Good Neighbor Podcast: Pittsburgh

Leila Carter
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Pittsburgh. Good Neighbor Podcast hosted by Leila Carter helps residents discover and connect with your local business owners in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Is your business serving the residents of Pittsburgh? Then, we need to talk! Visit gnpPittsburgh.com to schedule your free interview.

  1. 4D AGO

    E121: Meet Your Reliable Resource for Repairing Pittsburgh Homes: East End Handyman Company

    Send a text What makes Patrick Goncalves McLaren with East End Handyman Company a good neighbor?   “Handyman” shouldn’t mean guesswork, cash-only vibes, or being told “don’t worry about it” while someone disappears into your walls. We’re joined by Patrick Goncalves McLaren from East End Handyman Company- a Regent Square based Pittsburgh handyman service built around professionalism, clear communication, and work that holds up long after the tools are packed away. Patrick shares his winding path from software engineering to home repairs and remodeling, including the mindset shift that comes from learning to fix what you have, and refusing to "gate-keep" basic home maintenance knowledge. We talk about what he can handle day to day, why some projects can be quoted from photos while others need a deeper look, and how Pittsburgh’s aging housing stock makes honesty and detail even more important. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed hiring help for a light fixture swap, drywall repair, or even a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, this conversation offers a calmer, clearer way to think about it. We also dig into the surprisingly simple marketing that keeps his schedule full: neighborhood focused outreach, community visibility, Google reviews, and an updated website, plus the practical reason he tries to keep jobs close to home. And for anyone who loves old houses, you’ll hear why he prefers repairing and restoring character over automatically replacing everything, including the kind of quirky vintage features you only find in classic Pittsburgh homes. If you enjoy meeting trustworthy local businesses, subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more homeowners can find the show. To learn more about East End Handyman Company go to:  http://eastendhandy.com East End Handyman Company (412)-339-8369

    15 min

  2. 4D AGO

    E120: How Terina Hicks Turned a Family Peach Cobbler Recipe Into a Bakeshop Icon

    Send a text What makes Terina Hicks with CobblerWorld  a good neighbor?   A layoff can end a chapter or start a new one, and Terina Hicks chose the second path. We talk with the founder of CobblerWorld about how a love of old-fashioned desserts and a family peach cobbler tradition grew into a Pittsburgh bakery brand that keeps people coming back. If you have ever searched for a grab and go bake shop in Pittsburgh, wondered what it takes to build a loyal customer base, or dreamed of turning your baking into a real small business, Terina’s story is packed with real-world lessons. We get into the craft side too: why baking is not “easy,” how precise measurements separate flat cakes from perfect ones, and how experimentation leads to signature items like sweet potato cheesecake and other creative flavors. Terina also shares a key business insight that changed her menu strategy: not everyone likes cooked fruit, so expanding into pound cakes, cheesecakes, banana bread, pineapple zucchini bread, key lime pie, and more helped CobblerWorld serve more tastes while still honoring its roots. Marketing matters, and Terina breaks down one of the fastest ways she built visibility: working farmers markets repeatedly until customers recognized her name and trusted the product. We also talk about life beyond the oven, including music, travel, and the personal resilience behind continuing as a one-woman operation. By the end, you will know what Terina wants every customer to remember: the work comes from passion, and it shows in every bite, whether you visit her Pittsburgh locations or spot CobblerWorld treats at local retailers. If you enjoy conversations with local business owners, Pittsburgh food stories, and practical entrepreneurship advice, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the show. To learn more about CobblerWorld  go to:  http://cobblerworld.com/ CobblerWorld  412.584.2105

    12 min

  3. MAR 11

    E119: How Brian Miller Turned Dancing in the Club to DJing Weddings Near & Far

    Send a text What makes Brian Miller with Steel Millz Entertainment a good neighbor?   Most people think a DJ’s job is to press play and keep the dance floor packed. The truth is a great mobile DJ is also the person quietly steering the timeline, reading the room, and saving the night when plans change without warning. That’s why we sat down with Brian Miller from Steel Millz Entertainment, a Pittsburgh-area traveling DJ who brings wedding and event entertainment to clients across the region, even hours from home.  Brian shares how he got started, going from spending nights dancing in clubs to buying equipment and jumping into DJing headfirst. We unpack the myths that come from TV and radio and talk about the real craft behind professional DJ services, especially at weddings where structure matters. From introductions to key moments like walking down the aisle, the details can’t be left to chance, and Brian explains how the right music at the right time keeps everything feeling natural.  We also get practical about the booking side of the business: how a wedding DJ or party DJ gets found online through a website and platforms like Thumbtack, what clients ask for, and how playlists really work. Brian breaks down the balance between a couple’s must-play songs and the go-to selections that help maintain energy across generations of guests. His biggest focus stays the same throughout: make every event personal, stay flexible, and work with people to make the night run smoothly.  If you’re planning a wedding, graduation, or private party and searching for a Pittsburgh DJ who can travel, this conversation will help you know what to ask and what great service sounds like. Subscribe for more local business stories, share this with a friend planning an event, and leave a review with your number one must-play song. To learn more about Steel Millz Entertainment go to:  http://www.steelmillzentertainment.com/ Steel Millz Entertainment Contact Form

    7 min

  4. MAR 6

    E118: Preservation Over Replacement: Saving Century-Old Windows in Pittsburgh with Allegheny Designs

    Send a text What makes David Flannery with Allegheny Designs a good neighbor?   Ever wonder why those wavy-glass, wood-framed windows in older homes refuse to quit? We sit down with David Flannery of Allegheny Designs to uncover the surprising truth: the classic double-hung window was essentially perfected in the 19th century, built from dense old growth wood that shrugs off insects and weather, and designed for natural ventilation long before air conditioning. David shares how careful restoration- using spring bronze weatherstripping and traditional glazing putty- brings century-old sash back to life for another hundred years without sacrificing authenticity. We dig into the myths pushed by the replacement window industry and explain why many modern units are a short-term fix compared to properly repaired originals. David walks us through what homeowners should look for, from failing putty to surface checks that seem scary but are often cosmetic. He also reveals how a simple airflow trick- raising the bottom sash and lowering the top- can cool a house and cut reliance on mechanical systems. Beyond the craft, we talk about the surge in demand, multiyear waitlists, and the growing, collaborative network of restoration pros across the country, including many women-led shops setting the standard for quality and mentorship. You’ll come away with practical insight on preserving architectural character, improving comfort, and making smarter, more sustainable choices for your home. If you’ve ever faced the decision to replace or restore, this conversation offers a clear, values-driven roadmap. Listen now, then subscribe, share with a neighbor who loves historic homes, and leave a review so more people can find the show. To learn more about Allegheny Designs go to:  https://www.alleghenydesigners.com/ Allegheny Designs (412) 694-8269 E: david@restoringwindows.com

    15 min

  5. FEB 28

    E117: Processing Grief Starts with Grace: How Compassion & Faith Built Calvin L Sheffield Funeral Home

    Send a text What makes Calvin Sheffield with Calvin L. Sheffield Funeral Home a good neighbor?   Grief doesn’t wait for paperwork, and neither does true service. We sit with Pittsburgh funeral director Calvin Sheffield for a rare, heartfelt look at what compassionate end-of-life care really takes- and why he refuses to let cost stop families from calling. From the first urgent hours after a death to the moment loved ones see a face at peace, Calvin explains how speed, skill, and empathy create a lasting “memory picture” that softens sorrow and honors a life well lived. Calvin’s journey starts in childhood, following his minister father into funeral homes and finding calm where others expected fear. That quiet calling grew into six decades of practice, a commitment to community, and a home on Allegheny Avenue that almost slipped through history’s cracks. He tells the story of discovering a neglected building through an unexpected encounter, seeing potential where others saw risk, and restoring it with historic preservation support. Today, that Northside landmark stands as more than a workplace- it’s a promise kept to Pittsburgh families who need steady hands in their hardest moments. We dive into common funeral myths, the practical realities of preparation, and the deep impact of meeting families with kindness first. Calvin also reflects on basketball, coaching, and the resilience sports taught him- lessons he carries into each arrangement, each viewing, each final farewell. The through-line is clear: service over sales, dignity over noise, and faith that the right care at the right time changes everything. If this conversation helped you see funeral care, grief, and community service in a new light, share it with a friend who might need it, subscribe for more good neighbor stories, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice helps keep these local stories alive. To learn more about Calvin L. Sheffield Funeral Home go to:  https://www.sheffieldmemorialservices.org/ Calvin L. Sheffield Funeral Home (412)322-2530

    32 min

  6. FEB 27

    E116: Equine Therapy Turns Trauma into Triumph at Horse N Soul

    Send a text What makes Pamela Venarre with Horse N Soul a good neighbor?  Step into the arena with us and meet Pamela Venarre, founder of Horse N Soul, where equine-assisted therapy and riding lessons help people heal, lead, and rebuild confidence. Pamela shares how her own history of trauma led her to horses when talk therapy alone wasn’t enough, and how that turning point became a 20+ year mission to create a safe, non-judgmental sanctuary for growth. You’ll hear how gentle, structured work with calm, carefully selected horses teaches emotional regulation, boundaries, and leadership- often before anyone ever climbs into a saddle. We explore two moving transformations that show the power of small, courageous acts. A teenage survivor, struggling with an eating disorder, found steadiness by grooming, touching, and learning to lead a horse that responded to her energy. With her therapist and parents engaged, that progress carried into daily life.  A grieving widow, paralyzed by paperwork and fear, learned to pick up a horse’s hoof- and discovered she could lift heavy things outside the barn too. These stories anchor a conversation about why horses are such effective partners in trauma recovery: they’re non-judgmental, exquisitely sensitive to body language, and they mirror our inner state with honesty that’s firm but kind. We also tackle common myths about safety and explain how Pamela builds sessions around trust, time, and clarity, from first touch to trail rides across 118 acres. Beyond the barn, Pamela’s heart for service, mission trips, and family shines through, fueling the compassion she brings to every client. If you’re curious about equine therapy, leadership training through groundwork, or the practical steps that help fear turn into forward motion, this conversation offers insight and hope. Ready to learn more or share this story with someone who needs it? Listen now, subscribe for new episodes, and leave a quick review to help neighbors find local businesses making a real difference. To learn more about Horse N Soul go to:  https://horsensoul.com/ Horse N Soul 724-288-6088

    14 min

  7. FEB 27

    E115: From Manuscript To Market: Turning Authors Into Confident Marketers with Word Association Publishers

    Send a text What makes Francine Costello with Word Association Publishers a good neighbor?   What if publishing didn’t feel like chasing gatekeepers but like joining a craft-focused community that tells you the truth and helps your book find its readers? We sit down with publisher Francine Costello of Word Association Publishers for a candid, energizing look at how serious authors can publish without an agent, market with confidence, and build a career that lasts beyond launch day. Francine traces her path from CBS Radio News and her husband’s university classroom to a boutique publishing house built on editorial rigor, high production values, and radical honesty. We unpack the difference between vanity presses that print and vanish and a professional partner that reads closely, gives specific notes, and stands by authors for years. From developmental edits to design choices that signal credibility on a shelf, Francine shows how quality becomes your most reliable marketing channel. Then we move from quiet drafts to public stages. Forget the lonely bookstore table; Francine’s team runs dynamic “gathering of authors” events with music, five-minute author spotlights, and a pop-up bookstore that turns attention into sales. We dig into practical book marketing- business cards that work, posters that travel, simple social media routines- and why speaking clearly about your book in under five minutes changes everything. Along the way, we explore organic growth, like the marketer who discovered their imprint on a niche title and opened a referral pipeline that still brings in clients. You’ll also hear about the community that forms around their press- authors who return year after year, vibrant classes at the Pittsburgh Festival of Books, and a forthcoming project tied to Brown v. Board of Education that shows how publishing can preserve history and amplify voices. If you’re weighing self-publishing versus traditional routes, or wondering how to promote your book without cringing, this conversation offers a roadmap grounded in craft, candor, and community. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a writer who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more authors find their path. To learn more about Word Association Publishers go to:  https://www.wordassociation.com/ Word Association Publishers (724)226-4526

    13 min

  8. FEB 24

    E114: Drones, Homes, & Helping Others: Pittsburgh's Drone Company That Puts Neighbors First

    Send a text What makes Dr. Lori Paluti with Pittsburgh Drone Services a good neighbor?   A wrong turn into a toy store set Dr. Lori Paluti on a path to reinvent how Pittsburgh cares for its homes and buildings. What started with a tiny quadcopter became Pittsburgh Drone Services, a people-first company using aerial imaging and ground cameras to document properties clearly, respectfully, and without barriers. We dive into how drones reveal the truth about roofs, gutters, chimneys, and foundations, giving homeowners, buyers, and remote investors an honest picture before they make costly decisions. We talk through the full inspection workflow: high-resolution flights, systematic capture, and visual reports that translate technical findings into plain language. Instead of “gotcha” lists, clients get context, photos, and clear priorities that de-stress planning and support bids, negotiations, and insurance claims. Along the way, Dr. Lori breaks stubborn myths about drones and shares the grassroots outreach that opened doors- setting up at bookstores, letting people handle the aircraft, and proving drones can be community tools for safety, maintenance, and even wedding videography. The heart of the conversation centers on access. Seeing how many neighbors lacked pathways into tech, Dr. Lori built a workforce track that offers free education and certification with local partners. Graduates earn priority on projects, turning training into real income and strengthening the city’s repair and revitalization efforts. We also reflect on the power of direct, face-to-face contact in an age of forms and inboxes- why a real conversation can surface the detail that changes a repair plan, a budget, or a timeline. And yes, creative hobbies like model trains and dioramas make an appearance, revealing how play fuels clearer, calmer decision-making on the job. If you care about home maintenance, neighborhood revitalization, or practical ways technology can serve people, this story will land. Listen, share it with a neighbor who worries about their roof, and leave a review to help more Pittsburgh homeowners and investors find practical, people-centered property insights. To learn more about Pittsburgh Drone Services go to:  www.pittsburghdroneservices.net Pittsburgh Drone Services (412)278-7591

    20 min
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About

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Pittsburgh. Good Neighbor Podcast hosted by Leila Carter helps residents discover and connect with your local business owners in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Is your business serving the residents of Pittsburgh? Then, we need to talk! Visit gnpPittsburgh.com to schedule your free interview.

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