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. JAN 30

    E108: Whole-Person Healing with WAY Wellness Center: The Family Clinic That Listens and Connects Root Causes

    What makes Daniel Johnson with WAY Wellness Center a good neighbor?   Looking for relief that actually lasts and care that treats your whole life, not just one symptom at a time? We sit down with Daniel Johnson of WAY Wellness Center, a family-run clinic near Pittsburgh’s Waterworks Plaza offering acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, and natural allergy elimination. Daniel shares how his path from psychology and neuroscience to traditional Chinese medicine shaped a practice that listens deeply, identifies root causes, and works alongside Western care to help people feel better and stay better. We dive into what acupuncture really feels like and clear up the biggest myth: it shouldn’t hurt. Daniel explains why many patients nap during sessions, how single-use sterile needles and precise techniques keep treatments comfortable, and why calming the nervous system is often the first step toward easing chronic pain, anxiety, and digestive flare-ups. We also unpack their specialty in women’s health and fertility, including collaborations with local fertility clinics to regulate cycles, support medical protocols, and promote healthy pregnancies with acupuncture and targeted herbs. Beyond protocols, the conversation centers on whole-person thinking. Rather than chasing symptoms, the team looks for patterns: coldness, stagnation, and deficiency- which show up across sleep, digestion, immunity, and mood. When those patterns shift, life gets easier: fewer flare-ups, clearer energy, and better rest. Daniel also talks about community, word-of-mouth referrals, and why the clinic’s goal is to get people well enough to need them less. If you’re tired of quick fixes and want a grounded path to balance, this clinic is for you. Subscribe for more local stories and practical wellness insights, share this episode with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find the show. Ready to connect with WAY Wellness Center? Explore their site, book a free consultation, and get your questions answered. To learn more about Way Wellness Center go to:  https://waywellnesscenter.com/ Way Wellness Center (412) 772-1461

    12 min

  2. JAN 14

    E107: The Right Recovery Plan Beats Raw Hustle: Customized Sports Training with Antonio Williams that Speeds Comebacks from Injury

    What makes Antonio Williams with Next Level Athletic Fitness a good neighbor?   What if the secret to faster performance isn’t working harder, but working in the right direction? We sit down with Antonio Williams of Next Level Athletic Fitness to unpack a science-led approach that starts with assessment, builds with progression, and finishes with results you can feel. From youth athletes to pros, his method pinpoints weak, tight, overactive, and underactive muscles, then designs training that accelerates gains while reducing injury risk. Antonio shares how his own journey from college and arena football to NFL Pro Day reshaped his mindset: speed and strength come from strategy, not guesswork. We tackle two big myths head-on. First, the go-harder culture that spikes injuries every January; he explains why gradual progress outperforms all-out intensity. Second, the ice debate: while numbing feels good, restricting blood flow can slow the inflammatory phase your body needs to heal. He offers a practical framework for recovery that prioritizes circulation, range of motion, and tissue resilience over quick fixes. The conversation goes deeper with hypermobility and why cookie-cutter plans fail athletes whose joints move beyond normal ranges. Antonio shows how a single insight- like spotting hypermobility- can flip a program and unlock elite outcomes, from all-state honors to Division I scholarships. We also talk about helping the general population: desk workers with back or shoulder pain, former athletes with old injuries, and anyone seeking a non-opioid path to feeling strong again. Expect clear takeaways, real-case wins, and a commitment to unbiased, research-backed coaching. Ready to train smarter, recover faster, and keep the joy in movement? Listen now, subscribe for more conversations with local experts, and leave a review to tell us your biggest training myth to tackle next. To learn more about Next Level Athletic Fitness go to:  http://www.nextlevelathleticfitness.com/ Next Level Athletic Fitness (412) 346-6089

    16 min

  3. JAN 13

    E106: How a Pittsburgh CPA Firm Cuts Through Tax Myths and Helps Small Businesses Thrive

    What makes Benjamin McPherson with Benjamin McPherson CPA a good neighbor?   Tired of tax tips that sound great on social media but fall apart when you file? We bring on Pittsburgh’s own Benjamin McPherson, CPA, to separate hype from help and show how small business owners and families can make smarter, simpler choices this season. From entity selection to overtime rules, he translates dense regulations into plain language and practical steps you can use right away. Benjamin shares how a professor’s push toward accounting shaped his career and led to a two-office firm serving the North Hills and Butler communities. We dig into who truly benefits from S corp status, how bookkeeping and payroll tie directly to tax outcomes, and why clean records are the difference between confident deductions and costly audits. He also addresses the internet’s favorite misunderstandings- like the idea that property taxes vanished or that all overtime is tax-free- and explains what actually changed, what didn’t, and where the fine print hides. Beyond the headlines, this conversation is about service. While many firms move to anonymous drop-off models, Benjamin keeps a human touch: face-to-face meetings, secure portals, and clear answers on the spot. If you’ve wondered whether to stick with DIY software or hire a pro, you’ll hear a candid breakdown of cost, value, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a single-member LLC, a growing partnership, or a family filing together, you’ll leave with a better map: how to prepare, what to document, and which questions to ask before you sign. If this helped you cut through the noise, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s gearing up for tax time, and leave a quick review so more neighbors can find real guidance without the guesswork. To learn more about Benjamin McPherson CPA go to:  https://benmcpcpa.com/ Benjamin McPherson CPA (412) 342-8808

    11 min

  4. JAN 12

    E105: Choosing Space And Time Over Lethal Force: Patrick Cranston of Paratus Self Defense Offers a Better Way to Protect Yourself

    What makes Patrick Cranston of Paratus Self Defense a Good Neighbor? Ever wish personal safety came with more choices than “do nothing” or “use lethal force”? We sit down with Patrick Cranston of Paratus Self Defense to unpack a smarter middle ground: Berna launchers that fire kinetic or pepper projectiles to stop threats, create space, and get you home safe without the life-altering consequences of a firearm discharge. Patrick shares the road rage moment that changed his thinking as a concealed carry holder and sparked a business built on practical protection. We break down how Berna works- air-powered launchers with five-round magazines, minimal recoil, and simple readiness- plus why legality matters: they’re legal in all 50 states with no permits required. You’ll hear how chemical rounds form a six-foot irritant cloud, how kinetic hits deliver painful deterrence, and why proportional force can defuse a confrontation faster than you think. We also dig into the biggest myths around less lethal defense and talk about who benefits most: women seeking confidence without lethal consequences, older adults who prefer lighter, easier tools, and new defenders who want real capability without complex licensing. Patrick explains why training turns equipment into outcomes and how Paratus’ in-store demo range lets customers try before they buy, bring family members for instruction, and build muscle memory for high-stress moments. If you’ve wondered how to balance safety, ethics, and legal risk, this conversation offers a clear framework and a practical tool to add to your personal security plan. Subscribe, share this with someone who wants options, and leave a review with your biggest question about less lethal self-defense- we might feature it next time. To learn more about Paratus Self Defense go to:  https://www.paratusselfdefense.com/ Paratus Self Defense (724) 453-4030

    14 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    E104: Ethical Esthetics: Skincare through Trust, Balance, and Facial Massage

    What makes Dana Ralutz with Ethical Esthetics a good neighbor?   Want healthier skin without the pressure to buy more and exfoliate harder? We sit down with Dana Ralutz, owner of Ethical Esthetics in Moon Township, to unpack a barrier-first approach that calms inflammation, protects the microbiome, and makes facial massage a powerful (and relaxing) tool for tone, circulation, and glow. Dana shares how her COVID-era shift from HR to Esthetics reshaped her philosophy: educate before selling, simplify routines, and match treatment cadence to the skin’s actual needs. We talk about the myths that keep people stuck- like monthly dermaplaning as a rule- and why stripping oils and cells can backfire. Dana explains how hidden exfoliants in cleansers and toners stack up, how to set realistic timelines for correction versus maintenance, and when to stretch visits to every two or three months once balance returns. If your skin feels tight, red, or chronically “dehydrated yet oily,” her advice on rebuilding the acid mantle, adjusting actives, and prioritizing moisturizers will feel like a reset. You’ll also hear why facial massage belongs in your toolkit. Think of it as strength training for the face: targeted moves support lymph flow, reduce puffiness, ease jaw and brow tension, and encourage a lifted look over time. Dana’s studio model includes a complimentary 10-minute consultation to align home care with results, and seasonal treatments- like a hot chocolate hydrofacial with a peppermint scalp massage- that deliver both science and comfort. Along the way, we touch on community, small business love, and finding joy in simple, consistent routines that let skin do what it’s built to do. If you’re ready for skincare that favors trust over tactics and resilience over quick fixes, this conversation will help you pare back, focus on what works, and enjoy the process. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s overexfoliating, and leave a review to tell us the biggest skincare myth you’re letting go of. To learn more about Ethical Esthetics go to:  https://www.ethicalpittsburgh.com/ Ethical Esthetics (412) 716-4180

    12 min
  6. E103: Rethinking Pain with American Back Centers: From Frustration To Noninvasive Relief

    12/10/2025

    E103: Rethinking Pain with American Back Centers: From Frustration To Noninvasive Relief

    What makes Dr. Peter Paduzzi with American Back Centers a good neighbor?   Ever been told surgery is the only path out of back or neck pain? We sat down with Dr. Peter Paduzzi of American Back Centers to unpack a different roadmap: specialty chiropractic, targeted rehab, FDA-approved spinal decompression, and noninvasive weight-loss strategies that help real patients sidestep the scalpel. Dr. Paduzzi has led a legacy practice in Wexford for over two decades, focusing on tough cases like herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and even failed back or neck surgery. Across our conversation, we separate myth from method. Chiropractic here isn’t a one-size-fits-all adjustment; it’s a structured plan that blends manual therapy with progressive stabilization, mobility training, and decompression protocols designed to relieve nerve pressure and restore function. We talk through how to know when conservative care is the smarter first step, the red flags that warrant referral, and why a clear second opinion can change the trajectory for people who’ve already cycled through injections and standard PT without lasting relief. Dr. Paduzzi also shares how targeted weight management and practical nutrition lower spinal load, reduce inflammation, and accelerate rehab gains. You’ll hear candid guidance on who benefits most, how results are measured, and what early wins to watch for: better standing and walking tolerance, fewer night wakings, and easier daily movement. We also touch on patient education- short, accessible videos and radio segments that demystify terms like “stenosis” and “decompression”- so you can make informed choices with your care team. If you’re wrestling with persistent disc pain or considering surgery, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful path forward that prioritizes safety, function, and long-term outcomes. If this helped you rethink your options, subscribe, share with someone who needs a second opinion, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. To learn more about  American Back Centers go to:  https://www.americanbackcenters.com/ American Back Centers (724) 220-6066

    6 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    E102: Event Planning Mastery and Building a Thriving Consultation Firm with Melissa Migliaro

    What makes Melissa Migliaro with Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists a good neighbor?   Looking for the invisible force that makes wellness programs land and events actually work? We sat down with consultant and event specialist Melissa Migliaro to unpack the relationship-first approach behind corporate wellness, nonprofit partnerships, and conferences that feel seamless for guests and meaningful for teams. Melissa blends strategy and curation, bringing registered dietitians, physical therapists, licensed counselors, and standout speakers to companies that want real outcomes, not just calendar filler. Melissa’s path started in a concert hall. With undergrad and graduate degrees in French horn performance, she learned discipline, listening, and stagecraft-skills that now underpin her consulting. When a small business role led her into events, she discovered the joy of connecting people to outcomes and built a network of experts she trusts. Today, she supports HR leaders with wellness days and lunch and learns, amplifies nonprofits like Special Olympics Three Rivers and Cancer Bridges, and steps in as the behind-the-scenes coordinator who keeps plans coherent and human. We dig into common myths about “event planners” versus “event coordinators,” explore the underrated power of follow-through and cadence, and talk about why curated wellness programming is more effective than one-off sessions. Melissa also shares how word-of-mouth referrals sustain her business, why she prefers to let clients take the spotlight, and what a future podcast could do to bring her expert network to a wider audience. Beyond work, she finds balance in running 35–40 miles a week, strength training with Allegheny Health Network’s sports performance team, and slowing down with yoga. If you care about corporate wellness strategy, memorable events, or nonprofit impact, this conversation offers practical ideas you can use right away. Subscribe for more local business stories, share this with a colleague who runs HR or events, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. To learn more about Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists go to:  https://migliaroconsulting.com/ Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists (412)523-3547

    14 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    E101: Inside The World Of Luxury Wedding Planner Shari Zatman: The Real Work Behind Champagne Dreams Come True

    What makes Shari Zatman of Perfectly Planned by Shari a good neighbor? Want to know what really happens between the freight elevator and the first dance? We sit down with luxury wedding planner Shari Zatman of Perfectly Planned by Shari to pull back the curtain on the systems, timelines, and creative decisions that make celebrations feel effortless. From interior design roots to national consulting, Shari shows how design and logistics work together to deliver a smooth guest experience and a calm, confident couple. Shari’s career started in nonprofit events and linen rentals, where she learned the mechanics of inventory, lead times, and vendor constraints. That foundation now powers high-end weddings, mitzvahs, galas, and corporate events with a focus on event design, budget clarity, and vendor management. She talks candidly about the biggest misconception in wedding planning- the idea that it’s all fun and flowers- and shares how her team handles the physical work, the 100+ -point timelines, and the critical handoffs that keep everything on schedule. If you’ve wondered how to choose vendors, sequence a wedding day timeline, or navigate contracts without losing your vision, you’ll find clear, practical insights here. We also explore how virtual planning expands access. Shari maps priorities over Zoom, builds comprehensive plans, and when she isn’t onsite she orchestrates seamless handoffs to local day-of coordinators. As a monthly party expert on Pittsburgh Today Live and author of From Behind the Clipboard, she brings stories and strategies that translate into real-world solutions: contingency planning, guest flow, lighting choices, and the difference between a pretty space and a designed experience. You’ll hear how her love of Broadway and travel informs the narrative arc of each event, turning moments into a cohesive story. If you’re planning a wedding or milestone event and want the calm that comes with experience, this conversation delivers a blueprint you can use. Subscribe for more smart conversations with local pros, share this episode with a friend who’s engaged, and leave a review to tell us what behind-the-scenes detail surprised you most. To learn more about Perfectly Planned by Shari  go to:  https://perfectlyplannedbyshari.com Perfectly Planned by Shari  (412)901-0082

    12 min
See All (108)

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.

Information