The James Protin Podcast

For Episode 81 we were joined by Matt Light, a Pittsburgh dude from West View. Did we mention, Matt is one of the hottest comedians in the industry today?  Matt was named "Best Comedian" by the readers of Pittsburgh Magazine 3 years in a row. He hosted "Man on the Street" for The WDVE Morning Show and has performed in front of audiences all across the United States. Matt's...

Our guest for Episode 80 of the podcast is our friend Amy Taylor, President and Chief Marketing Officer for MINC.  MINC stands for Marketing, Integrate, Network, and Create. Amy has created an award-winning, full-service marketing and advertising firm specializing in successfully integrating strategy, business development, planning, and creative services into a unique one-stop-shop.  MINC isn’t an...

For Episode 79 of the podcast, we’re featuring two Pittsburgh based nonprofits, Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach (SPEO), NEED (Negro Education Emergency Drive).  Our guests are and Holly Douglas, Chairwoman and Donna Chappel, Treasurer of SPEO, and Dr. Marcia M. Sturdivant, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NEED.  SPEO is a non-profit organization whose members are dedicat...

Our guest for Episode 78 of the podcast is none other than Matt Humbert. Those immersed in Pennsylvania high school sports might recognize that name. Matt serves as the Head Football Coach for the Belle Vernon Area Leopards, the reigning WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA champions. Like most in our community , I know him as "Coach Humbert" but when we sat down for this conversation during the Lep...

Our guest for Episode 77 is Ray Nell Jones, founder of a now renowned national non-profit The Allignment Chapter Corporation. Ray Nell was born into poverty and became a single mother at the age of 19.  Ray Nell has created a safe place for single mothers to feel comfortable and unashamed. Ray Nell takes pride in making an impact and personal connection with each mother she connects with by buildi...

I had the pleasure of interviewing Luca Pandolfi for Episode 76 of the Podcast. Luca has been developing a system for converting biomass into sustainable gasoline that works with existing cars and infrastructure.  The business is called Woodland Biomass Innovations, and it promises a localized circular production process for making gasoline from tree residuals, starting with the proposed first fac...

My Co-Host Kelly Frost and I had the pleasure of interviewing Becca Carl for our upcoming episode of the Podcast. Becca Carl recently embarked on a new journey as a small business owner, leaving behind a 25-year career in beauty and traditional retail to take ownership of Vintage Grace Boutique in North Strabane. Her mission at the boutique is to empower people to feel confident in their own skin...

Balancing Banking, Boards and Business with Jennifer Hisdorf from Brentwood Bank Kelly Frost and I are excited to bring you episode #74 as we sit down with Jen Hisdorf. Jen is Vice President of Treasury Management at Brentwood Bank. She shares her insights, experiences, and wisdom on navigating the complex world of finance, leadership, family, and community involvement. Jen’s passion is helping bu...

For Episode 73 of the podcast, Kelly and I stopped by the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, downtown Pittsburgh for a conversation with Lee Terbosic.  Lee Terbosic is a nationally touring magician, comedian, actor, daredevil, and entertainer from Pittsburgh. Lee set up residency at the Hotel Monaco with his one man close up show "52 Up Close" with only 52 performances each year.  Finally Lee will be...

Our guest for Episode 72 is legendary Pittsburgh guitarist Byron Nash. He is a musician, songwriter, and producer who makes music based on feel. That’s why his music touches the soul.  Byron is not easily definable. This Pittsburgh-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer has electrified audiences with elevated rock sounds for over a decade, headlining major stages and collaborating wit...

Joining us for Episode 71 of the Podcast is Mary Elizabeth “M. E.” Yancosek Gamble. M.E. is an associate professor in The College of Business and Aviation and was the previous chair of the Performing Arts Department at Fairmont State University.  Fairmont State is the third-largest University in West Virginia. There are 26 colleges and universities in West Virginia.   West Virginia has the fourth-...

Marta is on the move…straight to Episode 70 of the podcast. Marta Napoleone Mazzoni is an experienced solo traveler and curious creature on a path of exploring the world and herself.  Marta is a best selling author and host of the award-winning podcast Marta on the Move. You get the intro now…right? Created in 2015, the show shines light on her own journey and other people’s stories on what makes...

Our guest for Episode 69 of the podcast is Jeff Hancher, CEO of Jeff Hancher Enterprises.  Growing up in southwestern Pennsylvania, the child of two parents who were never able to work due to health conditions that left them both medically disabled and unable to be employed. To say the very least, this made life pretty challenging. Between experiencing financial hardships and spending the better h...

Strategist | Mentor | Collaborator | Advocate | Leader |  Philanthropist | Woman in Tech | Mother | Daughter | Wife | Friend | Dog Mom | Jeeper | Lover of Sabika  The list of titles Jessica Rebholz holds is enormous, much like her heart and spirit. At her day job, her title is Senior Manager of Quality & Implementation for the Technical Operations team in Comcast’s Keystone Region, and the onl...

Our guest for Episode 67 of the podcast is Melissa Laughlin is the founder and CEO of Blessed Home Project. She’s also a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and by her own definition, “a girl after God’s own heart!” Melissa started her own cleaning company at 19 years old. The business grew and expanded, but she felt a tug on her heart for something more.  One day on the job, God made it clear to her that sh...

Our guest for Episode 66, is Tanya Chaney. Tanya is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. Trained as a massage therapist,  she has over 20 years specializing in deep tissue massage and pain management techniques.  She is the proud owner of Chaney's Natural | Salon & Spa, where she has created a full wellness/lifestyle experience. Tanya is more than a massage therapist, she is a life...

Today we would like to share a very special mid-week Episode of the podcast. Our guest is not only a miracle himself, but you could say that in his unique way… he works miracles as well.  Of course I’m talking about Boone, our first canine guest.  Boone brought along his amazing mom, Tanya Diable, the President and founder of Joey's P.A.W.. Tanya and her husband Charlie started this non-profi...

This is a special episode for the podcast for several reasons.  It marks our 65th episode, and it is the second spin on the show for, Lynn Berry, President of Bridge Insurance Group, Inc.  What makes it even more noteworthy is that it is also the 1st episode with our new Co-Host Kelly Frost, and our collaboration with PEEL: Pittsburgh's Elevated & Emerging Leaders...the regions best busin...

Our guest for Episode 64 of the podcast id Dr. Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President 2024-2025. She is a western Pennsylvania native, currently residing in Canonsburg.  After graduating from Monessen High School (Go Greyhounds), she received an undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters in Education from Duquesne University, and a doc...

Our guests for Episode 63 of the podcast are Dionne Malush and Mike Hanlon, partners in Realty ONE Group, Gold Standard…in just four years they’ve grown to over 200 agents.  Now the 6th largest real estate company in Pittsburgh, Dionne and Mike didn’t stop there. Just 3.5 years after starting ROG, they opened Motto Mortgage Keystone with new partner Greg Incardona; Welnsure Gold Standard, and Gold...

Our guest for Episode 62 of the podcast is Harry Lorusso. Harry is an outlier. I know what you’re thinking…what’s an outlier? Merriam-Webster defines an outlier this way: a person, thing, or fact that is very different from other people, things, or facts, so that it cannot be used to draw general conclusions.  Harry is an athlete. He ran in the Ultra Race of Champions, April 29th…finishing as the...

Jumping in the guest chair tor Episode #61 of the podcast is Amanda Filippelli, an internationally recognized editor, writer, book coach, and chief architect and advisor for many women authorpreneurs.  An award-winning writer herself and publishing industry expert, Amanda specializes in helping writers realize their authentic voice and thrive as working authors.  She speaks on the importance of st...

Our guest for Episode #60 is Joey Pagano. Joey is a husband, father, therapist, licensed social worker, researcher, doctoral candidate, author…and an addict.  Addiction stripped him of everything. It slammed him down on the curb and showed him the final exit…his end day. But God had other plans for Joey Pagano.  This episode is raw, emotional…and powerful. It details a life lost, found, lost again...

Our guest for Episode #59 of the podcast us Marvin Williams. There is a national fraternity recognized by the letters, FOM. It’s not affiliated with a particular university, club, or social group. The FOM stands for…Friends of Marvin.  Marvin is by every measure the best in his field…the GOAT if you will. He has been my most important professional mentor and it’s because of his influence that I’ve...

Our guest for Episode #58 are Stephanie Ciranni, Executive Director at Cancer Bridges. Stephanie leads a team dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate their cancer journey.  Cancer Bridges provides a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who has been impacted by cancer. This includes those with a cancer diagnosis, those who have a loved one with cancer, or have experienced the...