What makes Antonio Williams with Next Level Athletic Fitness a good neighbor?

What if the secret to faster performance isn’t working harder, but working in the right direction? We sit down with Antonio Williams of Next Level Athletic Fitness to unpack a science-led approach that starts with assessment, builds with progression, and finishes with results you can feel. From youth athletes to pros, his method pinpoints weak, tight, overactive, and underactive muscles, then designs training that accelerates gains while reducing injury risk.

Antonio shares how his own journey from college and arena football to NFL Pro Day reshaped his mindset: speed and strength come from strategy, not guesswork. We tackle two big myths head-on. First, the go-harder culture that spikes injuries every January; he explains why gradual progress outperforms all-out intensity. Second, the ice debate: while numbing feels good, restricting blood flow can slow the inflammatory phase your body needs to heal. He offers a practical framework for recovery that prioritizes circulation, range of motion, and tissue resilience over quick fixes.

The conversation goes deeper with hypermobility and why cookie-cutter plans fail athletes whose joints move beyond normal ranges. Antonio shows how a single insight- like spotting hypermobility- can flip a program and unlock elite outcomes, from all-state honors to Division I scholarships. We also talk about helping the general population: desk workers with back or shoulder pain, former athletes with old injuries, and anyone seeking a non-opioid path to feeling strong again. Expect clear takeaways, real-case wins, and a commitment to unbiased, research-backed coaching.

Ready to train smarter, recover faster, and keep the joy in movement? Listen now, subscribe for more conversations with local experts, and leave a review to tell us your biggest training myth to tackle next.

To learn more about Next Level Athletic Fitness go to:

http://www.nextlevelathleticfitness.com/

Next Level Athletic Fitness

(412) 346-6089

What makes Benjamin McPherson with Benjamin McPherson CPA a good neighbor?

Tired of tax tips that sound great on social media but fall apart when you file? We bring on Pittsburgh’s own Benjamin McPherson, CPA, to separate hype from help and show how small business owners and families can make smarter, simpler choices this season. From entity selection to overtime rules, he translates dense regulations into plain language and practical steps you can use right away.

Benjamin shares how a professor’s push toward accounting shaped his career and led to a two-office firm serving the North Hills and Butler communities. We dig into who truly benefits from S corp status, how bookkeeping and payroll tie directly to tax outcomes, and why clean records are the difference between confident deductions and costly audits. He also addresses the internet’s favorite misunderstandings- like the idea that property taxes vanished or that all overtime is tax-free- and explains what actually changed, what didn’t, and where the fine print hides.

Beyond the headlines, this conversation is about service. While many firms move to anonymous drop-off models, Benjamin keeps a human touch: face-to-face meetings, secure portals, and clear answers on the spot. If you’ve wondered whether to stick with DIY software or hire a pro, you’ll hear a candid breakdown of cost, value, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a single-member LLC, a growing partnership, or a family filing together, you’ll leave with a better map: how to prepare, what to document, and which questions to ask before you sign.

If this helped you cut through the noise, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s gearing up for tax time, and leave a quick review so more neighbors can find real guidance without the guesswork.

To learn more about Benjamin McPherson CPA go to:

https://benmcpcpa.com/

Benjamin McPherson CPA

(412) 342-8808

What makes Patrick Cranston of Paratus Self Defense a Good Neighbor?

Ever wish personal safety came with more choices than “do nothing” or “use lethal force”? We sit down with Patrick Cranston of Paratus Self Defense to unpack a smarter middle ground: Berna launchers that fire kinetic or pepper projectiles to stop threats, create space, and get you home safe without the life-altering consequences of a firearm discharge.

Patrick shares the road rage moment that changed his thinking as a concealed carry holder and sparked a business built on practical protection. We break down how Berna works- air-powered launchers with five-round magazines, minimal recoil, and simple readiness- plus why legality matters: they’re legal in all 50 states with no permits required. You’ll hear how chemical rounds form a six-foot irritant cloud, how kinetic hits deliver painful deterrence, and why proportional force can defuse a confrontation faster than you think.

We also dig into the biggest myths around less lethal defense and talk about who benefits most: women seeking confidence without lethal consequences, older adults who prefer lighter, easier tools, and new defenders who want real capability without complex licensing. Patrick explains why training turns equipment into outcomes and how Paratus’ in-store demo range lets customers try before they buy, bring family members for instruction, and build muscle memory for high-stress moments.

If you’ve wondered how to balance safety, ethics, and legal risk, this conversation offers a clear framework and a practical tool to add to your personal security plan. Subscribe, share this with someone who wants options, and leave a review with your biggest question about less lethal self-defense- we might feature it next time.

To learn more about Paratus Self Defense go to:

https://www.paratusselfdefense.com/

Paratus Self Defense

(724) 453-4030

What makes Dana Ralutz with Ethical Esthetics a good neighbor?

Want healthier skin without the pressure to buy more and exfoliate harder? We sit down with Dana Ralutz, owner of Ethical Esthetics in Moon Township, to unpack a barrier-first approach that calms inflammation, protects the microbiome, and makes facial massage a powerful (and relaxing) tool for tone, circulation, and glow. Dana shares how her COVID-era shift from HR to Esthetics reshaped her philosophy: educate before selling, simplify routines, and match treatment cadence to the skin’s actual needs.

We talk about the myths that keep people stuck- like monthly dermaplaning as a rule- and why stripping oils and cells can backfire. Dana explains how hidden exfoliants in cleansers and toners stack up, how to set realistic timelines for correction versus maintenance, and when to stretch visits to every two or three months once balance returns. If your skin feels tight, red, or chronically “dehydrated yet oily,” her advice on rebuilding the acid mantle, adjusting actives, and prioritizing moisturizers will feel like a reset.

You’ll also hear why facial massage belongs in your toolkit. Think of it as strength training for the face: targeted moves support lymph flow, reduce puffiness, ease jaw and brow tension, and encourage a lifted look over time. Dana’s studio model includes a complimentary 10-minute consultation to align home care with results, and seasonal treatments- like a hot chocolate hydrofacial with a peppermint scalp massage- that deliver both science and comfort. Along the way, we touch on community, small business love, and finding joy in simple, consistent routines that let skin do what it’s built to do.

If you’re ready for skincare that favors trust over tactics and resilience over quick fixes, this conversation will help you pare back, focus on what works, and enjoy the process. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s overexfoliating, and leave a review to tell us the biggest skincare myth you’re letting go of.

To learn more about Ethical Esthetics go to:

https://www.ethicalpittsburgh.com/

Ethical Esthetics

(412) 716-4180

What makes Dr. Peter Paduzzi with American Back Centers a good neighbor?

Ever been told surgery is the only path out of back or neck pain? We sat down with Dr. Peter Paduzzi of American Back Centers to unpack a different roadmap: specialty chiropractic, targeted rehab, FDA-approved spinal decompression, and noninvasive weight-loss strategies that help real patients sidestep the scalpel. Dr. Paduzzi has led a legacy practice in Wexford for over two decades, focusing on tough cases like herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and even failed back or neck surgery.

Across our conversation, we separate myth from method. Chiropractic here isn’t a one-size-fits-all adjustment; it’s a structured plan that blends manual therapy with progressive stabilization, mobility training, and decompression protocols designed to relieve nerve pressure and restore function. We talk through how to know when conservative care is the smarter first step, the red flags that warrant referral, and why a clear second opinion can change the trajectory for people who’ve already cycled through injections and standard PT without lasting relief. Dr. Paduzzi also shares how targeted weight management and practical nutrition lower spinal load, reduce inflammation, and accelerate rehab gains.

You’ll hear candid guidance on who benefits most, how results are measured, and what early wins to watch for: better standing and walking tolerance, fewer night wakings, and easier daily movement. We also touch on patient education- short, accessible videos and radio segments that demystify terms like “stenosis” and “decompression”- so you can make informed choices with your care team. If you’re wrestling with persistent disc pain or considering surgery, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful path forward that prioritizes safety, function, and long-term outcomes.

If this helped you rethink your options, subscribe, share with someone who needs a second opinion, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

To learn more about American Back Centers go to:

https://www.americanbackcenters.com/

American Back Centers

(724) 220-6066

What makes Melissa Migliaro with Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists a good neighbor?

Looking for the invisible force that makes wellness programs land and events actually work? We sat down with consultant and event specialist Melissa Migliaro to unpack the relationship-first approach behind corporate wellness, nonprofit partnerships, and conferences that feel seamless for guests and meaningful for teams. Melissa blends strategy and curation, bringing registered dietitians, physical therapists, licensed counselors, and standout speakers to companies that want real outcomes, not just calendar filler.

Melissa’s path started in a concert hall. With undergrad and graduate degrees in French horn performance, she learned discipline, listening, and stagecraft-skills that now underpin her consulting. When a small business role led her into events, she discovered the joy of connecting people to outcomes and built a network of experts she trusts. Today, she supports HR leaders with wellness days and lunch and learns, amplifies nonprofits like Special Olympics Three Rivers and Cancer Bridges, and steps in as the behind-the-scenes coordinator who keeps plans coherent and human.

We dig into common myths about “event planners” versus “event coordinators,” explore the underrated power of follow-through and cadence, and talk about why curated wellness programming is more effective than one-off sessions. Melissa also shares how word-of-mouth referrals sustain her business, why she prefers to let clients take the spotlight, and what a future podcast could do to bring her expert network to a wider audience. Beyond work, she finds balance in running 35–40 miles a week, strength training with Allegheny Health Network’s sports performance team, and slowing down with yoga.

If you care about corporate wellness strategy, memorable events, or nonprofit impact, this conversation offers practical ideas you can use right away. Subscribe for more local business stories, share this with a colleague who runs HR or events, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

To learn more about Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists go to:

https://migliaroconsulting.com/

Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists

(412)523-3547

What makes Shari Zatman of Perfectly Planned by Shari a good neighbor?

Want to know what really happens between the freight elevator and the first dance? We sit down with luxury wedding planner Shari Zatman of Perfectly Planned by Shari to pull back the curtain on the systems, timelines, and creative decisions that make celebrations feel effortless. From interior design roots to national consulting, Shari shows how design and logistics work together to deliver a smooth guest experience and a calm, confident couple.

Shari’s career started in nonprofit events and linen rentals, where she learned the mechanics of inventory, lead times, and vendor constraints. That foundation now powers high-end weddings, mitzvahs, galas, and corporate events with a focus on event design, budget clarity, and vendor management. She talks candidly about the biggest misconception in wedding planning- the idea that it’s all fun and flowers- and shares how her team handles the physical work, the 100+ -point timelines, and the critical handoffs that keep everything on schedule. If you’ve wondered how to choose vendors, sequence a wedding day timeline, or navigate contracts without losing your vision, you’ll find clear, practical insights here.

We also explore how virtual planning expands access. Shari maps priorities over Zoom, builds comprehensive plans, and when she isn’t onsite she orchestrates seamless handoffs to local day-of coordinators. As a monthly party expert on Pittsburgh Today Live and author of From Behind the Clipboard, she brings stories and strategies that translate into real-world solutions: contingency planning, guest flow, lighting choices, and the difference between a pretty space and a designed experience. You’ll hear how her love of Broadway and travel informs the narrative arc of each event, turning moments into a cohesive story.

If you’re planning a wedding or milestone event and want the calm that comes with experience, this conversation delivers a blueprint you can use. Subscribe for more smart conversations with local pros, share this episode with a friend who’s engaged, and leave a review to tell us what behind-the-scenes detail surprised you most.

To learn more about Perfectly Planned by Shari go to:

https://perfectlyplannedbyshari.com

Perfectly Planned by Shari

(412)901-0082

What makes Dr.Ian Bulow with Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic a good neighbor?

When doctors say “everything looks normal” yet you still feel dizzy, foggy, or in pain, it’s hard not to lose hope. We sat down with Dr. Ian Bulow of Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic to explore a precise, gentle approach to the upper neck that aims to change that story- no twisting, no cracking, and measurable results that matter in daily life.

Dr. Bulow breaks down the three pillars that set upper cervical care apart: objective testing to track real change, three-dimensional CT imaging to map alignment down to the millimeter, and a Blair-certified adjustment that avoids rotation while targeting the atlas and axis with accuracy. We dive into why this method helps people with vertigo, chronic dizziness, migraines, and post-concussion symptoms, and we talk about complex cases like trigeminal neuralgia where the pain is intense and traditional options feel limited. Rather than chase symptoms, the focus is restoring the brain–body connection through meticulous alignment of the upper neck.

We also clear up myths fueled by viral “neck crack” videos. Chiropractic is a broad field with many certifications, and high-risk patients- those with prior neck surgery, instability, or vascular concerns- still have options when methods are selected wisely. Dr. Bulow shares why he teaches the Blair procedure nationally, how his team prioritizes a world-class patient experience, and what “revive” truly means for people who want their lives back. Along the way, we touch on local community, small business roots, and that vital message of possibility: you can improve, and careful care can help you get there.

Curious whether upper cervical care is a fit? Search reviveUCC to learn more or call 724-772-7060 about their new patient special. If this conversation helped you think differently about dizziness, migraines, or chronic pain, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more neighbors find real options.

To learn more about Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic go to:

https://www.reviveucc.com/

Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic

(724) 772-7060