Defend Warren

In this episode, we sit down with Don Bloom , founder and owner of PennCare , to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and the long-term commitment required to build a successful business. Born in Liberty and a graduate of Liberty High School and Youngstown State University , Don shares how he started PennCare in 1991 out of his business partner’s home with just $5,000 . From those humble beginnin...

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 influenc...

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 pitfa...

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...

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Stringer from the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP) to talk about the incredible work he and his team are doing to improve housing and strengthen our community. We cover a range of important topics, including: 🏚 Emergency Home Repair Program – Learn how you can get help with urgent home repairs. 📞 Contact Kevin at 330.647.6301 ext. 111 or kevin@tnpwarr...

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 da...

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. Alish...

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...

Bob has been a guest before, so go and check out that episode.  We are beginning a series of shows that will discuss residental real estate market in Warren, Ohio.  This series is being done in conjuction with a series titled: "Move to Warren".  We hope to encourage people and business to move to Warren with the information on these episodes. Also, It looks like Kimberly Clark Project on...

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 sh...

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...

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 gradua...

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...

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 a...

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 educatio...

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 buy...

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...

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 Stu...

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....

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....

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...

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 ho...

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...

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 n...

Bob is not from Warren but is a Defender of Warren, for sure.  This episode we discuss life growing up on a farm in Hubbard Township.  He went to Hubbard schools and  played football and ran track. After high school he went to Slippery Rock, YSU and graduated from  Kent State.   He is now a realtor with ReMax/Pathway.  We discuss Warren Real Estate and the potential that is here, in Warren.   He h...