The James Protin Podcast

For Episode 81 we were joined by Matt Light, a Pittsburgh dude from West View. Did we mention, Matt is one of the hottest comedians in the industry today? 

Matt was named "Best Comedian" by the readers of Pittsburgh Magazine 3 years in a row. He hosted "Man on the Street" for The WDVE Morning Show and has performed in front of audiences all across the United States. Matt's viral videos have over 20 million views, and he has been featured on Good Morning America. 

Matt does things a little different. He speaks his mind and doesn't hold back. He takes every topic in life and twists them on their head with the perfect mix of charm and tell-it-like-it-is attitude. 

Matt is also one of the hosts of the Burgh Bus, Pittsburgh’s best and most unique experience on wheels. This is not your average bus, it’s a black ‘n gold chariot that is interactive comedy show, sightseeing tour, and party bus all rolled into one. 

#PghStandUp #JamesProtinPodcast #Comedy #BurghBus #LiveLoveLearnPrayInspire #ProtinGroup

Our guest for Episode 80 of the podcast is our friend Amy Taylor, President and Chief Marketing Officer for MINC. 

MINC stands for Marketing, Integrate, Network, and Create. Amy has created an award-winning, full-service marketing and advertising firm specializing in successfully integrating strategy, business development, planning, and creative services into a unique one-stop-shop. 

MINC isn’t an overnight sensation…it’s been over 23 years in the making. Amy Taylor has paid her dues. 

Amy was born and raised in Washington County, and it’s not only her local her roots that run deep. She has a passion for our region and it’s people. Amy’s investment in our community is evidenced in everything’ she does. 

Amy took her local business to another level adding MINC STUDIOS to her menu of services. a production studio fully equipped for videography or photography, a podcast café for an audio or video podcast, a creative suite for design and editing, a creation station to quickly create content and equipment rental to elevate any production.

For Episode 79 of the podcast, we’re featuring two Pittsburgh based nonprofits, Southwestern Pennsylvania Engineering Outreach (SPEO), NEED (Negro Education Emergency Drive). 

Our guests are and Holly Douglas, Chairwoman and Donna Chappel, Treasurer of SPEO, and Dr. Marcia M. Sturdivant, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NEED. 

SPEO is a non-profit organization whose members are dedicated to mentoring local minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) firms in Southwestern Pennsylvania and providing networking and subconsulting opportunities to them. 

Over the years, SPEO members have mentored local minority and women-owned business enterprises (MBEs/WBEs) and provided networking and sub-consulting opportunities. SPEO has also provided educational grants to support programs that enable and empower our region’s potential future engineers and scientists through exposure and discovery of STEM concepts. 

NEED was founded sixty years ago on July 22, 1963. NEED has grown to provide scholarship assistance to a small group of high school students into a nationally-recognized college access program, sending over 43,000 deserving young people by providing nearly $48 million in grants. 

Over the past 60 years, NEED has been a pacesetter to overcome historical disparities that have left minorities and the underserved at a tremendous disadvantage. The organization has developed a legacy that includes valuable college and career access for our region’s youth, as well as powerful mentoring and workforce diversity programs and an established educational tour to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Special thank you to the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) for allowing us to film at the awesome venue in Pittsburgh.

Our guest for Episode 78 of the podcast is none other than Matt Humbert. Those immersed in Pennsylvania high school sports might recognize that name. Matt serves as the Head Football Coach for the Belle Vernon Area Leopards, the reigning WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA champions.

Like most in our community , I know him as "Coach Humbert" but when we sat down for this conversation during the Leps summer camp, it became apparent to us that his role extends beyond the gridiron. Yes, his title also denotes him as the school district's Athletic Director.

But if you ask Matt about the titles he holds dear, it's 'father to Payton and Nolan' and 'husband to Kim' that stand out prominently.

Leadership is in Coach Humbert's DNA. He's not only a pillar of strength and direction himself but also surrounds himself with experienced men of integrity—individuals who are leaders in their own spheres.

For Coach Humbert, leadership isn't about a title; it's about creating more leaders. Through our conversation, it's clear he isn't merely focused on sculpting a football program or molding football players. Instead, he is laying the foundation of a lasting legacy and nurturing high-caliber young men. 

#HailMightyLeopards #HeadBallCoach #JamesProtinPodcast #Leadership #Team

Our guest for Episode 77 is Ray Nell Jones, founder of a now renowned national non-profit The Allignment Chapter Corporation. Ray Nell was born into poverty and became a single mother at the age of 19. 

Ray Nell has created a safe place for single mothers to feel comfortable and unashamed. Ray Nell takes pride in making an impact and personal connection with each mother she connects with by building organic relationships.

Ignorant to finances she struggled being a single mother, college student, and escaping domestic violence. Ray Nell started to figure life out and discovered the power of couponing and saving. Her extreme couponing habit generated thousands of stockpile items such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, soap, laundry detergent, and plenty of other necessities that single mothers need to survive. 

She began giving away her stockpile to mothers in her community while catching public transportation and never stopped. 

Ray Nell encourages all single mothers to "never lose faith", due to their circumstances and never settle for less. She moves souls and lights fires in women who once lost hope. She strengthens communities that were once weak. She creates job opportunities and helps mothers rebuild their resumes and develop a strong work ethic.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Luca Pandolfi for Episode 76 of the Podcast. Luca has been developing a system for converting biomass into sustainable gasoline that works with existing cars and infrastructure. 

The business is called Woodland Biomass Innovations, and it promises a localized circular production process for making gasoline from tree residuals, starting with the proposed first facility in Tioga County, PA.

In the episode, we talk about Luca’s belief that smart business and sustainability are two sides of the same coin: that creating efficient circular systems will benefit profitability and the environment at the same time. 

We go on to discuss how Woodland BIO is a distillation of this philosophy into a business that can deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits to the communities it works in.

This is all without mentioning Luca’s fascinating background, having grown up in different parts of Africa and Italy, giving him a uniquely international perspective in the work he does, which we also discuss throughout the podcast.

Whether it is creating and implementing a scalable solution for creating renewable liquid fuels from waste, or creating innovative content for marketing clients, Luca is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word.

My Co-Host Kelly Frost and I had the pleasure of interviewing Becca Carl for our upcoming episode of the Podcast. Becca Carl recently embarked on a new journey as a small business owner, leaving behind a 25-year career in beauty and traditional retail to take ownership of Vintage Grace Boutique in North Strabane. Her mission at the boutique is to empower people to feel confident in their own skin through edgy boho fashions. Additionally, Vintage Grace hosts events and fundraisers for various nonprofits and collaborates with other small businesses in the area to support the local community. Becca's passion for giving back extends beyond her business endeavors. She is a devoted mother to her son, Christian, and shares her life and business with her partner, Carole DeAngelo. Together, they are actively involved in philanthropic efforts and charity events in the community. Becca serves on the board of directors for Dress for Success and is also a proud Army veteran. The family resides in Canonsburg and is committed to making a positive impact in their community.

Balancing Banking, Boards and Business with Jennifer Hisdorf from Brentwood Bank

Kelly Frost and I are excited to bring you episode #74 as we sit down with Jen Hisdorf. Jen is Vice President of Treasury Management at Brentwood Bank. She shares her insights, experiences, and wisdom on navigating the complex world of finance, leadership, family, and community involvement.

Jen’s passion is helping businesses improve their cash flow and overall financial health.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jennifer is also a co-founder and driving force behind POSH, a dynamic networking group that empowers and uplifts women from all walks of life.

Jen is Chair of Brentwood Bank Women in Business series and serves on the board of several local organizations, including Dress for Success Pittsburgh, 412 Thrive, Leadership Washington County, Mt Lebanon Library, Bethel Park Community Foundation, and Friends of South Fayette Library. 

Oh…and she is a loving wife and devoted mother. She candidly talks about the joys and challenges of juggling a successful career while nurturing a happy family life. Get a glimpse at how she is finding balance, prioritizing self-care, and creating meaningful moments with her loved ones.

Tune in as she discusses the importance of community and the transformative power of connecting with like-minded individuals.

For Episode 73 of the podcast, Kelly and I stopped by the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, downtown Pittsburgh for a conversation with Lee Terbosic. 

Lee Terbosic is a nationally touring magician, comedian, actor, daredevil, and entertainer from Pittsburgh. Lee set up residency at the Hotel Monaco with his one man close up show "52 Up Close" with only 52 performances each year. 

Finally Lee will be returning to Liberty Magic, a magic only venue in The Cultural Trust of Pittsburgh, where he performed his one man stand up parlor show "In Plain Sleight" for 16 weeks in 2019. 

This year he will be performing his new show, “Life and Death of Harry Houdini” for 6 weeks from October 25th thru December 3rd.

Our guest for Episode 72 is legendary Pittsburgh guitarist Byron Nash. He is a musician, songwriter, and producer who makes music based on feel. That’s why his music touches the soul. 

Byron is not easily definable. This Pittsburgh-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer has electrified audiences with elevated rock sounds for over a decade, headlining major stages and collaborating with noteworthy artists on a local, regional and national level.

Byron Nash is much more than that. When you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a man who cares deeply about his community. He’s the first to raise his hand to help, and always can be found at the head of the line of those giving back.

We loved this conversation, and we’re looking forward to future collaboration with this amazing talent. You will be hearing Byron‘s music as part of the podcast every week.