The James Protin Podcast

With over 450,000 dedicated followers and a staggering 10 million impressions per month, oneBURGH has become a hub for everything that makes the Steel City unique. Who is oneBURGH? Just a couple cool cats…Brian Carothers and Ed Troup. Ed is the sports director. Brian is the creative genius. They are weird. But then, so are we. That’s what makes them cool. Founded with the goal of bringing Pittsburghers closer to their city, oneBURGH started as a small social media platform focused on pop culture and sports. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, we quickly grew into the largest network in the city, offering fresh, original, and comedic content that resonates with Pittsburghers from all walks of life. While oneBURGH began as a social media platform, they’re growing far beyond that. With 10 daily posts about Pittsburgh, for Pittsburghers, the fellas highlight everything from the latest Steelers game to nostalgic throwbacks that only true Pittsburghers can appreciate. Tune in for this authentic Pittsburgh conversation, and learn the truth about how the fellas came into possession of one of the flume cars from the iconic Log Jammer ride at Kennywood As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Mike Matesic is President & CEO of Idea Foundry, Inc., is a seasoned business executive experienced in working with businesses at a variety of stages. Over the last 21 years at Idea Foundry, he has invested in and participated in the development of over 300 equitable-based small businesses and innovation-based start-ups, creating jobs in the region. Beginning in 2010 Mike led the company's global expansion, operating in China, Russia, Mexico, Vietnam, Chile and recently throughout Africa. He frequently presents on a variety of business topics from Entrepreneurship to Social Impact and Investment. Previously, Mike was Chief Executive Officer for two start-up companies and Chief Financial Officer for MetalSite, Inc., participating in the rapid growth of the company and public registration process. While at MetalSite, Mr. Matesic led the startup of the company's subsidiary, ScrapSite. Before that he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Anker Coal Group and its subsidiaries where he was responsible for Human Resources, Information Technology, Tax and Finance functions. During his ten years with Anker Coal, he led a successful registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, managed the company's substantial growth, established and invested in various start-up companies and completed many acquisitions. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

George Robinson II is Director of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion for UPMC. He joined UPMC in April 2018 to enhance strategic planning and execution in the UPMC Supplier Diversity Program. George brings to this position over 20 years of experience in Business and Engineering Administration, Government Management and Diverse Business Development. Prior to joining UPMC, George was responsible for the creation of Development (Real Estate) Services Group as Manager of Development Services for The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). Before relocating to Pittsburgh in 2013, he last served as Deputy Director of Public Utilities for the City of Toledo, Ohio and managed the city’s $521 million Federal Consent Order engineering and construction program (The Toledo Waterways Initiative). George presently serves on several local boards, including Life’s Work (Board Chair), Provident Charter Academy, Rotary Club of Pittsburgh (President), Riverside Center of Innovation, Women’s Business Entrepreneurship Council (WBEC)-East (Second Vice-Chair), Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), Laurel Highlands Boy Scouts of America, and the Pittsburgh Historical Landmarks Foundation, among others. He is graduate of the inaugural cohort of The Advanced Leadership Initiative (TALI) Executive Leadership Academy held in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and has completed Executive Education studies at Georgetown University with LEAD360. A Toledo, Ohio native, he previously completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, an MBA with specialization in Operations Management, and Ph. D studies (ABD) in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Toledo (Ohio). As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Hollie Geitner believes your story is your gift to the world and leads by the mantra: live with intention; embrace imperfection. As director of communications and brand for Duquesne Light Company (DLC), Hollie develops and shares stories to help educate, inform, and inspire their more than 1,800 employees and 600,000 customers in the Pittsburgh region. Prior to her role at DLC, she was vice president, culture and brand ambassador for WordWrite, a public relations and digital marketing agency. During her eight years there she counseled clients on bridging the gap between truth and misunderstanding, especially in times of crisis. In addition to her client responsibilities, she was accountable for the firm’s sales and marketing efforts where she collaborated with the entire team to showcase their expertise in the B2B space. Before joining the agency world, she held various PR and marketing positions, including at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allegheny Energy and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and recently earned the prestigious APR accreditation and was inducted into the PRSA Renaissance Hall of Fame for her 20+ years of career success. In 2019, she completed EDGE, a nine-month women’s leadership program offered through the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Align Leadership, as well as the EDGE Compass Senior Leadership program in 2021. Hollie is actively engaged in the community as a member of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and a member of the WLC Allegheny County Leadership Team. Additionally, she serves on the board of Pennsylvania Women Work and volunteers her time as a mentor for the Three Cups of Coffee program. She also supports Light of Life Rescue Mission and Dress for Success. She received the Community Champion award from the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce and was named a Cribs for Kids Woman of Achievement. In 2022, she was honored as an ATHENA award finalist by the Pittsburgh Technology Council which recognizes women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to the community, and help other women and girls succeed through mentorship. Additionally, she was recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine as a Woman & Business honoree in 2021 and in 2013 as a 40 Under 40 honoree—an annual recognition program managed by Pittsburgh Magazine and the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP). Outside of the office, she enjoys walking the river trails with her chocolate lab and golden retriever, kayaking, reading, crafting at home, vintage shopping, and inspiring her children to chase their dreams. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Our guest for Episode 128 is Lora McKnight, CEO of vibrantPITTSBURGH, where she leads strategic operations and program development. Lora spearheads initiatives to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Pittsburgh region. With a passion for fostering inclusive practices, Lora has crafted and implemented transformative programs to advance these crucial efforts. Previously contributing to the Immigrants and Internationals Advisory Council of Allegheny County and the Welcoming Pittsburgh Advisory Council of the City of Pittsburgh, Lora currently serves on the boards of Awaken Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance and is a recent graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh (XL Cohort, the “best cohort ever”). Her background includes roles at The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southwestern PA and Chatham University. Lora earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University and holds an MLIS degree from the University of Pittsburgh. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

There’s a quote that goes, “Nothing happens to you. Everything happens for you.” Meet our guest for Episode 127, Thomas Exler. Thomas embodies the spirit of those words. He was born with a rare birth defect called bladder exstrophy. When Thomas counts the many blessings in his life…he includes it. Because of it, and on the whole the blessings have gratefully outweighed all the negatives he has had to personally endure. Thomas is an amazing, if not heroic human being. So, what is bladder exstrophy? The word Exstrophy is derived from the Greek word ekstriphein, which literally means to “turn inside out.” Bladder exstrophy is a malformation of the bladder, in which the bladder and related structures are turned inside out. The skin of the lower abdominal wall that normally covers the bladder also does not form properly and is separated, thus exposing the inside of the bladder to the external world. If you imagine a balloon that has been split and opened up so that the inside of the balloon is visible, you will have a picture of what has happened In early 2010, Thomas founded a group called Courage to Shine, (http://www.courage-to-shine.org/) which will eventually be a patients awards program as well as a website that will feature individuals who were born with genitourinary birth defects, and have also grown up to become amazing role models as adults. Although Thomas never asked to have a stoma, no person has asked before getting sick, but Thomas believes that having a stoma should never stop anyone from doing what they want to do or accomplish in life. He believes that, “Life is wonderful, and it is not about the gifts you are given in life, it really is about how you use those gifts that is important.” As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Ginger beer that is. Our guest this week is Tyler Lewis, an accomplished marketer and entrepreneur who relocated from New York City to Pittsburgh to help launch Jackworth Ginger Beer, Pennsylvania's first ginger beer brewery. As Chief Growth Officer, Tyler is responsible for building the brand throughout Pittsburgh and beyond, with the goal of nationwide distribution. Jackworth Ginger Beer was established in partnership with Pittsburgh native, Jackworth Smith, who also serves as the head brewer and CEO. Jackworth Ginger Beer is one of only a few breweries in the United States that produces alcoholic ginger beer, while also offering non-alcoholic options - providing something for everyone. Prior to his move to Pittsburgh, Tyler co-founded an art gallery called My Pet Ram and worked as a researcher with Neuro-Insight, a New York City-based neuromarketing firm with clients such as Anheuser-Busch, Samsung, Facebook, and Twitter. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Adam Conner is the Founder of Authentic Avenue, a B2B media production and creative strategy firm, and he is our guest for Episode 125 of the podcast. Adam attended Loyola Blakefield, a Catholic, college preparatory school in Towson, Maryland before graduating from Harvard in 2014. Behind those impressive academic credentials is a bright and inquisitive creative mind that fell in love with the Dramatic Arts. You’ve probably heard about being a “left-brain” or “right-brain” person in psychology. The left brain is all about logical, analytical thinking, while the right brain is where creativity, intuition, and emotions thrive. Adam proves that both sides possess unique strengths, and work in tandem. He was a competitive public speaker from age 11-18; winning multiple state / regional / national championships. Adam’s personal interests include the creator economy, the art of interviewing and performing on camera, NASCAR, world soccer, and Baltimore sports (don’t hold that against him), theatre (stage drama / musical + limited film). This fast-paced conversation is one of our best. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Our guest this week on the podcast is Lannette McWilliams. She a native to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a rich family history being deeply rooted in our area. Her and her husband have a sixteen-year-old son and their dog Luna, a black Lab/Weimaraner mix. Lannette’s ancestors served in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, landing in Pittsburgh and were awarded property for their service by King Edward III right here in Pittsburgh. Due to her ancestral heritage, she an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She has a strong connection to the veteran’s community including her longstanding involvement with the Veterans Community Partnership. Lannette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications with a minor in Art. She completed her MBA in 2023, with dual majors in Business and Marketing, while working full-time at COhatch in Pittsburgh. Before joining COhatch, she spent most of her career as a leader in healthcare, primarily in hospice care. During her career, she has directed diverse teams across different fields. She also has extensive experience in marketing, operations, finance, fundraising, business development, event planning, and team leadership, which she continues to utilize in growing COhatch in Pittsburgh. As the Pittsburgh Market Leader at COhatch, Lannette continues her passion for connecting people and helping the community in any way she can, leveraging her broad skill set to grow COhatch in Pittsburgh. COhatch is designed to be more than just a place to work; it aims to be a dynamic environment where individuals and businesses can thrive and contribute to their local communities. COhatch offers a variety of workspaces, including private offices, dedicated desks, shared coworking areas, and meeting rooms. These spaces are designed to cater to different work styles and business needs. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Have you met Laura Bright? She is a seasoned non-profit leader, a Rotarian, and a documentary filmmaker. And that’s just for starters. Whether Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania or Kiserian, Kenya, you will find her Our guest for Episode 123 of the Podcast is a true “Jill of all Trades” whose enthusiasm is boundless. She’s bright (no pun intended), funny, passionate, and dedicated. There is nothing she can’t do when she sets her mind to it. Laura is the Executive Director of Hekima Place. Founded in 2005, Hekima Place is a safe, faith-based, loving home for orphaned and vulnerable girls in Kenya. The organization has a board and office in both Pittsburgh and in Kenya. Check out this inspiring conversation. This one is a must see. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

“All the Kings horses, and all the Kings men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again.” I’m sure you recognize that well-known nursery rhyme from your childhood but our guest this we experienced it in real life. While riding his motorcycle, he was the victim of a horrific hit and run accident that left him lying in the street broken and literally dead. Rodney was brought back to life at the scene and literally put back together After being life flighted to a trauma unit in Pittsburgh. But that’s only a part of Rodney‘s story. Rodney has over 20 years of dog training experience. His love of dogs stems from early childhood when he got his first German Shepard growing up in a small farm town in Pennsylvania. But it was Sarge, a Black Shepard/ Lab mix he adopted in 2012, that led him to his dog training business. Sarge had been abandoned and later taken to a kill shelter before he convinced Rodney to take him home. He did not know much to start but through hard work and dedication Sarge became well trained dog. After mastering all of his basic commands it was time to find Sarge a job so they assisted the State Police with missing person cases. Later Sarge was recertified and trained as a mobility service dog, then also trained and recertified as a Top Dog Therapy Dog. Finally, in 2014, Rodney took the leap of faith and started Youngwood Top Dog Services. Having both a police and military background he was excited to start and grow this new dog training business. He left his career in retail to open Youngwood Top Dog Services and now enjoys fulfilling his passion for dogs by getting to work with them every day. And there’s more… As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

After a promising freshman season at Ringgold HS as a varsity starting quarterback and letterman, Will transferred to Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) to continue his athletic and academic career. Will is the first player in WPIAL history to serve as a quarterback at the high schools that produced both Dan Marino and Joe Montana. Will is an elite level talent who intends to play in college. As an honors student, he has drawn interest from the US Naval Academy and several Ivy League schools so far. Following his midyear transfer to Central Catholic, Will earned a spot on the Vikings' Freshman baseball team, being selected captain and starting every game in centerfield, where he had a perfect fielding rating on the season. On the baseball side, he has played for the prestigious Pittsburgh Premiere travel baseball club in tournaments across the country, and for Charleroi American Legion, Ringgold Fall Varsity baseball, and several community teams. He trains at 2/10ths Speed & Agility and competes at both QB Country and the Manning Passing Academy, receiving skill instruction from 2025 NFL first round picks Drake Maye and Bo Nix, and current college players, including WVU's Garrett Greene, and NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. In the offseason, he's the signal caller for Nike PA Elite 7v7 football where he led his team to the national championship tournament in Dallas, Texas, and attends college prospect camps. Regarded as a natural and skilled leader, Will's positive influence is apparent on the field, in the classroom and in the community, as he has assisted coaching youth baseball for several years. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Brian Carothers is a 1998 Montour HS Graduate living in Moon Twp with his wife and 2 kids. Ed Troup is a 1998 Belle Vernon HS Graduate living in Cecil Twp with his wife and 2 kids. The fellas met and graduated in 2002 with a Broadcasting degree from Point Park University. They hosted a weekly radio show together, Brian/Ed/Ed/Brian. They have been best friends since. Brian has been a full-time REALTOR for 14 years. Ed has been a full-time REALTOR with Brian, we are a team for 9 years now together. Independently they are just a couple ultra cool Pittsburgh dads, but it’s when they come together that the magic happens. Like Batman and Robin, Martin and Lewis, and peanut butter and jelly this dynamic duo becomes oneBURGH! Brian acquired oneBURGH in early 2023. He owns/runs it. Ed is the sports director since August 2023. oneBURGH is Pittsburgh’s largest social media site with close to 500,000 followers. Ed hosts weekly sports podcast, the Three Rivers Podcast, every Wednesday with local Pittsburgh sports guests. Brian is the co-host. Brian also hosts a weekly podcast, PGH loves PGH, with local Pittsburgh guests. Ed is the co-host with him. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Ebtehal Badawi, an esteemed expressionist artist and dedicated culture explorer, embodies the transformative power of art. Her fervent belief in art as a potent healer and a bridge-builder has been a source of inspiration for many. Through the Pittsburgh Builds Bridges project, she has crafted art installations that not only unite the community but also promote love and acceptance. Ebtehal's remarkable journey and her capacity to effect change are truly moving, ready to inspire anyone who encounters her story. Ebtehal Badawi was born in Saudi, Arabia. Ebtehal now resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since she was in 5th grade, she always knew that she wanted to be an artist. However, she took a different path and got a bachelor’s degree in biology from King Abdul-Aziz University. Following that, she earned a master’s degree in Industrial Hygiene from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Her career path also included working as a teacher assistant. Still, she always felt that something was missing. After taking an interest in art therapy, she took the required classes in Art and Psychology to pursue that specialty and it is still ongoing. During her journey, she joined the Malian Art Institute and learned different techniques in painting. The first thing everyone notices about her art is that it is colorful and uplifting. Her art has a big influence on people. She designed a poster for anti-bullying and anti-racism which was posted in different schools in the Pittsburgh area. This was aimed to help kids understand the power of unity. She was also a part of different art shows in Pittsburgh. Ebtehal is not just an artist but is a writer and a photographer as well. She enjoys going and spending time in nature and connecting with Mother Earth and writing about her experience. Her goal as an artist is to create art that would uplift peoples’ souls and connect with more artists to share the beauty and the magic of art. Ebtehal Badawi is also a 2022 Pittsburgh TEDx speaker. Pittsburgh Builds Bridges is a community outreach movement that encourages diversity, inclusion, and connection within the community using simple actions, the stroke of a paint brush, dialogue, and awareness. Ebtehal created this movement because her son endured bullying as a young child. Unfortunately, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice, 20 percent of students ages 12-18 experience bullying. Due to this, she began teaching acceptance and love to youth and adults through painting across Pittsburgh. Along with bullying, Ebtehal quickly realized that many children and adults felt like outsiders in their community because of their race, gender, language barrier, beliefs, etc. She decided that Pittsburgh Builds Bridges was not just a social movement for anti-bullying but was also about inclusion, diversity, acceptance, and cultivating community. Pittsburgh Builds Bridges has curated events that have brought together over 4,000 children and adults to create murals that embody unison and harmony and discuss how to build bridges in their communities. These murals, dialogue, and awareness have taken place in all levels of grade schools from elementary to high schools, public and private.

Our guests for Episode 118 are three young student athletes from our region, Caleb Horner, Collin Moffett, and Anthony Bonari. They are members of the Team USA U16 Ball Hockey tram that is traveling to Slovakia in a few weeks to compete in the world championships. Caleb and Collin are from Belle Vernon and in the 11th grade a Belle Vernon Area HS, while Anthony is from West Newton and attends Yough Area HS. These guys are no strangers to winning. In addition to last year‘s bronze medal, All three play other “mainstream“ sports. Caleb has been a member of the BVA football team that won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships, Collin is a member of the Ringgold PIHL ice hockey championship team. Anthony is also a standout on the ice. You may know the sport as street or dek hockey. By whatever name, its popularity is growing around the world. All three our guests were members of the 2023 team that brought home a Bronze Medal from the Czech Republic. The 2024 edition of Team USA, led by Head Coach Willie Rennebeck and General Manager Ryan Shannon, will compete for the 2024 U16 World Junior Men's Ball Hockey Championships July 4-7 at Niké Arena in Žilina, Slovakia. The International Street & Ball Hockey Federation (ISBHF) is the global governing body of Street & Ball Hockey. Headquartered and registered in Prague, Czech Republic as a non-profit organization. The organization has 55 national associations from around the eorkd as members. Ball Hockey is a team sport and a close variation of the popular sport of ice hockey. With origins and rules tightly connected to ice hockey, the major differences are that the game is played on foot and a solid surface, most often sport-court or concrete, and a specifically designed orange ball is used instead of a puck. All ISBHF official events are held in full sized hockey arenas. Check out this interesting conversation with three of our own young men who are representing our country and competing on a global stage. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. #JamesProtinPodcast #thepersoninthechair #TeamUSA #ISBHF #LiveLoveLearnPrayInspire

Our guest for Episode 117 is Jaime Chesney. Jaime has excelled in a variety of roles in her professional life, including Vice President of Sales and Digital Marketing, New Business Development Director, Sales Director, Executive Advertising Consultant, Account Executive, Digital Media Specialist, Keynote Speaker, and Inside Sales Trainer. Her expertise spans industries such as advertising, marketing, real estate, education, and automotive. Drawing from her diverse background, Jaime has honed her ability to adapt creatively and resourcefully to her clients' ever-evolving needs. Her client-centric approach is deeply rooted in the unwavering principles of integrity and professionalism she upholds in her own life. Consequently, her clients are consistently impressed by her exceptional dedication to providing top-tier representation. Jaime is eagerly engaged in a mission to revamp the Pittsburgh real estate market by promoting the integration of environmentally sustainable materials, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation. Serving as a Real Estate advisor for both home buyers and sellers, Jaime seeks to demonstrate that luxury services can and should be built on a foundation of ethical principles. Beyond her commitment to the Pittsburgh real estate landscape, Jaime is a dedicated martial artist with a journey that commenced in 1996 with Muay Thai Kickboxing and Boxing. Through relentless determination, she achieved the title of International Muay Thai champion in 2000, in addition to other regional championships. Jaime also holds the prestigious position of an Official Judge with the Pennsylvania and West Virginia State Athletic Commissions. In 2016, she launched the Kicks4kids program, a complimentary martial arts initiative focused on fitness, self-defense, empowerment, and life skills. Jaime’s latest endeavor is a nonprofit dedicated to stopping human trafficking, rape, and child abuse. More can be learned at roadtoheal.org

Because our guest for Episode 116, Sydnee Bagovich has a number of interests and roles, she operates under the title “Connector for Good.” All of her roles do just that: As an account manager for Vitalant (formerly Central Blood Bank), she connects with people to host and support blood drives. As the co-founder of People Connectors, she connects good people for good events in cool spaces. All events include a community component, highlighting local non-profit agencies. As a 30-year addict to Jazzercise and 10 years as an instructor, she connects people for fun, energy etic workouts. As an independent consultant for Scout & Cellar, she educates people about and connects them to good, clean-crafted wines and coffees. Sydnee is ever hopeful, optimistic, and spiritual. She starts each day with: “How may I serve?” and “Let me be an inspiration to others.” She has worked in accounting, for an ad agency, management roles in a direct-mail media company, marketing manager for a start-up building efficiency company, marketing roles in the healthcare industry, agent and advisor in the insurance/financial industry, and executive director for a chamber of commerce. Her entrepreneurial ventures include leading a team selling wine with a cause and starting two businesses: The Grammar Nerd and Whirlwind Events. English was always her favorite subject in school. It seemed fitting that she and her husband bought their home from her fourth-grade English teacher, her first real influencer and the early makings of The Grammar Nerd venture. She is high adventure when it comes to eating. She will try anything but will not eat any kind of melon or cucumber. She loves wine – red, white, pink, port, and bubbles. When she’s at the computer, there is always a candle burning and music playing. She is one of three sisters, with a brother and sister who left this world far too young. Her mom is her best friend, biggest fan, and every morning sends Syd a GIF message to start her day. Some of her proudest accomplishments are getting her MBA from Katz Graduate School of Business at Pitt, learning to drive a stick at age 29, and learning to play the drums in the last two years – all with the suggestion, help, and support of her husband, Buddy. Sydnee is right at home with all of her worlds coming together, beautifully feeding her soul and making her heart sing. She’s glad to have so many good people with her on this journey. And that’s not all my friends. You’ll have to tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen in on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. #JamesProtinPodcast #PeopleConnectors #SydneeStyle #ThePersonintheChair #TrueStory #LiveLoveLearnPrayInspire

Individually, our guests for Episode 115 of the Podcast are Shawn Leopardi, President of Core3 Group, and Antonino Febbraro, President of Febbraro Media Company. Together, they are the hosts of the Boss Juice Podcast. Join us as we discuss all things podcasting, marketing, and entrepreneurship. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen in on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. #JamesProtinPodcast #BossJuice #marketing #branding #communication #ThePersonintheChair #LiveLoveLearnPrayInspire #TrueStory

Our guest for Episode 114, Lorenzo Altobelli believes that the impact we make on others shapes our legacy. As the owner and barber at LA Fades in North Belle Vernon, Lorenzo is dedicated to giving back to his community. His mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives, one haircut at a time. Lorenzo believes a barber can change lives by providing more than just a haircut. They often serve as confidants, listeners, and mentors, offering a safe space for clients to express themselves and receive guidance. By building relationships and offering support, Lorenzo positively impacts mental health and overall well-being of his customers. Additionally, through community involvement and initiatives like free haircuts for those in need, barbers can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen in on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.

Our guest for Episode 113 of the podcast is Virginia Monaghan. Virginia is a Mon Valley kid, born to a loving Italian-American family in Donora, Pennsylvania. She graduated for Donora High School in 1964 and went on to California State Teachers College with a Bachelors Degree in secondary education in 1968. Then this Mon Valley kid set off on a more than 30 year career teaching a couple generations of Mon Valley kids at Monessen (PA) High School. It was at California State Teachers College, where she was the Sigma Tau Gamma White Rose Queen and Miss Torch for the Mon Valley United Way, that she caught the eye of her husband. They were married in 1968 and remained so for 46 years until his unexpected passing in 2014. Virginia loved teaching English and Public Speaking at Monessen High School. During her career, she sponsored the newspaper, performing arts group and the broadcasting club. She received three "Great Ideas" grants and was listed in "Who's Who in America's Teachers." Virginia has one daughter, Melanie, a cohost for a Pittsburgh radio morning show and two granddaughters; Quinn, a freshman at Penn State (main) and Brecklynn an eighth-grader in the Belle Vernon Area School District. She didn’t rest on the laurels of her distinguished career. After her husband's untimely death, I started a Foundation, a (501(c)3) nonprofit to keep his legacy alive. The foundation helps underprivileged children and has been extremely successful. Virginia has written one children's book and is working on two more. She lives the mantra…you’re never too old and it’s never too late. In her spare time, this amazing woman enjoy ls walking, reading poetry, gardening and movies. This was a delightful conversation with a dedicated educator, wife, mother, and grandmother who has walks in faith and and continues to give back to her beloved Mon Valley community. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen in on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.