions. We dive into the essential conversations about societal pressures and h...2024-10-3034 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE55: The VIP Café Show with Tim Petrey - Unlocking the Power of Generosity in BusinessWhat 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 been pivotal in his career, offering valuable insights for aspiring business owners and investors.Unravel the transformative...2024-10-2830 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE54: The VIP Café Show with Eric Holm – Restoring South High: A Journey of Nostalgia and RenewalCurious 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 successful career in tech to a newfound passion for classical architecture and urban restoration. His love for Youngstown's historic pre-1940...2024-09-1723 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE53: The VIP Café Show with Sharla Haun - Turning Our Faults into Comedy GoldWhat 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, the humor that blossomed from them, and how even those who didn't consider themselves funny learned valuable humor skills.2024-08-2630 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE52: The VIP Café Show with Hannah Ferguson - From Academia to Artisan: The Journey to Becoming Ohio's First Black Female Cider OwnerHow 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 episode, we explore the entrepreneurial spirit that propelled Hannah to success. Hear about the unique challenges she...2024-08-2632 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE51: The VIP Café Show with John Ruble - Breaking Barriers and Achieving Dreams TogetherWhat 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 incredible success stories of clients, including a state representative and entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses...2024-07-2225 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE50: The VIP Café Show with April Mason - Overcoming Hardships and Embracing Life's Unexpected PathsWhat 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 that led her to unexpected life changes and personal growth.April's story is a powerful...2024-07-0257 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE47: The VIP Café Show with Debbie and Greg - Building Bridges Through the Power of Shared NarrativesHave 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 highlights how these threads are woven into our lives, from personal interactions to grander social dynamics.Struggle, an experience as common as the air we breathe, is a...2024-05-0624 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE48: The VIP Café Show with Joe McGeorge - Strategies for Life: Chess, Resilience, and CommunityEver 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 words are not just inspiring—they're a call to action for anyone who's ever faced adversity and searched for...2024-05-0631 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE49: The VIP Café Show with Jeff Green - Jazz in the Park: A Melodious Expedition through Youngstown's Vibrant Music SceneFeel 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 unity, joy, and artistic expression.Imagine an event where the smooth allure of jazz meets the...2024-05-0632 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE45: The VIP Café Show - Rob Fernback's Tale of Grit, Business, and Cultural CharmWelcome 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 football field to the buzzing world of pest...2024-04-0520 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE46: The VIP Café Show - Juan Santiago on Youngstown's Resilience and the Power of Community InvestmentWhen 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's not just about loans and savings; it's about providing a 'hand up' to entrepreneurs and homebuyers who dream of a better tomorrow.Ev...2024-04-0525 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE44: The VIP Café Show with John Rudy - The Secret Sauce of Success: Reviving Youngstown's Heartbeat at the Varsity ClubEvery 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 downtown Youngstown.The threads of community and sports are tightly woven in...2024-02-2630 minVIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our CommunityE43: The VIP Café Show with Derrick McDowell - Embracing the Heartbeat of Youngstown: A Tale of Resilience, Moral Dilemmas, and Creative RenewalHave 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 empathy and drive to rejuvenate his city through the Flea serve as a stirring reminder of what can bl...2024-02-2143 min