VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our Community

Hosted by Debbie Larson and Greg Smith

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Aug 2025

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About the show

Friendships begin based on numerous circumstances. Many are created because of similar interests and hobbies. For example, being part of the same sports team or maybe being a member of the same academic club. Other friendships are formed based on proximity or what neighborhood you grew up in. Whatever the reason, having a good solid friendship is a wonderful thing.We believe Podcasts are very similar to friendships. They are many times created by a few people who have common interests and share a similar vision. They are generally formed to help “inform” others about a variety of topics and subject matter. The question many Podcasters ask themselves is….why me/us? With so many options to choose from as a listener, what makes one Podcast better than another? We believe it all begins with….a good host or pair of hosts! That is exactly how The VIP Café Show came to fruition. Two friends, Greg Smith and Brian Blasko had a conversation while enjoying a cigar on a cool crisp January evening and the rest as they say…is history.The VIP Café Show was created to inform, educate and entertain listeners from the great city of Youngstown, OH. Although The VIP Café Show listeners reach far beyond the Youngstown area, the primary focus of the show is to highlight local “Youngstowners” and to hear their story. The Podcast also dives into a variety of fascinating topics besides Youngstown. Greg and Brian love discussing leadership, public speaking, customer care, team building, and life in general. They are always fascinated by what makes people tick and how people became (or are becoming) the person they are today! The VIP Café Show is a fun and informative program that engages the audience with every interview, conversation, and dialog that transpires.

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60 recent

August 12, 2025Episode 6937 min

E69 The VIP Café Show with Ron King - The Art of Living with Intention

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 5th at Eugene Atkinson Pavilion featuring Dave Banks Big Band• Ron's modeling career included being the Bacardi Rum spokesperson for 8 years with billboards nationwide• Strong mother who raised him single-handedly and worked at Youngstown Hospital for 37 years without owning a car• Philosophy that "our responsibility in life is not to change people, it's to learn people"• Upcoming comedy venue "Let's Laugh" being developed in AkronFor more information about the September 5th big band event or to become a sponsor, call Ron King at 201-522-0041 or email ronaldking611@gmail.com. Tickets are $10 with free parking, gates open at 5pm.

July 25, 2025Episode 6824 min

E68 The VIP Café Show with Karnina Szymanski - The Invisible Woman Collective: Empowering Single Mothers

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 Invisible Woman Collective works with agencies like Beatitude House and Mercy Health to identify candidates• Recipients must have a driver's license, live in Mahoning County, and be primary custodial parents• Their first car recipient was struggling to afford balloons for her one-year-old son's birthday• Karnina's motivation stems from growing up in a family of strong single mothers in Youngstown• The organization held a successful Harlem Renaissance-themed fundraiser with community support• Donations are tax-deductible through their fiscal partner, Motherful, a 501(c)(3) organization• Future goals include expanding services and education around financial literacyVisit invisiblewomancollective.com or follow @theinvisiblewomancollective on Instagram to learn more and support their mission.

July 25, 2025Episode 6728 min

E67 The VIP Café Show with Marcie Consiglio - Life After Foster Care: The Moab House Solution

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 residents receive housing, meals, and life skills training in a family-like environment• Live-in house parents provide guidance while respecting residents' autonomy as adults• The program simulates apartment living while offering crucial support during transition to independence• Success stories include residents overcoming behavioral challenges to maintain employment and graduate• The organization operates primarily through volunteers and community support• Moab House takes an approach of unconditional love rather than judgment• 20% of foster youth become homeless immediately upon emancipation at 18• The organization recently acquired a 15-passenger van to transport residents to work and schoolJoin us for the 5th annual Cruisin' for a Cause car show on July 19th at Struthers High School from 10am-2pm to support Moab House. Visit moabhouse.org or cruisinforacause.com to learn more, donate, or get involved.

June 19, 202528 min

E66 The VIP Café Show with Joey Mamounis - Finding Your Unique Angle: Connecting People and Products

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 up as the grandson of Joey Naples shaped his resilience and drive• Planning to expand Youngstown Coffee Company distribution to Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh• Values customers who truly listen and commit to the marketing process• Credits his 7th/8th grade teacher Mike Kerensky as a significant mentorVisit Prima Cucina Italiana at 4500 Mahoning Avenue—"We're white tablecloth, but we're not pretentious. Come and have Italian like you've never had anywhere else."

June 19, 2025Episode 6523 min

E65 The VIP Café Show with Madison Orlando - Healing Through Touch: The Power of Massage Therapy

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 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 power of vulnerability and being truly heard by another person• How witnessing acts of kindness triggers the same positive endorphins as performing themConnect with Madison through the Massage Alchemist Facebook page to schedule a session and experience transformation through therapeutic massage.

May 19, 2025Episode 6436 min

E64 The VIP Café Show with Tom Orlando: From Prison to Purpose

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 family in court as "just the guy that killed their son," before serving five years in prison for manslaughter. Rather than surrendering to despair, Tom discovered Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" and convinced prison authorities to let him teach these principles to fellow inmates.Tom shares the raw emotional weight of his experience with remarkable vulnerability, from the "empty chair" at his friend's family holiday gatherings to the blood-spattered newspaper when another inmate was stabbed beside him in the prison library. Through it all, Tom developed a philosophy that leadership isn't about titles but about "being in charge of the people that do the job and being responsible for those people."Now working as a leadership expert and recovery coach, Tom's most rewarding moment came years after his release, when a former inmate approached him on a train platform to share how Tom's prison teachings had transformed his life. This powerful testament affirms Tom's belief that everyone has "a God-shaped hole" they attempt to fill, and his mission to help others find healthy ways to fill that void.Connect with Tom on LinkedIn or visit TheTomOrlando.com to learn how his extraordinary journey of redemption can help transform your organization or personal life.

May 2, 2025Episode 6325 min

E63 The VIP Café Show with Taryn Sallie - Boardman Neighbors: How One Magazine is Reviving Local Bonds

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 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 beauty salon• The publication serves as a platform for local businesses to connect with community members• Taryn's contact information: 330-333-8227 or tsallie@bestversionmedia.com

April 23, 2025Episode 6225 min

E62 The VIP Café Show with Jennifer Frank on Fashion for All: Celebrating Every Body

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 confident• Show planning requires thousands of hours of preparation and coordination• The fashion industry now focuses more on social media influencers than traditional magazines• Understanding your body type helps you adapt fashion trends to what works for you• Mentoring students is Jennifer's greatest joy and successThe Every Body Fashion Show will be held May 7th at Eastwood Event Center, doors open at 5:30pm, show starts at 6:30pm. Free admission. Anyone interested in modeling should email Jennifer at jmfrank@ysu.edu right away.

April 23, 2025Episode 6138 min

E61 The VIP Café Show - Susan Sutton's Ember Project for Teen Mothers

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 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 who waited until after 25• The program offers tutoring, test preparation, college application assistance, resume writing, and job coaching• Teen mothers are matched with successful mentors who were also teen mothers• The project focuses on the mothers rather than just providing for their children• Society often labels teen mothers as "lost causes" when they actually need support to reach their potential• Success is measured through diplomas, degrees, and "moms with direction"• The cycle of teen pregnancy often continues through generations without intervention• Susan's journey to founding the organization came after recognizing the limited legacy she was leavingVisit theemberproject.org or find us on social media to learn more about volunteering or applying for the program.

April 21, 2025Episode 6026 min

Turning Passion into Purpose: Jere B's Musical Journey

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 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 grow together through honest feedback and encouragement.The magic happens in Jere B's collaborative sessions where musicians present their work to receive constructive criticism from seasoned professionals. One participant, a young Youngstown native named Jaron Brooks, has been working with Jere B since age 16 and is developing into "the next Usher" through this mentorship. Jere B's production philosophy echoes that of his heroes Arif Martin and Quincy Jones—drawing out each artist's authentic spirit rather than chasing fleeting trends.Having started his musical journey as a church drummer at four years old, Jere B learned his craft by studying the masters. He shares insights on finding your musical voice through careful study of influences (like Prince did with James Brown and Little Richard) while emphasizing that true musicianship requires more than talent—it demands the right mindset, discipline, and focus.For Jere B, music must fulfill four essential purposes: engage the spirit, enrich the heart, encourage the soul, and empower the listener. This philosophy guides everything he creates and produces. Ready to unlock your potential as an entrepreneur musician? Visit https://theentremusician.com/ or join Jere B's free workshop on April 3rd, focusing on sharpening your musical mindset.