Ashland Connected

Doing the right thing for others doesn’t need to be complicated. It starts with showing up, offering help, and caring enough to make decisions that put people first. When service becomes the foundation, everything else seems to fall into place a little more naturally.

In this final episode of Season 3 of the Ashland Connected podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce talks with Jay Dodaro, President of Star Strategies, about what it looks like to build a business and a financial practice around that simple principle.

Jay explains the “fiscal house” framework, how couples can navigate different comfort levels with risk, and why educating clients matters more than selling to them. He also speaks to the way Star Strategies is establishing a stronger presence in Ashland.

This episode reinforces a simple theme of conducting business on purpose for good: when you put people first, you help them move forward with connection, confidence and clarity.

Takeaways

– Putting people first creates stronger relationships and better outcomes

– Clear, simple financial guidance helps clients feel confident in their decisions

– The “fiscal house” model offers an easy way to understand long-term planning

– Couples often have different risk tolerances, and good planning respects both

– Company culture grounded in service and empathy makes a meaningful difference

– Star Strategies is expanding into Ashland with a focus on long-term community connection

– Giving back is a core part of the team’s identity and values

– There’s no minimum requirement—everyone deserves accessible guidance

– Education builds trust far more effectively than sales pressure

– Meeting people where they are makes financial planning more personal and approachable

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network

Some stories wait a lifetime to be told. The Vietnam War may have ended fifty years ago, but for many who lived through it, including Ashland's own Greg Gorrell, the echoes never stopped. It takes rare courage to turn those echoes into words, to revisit the pain, and to offer hope through the telling. That's exactly what Greg has done.

In this special Veterans Day episode of the Ashland Connected podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce sits down with Vietnam veteran and author Greg Gorrell to share his remarkable journey. Greg served in the Mekong Delta in 1967 and recently released his book, Vietnam Survival: There and Home, a deeply personal account of faith, loss, and redemption. Together, they explore his experiences in combat, the struggles of returning home to an unwelcoming nation, and the powerful impact his story is having on veterans and families across Ohio.

Greg’s reflections carry the weight of history, memories of search-and-destroy missions, sleepless nights under monsoon rains, and the heartbreak of losing brothers in arms. Yet what stands out most is his compassion for others: the widows who never heard their husbands’ stories, the families who found closure through his book, and the students who may now learn from his firsthand lessons. He speaks not only for himself but for the millions who served, suffered, and still search for peace.

As Greg now tells audiences everywhere, “welcome home” are the words Vietnam veterans waited decades to hear. His courage to speak helps others find the strength to do the same, and ensures that the lessons of sacrifice, faith, and healing will never be forgotten.

Takeaways

-True courage often begins when the silence ends.

-Vietnam’s daily reality was fear, uncertainty, and survival in the Mekong Delta.

-Coming home to protest instead of gratitude left invisible scars.

-Many veterans stayed silent for decades, carrying their memories alone.

-Greg's book has inspired families to open old letters and talk about the past.

-Each story shared helps preserve history and bring healing.

-Speaking to students connects a generation that never knew the war to those who lived it.

-“Welcome home” remains the most powerful phrase a Vietnam veteran can hear.

-Healing happens when stories are told before it’s too late.

Helpful Links:

Order Books by mail at Greg Gorrell, 1531 Arrow Drive, Ashland, Ohio, 44805.

Call 419-651-9953 to order by phone

Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/d2NDh5Q

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network

Preparing kids for kindergarten may sound simple, but it’s the difference between showing up ready to learn or starting behind. The SPARK program is doing something extraordinary: bringing early education into the home so every child has a real chance to thrive.

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Jennifer Washock, Lead Specialist for the SPARK Program through Appleseed Community Mental Health Center. Jennifer shares how SPARK helps three- and four-year-olds in Ashland County build the skills and confidence they need before kindergarten. Through in-home lessons, family involvement, and one-on-one attention from “parent partners,” the program bridges gaps in early education while strengthening family relationships.

And yes, there’s a little fun at the end! Amy couldn’t resist diving into Jennifer’s other passion: extreme couponing. How does someone save enough through coupons to pay cash for a car and a house down payment? Jennifer explains her strategy, discipline, and why saving money is just another form of empowerment.

We hope you enjoy this episode, as it reminds us that intentional effort, whether through learning or saving, can lead to life-changing results.

Takeaways

– SPARK stands for Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids and serves local families with three- and four-year-olds.

– The program brings learning into homes, giving parents a hands-on role in early education.

– It’s free, funded through Appleseed, United Way, and Ashland Job and Family Services.

– Families can join anytime during the school year and receive personalized monthly lessons.

– Parent partners play a vital role, guiding learning and supporting both children and caregivers.

– SPARK graduates show higher confidence, stronger communication skills, and readiness for school success.

– The program is currently seeking more parent partners as it grows across the county.

– Education, collaboration, and community care are at the heart of SPARK’s mission.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network

The magic of film doesn’t just belong to Hollywood. Right here in Ashland, Ohio, stories are being brought to life on screen, showing how a small community can play a big role in the world of movie-making.

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce  talks with Phil Garrett, Head of Production and Development for Good Deed Entertainment and Cranked Up Films. Phil shares his journey from Springfield to Ashland and explains what excites him about bringing film production to a place that’s off the beaten path.

Listeners will hear how Good Deed Entertainment is building momentum, creating jobs, and helping to put the town on the creative map.

This conversation also highlights the broader value of storytelling, showing how films can shape culture, strengthen identity, and connect people in meaningful ways—whether the setting is a bustling city or a quiet Ohio town, like Ashland, Ohio.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network

Takeaways

-Ashland, Ohio is emerging as a location for meaningful film production.

-Phil Garrett’s career path shows how experience outside Hollywood can bring fresh opportunities.

-Smaller communities can offer advantages such as support and creative freedom.

-Storytelling through film impacts both culture and community identity.

-Good Deed Entertainment is working to establish a strong local presence in the movie industry.

-Local talent and resources are vital to making projects successful.

-Film production in Ashland has the potential to boost economic and cultural growth

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs don’t happen in the boardroom or on a stage. They happen in the quiet places—unexpected, uncomfortable, and unfiltered. Maybe it’s a moment of failure, a harsh word overheard, or simply the realization that pretending your way through life isn’t sustainable. It’s in those moments we decide: keep faking it, or finally face it. And when we choose to face it, everything changes.

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Raquel Eatman, CEO of Rising Media and founder of the Woman of Power Conference. Raquel is the Keynote Speaker at the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce "Ignite - Mind, Body, & Soul Women's Conference" on October 17, 2025.

They discuss Raquel's journey from broadcasting to Restaurant leadership to entrepreneur and CEO, as well as her experiences in leadership, and the concept of 'Never Next Now,' which emphasizes taking action and personal growth.

Through hard-won insight and real-life stories, Raquel offers encouragement for anyone feeling stuck or unsure whether they’re “enough.” She shares lessons from her years as a journalist, her time leading the Woman of Power Conference, and her belief that women don’t have to wait until they check every box before stepping up. There’s no perfect time. There’s only now.

For anyone who’s ready to stop hiding, start asking better questions, and move forward with clarity, this is your nudge. Because the truth is, you were never meant to settle for almost.

Click here for more information about the Ignite Conference.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network.

Takeaways

-Real leadership begins the moment we stop pretending

-“Never Next Now” is about recognizing what’s broken, getting curious, and choosing action

-Growth doesn’t need a plan—it needs a step

-Imposter syndrome thrives in silence; progress starts with honesty

-Waiting to be perfectly ready means never starting at all

-Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s wisdom

-Women deserve more than seats at the table—they deserve to feel seen at the table

-Confidence is a byproduct of courage, not a prerequisite

-Beyond Enough explores what it means to lead with your whole self

-The upcoming IGNITE Women’s Conference is designed to feed mind, body, and soul

Ashland’s healthcare story is one you don’t hear every day—a blend of small-town connection and big-league innovation. But things are changing. As the heath care industry adapts to pressures and uncertainty, it's important that there is a strong health care presence remaining here in Ashland. Ashland deserves top notch healthcare, close to home, and that is what we're talking about here.

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce  speaks with Sylvia Radziszewski, Chief Operating Officer and Hospital President of University Hospital's Samaritan Medical Center, about the unique healthcare services available in Ashland, Ohio. T

hey discuss the 'special sauce' that makes Samaritan stand out, the challenges and successes in recruiting healthcare professionals, the changes in labor and delivery services, and the innovative use of AI in healthcare.

The conversation highlights the importance of community connection and patient care, as well as the future of healthcare services in the region.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network.

Takeaways

-Samaritan Medical Center has a unique community connection that enhances patient care.

-Recruitment in healthcare is challenging, especially in rural areas like Ashland.

-The hospital is focusing on early recruitment of medical students and residents.

-Partnerships with other healthcare organizations can enhance service delivery.

-Quality of care and safety for mothers and babies is a top priority.

-AI is being integrated into healthcare to improve patient monitoring and communication.

-The healthcare landscape is shifting towards consumerism and patient choice.

-Samaritan is expanding its services to meet community needs, including wound care.

-Community support is vital for the success of local healthcare services.

If you haven’t been to the library lately, a lot has changed. Yes there are still lots and lots of books, and we love the books! But there are so many additional products and services available, making the library a resource that can be a key to the entire world.  

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce interviews Charlene Tolbert, the Director of the Ashland Public Library. They discuss Charlene's journey to becoming a librarian, the various services the library offers beyond just books, and the importance of community engagement. 

Charlene shares insights into the library's outreach programs, social services, and her personal involvement in the Ashland community. The conversation highlights the evolving role of libraries in modern society and concludes with a fun rapid-fire question segment.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it's an important topic. There is a stigma about mental health, asking for help, and even joining in the effort to provide treatment. We are fortunate in Ashland County to have access to innovative treatments and specialists who care. Because a happy and healthy community is what Ashland is all about.

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce talks Mental Health with Dr. Johanna Wilson, CEO of HOPE 419. Together, they discuss the importance of a holistic approach to mental health.

Dr. Wilson, shares her journey in establishing HOPE 419 during the pandemic, the innovative treatments offered, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine therapy, and the significance of testing services for ADHD and autism.

Dr. Wilson also addresses the stigma surrounding mental health, the community's role in the practice's growth, and the future of psychiatry, including the potential of psychedelics. The conversation concludes with lighthearted questions, emphasizing the importance of self-care and connection.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network.

We can learn a lot when we study history. Where we come from can tell us a lot about where we’re headed. How much do you know about Ashland history? There’s a lot to learn. Luckily for us, it’s easy to do so, due to the incredible resources available to us at the Ashland County Historical Society.   

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce talks Ashland History with Sarah Fisher, the new executive director of the Ashland County Historical Society. 

Sarah shares her background in history and public history, her goals for the Historical Society, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation covers the staff structure, upcoming events, and the significance of local history, including the renowned Thornburg insect collection. 

Sarah emphasizes the need for collaboration with local organizations and the importance of making history accessible and engaging for the community.

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network.

There may be no more noble a pursuit than serving your community with commitment, pride and excellence. That's the kind of company Armstrong Cable is in Ashland. They've been a community champion for many years, and they're making a difference for our future.

In this episode of the Ashland Connected, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce interviews Sandy Burkholder, the Office Manager and Community Marketing Manager for Armstrong Cable here in Ashland. They discuss Sandy's long tenure with the company, the various community initiatives Armstrong supports, including veteran assistance programs and local events.

Sandy emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the community and the value of customer service in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on Armstrong's services, innovations, and how they compete with streaming services, highlighting the unique advantages of local businesses.

Best of all, if you know Sandy, then you know this episode is lively, engaging, fun and spirited!

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network.