The James Protin Podcast

Joining us for Episode 71 of the Podcast is Mary Elizabeth “M. E.” Yancosek Gamble. M.E. is an associate professor in The College of Business and Aviation and was the previous chair of the Performing Arts Department at Fairmont State University. 

Fairmont State is the third-largest University in West Virginia. There are 26 colleges and universities in West Virginia.   West Virginia has the fourth-highest percentage of college students enrolled compared to the overall population. The state has over 8% of the population enrolled. 

M.E. began her career teaching at Bethany College (WV) and Washington & Jefferson College (PA). She has received numerous awards during her teaching career, including the Scripts Howard Fellow for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Arizona in 2017. 

Before teaching she was the state director of the Small Business Division of the West Virginia Development Office. Before being named state director, she was the Small Business Developer for Loudoun County, Virginia.

A native of Washington, Pennsylvania, M.E. is the author of the blog, and forthcoming podcast, Muddle Aged Crazy. She lives on a small farm in the foothills of the Allegheny’s that was her childhood home. 

Marta is on the move…straight to Episode 70 of the podcast. Marta Napoleone Mazzoni is an experienced solo traveler and curious creature on a path of exploring the world and herself. 

Marta is a best selling author and host of the award-winning podcast Marta on the Move. You get the intro now…right? Created in 2015, the show shines light on her own journey and other people’s stories on what makes us human. 

Like all of us, Marta’s journey has taken several detours. After the loss of her sister Nina to lymphoma at the age of 47 in 2021, Marta added what truly brings her joy to her offerings: holding a safe and inclusive space for others to heal the unresolved pain of their grief as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist.

She is an intuitive life coach, educator and public speaker on normalizing grief. Her work focuses on building core strength, finding clarity, gratitude, stillness, and contentment through breath work mindful awareness. 

Marta brings her background in theater and improv to her play and creativity workshops for schools and businesses. Still a world traveler at heart, Marta believes one of the ultimate ways to heal is found by leaving your daily routine and home to explore the world.

Our guest for Episode 69 of the podcast is Jeff Hancher, CEO of Jeff Hancher Enterprises. 

Growing up in southwestern Pennsylvania, the child of two parents who were never able to work due to health conditions that left them both medically disabled and unable to be employed. To say the very least, this made life pretty challenging. Between experiencing financial hardships and spending the better half of his childhood in hospital rooms, Jeff knew he wanted to provide a life for my family that was different…and to provide a more comfortable life for his parents. After Serving in the United States Army, Jeff began a career as a blue-collar worker at a large corporation. He was promoted 10 times, and achieved advanced leadership positions at a Fortune 500 company. 

Jeff has achieved financial stability and received many accolades over the course of his professional career. The road to success was not an easy one to travel, there were many challenges and setbacks along the way. 

But after 23 years in corporate America and several entrepreneurial ventures, he is now 100% focused on using the skills and strategies he learned along the way to fill the gaps in his clients leadership development strategy and ensure that they reach their  fullest potential.

#TheJamesProtinPodcast #JamesProtin #KellyFrost #JeffHancher #TheChampionForum #PEEL

Strategist | Mentor | Collaborator | Advocate | Leader |  Philanthropist | Woman in Tech | Mother | Daughter | Wife | Friend | Dog Mom | Jeeper | Lover of Sabika 

The list of titles Jessica Rebholz holds is enormous, much like her heart and spirit. At her day job, her title is Senior Manager of Quality & Implementation for the Technical Operations team in Comcast’s Keystone Region, and the only female leader in that region. As a 23-year cable veteran, Jessica is shattering the mold of traditional norms for women in tech. 

Wherever she goes, she leaves a lasting impression, and those that have met her understand how unforgettable she is. At her 9-5, she is passionate about helping others in their careers; and the rest of the time she is passionate about the charities she supports, her family & friends, her jeep(s), her dogs, and of course as the Director of Operations of PEEL: Pittsburgh’s Elevated & Emerging Leaders, she is one of the driving forces of philanthropy and fun!  We are very excited to share with you Jessica Rebholz, on this very special episode of The James Protin Podcast, with Co-Host Kelly Frost.

Our guest for Episode 67 of the podcast is Melissa Laughlin is the founder and CEO of Blessed Home Project. She’s also a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and by her own definition, “a girl after God’s own heart!”

Melissa started her own cleaning company at 19 years old. The business grew and expanded, but she felt a tug on her heart for something more. 

One day on the job, God made it clear to her that she should start a nonprofit to expand the reach of those in need of this service. 

The Blessed Home Project was created to be a blessing by using the practical gift of cleaning to alleviate a burden and be a light in someone’s life. 

The organization believes that they can share the love of Jesus through free house cleanings and deliver a calm environment during a difficult situation, enabling families to better care for each other, rest, and heal.

Melissa and her team of volunteers provide help to anyone struggling in the Pittsburgh area. 

As always, the visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube, and you can also catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Castbox, Podchaser, Pandora…you get the picture. 

#podcast #entrepreneur #nonprofit #givingback #highercalling #blessedhomeproject #kellyfrost #jamesprotinpodcast #livelovelearnprayinspire

Our guest for Episode 66, is Tanya Chaney. Tanya is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. Trained as a massage therapist,  she has over 20 years specializing in deep tissue massage and pain management techniques. 

She is the proud owner of Chaney's Natural | Salon & Spa, where she has created a full wellness/lifestyle experience. Tanya is more than a massage therapist, she is a lifestyle curator, assisting her clients navigate life’s changing seasons.

She has experienced those changing seasons on her own journey. Focusing on her 3 C's...courage, confidence and consistency, she learned how to navigate the next season and she shares her insights through her business ventures. 

Tanya is a servant leader. Whether it’s serving on borough council in her community, or on the numerous local and national boards to which she has volunteered her time…Tanya leads by example. 

A proud and devoted Mom to her son Maksim, she has mastered work-life balance…something we all struggle with in our lives. Conversations with those who simply love life are always inspiring, and this one is no exception. You will laugh, think, and be inspired. 

As always, the visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube, and you can also catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Castbox, Podchaser, Pandora…you get the picture. 

#podcast #lifestyle #servantleader #entrepreneur #tanyachaney #chaneysnatural #jamesprotinpodcast #livelovelearnprayinspire #jamesprotin

Today we would like to share a very special mid-week Episode of the podcast. Our guest is not only a miracle himself, but you could say that in his unique way… he works miracles as well. 

Of course I’m talking about Boone, our first canine guest. 

Boone brought along his amazing mom, Tanya Diable, the President and founder of Joey's P.A.W.. Tanya and her husband Charlie started this non-profit in the hopes to make a difference in the lives of dogs who need assistance in mobility. 

Boone is 1 of 6 special needs dogs in Tanya and Charlie’s family and has recently passed his Therapy Dog training.  

Tanya wrote her first children's book, Bow Tie Boone, based on his amazing journey. The book was awarded the National INDIE Excellence Awards Children's Non-Fiction prize. 

As always, the visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube, and you can also catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Castbox, Podchaser, Pandora…you get the picture.

This is a special episode for the podcast for several reasons.  It marks our 65th episode, and it is the second spin on the show for, Lynn Berry, President of Bridge Insurance Group, Inc. 

What makes it even more noteworthy is that it is also the 1st episode with our new Co-Host Kelly Frost, and our collaboration with PEEL: Pittsburgh's Elevated & Emerging Leaders...the regions best business networking group in our humble opinion.  

Lynn is a passionate servant leader in her business, her family, and in her community.  She is a pleasantly familiar face at networking events in the region including being a PEEL CHAMPION. Lynn also serves and supports multiple other organizations such as The LeMoyne Community Center, Dress for Success, Face2Face Healing, The Washington City Mission, Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard , Hair Peace Charities, Lighting the Way, 2000 Turkeys, and has sponsored defense classes for survivors of Domestic Abuse. 

Kelly is the Founder & CEO of FROST Executive Services, and the Executive Director of PEEL. She is passionate about working with entrepreneurs, leaders in business, and small business owners; exploring their pain points and challenges and turning them into opportunities and finding them clarity and solutions. 

She is the assassin of doubt and dismay that many need from time to time, and she does it so quietly, most don't know what she does for living. This is what has led to her success for nearly 20 years. Adding the collaboration of charitable giving was a natural transition and passion project and PEEL has quickly grown since its launch in May of 2022.

Sometimes you know when you’ve made a connection that’s going to hit different. Call it a gut feeling, or a shoulder tap. Whatever you call it…this collaboration is different. Stay tuned, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next. 

As always, the visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube, and you can also catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Castbox, Podchaser, Pandora…you get the picture. 

Our guest for Episode 64 of the podcast id Dr. Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President 2024-2025. She is a western Pennsylvania native, currently residing in Canonsburg. 

After graduating from Monessen High School (Go Greyhounds), she received an undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters in Education from Duquesne University, and a doctorate in Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Urchick has been selected to serve as Rotary International President in 2024-2025, only the second woman…and first American woman to serve in this gol al leadership position. 

A Rotarian since 1991, Stephanie has participated in a variety of international service projects, including National Immunization Days (polio prevention) in India and Nigeria, the building of an elementary school in Vietnam, water filter installation in the Dominican Republic, and mentoring new Rotarians in Ukraine. 

She has been recognized and awarded by The Rotary Foundation and numerous community and international organizations.  Most recently, Stephanie was featured as a “Woman Who Inspires” for 2023 by Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, a U.S. law firm with a strong commitment to community service.

It’s not often one has the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with global visionary leader, and Dr. Urchick will not disappoint. Definitely one not to be missed. 

As always, the visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube, and you can also catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Castbox, Podchaser, Pandora…you get the picture.

Our guests for Episode 63 of the podcast are Dionne Malush and Mike Hanlon, partners in Realty ONE Group, Gold Standard…in just four years they’ve grown to over 200 agents. 

Now the 6th largest real estate company in Pittsburgh, Dionne and Mike didn’t stop there. Just 3.5 years after starting ROG, they opened Motto Mortgage Keystone with new partner Greg Incardona; Welnsure Gold Standard, and Gold Standard Closings with new partner Jennifer Enciso. 

Dionne and Mike come from very different backgrounds. She found her way to real estate from a long and successful career as a graphic designer by way of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. An entrepreneur at heart, she opened Santa's Secret Shoppe in 2020. 

He graduated from Palmer college of Chiropractic, built several businesses, including a successful chiropractic practice, cross-fit gyms, and women’s osteoporosis centers. 

What they have in common is a passion for real estate. What they have built in the industry in a short period of time is unprecedented. The culture…or coolture of Realty ONE Group, Gold Standard is in in direct alignment with the Five Pillars of Live. Love. Learn. Pray. Inspire. 

This conversation with two of Pittsburgh visionary entrepreneurs is one of our best. It will educate, inspire, and motivate. Definitely one not to be missed. 

As always, the visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube, and you can also catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Castbox, Podchaser, Pandora…you get the picture.