Buffalo Social Club

Mary Friona-Celani and Kimberly LaRussa

Buffalo Social Club is a Buffalo-based women-led lifestyle talk show featuring conversations with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and changemakers across Western New York. Hosted by Mary Friona-Celani and Kimberly LaRussa, the show highlights community stories, charity initiatives, entrepreneurship, culture, and the people driving Buffalo forward. If you’re passionate about Buffalo, WNY small businesses, women in leadership, and community impact, you’re in the right place. New episodes weekly!

  1. Aug 8

    Buffalo Social Club - Former Professional Boxer, "Baby" Joe Mesi

    Welcome to Episode 23 of Buffalo Social Club🥊 From the boxing ring to BSC, we’ve got "Baby" Joe Mesi in the house! This week, Mary and Kim sit down with former professional boxer "Baby" Joe Mesi to talk about his incredible career and how he first realized he might actually be pretty good at boxing. Joe takes us back to where it all began, the people who helped him recognize his talent, and what it was like stepping into the ring with two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. Now retired from boxing, Joe shares why he doesn’t necessarily miss the sport but will always be grateful for everything his career gave him. He also opens up about life after boxing, becoming a husband and father, and his work as a motivational speaker. Plus, the three talk about Rocky and the surprising parallels between boxing and life! Of course, we couldn’t let Joe leave without putting him to the test with a hilarious round of Guess the Gibberish!😂 Later, the Wing King himself, Drew Cerza, joins Mary and Kim to give us the scoop on the upcoming National Buffalo Wing Festival happening at the end of August! He shares what you can expect from one of Buffalo’s most iconic events this year🍗 Finally, Mary and Kim end the episode on a heartfelt note as they share the story of their friend Charlie, who is battling cancer for the second time, and the incredibly kind patrons who came together to buy him a signed Josh Allen jersey❤️

    Buffalo Social Club - Former Professional Boxer, "Baby" Joe Mesi
  2. Jul 7

    Buffalo Social Club - Rachael Warrior Foundation, Lauri Wierzbicki

    Welcome to Episode 20 of Buffalo Social Club💙 Mary and Kim sit down with Lauri Wierzbicki, founder of the Rachael Warrior Foundation, to discuss the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Rachael, who lost her life to domestic violence in 2018. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Lauri and her husband chose to honor Rachael's legacy by creating the Rachael Warrior Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing education, resources, and support while working to prevent domestic violence through awareness and community outreach. Throughout the conversation, Lauri bravely shares Rachael's story, the events surrounding the day she was killed, and the warning signs she wishes more people knew. She explains why educating young people is so important and discusses the Foundation's mission to expand its programs into schools across Western New York, helping students recognize the signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships before it's too late. Lauri also shares how viewers can get involved by volunteering, helping spread awareness, or supporting the Foundation's efforts to educate and empower others. Mary and Kim close the episode with an important reminder: If you see something, say something. You never know when speaking up could help save a life. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. To learn more about the Rachael Warrior Foundation, access educational resources, or find ways to get involved, visit www.rachaelwarriorfoundation.org.

    Buffalo Social Club - Rachael Warrior Foundation, Lauri Wierzbicki

About

Buffalo Social Club is a Buffalo-based women-led lifestyle talk show featuring conversations with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and changemakers across Western New York. Hosted by Mary Friona-Celani and Kimberly LaRussa, the show highlights community stories, charity initiatives, entrepreneurship, culture, and the people driving Buffalo forward. If you’re passionate about Buffalo, WNY small businesses, women in leadership, and community impact, you’re in the right place. New episodes weekly!