Ep.73 – Phil Kidd, Community Development Officer and Projects Manager

Community activist Phil Kidd never. slows. down. He’s back for round 2 on the podcast and as expected it’s worth the listen – his new CLE neighborhoods initiative (and documentary), a healthy debate on Western Reserve expansion, the history of urban planning in the Valley, its impacts and how to plan for the future. An added bonus – Phil provided some quality CLE beverages to sample.
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.72 – Joe and Stacey Rzonsa of Blue Wolf Tavern

A restaurant that’s a Valley staple, a thriving catering business, and a dedication to making our area better. That’s the result of the passion Joe and Stacey Rzonsa, owners of Blue Wolf Tavern and Blue Wolf Events, bring everyday. They joined the podcast to talk about their history, overcoming the adversity of COVID and where they’re headed. Enjoyed with some Birdfish, Modern Methods, and … Orange Avocado
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.71 – Sharon Woodberry, Youngstown City Director of Economic Development

New restaurants, new businesses, a growing nightlife and cultural scene, and even a thriving tech sector, Youngstown is coming out of the pandemic strong. And one of the women driving the vision is Sharon Woodberry, the Director of the Division of Economic Development, who joined me to spill some details on the city’s vision and plans to keep the growth going! 
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.70- Amanda and Andy of Sandy Springs Brewing

A great, quick, catch up with Andy and Amanda, owners of Sandy Springs Brewery in Minerva. They’ve been busy over the last year – adding a patio, additional space in the brewery, and finalizing a second B&B. The weather’s getting warmer, so take a day trip out to Minerva, grab one of their 16 fantastic brews on tap, and book a stay at their B&B. Can’t wait to get out there myself! 
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.69- Janelle Nagy, Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown

Our area is blessed with some amazing non-profits doing incredible work, and that includes The Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown. Director Janelle Nagy joined the podcast to talk about their work with families and their mission. And if you’re a chocolate lover looking for an excuse to fill your craving, they’ve got that too with their annual Chocolate Fest on May 6th, time is ticking so be sure to get your spot.
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.68- Ian Beniston and Tiffany Sokol, YNDC

Want to know the organization setting the tone for Youngstown’s revitalization, look no further than the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. From renovations, to helping residents become homeowners, to delving into commercial to help create complete neighborhoods, YNDC is changing the way residents feel about where they live. Executive Director Ian Benison and Housing Director Tiffany Sokol sat down to talk all this and their favorite area gems. Enjoyed with some  Noble Creature courtesy of Ian. 
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.67- Isaac and Luke Schuster, The MLO Brothers

Pot-stirring, shenanigans, and a little bit of shop. That’s what you get when have the MLO Brothers, Isaac and Luke Schuster in for an episode. One of the area’s hottest podcasts right, they spill the T on how they got started, their no holds-bar approach and where they’re headed next. Some great conversation enjoyed over Noble Creature. 
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.66- Joe Rozsa of Shale Brewing Company

What’s a one-stop shop for some good craft beer, BBQ, craft coffee and pizza? Shale Brewing Company. Joe Rosza stopped by to talk about this one of a kind brewery in North Canton that has it all, from good beer to good vibes. And their new location in Canton is serving up some good BBQ, with a coffeehouse attached. All while helping rejuvenate their community.  
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.65- Don Thomas, Platz Realty Group

Who says competitors can’t make great podcast guests? Don Thomas of Platz Realty Group swung by the studio to chat over some Penguin City. But the focus of this conversation wasn’t real estate – it’s his Combine Brothers Italian Restaurant in Hermitage. With fresh bready daily, fresh pasta dinners on Sundays and an upcoming opening Boardman, Don spills the T on how Combine’s got started, where the restaurant industry is headed, and how they plan to take advantage of it. 
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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Ep.64- Hannah Ferguson of DOPE Brand and Aspasia Bernaki of Penguin City

These two couldn’t be better guests to help us honor International Women’s Day. Aspasia Bernaki of Penguin City and Hannah Ferguson of DOPE Brand are not only two of our area’s most active entrepreneurs and advocates, but they are true role models for women all over.  Download this week’s podcast and hear these ladies’ dreams, how they got where they are, what their plans for the future, and their positive impact on the city of Youngstown. Happy International Women’s Day! And thank you Hannah and Aspasia for all the strides you’re making and the inspiration you’re providing.
 

This podcast is brought to you by Platt Insurance.

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