Yinz Are Good

Yinz Are Good shares the *good* news going on out there and celebrates the good people who are making it happen...the people who are lifting others up, who are taking care of their neighbors, the people who are saying, “What can I do today to make the world a better place?”.

Coming up in this episode are two esteemed and inspiring leaders who have each made helping, guiding and showing compassion for others their life’s work. And they are honoring and celebrating like-minded folks via the Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Awards and in a new book: Pittsburgh Circle of Courage: Lessons in Resilience.

Longtime listeners will remember one of the guests, Russell L. Bynum, from Episode 20 when he joined Tressa to talk about FLM Haiti. Today, you’ll hear about Russell’s other good works, including founding the Circle of Courage Awards, which honor individuals in the Pittsburgh region who demonstrate faith and courage while serving their community. Our other guest, Dr. John Stanko, is a Circle of Courage Award recipient, Founder of PurposeQuest, and editor of Pittsburgh Circle of Courage: Lessons in Resilience.

Pittsburgh Circle of Courage: Lessons in Resilience features interviews with Charlie Batch, De'netta Benjamin-Miller, Lateresa Blackwell, Esther L. Bush, Russell and Kathy Bynum, Jim Dittman, Ervin Dyer, Evan Frazier, Dean Gartland, Debra Germany, Jerrel Gilliam, Turahn Jenkins, Cornell Jones, Sarah Lee-Faulkner, Christine Luffey, Clarence McAllister, Chris Moore, Dr. Mitch Nickols, Bishop Leon Pamphile, and John and Jennifer Zebo.

Pittsburgh Circle of Courage: Lessons in Resilience, Edited by John Stanko

*CLICK HERE TO FIND IT ON AMAZON

*Order the book from Russell Bynum by email or phone: [email protected]412.471.4332

To nominate someone for a Circle of Courage Award: https://www.circleofcouragepgh.com/

Russell L. Bynam

President/Creative Director of Bynums Marketing & Communications, Inc.; Pittsburgh Circle of Courage Awards Organizer; Chairman of FLM-Haiti

John Stanko

Founder, PurposeQuest; Author; Publisher; Teacher; Pastor

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⁠https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

This episode encompasses so many of the themes of this podcast: the importance of listening to, learning from, and believing in each other and the joy of finding what we have in common. It's about family, community and connection. And it all came together thanks to one of our listeners (and former guests)!

Tressa talks with Special Education Teacher, Andrea Harrity, and one of her former students, Jackson Holt. You’ll hear about Andrea's journey that led her to special education and her perspective as a teacher. Andrea’s passion for helping students with special needs is undeniable and absolutely uplifting.

Then Tressa chats with Jackson, his mom Lorianne, and his sister Lily, at their home. Jackson is a person on the autism spectrum who had once been essentially nonverbal. Theirs is a very special and inspiring conversation. 

Goodwill’s Project Life: https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/disability-services/youth-disability-services/project-life/

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⁠https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

Do you know that in Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 282,000 people living with Alzheimer’s? And that there are over 465,000 caregivers who dedicate 822 million hours of unpaid care for them? And do you also know that there are lots of helpers who are dedicated to lifting those folks up and providing support?

The Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association are those helpers. They not only offer support to anyone facing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, they advocate for their needs and rights, they advance critical research, and they work toward methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.

Tressa sits down with the Association's Lynzy Groves and Raylene Gieg, two of the folks who have dedicated themselves to this mission. They are such generous souls who care so much for the people they help and the cause they support. Raylene is also currently a caregiver and you’ll hear that part of her story as well. You're also going to hear a lot about hope and progress during this conversation, and you’re going to learn ways that you can help, not only through volunteering or signing up for their Walk that’s coming up soon, but by looking out for early signs of Alzheimer’s and what steps to take if you think you or a loved one may have it.

This is a really important and insightful conversation that we can't wait to share with you.

Alzheimer’s Association - Greater PA Chapter: https://www.alz.org/pa

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Help Line: 800-272-3900

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Pittsburgh, PA: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Beaver/Butler Counties, PA: October 11, 2025

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⁠https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

Comin’ your way in Episode 179, we have incredible leaders from two local nonprofits that are all about lending support and creating safe community spaces. Both have been on the show before, and we always love when they stop by!

First up: Nina Barbuto, Founder & Executive Director of Assemble, the community space for arts and technology education. Assemble connects the kids in their neighborhood with events and workshops to help kindle their interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. 

Then, you’ll hear about folks who are helping the helpers - and learn how we all can lend a hand. Each and every day, the Allegheny County Medical Society supports and advocates for physicians, and Executive Director Sara Hussey joins us to talk about their work, specifically their Self-Care in Healthcare campaign, which is especially important right now, as September is Physician Suicide Awareness Month. 

Assemble: https://assemblepgh.org/

Assemble MakerDate 2025: https://assemblepgh.org/makerdate/

MakerDate 2025 | Saturday, Sept. 27 at The Maverick Hotel

Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS): ⁠https://www.acms.org/

ACMS Physician Wellness: ⁠https://www.acms.org/physicianwellness/

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⁠https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

Yinzers! Get ready to hear a whole lot about community and the importance of supporting and showing up for each other.

First up: 2-time Superbowl champ, Steelers defensive end, and the one whose beard was feared… the one and only Brett Keisel. Brett works with several charities throughout the region - doing so much good - and Tressa chats with him during a community event at DICK’S House of Sport.

Next, Tressa talks with Nick Liermann, Founder & Executive Director of Team Foster. Formed in honor of Pittsburgh-area native Capt. Erick Foster, this incredible org raises money to provide accredited, life-saving service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. To date, they have helped pair over 500+ Veterans with service dogs. Save the Date: Team Foster is bringing their amazing Ruff Ride event to Pittsburgh on Sept. 27th & 28th.

Brett Keisel: https://brettkeisel.com/

DICK’S House of Sport: https://stores.dickssportinggoods.com/pa/pittsburgh/1548/

Team Foster: www.teamfoster.org

Ruff Ride: https://www.ruffride.org/

Team Foster on Instagram and Facebook: @weareteamfoster

Ruff Ride Pittsburgh

September 27-28, 2025 | 10 am - 10am

UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse

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https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

Inspiration. Empowerment. Hope. Get ready for it all in this episode, yinzers!
After having met briefly at a Big Brothers Big Sisters event a few months ago, Tressa has the joy of sitting down with Rachel Salinetro, a community volunteer and fitness trainer whose message is: Overcome. Define. Empower. You’re going to hear not only about how she’s helping kids and adults in her community (and beyond!), but you’re going to hear about how a severe car accident set her life on a new course.

Rachel Salinetro on Instagram: rachel_ode.fitnessRachel

Email: [email protected]

Kids of Steel: https://p3r.org/programs/kids-of-steel

Great Cycle Challenge USA: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/RachelSalinetro

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https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

Tressa heads to McKeesport, PA to bring you one wonderful episode about an organization that is committed to helping children in their community feel supported, inspired, and ready to reach their full potential. And you’re gonna hear about the foundation who is dedicated to supporting them all. That organization is LaRosa Youth Club and that foundation is The DICK'S Foundation's Sports Matter Program. 

After a press conference where The DICK'S Foundation presented LaRosa with a grant (wait til you hear the very generous amount!), Tressa chats with LaRosa folks Don Michael and James Barry, Jr. 

And we’ve got more of your notes of gratitude!

LaRosa Youth Club:https://www.larosayouthclub.org/

DICK’s Foundation Sports Matter Program: https://www.sportsmatter.org/

Q&M’s Fish, Chik & Ribs: https://www.orderqandmsfishchikribs.com/

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https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

Family, connections, comfort, support...get ready to hear a whole lot about these and much more in Episode 175!

We (Tressa, Don, and Dave) had the honor of spending a morning at Family House and talking with staff members and even a few of their guests and it was, in short, amazing. If you’re not familiar...For over 41 years, Family House has been providing a safe, affordable, and comfortable place to stay for patients and their families who travel to Pittsburgh to receive the exceptional medical care offered by our region. Family House is a special place - it is warm and welcoming from the minute you step through the doors.

Tressa sat down with Jeff Milliner (Manager of Marketing & Communications), Jessica Yamnitzky (Volunteer Coordinator), & Kyalie Mizerak (Clinical Marketing Coordinator) to chat about all that Family House provides and also about their own stories, about what brought them to Family House and their personal connections to it. And also, for those of you who follow us on social media, keep your eyes peeled for Tressa's awesome chat with Halie, who is a Masters student at Pitt and currently interning at Family House.

You’re gonna hear a lot about connections, about giving back, and about people supporting each other. And we also have notes from our Gratitude Board and Kindness Crate!

Family House: https://familyhouse.org/

Family House Polo on September 6th! https://familyhouse.org/events/polo/

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https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram:⁠ ⁠@yinzaregood⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at ⁠[email protected].

You've got two fabulous conversations comin' your way, yinzers!

First, did you know that August 1st is PA Donor Day? Listener Molly Crawford emailed to tell us all about it and the wonderful nonprofit, CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education). And that's not all! Molly joins Tressa to share her personal story about how organ donation saved her husband's life.

Then, get ready for one fun, heartfelt and community-centered chat when Tressa sits down with chef andinternet sensation Desarae Legros AKA Cooking Comedy Chaos and Pam Luu, Social Media & Marketing Manager for the incredible nonprofit, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. You’ll hear all about Community Kitchen, about how Desarae is giving back to the community, and oh, so much more…And just a heads up: there’s some adult, PG-rated language in this convo.

*PA Donor Day: https://donatelifepa.org/pa-donor-day/

*CORE: https://www.core.org/

*Donate Life Pennsylvania: https://donatelifepa.org/

*Community Kitchen: https://www.ckpgh.org/

*Cooking Comedy Chaos: IG: @cooking_comedy_chaos      TikTok: Cooking_Comedy_Chaos

*Pam Luu: IG: didyoueatyet, stillnotahippie

https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram: ⁠@yinzaregood⁠ Facebook: ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠

Have a story of generosity or kindness to share with us? Want a Kindness Crate dropped off at your business or school? Email us at [email protected]

Looking for yinzers doing good? Well you've come to the right place!

Tressa heads to West Deer to talk with middle schooler Colton Petrosky and his mom Leslie about Colton's "Operation Help Your Neighbor".

Then, live from the Pittsburgh Pirates' Yinzerpalooza celebration, Tressa sits down with former Pittsburgh Pirate/current broadcaster Neil Walker to chat about his charitable works. She also meets out-of-towners Rey and Dina, who share what they're grateful for.

And Don joins Tressa to read your notes from our Kindness Crate and Gratitude Board.

Operation Help Your Neighbor: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576365062710

Lending Hearts: https://www.lendinghearts.org/

Miracle League of Western PA: https://mlwpa.org/

https://www.yinzaregood.com/

Want to learn more about the podcast, including all of the guests who’ve been featured thus far? https://www.yinzaregood.com/⁠

FOLLOW US on social media!

Instagram: ⁠@yinzaregood⁠ Facebook: ⁠@YinzAreGood⁠

Have a story of GENEROSITY or KINDNESS to share with us? Want a KINDNESS CRATE dropped off at your business or school? Email us at [email protected].