Youngstown Radio Reading Service

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela welcomes Jennifer Patrick and Kaytlin Felger, Community Health Education Specialists with Mahoning County Public Health . They discuss the agency's work to improve quality of life through programs focused on maternal and infant health, nutrition, injury prevention, chronic disease management, and other initiatives that support healthier individuals and str...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to lead a successful business while building a stronger community? Host Michael Bosela sits down with Melanie Cann , Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CAFARO , a Youngstown-based real estate development and management company, for a conversation about leadership, business operations, and the importance of developing strong teams and organizations. With more than 2...

Send us Fan Mail ♿ What if the right technology could help someone regain independence and navigate daily life with greater confidence? This week on the Good Community Podcast , host Michael Bosela welcomes Jennifer Spaulding, an Assistive Technology Professional with Access to Independence Community Fund Ohio. Jennifer discusses how assistive technology is helping individuals live more independe...

Send us Fan Mail 💙 What does it mean to give hope and support to individuals and families in need? Host Michael Bosela welcomes Cathy Pokrivnak, Executive Director of Protestant Family Service of the Greater Youngstown Area . Cathy shares how the organization works to develop and connect community resources, support individuals and families facing challenges, and provide hope for a better life th...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to create positive outcomes for youth and families in our community? Host Michael Bosela sits down with Gina DeGenova, Magistrate and Court Administrator for the Mahoning County Juvenile Court , for a conversation about her work, the juvenile justice system, and the importance of helping young people and families move forward. DeGenova brings nearly two decades o...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Where can people in the Mahoning Valley turn for mental health support, education, and connection? Host Michael Bosela sits down with Katie Coriston, Program Director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mahoning Valley, to discuss mental health awareness, support, and the resources available right here in our community. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots ment...

Send us Fan Mail ✌️ How can a community come together to promote peace, understanding, and positive change? On the latest episode of the Good Community Podcast , three special guests discuss Ohio Nonviolence Week , taking place October 4-10 , beginning with the 16th Annual Nonviolence Parade & Rally on Sunday, October 4. Joining the conversation are Penny Wells , Executive Director of Sojourn...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Zakiya Miller and Takiyah Anderson from YUMADAOP — Youngstown Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program. YUMADAOP believes substance misuse prevention, treatment, and re-entry interventions must be culturally and gender appropriate to effectively address the needs of inner-city communities. In this conversation, Zakiya and Takiyah...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Morgan O’Brien, Director of Operations at Cornerstone Caregiving , to talk about the important work they’re doing throughout the Youngstown, Warren and surrounding communities. Cornerstone Caregiving provides personalized in-home support designed to help seniors maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life . Their services include per...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela welcomes Jenny Falvey , Board President and Executive Director of Animal Charity of Ohio . Recorded earlier this summer, this conversation explores Animal Charity's mission, the organization's work caring for animals in need, and the important connection between animal welfare and community well-being. Jenny also shares insights into the challenges fa...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela welcomes John Vargo , Manager of Corporate Hospitality and Group Sales for the Youngstown State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics . John shares insights into his role growing Penguin Club memberships, increasing season and group ticket sales, and creating memorable experiences for YSU fans. He also discusses overseeing the university's cheerleading s...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela welcomes Erin Phemester , Chief Experience Officer at The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County . In this conversation, Erin shares how today's public libraries go far beyond books, serving as community hubs that provide educational resources, digital access, lifelong learning opportunities, workforce support, and engaging programs for residents...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Sarah Russell , who leads the day-to-day operations at Oak Hill Collaborative . Together, they discuss Oak Hill's mission to empower residents through its Digital Advantage Initiative , helping make broadband more affordable and accessible for individuals and families across our community. Listen now and learn how digital connectivity is cre...

Send us Fan Mail This week's episode is a special musical edition featuring Cliff Barnes , founder of The Iron City Arts Project and CEO of Cliff Barnes Music LLC . Cliff shares his passion for using music and the arts to inspire, educate, and bring communities together. Through The Iron City Arts Project and his work as a musician, educator, and entrepreneur, he continues to create opportuni...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Christy Ash , Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Allison Meloy , Services Program Manager, from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) . OOD is the State of Ohio agency dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through employment, accessibility, disability determinations, and independence. Through vocational rehabilitation...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela welcomes Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meachum for an engaging discussion on issues impacting Mahoning County and the important work being done to serve residents throughout the community. Joining Meacham for the conversation are Heather DeJesus and Scott Crawford , who share their insights and perspectives on county government, public service, and the resource...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Steven McGarrity, Attorney at Law and Executive Director of Community Legal Aid , for an insightful conversation about the vital role legal assistance plays in strengthening our communities. Community Legal Aid is dedicated to helping individuals and families facing poverty access justice and opportunity through legal advocacy. Their mission is t...

Send us Fan Mail We’re kicking off a new season with Darla Ballinger of Happy Place Sanctuary . What was once an overgrown corner lot associated with crime and neglect at Almyra and Firnley Avenues in Youngstown has been transformed into a beautiful community sanctuary. Through Darla’s vision and dedication, the space now features trees, shrubs, meditation gardens, and handcrafted benches that ins...

Send us Fan Mail We’re closing out Season 3 of the Good Community Podcast with a powerful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Host Michael Bosela sits down with Chaney Nezbeth , Executive Director and CEO of The Way Station, Inc. 💙 This incredible nonprofit is a vital resource in our community, supporting individuals and families in need. Organizations across Columbiana County and...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Areil Johnson from PATH Behavioral Healthcare , an organization providing outpatient behavioral health services for children, adults, couples, families, and groups. PATH’s collaborative programs offer a full spectrum of wellness services, connecting clients to personalized care and resources that can significantly improve their quality of life....

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with BrookeLynn Cohol , a local entrepreneur and marketing expert. She’s the founder of Ella Vatour , an e-commerce company offering personal care products, and she even brought samples to share on the show! 🧴🌿 Tune in to hear her story, insights on building a brand, and advice for aspiring business owners. 🎧 Listen now and stay tuned as we wrap up...

Send us Fan Mail Carol Holmes-Chambers takes over as host to lead an important conversation on child care support in our community. Guests include Aaron Bohr of Barrell of Monkeys Preschool and Childcare, Maria Spencer of the Early Childhood Resource Center, and Deirdre Goliday of the Mentoring Moms Parents Program . Together, they share insights on resources, challenges, and solutions impacting f...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Richard Smiley , a remarkable volunteer who has dedicated 50 years to the service. Richard shares his journey, from his early days with the Society for the Blind in 1976, to recording sessions in Japan and the Philippines, and what has inspired him to keep giving back all these years. 🎧 Tune in for a powerful story of dedication, connection, and...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela talks with Elizabeth Ginter, Access Technology Specialist at Keystone Blind Association. For more than 65 years, Keystone has been dedicated to providing services and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have disabilities — making a lasting impact in the community. 🎧 Tune in to learn more about their work and the power of access and opport...

Send us Fan Mail Host Michael Bosela sits down with Bob Barko and Josh Prest to talk about the impact and mission of the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission (EOMAC) . Founded in 2015, EOMAC works to preserve and promote the value of military operations across the region between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, with a strong focus on the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and Camp James A. Garfield Joint...