VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our Community cover art

VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our Community

VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our Community

By: Debbie Larson and Greg Smith
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Friendships begin based on numerous circumstances. Many are created because of similar interests and hobbies. For example, being part of the same sports team or maybe being a member of the same academic club. Other friendships are formed based on proximity or what neighborhood you grew up in. Whatever the reason, having a good solid friendship is a wonderful thing.We believe Podcasts are very similar to friendships. They are many times created by a few people who have common interests and share a similar vision. They are generally formed to help “inform” others about a variety of topics and subject matter. The question many Podcasters ask themselves is….why me/us? With so many options to choose from as a listener, what makes one Podcast better than another? We believe it all begins with….a good host or pair of hosts! That is exactly how The VIP Café Show came to fruition. Two friends, Greg Smith and Brian Blasko had a conversation while enjoying a cigar on a cool crisp January evening and the rest as they say…is history.The VIP Café Show was created to inform, educate and entertain listeners from the great city of Youngstown, OH. Although The VIP Café Show listeners reach far beyond the Youngstown area, the primary focus of the show is to highlight local “Youngstowners” and to hear their story. The Podcast also dives into a variety of fascinating topics besides Youngstown. Greg and Brian love discussing leadership, public speaking, customer care, team building, and life in general. They are always fascinated by what makes people tick and how people became (or are becoming) the person they are today! The VIP Café Show is a fun and informative program that engages the audience with every interview, conversation, and dialog that transpires.

© 2025 VIP Café Show – Youngstown, Ohio – Local Guests with Amazing Impact to Our Community
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Episodes
  • E64 The VIP Café Show with Tom Orlando: From Prison to Purpose
    May 19 2025

    The moment Tom Orlando's life changed forever sits at the heart of this powerful conversation. A promising football player whose career was cut short by injury, Tom found success as a business owner, growing his motorcycle dealership into the top 1% nationwide. But beneath the surface success lurked habits that would lead to devastating consequences.

    When a night of drinking ended in a fatal car accident that killed his friend Frank, Tom faced the unimaginable – standing before his friend's family in court as "just the guy that killed their son," before serving five years in prison for manslaughter. Rather than surrendering to despair, Tom discovered Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" and convinced prison authorities to let him teach these principles to fellow inmates.

    Tom shares the raw emotional weight of his experience with remarkable vulnerability, from the "empty chair" at his friend's family holiday gatherings to the blood-spattered newspaper when another inmate was stabbed beside him in the prison library. Through it all, Tom developed a philosophy that leadership isn't about titles but about "being in charge of the people that do the job and being responsible for those people."

    Now working as a leadership expert and recovery coach, Tom's most rewarding moment came years after his release, when a former inmate approached him on a train platform to share how Tom's prison teachings had transformed his life. This powerful testament affirms Tom's belief that everyone has "a God-shaped hole" they attempt to fill, and his mission to help others find healthy ways to fill that void.

    Connect with Tom on LinkedIn or visit TheTomOrlando.com to learn how his extraordinary journey of redemption can help transform your organization or personal life.

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    36 mins
  • E63 The VIP Café Show with Taryn Sallie - Boardman Neighbors: How One Magazine is Reviving Local Bonds
    May 2 2025

    We explore the power of community connection through Boardman Neighbors, a new magazine helping Boardman residents rediscover their neighborhood one family at a time. Publisher Taryn Sallie shares her entrepreneurial journey and her mission to rebuild local connections.

    • Boardman Neighbors magazine features a different local family on each monthly cover
    • Unlike other publications, the magazine is delivered directly to residents' doorsteps without subscription
    • Readers have responded enthusiastically, requesting even more local content
    • The magazine includes "expert contributor" sections where local businesses share valuable knowledge
    • Taryn's entrepreneurial spirit was inspired by her great-grandmother who owned a beauty salon
    • The publication serves as a platform for local businesses to connect with community members
    • Taryn's contact information: 330-333-8227 or tsallie@bestversionmedia.com


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    25 mins
  • E62 The VIP Café Show with Jennifer Frank on Fashion for All: Celebrating Every Body
    Apr 23 2025

    Jennifer Frank, creator of the Every Body Fashion Show, shares her journey from fashion-loving Italian girl to New York City professional and finally to passionate mentor of fashion students.

    • Started the Every Body Fashion Show in 2013 in memory of student Danielle Peters who passed away from complications of bulimia
    • Models of all shapes, sizes, and ages (from 6 months to 74 years old) walk the runway
    • Fashion has psychological impact, giving people opportunity to "sparkle" and feel confident
    • Show planning requires thousands of hours of preparation and coordination
    • The fashion industry now focuses more on social media influencers than traditional magazines
    • Understanding your body type helps you adapt fashion trends to what works for you
    • Mentoring students is Jennifer's greatest joy and success

    The Every Body Fashion Show will be held May 7th at Eastwood Event Center, doors open at 5:30pm, show starts at 6:30pm. Free admission. Anyone interested in modeling should email Jennifer at jmfrank@ysu.edu right away.


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    26 mins

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