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. Sep 2

    Buffalo Social Club - ECDOH, Zachary Kay & Overdose Awareness Advocate, Kimberly Shevlin

    Welcome to Episode 25 of Buffalo Social Club❤️ This week on Buffalo Social Club, Kimberly and Mary sit down for an important conversation about overdose awareness, compassion, and remembering those we’ve lost. They’re joined by Zachary Kay, Family Coordinator of Substance Use Disorder at the Erie County Department of Health, and Overdose Awareness Advocate Kimberly Shevlin. Kimberly shares the heartbreaking story of losing her brother to an overdose 24 years ago and how that loss has inspired her to advocate for others. Zachary shares a powerful story about a man who was discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go and no way to get the medication he needed. In a moment when he needed support the most, Zachary made sure he had naloxone and, most importantly, treated him with dignity, kindness, and compassion. They also discuss the importance of carrying Narcan and why being prepared could save a life. An overdose can affect anyone, and it’s always better to have Narcan and not need it than to need it and not have it. Plus, learn more about Erie County’s International Overdose Awareness Day event on August 31st, bringing together substance use and mental health treatment providers while creating a space for families and friends to remember and honor loved ones lost to overdose. It’s a powerful conversation about awareness, remembrance, and the importance of showing compassion to those who need it most. ❤️

    Buffalo Social Club - ECDOH, Zachary Kay & Overdose Awareness Advocate, Kimberly Shevlin
  2. 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

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!