Soul of the Glass City

They say that, "A picture is worth a thousand words", well just as much can be said about M.Ed, mother, President of Delta Sigma Theta Toledo chapter, and professional photographer, Ambershaun aka Amber Byrd. A true success story who was born, raised, and stayed to build a strong foundation in the Glass City. Tune in to find out how Amber turned her passion into her purpose through her love of her...

Known around town as the charismatic radio show host and founder of one of Toledo's top annual fashion events, Steve Reamey has been touted as the guy who gets it done. Originally hailing from Ohio's state capital, Columbus, Reamey moved here in his teens, and went on to become a proud Toledo Rocket. His story gets even more interesting, as he chose to make the Glass City his forever home base aft...

How does a man go from a specialized career in law enforcement to becoming the CEO of one of the leading youth mentoring non-profits in the Glass City? In this episode, Dr. Marvin Whitfield talks about his upbringing in the state of New York, traveling the world as a professional consultant, to finding his future and purpose in Toledo, Ohio. He explains how mentors early on in his career helped to...

LeSean Shaw is a man who has always held the belief that Toledo is a great city. Moving around a lot as a child growing up with his mother, he was fortunate enough to live on different sides of town, befriend many people, and have diverse cultural experiences. As he grew older, he cultivated his education and those relationships to very lucrative careers, eventually landing a role as a vice presid...

LaDale L. Whaley, is a multi-faced educator and creative who began her journey right here in the Glass City. Inspired by her mother, who she watched be an entrepreneur from childhood, Mrs. Whaley also became a proud mother and business owner herself and has persevered to overcome many obstacles. Obtaining her Masters degree and becoming a college professor, Whaley moved back to Toledo after living...

Ronald had a great childhood growing up with his parents in Illinois. When it was time to go to college, he chose to go to The University of Toledo, and he has made the Glass City his home ever since. Whether he is working as an Executive Assistant at the Board of Lucas County Commissioners, serving his community as a Public Health Professional, or running in a marathon somewhere in the U.S., Ron...

From moving to and from various foster homes in his childhood to fostering and mentoring many children in his adulthood, Dr. Deonte Moss turned his struggles into success. A PhD, author, actor, teacher, social media influencer, husband, and father, Dr. Moss uses his education and influence to inspire others by meeting them wherever they may be in life. Known also by his comedic alter-ego, "The Nos...

A Toledoan to the bone, Robert Pasker grew up, "Out Hill," enjoying his childhood amongst a tight-knit community of homeowners. This foundation helped to pave the pathway of his future career endeavors. A dedicated father and a serial entrepreneur, Pasker went from being the guy everyone knew for selling green tea to one of the youngest African-American real estate brokers in the state of Ohio.

Tune in as we get to know Arlinda Self, a dedicated wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur who inspires others through her love of meditation, yoga, and dance. From her wholesome childhood and upbringing in Holland, Ohio, to leaving the state, and performing around the country with a world renowned dance company, Arlinda brings her experience, knowledge, and wisdom back to the Glass City.

Though his upbringing in Toledo was very wholesome, as soon as Armani Derden graduated from high school, he chose to broaden his horizons by leaving his hometown and joining the U.S. Navy. After serving in the military for 3 years, traveling the world, and gaining many valuable career/life skills, Armani eventually settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Quickly realizing that there is no place like...

Meet Kamilah Brown, a Michigan transplant, who has built a name for herself in Toledo. A dedicated wife, mother, and an entrepreneur of many talents, Kamilah shares with us how she manages it all with a sense of joy and optimism.

If you are from or live in the Toledo area, then you probably know of or have heard of John Eikost. Though he does his best to move under the radar, it's hard to miss him because he does so much to promote all of the positives of the Glass City. John has been the mind behind one of the most popular event resource websites in Toledo for almost two decades. He loves our city, and in this interview,...

It was fun getting to experience some great events in Toledo this Summer! Tune in to hear about some of the cool functions that I was able to experience these past 3 months within the 419 and out of town as well.

If you watched Bad Boys 2, 3, or 4, then you know of actor Dennis McDonald, aka "Reggie," from the billion dollar franchise of movies. Dennis, who grew up in the Bronx, New York, initially wasn't planning to be a Hollywood star. He actually wanted to be an NBA player, but fate had other plans. Tune in to hear Dennis tell us his story.

What began as a love of dance as a child, turned into a hobby as a teen, and blossomed into a full-blown career! Meet Jonté Williams, better known as @SirEstoDance, who is now a social media sensation and celebrity choreographer who talks about how he got his humble start in Toledo, Ohio.

Pat McCarty has worn many hats in his diverse career. From a husband and father to a high school teacher and a successful insurance salesman. Tune in as we take a fun journey with McCarty, as he shares his unique story of how he became the man we have come to know as the Guy in the 419.

We get a chance to hear from a few of the voices who were present for the 2024 Diversity Equity Access Inclusion ALLiance of Northwest Ohio's 3rd Annual Summit & CEO Panel. Listen to DEAI allies and trailblazers, Marquis Miller, Akousua Barthwell Evans, Tiff Thompson & Matt Killam, as they share their unique career experiences.

In this episode, we take a trip to The Release: An Art Exhibition, which was a unique event to celebrate art enrichment in Toledo. We get to meet the host photographers Alexandria Armand and Dirtykics, talk about their latest work and the creative inspirations behind them. We also get to know professional saxophonist Sax B, who provided part of the musical selection for the evening.

We take a moment to step into the life of Debora Gregory. We discover how Debora grew up in Toledo and how a deep loss caused her to find her ultimate purpose. Gregory has made a life-long career helping others learn how to heal from grief through her personal experiences and ministry.

Monique sits down with Anita Lopez.

Raina Dawson is an attorney and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to human rights, social justice, and community activism. As a proud Toledoan, Raina shares with us how being born and raised in the Glass City has helped shape her life and career.

An in-depth talk with Candice Harrison who is well-known for being a champion of women's causes, youth development, and community advocacy. As the Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at international architectural and engineering firm SSOE, we learn about how Harrison manages her roles as a wife, mother, corporate woman, and philanthropist who was born and raised in The Glass City.

Take a glimpse into the life of the first African-American female Mayor of Toledo. From her humble beginnings in Hamilton, Ohio to her current role as an Ohio State Senator, we get a chance to know the dynamic activist, mother, attorney and politician that is Paula Hicks-Hudson.

A conversation CEO & Founder, La'Shardae Scott, of Scott Center for Observation, Treatment & Transition. Join us for her journey of being a mother of two Sickle Cell Warriors to becoming a dynamic professional advocate for other individuals living with sickle cell.

In this debut episode for 'Soul of the Glass City', Monique sits down with community newspaper owner, longtime Toledo resident and Ivy Leaguer, Fletcher Word, who shares with us his love of the Glass City.