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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

In this episode, we present Sarah Lowry, a dedicated advocate for healthier, more connected communities. Growing up in Hubbard, Ohio, Sarah shares how her upbringing and diverse experiences have shaped her journey. From her early career to her work in public policy, Sarah offers insights into the power of collaboration and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Mahoning Valley.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Growing up in Hubbard and the Mahoning Valley.
• Outdoor spaces for health and connection.
• The path from academia to advocacy.
• The Healthy Community Partnership’s mission.
• Balancing life and leadership.
• A vision for equity and collaboration.
• Sarah’s “One Word.”

So press play and be moved by Sarah's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Sarah Lowry!

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

In this episode, we present Seth I. Steward, a dedicated beekeeper and the co-founder of Linda's Bee Farm. Originally from Linden, New Jersey, Seth now calls Northeast Ohio home, where he's deeply connected to Warren and the Trumbull County beekeeping community. He shares his experiences as a Black beekeeper, discusses the challenges and rewards of his work, and reflects on pollinators' vital role in our ecosystems. Seth also discusses balancing family life and business and his vision for Linda's Bee Farm.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Seth's journey from Linden, New Jersey, to Northeast Ohio.
• Building Linda's Bee Farm and connecting with Trumbull County.
• The role of pollinators and myths about honey.
• Experiences as a Black beekeeper.
• Balancing family, business, and community work.
• Seth's "One Word"

So press play and be moved by Seth's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Seth Steward!

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

In this episode, we present Courtney Boyle, an environmental engineer and founder of ECO, a consulting firm redefining sustainability through equity and community-driven solutions.

Raised in Northeast Ohio, Courtney’s journey took her from traditional engineering roles to leading initiatives that merge environmental innovation with meaningful community impact. She shares her work on the Vibrant Valley project, addressing racism as a public health crisis, and reflects on the role of trust and collaboration in environmental justice. Courtney also offers candid insights into balancing entrepreneurship with family life and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

In this episode, we will cover:

• Courtney’s Northeast Ohio roots and early inspirations
• Her transition to environmental engineering
• Founding ECO and its impact on communities
• The Vibrant Valley project and its focus on equity
• Balancing professional ambitions with personal priorities
• Courtney’s One Word

So press play and be moved by Courtney's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Courtney Boyle!

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

In this episode, we present Tim Callion, a retired skilled tradesman and former business manager with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396. Tim’s journey led him from early dreams of architecture to a meaningful career in the skilled trades. Growing up in Warren, Ohio, he worked in sewer construction, pest control, and, ultimately, pipefitting. Reflecting on his career and personal battles, Tim shares hard-won lessons about resilience, work ethic, and the value of continual learning, encouraging young people to see the skilled trades as a powerful and rewarding career path.

In this episode, we will cover:

• Tim's upbringing in Warren, Ohio
• Early career aspirations
• Transition to the trades and early career challenges
• Personal Resilience
• Advice for aspiring tradespeople
• Tim's One Word

So press play and be moved by Tim's inspiring story. Ladies and gentlemen, Sound United Presents... Tim Callion!

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