Good Neighbor Podcast: NEPA (Northeast Pennsylvania)

Joe Longo

Connecting Northeast Pennsylvania Businesses and Neighbors! The Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Joe Longo, bridges the gap between Northeast Pennsylvania residents and the incredible local business owners in the NEPA area. Discover the stories behind your favorite local businesses—because they're not just owners; they're your neighbors! Proud to be the #1 NEPA Podcast and Northeast Pennsylvania Podcast. Are you a business serving the Northeast Pennsylvania area? Let’s showcase your story! Visit gnpNEPA.com to schedule your free interview today. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Single-Origin Coffee Close To Home with Adam Hrywnak of Hrysek Farms

    Your morning coffee might be the most overlooked part of your routine, and it’s also one of the easiest places to add real joy. We’re joined by Adam Hrywnak of Hrysek Farms, a Northeast Pennsylvania coffee roaster focused on 100% single-origin beans, to unpack how origin, roasting, and freshness can completely change what’s in your cup. If you’ve ever wondered why coffee from Ethiopia tastes so different from Guatemala or Papua New Guinea, you’re about to get a clear, grounded explanation without the snobbery.  Adam shares the unexpected story behind his coffee business: a post-COVID push to start something new, a cross-country trip that landed him in Seattle, and the moment he realized many cafes were roasting their own beans. That discovery pulled him into specialty coffee sourcing, the economics behind coffee-growing countries, and the craft of roasting to highlight natural flavor notes instead of covering them up. We also talk about how he personally chooses what to drink, including why certain beans shine for cold brew and why “favorite coffee” depends on how you brew.  We dig into what roast-to-order really means, from roasting based on weekly demand to letting coffee rest and degas before it ships so customers get it at its peak. On the business side, Adam breaks down what’s actually working for customer growth: showing up to local events, talking face-to-face, and building trust one cup at a time, supported by email marketing and social media. If you care about fresh roasted coffee, single-origin beans, and local small business stories, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a coffee friend, and leave a review with your favorite brewing method.

    8 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Landscaping That Fits Your Budget Two Trees Landscaping with Josh Karis

    You can tell a lot about a local business by how it started, and Josh Karis from Two Trees Land and Lawn Care has one of those stories that sticks. One day he’s out shoveling snow, a driver pulls up, and a simple question changes everything: “Do you also do landscaping?” Josh says yes, builds the business from that moment, and ends up 15 years deep serving neighbors across Northeast Pennsylvania. We talk about what Two Trees actually handles, from weekly lawn mowing and routine lawn care to mulching, trimming, and light tree work. Josh also breaks down the bigger projects homeowners ask for, like hardscaping with pavers and retaining walls, plus drainage solutions such as French drains that can fix standing water and protect your property. Along the way, he calls out a huge misconception: hiring a professional landscaper does not have to be unaffordable or only for high-end homes. We also get into the business side of the work, including how he’s growing weekly service with door hangers, repeated neighborhood visibility, and targeted Facebook marketing. What stands out most is the service culture: you deal directly with Josh, the crew stays detail-oriented and tidy, and they aim to leave every yard nicer than they found it. If you’re looking for landscaping services near West Pittston, Nanticoke, or Dallas, this is a great listen for both homeowners and local business owners. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review if you want more conversations with the people keeping our communities running.

    12 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Pooper Scooper Pros; Angela Martini Martini Pet Services

    Dog ownership comes with plenty of joy and at least one chore nobody brags about. Joe Longo sits down with Angela Martini of Martini Pet Services to talk about the surprisingly smart, highly practical world of residential pet waste removal and why a professional pooper scooper service can be a game-changer for busy households. If you’ve ever looked at your yard after a long week or faced the spring snowmelt mess and thought, “There has to be a better way,” this conversation is for you.  Angela shares how she got into the scoop-and-poop business while looking for a path to self-employment and how that decision turned into a decade-long local service. We get into the details that matter: one-time cleanups, weekly visits (the most popular option), every-other-week scheduling, and monthly service, plus how “reset” cleanups help customers reclaim their yards when the seasons change. Along the way, Angela tackles the biggest misconception head-on: hiring someone to clean up dog poop is not about laziness, it’s about time, workload, and making your home easier to enjoy.  We also talk small business marketing and customer growth, including why Facebook is her strongest channel, how referrals keep the business moving, and how Martini Pet Services keeps the brand fun with holiday dress-up and little client surprises. You’ll come away with a clear picture of how a niche local business creates real value, builds trust, and stays memorable in the community.  If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the Good Neighbor Podcast, share this episode with a dog owner, and leave a review so more people can find great local businesses like Martini Pet Services. What’s the one home chore you would happily outsource?

    8 min
  4. 5D AGO

    Healing With Herbs Jaclyn Einfeldt - The Deserted Forest Apothecary

    You might think you “don’t like tea” until you taste the kind that actually tastes good and does something for your body. We sit down with Jaclyn Einfeldt of Deserted Forest Apothecary to talk about organic herbal loose leaf tea blends, why wellness is built through small daily choices, and how a simple cup can become a steady, supportive ritual. Jacqueline shares how Deserted Forest started as a tea company focused on blends with a wellness purpose, then expanded into holistic health coaching for people who want a more personal, one-on-one approach. We get into her story too: a chronic illness diagnosis early in life, a deep education in tea and the health benefits of herbs while working at Teavana, and the decision to return to school for holistic nutrition so she could pair practical coaching with herbal support. We also talk marketing the local way. Jacqueline explains why farmers markets, pop-up events, festivals, and letting people sample the tea in person beats trying to convince someone with a caption online. If you care about natural wellness, herbal remedies, holistic health, and finding a health coach who keeps things real, you’ll leave with a clear message she wants everyone to remember: healing is possible, especially with support on your side. Check out thedesertedforest.com to learn more, and if you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more people can find these local business stories.

    6 min
  5. 6D AGO

    Latte And Sweet Treats In Mount Bethel with Seana Sapunarich

    A brand-new latte lounge and bake shop opens in Mount Bethel, and it’s not playing it safe with the menu. I sit down with Seana Sapunarich of Latte Lounge and Bake Shop in Apple Blossom Village to talk about what she’s building, why it’s rooted in family, and how she’s turning a simple love of baking into a local place people actually want to return to. If you’re searching for a Mount Bethel coffee shop, a neighborhood bakery, or a new spot for sweet treats and creative drinks, this conversation is packed with the kind of details you wish you knew before you walked in.  We get into what’s on the board right now: hot and iced lattes, drip coffee, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fun dirty sodas, plus muffins, donuts, cookies, cupcakes, and DOS Creamery ice cream. Shauna also shares how she thinks about custom orders and celebrations, including a big point many people miss: if you have dietary restrictions, you’re not automatically out of luck. With a little advance notice, she can make egg-free or dairy-free cakes and help customers still have the birthday cake or treat they’re craving.  You’ll also hear how she’s marketing a brand-new small business the real way: showing new drinks on Facebook and Instagram, teaming up with nearby community businesses, handing out flyers and samples, and planning a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce. What stands out most is her approach to hospitality, from bold specials like a blueberry pancake latte to the promise that if you don’t love your drink, she’ll remake it until you do, because the experience matters. Subscribe for more local business stories, share this with a friend who loves coffee and dessert, and leave a review with your favorite latte flavor idea.

    9 min
  6. 6D AGO

    Holistic Beauty That Actually Works - Dawn Jacobus - Anew Dawn Beauty & Balance

    Filters, viral gadgets, and “instant” fixes have made skincare louder than ever, but what actually helps your skin look better while staying healthy? We sit down with Dawn Jacobus, founder of Anew Dawn Beauty and Balance in Randolph, New Jersey, to talk about holistic skincare that prioritizes strength, balance, and natural results. Dawn walks us through the core of her work: private, customized facial and massage treatments that blend lymphatic drainage, gua sha, cupping, sound therapy, and microcurrent. She explains why microcurrent is so effective in the right hands, how facial sculpting techniques can support a lifted look without chasing extremes, and what intraoral buccal massage can do for tension patterns you may not even realize you’re holding. If you’re searching for holistic facials, facial massage, or noninvasive anti-aging options with minimal downtime, this conversation gives you clear language and real-world context. We also get honest about skincare myths. Dawn breaks down why professional-grade devices and medical-grade skincare are different from over-the-counter products, and why “more intense” is not always “more effective.” Her approach is consistent and systematic, designed to support the skin barrier and help you keep looking like yourself. Along the way, Dawn shares the personal moment that inspired her path in wellness and why she sees this work as self-care that supports overall well-being. If you found value here, subscribe for more local expert conversations, share the episode with a friend who’s overwhelmed by skincare hype, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

    10 min
  7. MAY 4

    Sound Money Made Simple with Christine Callesen

    Gold and silver sound like something other people buy until you realize the real barrier is usually a myth: “I can’t afford it.” Joe Longo sits down with Christine Callesen of Be Real Assets to talk about building real value with the assets you already have, especially when money feels tight and stability is the goal.  Christine shares how she helps everyday savers access precious metals through a simple, flexible approach to sound money, including fractional buying that can start as small as a dollar a day. We get into what makes gold and silver feel intimidating, why “God’s money” is more about steadiness than getting rich, and how a beginner can think about diversification without overcomplicating it. She also explains the practical details that make starting easier, like experimenting before committing and understanding how storage and membership work.  What stands out most is Christine’s philosophy: no high-pressure sales, just clear guidance, empathy, and accountability. You’ll hear how she earns trust, who she serves, and even a bit about life outside the business, from interpreting to family time to her unexpectedly relaxing crocheting habit.  If you’re curious about gold investing, silver investing, precious metals for beginners, or how sound money fits into a real-world budget, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who says “I can’t afford to save,” and leave a review with your biggest question about getting started.

    8 min
  8. MAY 4

    Local Websites That Win Customers with Lantern Web Solution Hammad Ahmad

    Your business can be the best in town and still lose work to someone louder online. We sit down with Hammad Ahmad of Lantern Web Solutions to talk about the real reason so many local businesses stay “invisible” on Google: the digital side gets neglected while owners grind through jobs, crews, customers, and daily fires. If you’ve ever wondered why the phone slows down even though your work is solid, this conversation hits home. We dig into what a strong small business website is actually for: building trust in seconds, showing proof with photos and clear service info, and turning a search like “near me” into a real lead. Hamad also clears up two costly misconceptions in website design and local SEO. First, a website isn’t a one-time project, it needs ongoing updates and maintenance to stay effective. Second, social media is powerful, but it’s not your foundation. Your website is the one place you control, and it’s where serious buyers go when they’re deciding who to hire. Hamad shares how he finds opportunities through Yelp and Google Maps, plus a story of a long-running, award-winning repair shop that had no website until recently, and what changed when they finally built one. We also talk mindset: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Pair word of mouth with online visibility so your reputation can travel further than your personal network. If you’re a local owner who wants more calls without wasting money on fluff, listen through and take notes. Subscribe, share this with a business friend, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the help they need.

    8 min

About

Connecting Northeast Pennsylvania Businesses and Neighbors! The Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Joe Longo, bridges the gap between Northeast Pennsylvania residents and the incredible local business owners in the NEPA area. Discover the stories behind your favorite local businesses—because they're not just owners; they're your neighbors! Proud to be the #1 NEPA Podcast and Northeast Pennsylvania Podcast. Are you a business serving the Northeast Pennsylvania area? Let’s showcase your story! Visit gnpNEPA.com to schedule your free interview today.