Defend Warren

James F. Guy Jr

Dedicated to the economic growth and development of Warren, Ohio. Negativity not allowed. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) all day. We will also be capturing stories of those who have lived and do live in Warren.

  1. 5D AGO

    Kate White and Dominic Mararri - Warren Family Mission

    From Hardship to Hope: The Story of the Warren Family Mission Episode Description In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Kate White and Dominic Mararri of the Warren Family Mission to discuss faith, resilience, and the life-changing impact of serving others. Kate shares her upbringing in Lordstown, growing up as one of seven children in deep poverty, and the early influence of her father, Pastor Chris, founder of the Warren Family Mission. Through stories of hardship, faith, and perseverance, Kate explains how God worked through her father’s struggles to establish the Mission and secure the buildings that continue to serve the community today. She also opens up about her own challenges and what it took to learn how to run the Mission from the ground up. Dominic shares his journey from childhood loss and addiction to incarceration—and ultimately to faith and redemption. Once a dealer of drugs, Dominic now describes himself as a “dealer of hope,” dedicating his life to helping others find a way forward. Together, their stories illustrate how the Warren Family Mission has become a cornerstone of compassion, serving tens of thousands of people each year. Guests Kate White Warren Family Mission Kate grew up in Lordstown and is the daughter of Pastor Chris, founder of the Warren Family Mission. She now plays a critical role in operating and expanding the Mission, helping guide its services and outreach efforts. Dominic Mararri Warren Family Mission | Real Estate Professional Dominic’s life story includes loss, addiction, incarceration, and ultimately redemption through faith. Today, he serves others through the Mission and works to bring hope and stability to those in need. What We Cover in This Episode Kate’s childhood growing up in Lordstown as one of seven childrenTrips to Warren with her father, Pastor Chris, and the early days of the MissionPastor Chris’s difficult life journey and how faith transformed his pathHow God provided the buildings that became home to the Warren Family MissionKate’s personal struggles before joining the MissionLearning to run a nonprofit from the ground upThe Mission’s impact:Over 100,000 meals served annuallyMore than 15,000 bags of groceries distributed each yearDominic’s early life and memories of his fatherLife after the death of his fatherDominic’s descent into drugs and alcoholJail, recovery, and finding God“From a dealer of dope to a dealer of hope”The ongoing need for volunteers, resources, and prayerMission Needs & How You Can Help Volunteers are always neededThe Mission is seeking support to establish a family shelterIf you have a building to donate, please contact the Warren Family MissionIf nothing else, please keep the Mission and the families they serve in your prayersContact Information Warren Family Mission 📍 Address: 155 Tod Ave NW, Warren, OH 44485 📞 Phone: 330-394-5437 🌐 Website: www.warrenfamilymission.com Dominic Mararri 📞 Phone: 330-989-0132 🌐 Website: https://dominicmararri.howardhanna.com/ Call to Action If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Most importantly, consider how you can support the Warren Family Mission—through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John! If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or priva

    1h 13m
  2. JAN 30

    Rob Duebelt - Personal Trainer

    Building a Smarter Fitness Plan: Mindset, Strength Training, and Sustainable Results Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with a personal trainer from Fitness 330 who grew up in Girard, where he also played football. We break down what it really takes to start—and sustain—a successful fitness journey. From mindset and planning to strength training, nutrition, and avoiding common pitfalls, this conversation focuses on practical, no-nonsense guidance for achieving long-term physical results. If you’re looking to lose weight, build strength, or simply train smarter, this episode provides a solid foundation to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. Guest Background Our guest is a personal trainer at Fitness 330, with an athletic background rooted in football. His hands-on coaching experience provides real-world insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to exercise, nutrition, and consistency. What We Cover in This Episode Growing up in Girard and playing footballTransitioning into a career as a personal trainer at Fitness 330How to begin an exercise program the right wayThe importance of having a clear plan and the right mindsetWhy lifting weights is essential and how excessive cardio can work against your goalsProper exercise form and why you must leave your ego at the doorWeight loss fundamentals: calories in versus calories outUnderstanding good carbs vs. bad carbs and the glycemic indexMental strategies and “mind tricks” to help achieve physical goalsHow to avoid overtraining and burnoutWhy changing workouts and nutrition is key to breaking plateausSetting clear goals and developing a sustainable fitness plan Key Takeaways Success in fitness starts with planning and mindsetStrength training is critical for long-term health and fat lossNutrition knowledge is just as important as exerciseConsistency, recovery, and adaptability prevent plateaus and injury Contact Information For training inquiries: Rob Duebelt 📞 330-647-2029 Call to Action If this episode helped clarify your fitness goals, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone looking to start—or restart—their fitness journey the right way. Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John! If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or private events give him a call.  330.228.3891 Email: bookdjbigjohn@gmail.com

    42 min
  3. JAN 23

    Ken Haidaris - Owner of Sunrise Inn, concert promoter and real estate investor

    Revitalizing Warren: Entertainment, Real Estate, and Economic Opportunity with Ken Haidaris Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with Ken Haidaris—owner of the historic Sunrise Inn, concert promoter, and real estate investor—to discuss the past, present, and future of Warren, Ohio. Ken shares the remarkable history behind some of Warren’s most iconic venues, his role in expanding live entertainment in the city, and why he remains deeply invested in the community’s economic revival. From speakeasies and pizza recipes brought straight from Chicago to amphitheaters, restored theaters, and new business ventures, this conversation explores how entertainment, real estate, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive growth and opportunity in a city on the rise. Guest Bio Ken Haidaris is the owner of the Sunrise Inn, a concert promoter, and a real estate investor with deep roots in Warren, Ohio. He is actively involved in revitalizing local landmarks, developing entertainment venues, and investing in projects that contribute to job creation and long-term economic impact in the region. What We Cover in This Episode The 97-year history of the Sunrise Inn, including its roots as an old speakeasyHow the Sunrise Inn became Warren’s first pizza shop, featuring a recipe brought from ChicagoWhy the Sunrise Inn is known for its Reubens, including the fan-favorite Rusty ReubenUpdates on the Westlawn warehouse project and its anticipated opening timelineWhy entertainment is critical to attracting new businesses and talent to Warren How Ken got started as a concert promoter and grew the local amphitheaterJob creation and economic development tied to entertainment and real estate projectsThe restoration of the 105-year-old Robins Theatre and its importance to the communityThe positive economic outlook for Warren and the surrounding metro areaWhat it takes to be a successful promoterGetting started in real estate investing and the types of properties Ken focuses onThe launch of Sunrise InnSurance and the motivation behind the new ventureA thoughtful discussion on Warren’s history—not just as a “bedroom community,” but as a former industrial hub, evidenced by its abandoned industrial buildingsA lighter moment we had a brief discussion on the Cleveland Browns and their uncertain future Key Takeaways Entertainment can be a powerful catalyst for economic development and job growth Preserving historic venues while modernizing them can drive long-term community value Successful promotion and real estate investing require vision, persistence, and local commitment Warren’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who believe in its potential If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone interested in local business, real estate investing, or the revitalization of American cities.

    52 min
  4. 05/27/2025

    Mattie Easton - Mortgage Banker

    We’re excited to introduce a new segment to the Defend Warren podcast focused on helping people understand the mortgage process. Joining us regularly will be Mattie Easton, who brings valuable insight and experience to guide listeners through the home-buying journey. Mattie grew up in Bristolville with her two sisters and graduated in a close-knit class of just 30 students. As a teen, she loved dancing at local clubs and community spots. She attended Kent State University and later earned her accounting degree from Hiram College. In this episode, you’ll hear the entertaining story of how Mattie met her husband and learn how she got started in the mortgage industry back in 2004. She emphasizes that qualifying for a mortgage involves more than just having a good credit score. Mattie shares practical advice on: Understanding PMI and down payment requirementsThe basics of conventional loansWhy being transparent with your lender mattersHow you can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 580Simple tips to build or improve creditThe difference between a hard and soft credit pullWhat separates being pre-qualified from being pre-approvedHow self-employed individuals can navigate the mortgage processMost importantly, she outlines the best ways to prepare financially and mentally for buying a home. If you’d like to speak with Mattie about your mortgage questions, you can reach her directly at:  📞 330.307.1015  📧 measton@alcova.com Music: Keepers of the Faith by Terror

    1h 12m
  5. 05/19/2025

    Dr. Alisha Alls - Author

    Dr. Alisha Lyn A proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 2004, Alisha began her educational journey at Kent State University before earning her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. She later obtained a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and completed her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in K–12 education in 2022. Alisha's path to success was far from linear. She worked as a lunch aide, in banking, and as a substitute teacher while continuing her education. Her life and career have been defined by resilience and transformation. She is the author of Overcome, Transform, Soar: The Process of Breaking Barriers and Soaring to New Heights, a powerful testament to her personal journey. Alisha is a three-time traumatic brain injury survivor, a two-time cardiac arrest survivor, and a survivor and advocate of domestic violence. Her first major brain injury occurred while playing basketball at Warren G. Harding—an incident that nearly claimed her life and left doctors fearing she would not recover. Today, Alisha serves as a member of the Warren City Schools Board of Education and works as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Kent State University. She remains a vocal supporter of Warren G. Harding and the Warren City School District, highlighting the district’s strong academic opportunities for high-achieving students and the new Wellness Center—which goes beyond athletics to support overall student well-being. In 2009, she launched Alisha Lyn LLC (www.alishalynllc.com), a company built to inspire and empower others. She has also started a business venture for her daughters, continuing her legacy of leadership, education, and empowerment. Link for her book: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Transform-Soar-Breaking-Barriers-ebook/dp/B0CBL3X7BG www.thelynneetwins.com www.alishalynnllc.com www.dralishaalls.com

    1h 7m
  6. 05/06/2025

    Attorney J.P. Morgan

    He currently serves as the Chief Legal Counsel at JP Morgan Law. Originally from East Liverpool, Ohio, he comes from a family that started a furniture business. In the 7th grade, his family relocated to Mineral Ridge, where he graduated from Mineral Ridge High School. He shares fond memories of growing up in Mineral Ridge, including his first “small” business venture as a child. He later attended the C.S. Lewis Institute in Youngstown, an organization focused on helping individuals grow as disciples in their faith. Passionate about service, he volunteers with Northeast Ohio Legal Aid and has also given back by coaching high school baseball and basketball at Heartland Christian. Since 2002, he has operated his law office in downtown Warren, where he practices as a small general attorney with a focus on domestic/family law and criminal law. With over two decades of experience downtown, he offers insightful reflections on how the area has changed—and what steps can be taken to further its growth and revitalization. He also shares candid thoughts on how Warren can be aggressively developed and grown, offering ideas for progress and positive change. Side note: Warren’s city income tax rate is 2.5%. And yes, there’s a brief (and slightly passionate) detour into a discussion about the Cleveland Browns—thanks in advance for your patience. In closing, I asked him: If you could pull every string necessary to turn Warren around, what would you do? Also—welcome to Warren, Kimberly-Clark and Rural King. Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror

    1h 15m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Dedicated to the economic growth and development of Warren, Ohio. Negativity not allowed. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) all day. We will also be capturing stories of those who have lived and do live in Warren.