Defend Warren

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 influence of her father, Pastor Chris, founder ...

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 pitfalls, this conversation ...

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 entertainment in the c...

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@tnpwarren.org
  for more info.
• 🏠...

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 dancing at local clubs and community s...

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.

Alisha's path to s...

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 the C.S. Lewis In...

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 Warren's south side is moving ...

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 shapes one’s future, Natasha shares her...

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 publishing w...

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 graduated from Girard C...

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 team in 2002. The team was founded i...

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 and enjoying pizza from Carmen’s.

Aft...

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 education at University of Akron a...

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 buyer has been found for Trumbull Memo...

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. Ken has a successful career of hel...

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 Studios, a Web Desig...

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.

Lana is ...