49 episodes
VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our Community Debbie Larson and Greg Smith
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Friendships begin based on numerous circumstances. Many are created because of similar interests and hobbies. For example, being part of the same sports team or maybe being a member of the same academic club. Other friendships are formed based on proximity or what neighborhood you grew up in. Whatever the reason, having a good solid friendship is a wonderful thing.We believe Podcasts are very similar to friendships. They are many times created by a few people who have common interests and share a similar vision. They are generally formed to help “inform” others about a variety of topics and subject matter. The question many Podcasters ask themselves is….why me/us? With so many options to choose from as a listener, what makes one Podcast better than another? We believe it all begins with….a good host or pair of hosts! That is exactly how The VIP Café Show came to fruition. Two friends, Greg Smith and Brian Blasko had a conversation while enjoying a cigar on a cool crisp January evening and the rest as they say…is history.The VIP Café Show was created to inform, educate and entertain listeners from the great city of Youngstown, OH. Although The VIP Café Show listeners reach far beyond the Youngstown area, the primary focus of the show is to highlight local “Youngstowners” and to hear their story. The Podcast also dives into a variety of fascinating topics besides Youngstown. Greg and Brian love discussing leadership, public speaking, customer care, team building, and life in general. They are always fascinated by what makes people tick and how people became (or are becoming) the person they are today! The VIP Café Show is a fun and informative program that engages the audience with every interview, conversation, and dialog that transpires.
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E49: The VIP Café Show with Jeff Green - Jazz in the Park: A Melodious Expedition through Youngstown's Vibrant Music Scene
Feel the pulse of Youngstown's jazz heartbeat as Jeff Green, president of Jazz in the Park, takes us on a melodious journey through the event's 31-year history. Wick Park comes alive in our conversation, echoing the soulful notes of generations of musicians and the laughter of families that have transformed this local celebration into a unifying force. We pay tribute to the seasoned artists whose legacies reverberate through the community and explore how this jazz fest has become a symphony o...
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E48: The VIP Café Show with Joe McGeorge - Strategies for Life: Chess, Resilience, and Community
Ever wondered how the strategic game of chess can unveil life’s grander strategies? That's just a slice of what we unpacked with Mr. McGeorge, the soul behind Warriors Inc, the Chess House, and Eagle Christian Preschool and Child Care. His story, from a challenging childhood to becoming a Marine, evokes the essence of resilience. During our heart-to-heart, Mr. McGeorge opens up about how his own trials sparked a fiery dedication to nurturing the community's youth and fathers in Youngstown. Hi...
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E47: The VIP Café Show with Debbie and Greg - Building Bridges Through the Power of Shared Narratives
Have you ever wondered what truly connects us as human beings? This week, Debbie Larson and Greg Smith, discuss Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann's knowledge to uncover the intricate tapestry of human connection through storytelling. With Scott's insight into the M-E-S-S-S of our nature—our search for meaning seeking, emotional landscapes, social bonds, and storytelling prowess, and struggles—we traverse the emotional undercurrents that drive every decision and conversation. Our exchange ...
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E46: The VIP Café Show - Juan Santiago on Youngstown's Resilience and the Power of Community Investment
When we sat down with Juan Santiago to reminisce about TEDx Youngstown, it struck us how many stories go unheard in our bustling community. Our conversation quickly branched out to the fascinating banking world beyond the vaults and interest rates—the vital community outreach and sponsorship that breathe life into our neighborhoods. Juan, with his rich family history and passionate work in community development, illuminated the transformative effects of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977....
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E45: The VIP Café Show - Rob Fernback's Tale of Grit, Business, and Cultural Charm
Welcome to the cozy corners of Havana House, where Youngstown's very own Rob Fernback joins us with a mug of steaming coffee and tales that'll leave you with a warm heart and a head full of dreams. This hometown hero, with roots as deep as the family tree in his spirited Italian upbringing, shares not just his journey but the laughter and grit that shaped him from a high school athlete to a community icon. It's an intimate look at how life can toss the ball in unexpected directions, from the ...
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E44: The VIP Café Show with John Rudy - The Secret Sauce of Success: Reviving Youngstown's Heartbeat at the Varsity Club
Every dollar tells a story, especially in the restaurant business. Join us as John Rudy, a culinary connoisseur and the brains behind Youngstown's new hot spot, the Varsity Club, shares a feast of wisdom on how a dollar spent wisely can be the key to success. With a nod to his roots and the values instilled by his Catholic education, John reveals the behind-the-scenes rigor of running a restaurant that's more than just about the food—it's about creating a cultural heartbeat in the heart of do...