Natasha graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1996, earned her bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University in 2000, and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron in 2004. Growing up on the north side of Warren, she developed a strong work ethic early on, delivering newspapers and working at a concession stand from the age of 14. With a firm belief that mindset shapes one’s future, Natasha shares her determination and personal journey to earning her law degree. She reflects on her family life and the cherished memories of delicious meals prepared by her grandparents. Her legal career began in Las Vegas, where she specialized in civil litigation. Committed to giving back to her community, she launched the "Steer and Clear – Warren" program at Packard Park, a workshop dedicated to helping individuals regain their suspended driver’s licenses. Hear the compelling story of how she overcame a major setback just before finals while working at Kahunaville—an event that tested her resilience but didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. Natasha’s passion for law and love for Warren, Ohio, continue to drive her efforts. Stay tuned for upcoming events she has planned for the community! Music by Terror Song - Keepers of the Faith…

Dennis is a 1967 graduate of Warren G Harding High School. He is currently the administrator of Fund for Warren's Future. Dennis graduated from Hiram College with a degree in English and later earned his MBA from Ohio State University. He began his career at the Federal Trade Commission and has lived in Chicago, New York City, and Columbus, among other places. Most of his career was spent in publishing with Time Inc., including 15 years at Fortune magazine, along with other notable publications. Dennis is also the creator of the Warren Expressed blog. In this episode, we discuss the positive developments in Warren and the progress made over the past 10–15 years. He sheds light on the Poggemeyer study, explaining its benefits and how it has been leveraged. He shares insights on how Warren is positioned to attract new businesses and encourage economic growth. And there’s a not-so-well-kept secret about a major development happening downtown—shhh! Finally, I have to admit—I was wrong. Rural King is FINALLY opening a store in the Parkman Road plaza, and development for distribution and light manufacturing on the old Westlawn property has officially begun. As a friend of mine likes to say: "I hate it when I’m right and love it when I’m wrong." Thank you for your time, Dennis. Defend Warren.…

It is with both gratitude and a heavy heart that I share this episode. Ron took the time to speak with me in early summer 2024, and I truly enjoyed our conversation. He was a wealth of knowledge, and I had the pleasure of knowing him for about 10 years, sharing insightful discussions from time to time. If you're a business owner, this is a must-listen episode. Ron grew up in Girard and graduated from Girard City Schools. At 28, he began his post-high school education in Hiram College’s weekend program. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Antioch in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Leadership from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. A seasoned traveler, Ron started his career at Peerless Winsmith in Warren and spent many years working in consulting and business turnaround strategies. He emphasized that businesses often face similar challenges—you are not alone in dealing with issues within your company. In this episode, we discuss startup strategies and business scaling. If you're an entrepreneur, pay close attention around the 36-minute mark. Also, take advantage of your local SCORE office in Youngstown—a valuable and free resource for business owners. We also touch on local economic growth and how Warren can expand exponentially. Exciting news! Rural King is building a new store on Parkman Road—welcome to Warren! Kimberly-Clark, it’s time to build and create jobs! Learn about the Lake to River organization and why it plays a vital role in Warren’s future. Keep an eye out for #MoveToWarren—our city is positioned for growth, but it will take effort! LET'S GO! Ron strongly believed in leaving the world better than he found it. Ron Emery April 19, 1957 – August 22, 2024 Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror…

Frank Bosak – WGH Robotics (Recorded 2024) Frank Bosak is the Head Chief of the Robotics Department at Warren G. Harding High School and also works in the Warren City Schools Technology Department. A proud Warren native, he graduated from Warren G. Harding in 2005. Frank shares memories of growing up in Warren, including the irresistible smell of Uncle Nick’s chicken. Frank joined the WGH Robotics team in 2002. The team was founded in 1998 and won the National Championship in 1999. In this discussion, we explore how the robotics team operates, how competitions are run, and the impact the program has on both the school and individual students. Over its 27-year history, Warren’s robotics team has competed at the national and international level in more than half of those years. Hear the story of how the team once got “stuck” in Orlando, Florida, and learn about exciting new developments, including the team’s dedicated shop and expansion into 3D printing. The robotics team is actively seeking volunteers and sponsors to support its mission through the Warren Robotics Boosters 501(c)(3) . If you're interested in helping, reach out to frank.bosak@warrencityschools . We also share personal stories from our time growing up in Warren City Schools. We love Don (RIP) and Donna Fowler! Go Raiders!…

Leslie Dunlap Owner of Fatty Cakes Soap Company and Fifth Mountain Therapy In this conversation, we explore Leslie's life growing up on Kenilworth Avenue SE, where she attended Laird Avenue Elementary , East Junior High , and graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 1983 . She reflects on her time in the neighborhood, sharing fond memories of shopping at Cicero’s Grocery Store and enjoying pizza from Carmen’s. After high school, Leslie entered the workforce but later pivoted at the age of 38, returning to school to pursue a career in massage therapy. She earned a two-year degree in Occupational Sciences and became certified in Neuromuscular Therapy . During our discussion, she breaks down the key differences between a masseuse and a licensed massage therapist. Leslie also shares the story behind Fatty Cakes Soap Company —known for its tagline, "Funny name, serious soap" —and how her passion for high-quality, handmade products led her to start the business. We discuss her experiences during the pandemic, how she navigated its challenges, and the inspiration behind the name Fifth Mountain Therapy . This interview was recorded in 2024. Check out her work: Fatty Cakes Soap Company on Facebook…

Jeff is a 1988 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School and a co-founder of Chess is Life and is a software engineer. We learn about life in his neighborhood and his super kind and friendly personality. We discuss life growing up in Warren City Schools and the advantages it provided. He has wonderful passion for Warren and wants to see Warren grow. He started his post high school education at University of Akron and finished at Youngstown State University. Jeff also worked at Copperweld Steel and shares his experience there including the miralce surviving accident that he had there. He also stresses the important of helping other people. Learn how Jeff is like Iron Man. The beginning of Chess Is Life. His families move to California and them coming back to Warren. Jeffs love for Warren is very evident. His passion clearly shines through in this interview. It is my first real long form interview but it is jam packed. This was recorded earlier in the year - the distribution center has broken ground. Looking forward to its completion. Chessislife.org…

This is a solo episode where I discuss the purpose of Defend Warren and share some of my observations about what’s happening in our city. Since recording this, a few updates have come to light. Word has it that Rural King, which owns the K-Mart plaza, is finally moving into the old K-Mart space. Time will tell, but that plaza needs significant work—let’s hope they step up. It also looks like a buyer has been found for Trumbull Memorial Hospital, which is more good news for Warren. One landlord I forgot to mention is Steve Coon of the Legacy Group, which owns the Packard Apartments on North Park. His company has held onto that property for at least five years, yet no development has taken place. Meanwhile, he managed to tear down a historic home—a topic for another episode, as that house shouldn’t have come down. So, what’s the holdup with the Packard Apartments? On a brighter note, the Warren West Industrial Park project is finally gaining momentum. Initially, they aimed to have a tenant in place by late 2024 or early 2025. Progress is progress! The Cleveland Steel Containers project is also taking shape in the industrial park off Parkman Road on Warren’s west side. A big welcome to them—great to see businesses investing in our community. Warren has so much history and untapped potential. Let’s focus on the positive and work together to build on our strengths. But we also can’t ignore the challenges we face. Recognizing the areas where we need improvement is essential for growth. As always, friends, keep the faith and Defend Warren !…

Ken MacPherson City Council Bio: 2022 Ken MacPherson grew up in the Warren area a short distance away from his current residence and has represented the citizens of Warren’s 5th Ward as Councilman on the SouthEast side from 2018-2021. Ken was elected city-wide Council-At-Large in 2021 and loves the richness, demographic diversity, backbone, and historical charm that the City of Warren has to offer. Ken has a successful career of helping organizations fix and improve institutional processes, his main goal is to modernize and implement technology initiatives across the Ward and City to improve the communication and delivery of critical services to the citizens. Mr. MacPherson’s diverse experience in business, technology, science, community service, and farming, provide a unique perspective to help guide the City of Warren into the future. Mr. MacPherson has a lifetime experience in advanced technology, software development, and business startups. EXPERIENCE: 1. Member of Warren’s Community Development Board (2 years) 2. Consultant to State of Oregon ACA HealthCare Website 3. Consultant to City of Austin, TX – Citizen Portal 4. Consultant to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Portal 5. Consultant to US Depart of Transportation (DoT) Citizens portal 6. Created the City of Cleveland Community Portal 7. Consultant for Suez Canal Water & Sewage System engineering 8. Consultant to GM, McDonalds, and numerous fortune 500 companies 9. Traveled and visited 100s of cities around the World 10. Advisor to Youngstown Oakhill Collaborative (technology outreach) 11. Wife & I manage the Lena Mason Christian Memorial fund to help children 12. Member of UN International Standards Committee (OASIS) 13. Rotary International – Paul Harris Fellow 14. Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout 15. Certificate Ohio SERB on Public Sector Fact Finding 16. Engineering & Technology Degree – Case Western Reserve University Any resident of the City of Warren is welcomed to contact Mr MacPherson via email, tweet, call, SMS, or morse code with your ideas, issues, concerns, questions, or complaints. Email: ken@KenMacPherson.com Phone: (330) 219-3564 Website: http://kenmacpherson.com/ Twitter: @kenmacpherson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmacpherson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmacpher City of Warren Annexation Policy https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/warren/latest/warren_oh/0-0-0-13282 City of Salem annexation policy. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/salem/latest/salem_oh/0-0-0-16413 Article: Annexation and Mayor Sensenbrenner. The Story of How Columbus Grew to be the Largest City in Ohio. By Alexander Tebbens. https://teachingcleveland.org/annexation-and-mayor-sensenbrenner-the-story-of-how-columbus-grew-to-be-the-largest-city-in-ohio-by-alexander-tebbens/…

We talk about all kinds of things. Everything from the Warren Raiders 2003 football state title game to his adventures in the woods near his home. He shares his life post high school. Brandon didn't go to college but worked various full time jobs till he decided to go all in with MDI Studios. Brandon Giovannone, Warren Born and Raised and A 2003 graduate of Warren Harding. Owner of MDI Studios, a Web Design and Stadium Entertainment company. Celebrating their 10th year in Warren, creating College/Pro stadium video productions and entertainment for NEO Ohio High School Football Stadiums. And it all started at Warren’s own Mollenkopf Stadium! A strong passion and commitment to be part of the evolving renewed energy of Downtown Warren. MDI Studios has been located on courthouse square for over 6 years! Happily married to his wife Katie, and father of 2 beautiful daughters! Brandon looks forward to continue his drive to defend warren by creating inspiring video productions of Warren, Warren City Schools, and Downtown for years to come, While growing his stadium entertainment side to more NEO high school stadiums. MDI Studios 145 West. Market St. Warren, Ohio 44481 330.501.9126 www.mdistudios.com www.downtownwarrenohio.com…

Learn what Tom's dream career was and what ended it. Hear how Tom met his wife and how he asked her to marry him. Tom shares his experience with the JFK/Howland rivalry. Hear the struggles Tom had in the jewelry business and the risks he took to grow his business. He also shares how his father, Thom, got started in the jewlery business. Tom shares his views of downtown Warren over the years. Tom also shares how he got his business, Thom Duma Jewelers, up and running. Also the vision he had for the store. Thom Duma Jewelers does repairs on site. Looking for Rolex. They have them. https://www.tdfj.com/rolex Thom Duma Jewelers https://www.tdfj.com/ (330) 393.4696 115 WEST MARKET ST. WARREN, OHIO 44481 Downtown Warren…

This episode I have the pleasure of talking with Lana Kontos. ND, LDHS. She was born and raised in Warren and a graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School. We talk about life growing up in Warren and she shares memories of Raider - Panther rivalry. This episode is useful for anyone with health issue, especially digestive health and immune system issues or would like a stronger immune system. Lana is a Board-certified naturopathic doctor. Trained and certified diet and lifestyle intervention practitioner and a digestive health specialist. Get board – certified naturopathic doctor Lana Kontos’ gift to you - “The 5 Things Most People Don’t Know About Weight Loss, Boosting Immune Health and Avoiding Mid-Life Symptoms and How to Help Protect Your Family from Colds, the Flu and Viruses!” And learn more about her affordable programs for weight loss, immune health, acid reflux and helping college students and senior citizens stay healthy as well as her signature talk …“ The 4 things you can do to boost your immune system in minutes a day and the 3 questions you must ask your health care provider before taking a medication or vaccination.” Please visit her website https://inspiredbywellness.com to learn more.…

Come and listen to the stories of Nick Frankos. We discuss life growing up on the east side of Warren. We talk WGH Panther football and the talent that came from Warren. He shares stories of the Panther/Raider rivalry. Hear about the egg throwing story. Nick shares what his plans were, post his U of Cincinnati football career - and it wasn't the BV. We discuss WGH Raider football. Learn how Mr. Frankos (Uncle Nick) got the money to add on to the restaurant - Nick cleared up the story for me. Learn how Uncle Nicks fried chicken came into existence. Of course we discuss Warren business and how to grow Warren as well as some Entrepreneurship.…

This episode we continue to bring business development to the listeners. We cover the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Hope this helps! I speak with Mike Lancey who is originally from Los Angeles. He shares life growing up in LA. Everything from running on top of the cinder block walls that enclosed the back yards to his humble beginnings growing up with 2 brothers and a sister, in a very small home. He also was an early skate boarder - his board had metal wheels. He also shares some valuable lessons he learned playing high school football. He is now the President and CEO of McKenzie Chase Management, Inc. based out of Seattle Washington. They help employers navigate the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The WOTC is a specialty that McKenzie Chase specializes in. The WOTC is not something a CPA firm usually does because it is so specialized. MCM has over 38 years of specialization in employer tax credits, culminating with the creation of the "MCM Program" which is: -WOTC (Work Opportunity Tax Credit - Empowerment Zones - Indian Employment Credits - COVID-19 Payroll Tax Credits and Audits - State and local tax credits and incentives The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a tax incentive program that motivates employers to hire and retain employees. For every eligible employee you hire, your business can qualify for a tax credit up to $9,600 during the first year of employment. Put our connections and expertise to work for you. Our team is backed by experience, technology and processes unmatched in the industry: ■ Over 30 years of industry experience nationwide ■ A full-support client service culture ■ Customized reporting ■ Integrated and seamless services ■ Affordable pricing with money back guarantee. Mckenzie Chase (MCM) gets you the tax credits you’re entitled to. Employers.... you get all the credit, and MCM does all the work. Michael Lancey, MBA | EA | President & CEO Mckenzie Chase Management, Inc. Seattle, WA Office: (206) 547-8277 Toll-free: (866) 547-8277 US Mail: PO Box 30550, Seattle, WA 98113 Fax: (206) 524-7775 Scans: Apps@MckenzieChase.com Web: https://www.mckenziechase.com Admin: https://wotc.MckenzieChase.com…

Jim Fogarty is the President and Chief Content Creator at the 2 Ticks & The Dog Productions, Inc., the award winning video production company and media agency founded over twenty ago in Warren, Ohio and currently located downtown on Courthouse Square. When he's not producing video content or leading media campaigns for his clients, he's proud to have served his community in various capacities for over two decades as an outspoken activist, arts educator and motivational speaker. Jim has volunteered with several non-profits including as the former marketing chair for both the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts Any Given Child Warren arts learning initiative with Warren City Schools and The Trumbull Art Gallery, as well as past President for both the non-profit W.D. Packard Foundation, and the W.D. Packard Park and Music Hall board of Trustees . He currently serves on Kent State University's Trumbull Theater advisory board . His podcast, The ProdCast will enter its third season this summer of 2021 and has listeners in all fifty states and over forty countries worldwide. The ProdCast is available on all major podcasting platforms or can be found at www.TheProdcast.net . 2 Ticks & The Dog Productions, Inc. 197 West Market Street (Suite 201) Warren, Ohio 44481 (330) 720-7560 http://www.2ticksandthedog.com/…

Matt Martin, Executive Director of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership and Shawn Carvin Director of the Trumbull County Land Bank. The amount of work that TNP has done and is doing is amazing. Everything from tackling blight, from organizing the Farmers Market, to addressing the issue of food desserts. Come and here how and what they do. There will be a part 2 because we couldn't cover nearly enough in one episode. Matt Martin - has been the Executive Director of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP) since its launch in 2010. TNP manages the Trumbull County Land Bank and focuses on housing, food access, and community organizing in Warren, Ohio. A Cleveland native, he has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies, both from Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs. He lives in downtown Warren with his wife and 4 children. Shawn Carvin - is the director of the Trumbull County Land Bank in Warren, Ohio, part of the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP), a community development organization focused on the revitalization and empowerment of residents. Shawn volunteers his time to use his talents at a number of community organizations. Prior to his work at TNP, Shawn served in the United States Airforce as a meteorologist. He lives in downtown Warren with his partner and dog!…