Sound United Presents

In this episode, we present Dr. Homer Warren, Professor Emeritus, author, educator, and Youngstown native whose career has included public service, economics, higher education, research, and writing. Dr. Warren reflects on growing up in Youngstown, his early curiosity about philosophy and learning, and the path that eventually led him to more than three decades in the classroom.  

At the center of the conversation is Producer Consciousness, Dr. Warren’s framework for challenging the idea that people should primarily see themselves as consumers. He explains his belief that human beings are producers by nature and explores how thinking in terms of inputs, processes, and outputs can change the way we approach education, relationships, leadership, health, and everyday decisions. Dr. Warren also discusses why changing a deeply ingrained mindset can be difficult, how to introduce these ideas to young people, and why he continues to research and write about Producer Consciousness in retirement.  

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing Up in Youngstown and the Experiences That Shaped Dr. Warren
• His Path From Economics and Public Service to a Career in Education
• The Origins and Meaning of Producer Consciousness
• Moving From a Consumer Mindset to Seeing Yourself as a Producer
• Producer Consciousness in Education, Parenting, Relationships, and Leadership
• Applying Producer Consciousness Amid Changes in Technology and Society
• Dr. Warren’s “One” Word

So press play and join us for a conversation that challenges a familiar way of thinking and explores what can change when we begin to see ourselves as producers. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Dr. Homer Warren!

Learn More About Dr. Homer Warren

Visit Dr. Warren’s website to learn more about Producer Consciousness, his research, writing, and related resources.

ProducerConsciousness.com

Explore Dr. Warren’s books on Amazon:

[Buy the Book]

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Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this episode, we present Mr. Juan Santiago, In this episode, we present Mr. Juan Santiago, Vice President and Community Development Officer for Farmers National Bank, longtime banking professional, community advocate, and 2023 recipient of the American Bankers Association Emerging Leader Award whose story is rooted in family, faith, service, and his Puerto Rican heritage in Youngstown, Ohio.

Juan shares how growing up in a large family and a multicultural Youngstown neighborhood shaped his understanding of relationships, responsibility, and community. He reflects on the mentors who influenced his life, his work to expand access to homeownership and financial education, and the role preparation, discipline, and informed decision making play in economic mobility. This conversation explores service, resilience, mentorship, financial responsibility, and Juan’s belief that meaningful leadership begins with caring for people and understanding where they are in their journey.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing Up in Youngstown and the Influence of His Puerto Rican Family
• Faith, Family, Relationships, and the Values That Shaped His Life
• Mentorship, Leadership, and the People Who Helped Shape His Perspective
• Community Development, the Community Reinvestment Act, and Access to Homeownership
• Financial Education, Credit, Debt, and Preparing for Economic Mobility
• Small Business Readiness, Preparation, and the Importance of Sound Guidance
• Juan's "One" Word

So press play and be moved by Stan's impactful story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Mr. Juan Santiago!

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this episode, we present Mr. Stan Miller, a native of Warren, Ohio, entertainer, musician, vocalist, and storyteller whose journey spans decades of performance, personal growth, and hard earned life lessons. 

Stan shares how his early fascination with the saxophone led him to master multiple instruments and later step into his voice as a vocalist. He reflects on performing jazz standards from the 1930s and 1940s, connecting with audiences, working as an electrician, and learning what music can teach us about healing, discipline, and shared experience. This conversation blends humor, wisdom, and a clear message about the power of music, purpose, and staying open to growth.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Saxophone and Early Musical Roots in Warren, Ohio
• Jazz Standards, Classic Songs, and Audience Connection
• Musical Versatility Across Saxophone, Bass, Guitar, Piano, and Voice
• Becoming a Vocalist Later in Life
• Life Lessons from the Trades and Working as an Electrician
• Reading the Room, Respecting the Venue, and Performing with Purpose
• Stan's "One" Word

So press play and be moved by Stan's impactful story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Mr. Stan Miller!

Follow Stan on Facebook

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

For our first episode in season five, we present Mr. Fred Harris, a lifelong Warren, Ohio resident, veteran public official, community leader, and historian.

Fred shares his journey from growing up Black in Warren during the 1950s and 60s, where he faced segregation and unspoken rules, to serving in the military during a defining period in American civil rights history.

He reflects on how travel shaped his understanding of racism and helped set his path toward public service. He also discusses lessons from his father, his work in city government, and his commitment to documenting Black history.

This conversation blends candor, humor, and a clear message about the value of knowing our past.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The 1950s and 60s in Warren, Ohio
• Segregation in the North and the Unspoken Rules
• A Military Uniform, an Alabama Restaurant, and a Life Changing Wake Up Call 
• Public Service journey
• Changing City Hall, Contracting Access
• Preserving Black History for the Future
• Fred's “One Word”

So press play and be moved by Fred's impactful story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Mr. Fred Harris!

Be sure to subscribe wherever you vibe with podcasts or visit our website. www.soundunitedpresents.com

Sound United Presents is a community-focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio. Produced by Kimberly Gonzales and D. Lee Scott

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

We’re back with Season V of Sound United Presents. Tap play to hear the the trailer.

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this season finale and special two-hour episode, we present Dr. Sherri Harper Woods, a counselor, professor, and advocate from Warren, Ohio. A mother and community leader, she shares how early lessons, family loss, and faith led her from local classrooms to global trauma healing. You’ll hear how she built wellness programs reaching from Ohio to Rwanda—offering care, connection, and hope. Most of all, you’ll meet a woman whose mission crosses borders and begins with heart.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing Up in Warren and Early Lessons
• Choosing Social Work Over Teaching
• Juggling Motherhood, School, and Tenure
• Losing Loved Ones and Finding Purpose
• Building MyBoSo and Global Healing Work
• Faith, Trauma, and Mental Health Access
• Dr. Woods’s “One Word”

So press play and be moved by this inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Dr. Sherri Harper Woods!

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this episode, we present Dionne Dowdy-Lacy, a powerful advocate from Youngstown, Ohio. A mother, grandmother, and community leader, Dionne shares her journey from a vibrant childhood through personal challenges to creating opportunities for returning citizens. You’ll hear heartfelt stories of resilience, family, and the drive to help others rewrite their futures. Most of all, you’ll meet a woman who lives her mission of care through action, not words.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Life Growing Up in Youngstown
• School Days and Teenage Motherhood
• Finding Purpose After Adversity
• Launching United Returning Citizens
• Real Change Through Advocacy
• Dionne’s "One Word"

So press play and be moved by Dionne's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Dionne Dowdy-Lacy!

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this episode, we present Franco Lucarelli, a Navy Veteran and Director of Utilities for Warren, Ohio. With solid roots in Warren, Franco shares his journey of loss, rebellion, and finding unexpected opportunity in hard times. You'll learn eye-opening facts about national and local infrastructure and water. But most of all, you get to know a gentleman who proves loyalty, leadership, and grit through action, not talk.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Life in Warren, Ohio
• Impact of Family Loss
• Navy Life
• Environmental Stewardship
• Real Leadership
• Franco's "One Word"

So press play and be moved by Captain Cole's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Franco Lucarelli!

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this episode, we present Pastor Garrick Matlock of the Freeway Gospel Empowerment Center in Warren, Ohio. Born and raised in Warren, Pastor Matlock opens up about his journey—from his roots to his calling in ministry and his work today. This episode is filled with powerful moments of faith, resilience, and purpose, showing how one person’s mission can create a lasting impact.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing up where community felt like "a big family"
• Founding Freeway Gospel Empowerment Center
• Helping students experiencing homelessness
• Introducing "Sawubona" as a philosophy for seeing others' full humanity
• Challenging the narratives of the black church
• Pastor Matlock's "One Word"
  
  Visit Freeway Gospel Empowerment Center at 403 Atlantic Street Northwest. Scripture School meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m., and Sunday worship at 11 a.m.

So press play and be moved by Captain Cole's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Pastor Garrick Matlock!

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales

In this episode, we present Jeff Cole, a military veteran and captain in the City of Warren Police Department. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Captain Cole shares his inspiring journey from life in Youngstown to law enforcement and everything in between. Throughout this episode, you will hear a common theme of dedication, structure, and integrity—values we all can appreciate.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Captain Cole’s life journey from Youngstown to becoming a captain 
• Importance of mentorship
• Challenges faced in law enforcement
• Building trust and transparency in the community 
• Reflections on the evolution of policing
• Attending the FBI National Academy for Leadership Development 
• Advice for aspiring police officers
• Captain Cole's “One Word”

So press play and be moved by Captain Cole's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Captain Jeff Cole! 

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit soundunitedpresents.com.

Sound United Presents is a community focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio and Sound United Media LLC.

• Executive Producer and Producer: DeShawn Scott
• Audio Producer: Kimberly Gonzales