What makes David Luczak with Pallas Associates a good neighbor?

A letter from the IRS shouldn’t send your heart racing. We bring on enrolled agent and local neighbor, David Luczak of Pallas Associates, to demystify what those notices really mean, how representation works, and why the smartest tax strategy isn’t a giant refund- it’s paying the least tax legally over time. With experience that runs from banking to working inside the IRS to leading his own firm, David shares a practical roadmap for staying compliant, solving problems, and building a plan that fits real life.

We walk through the core services that matter most: precise tax preparation, proactive tax planning, and trusted IRS representation when audits, back taxes, or collections appear. David explains how complexity compounds fast-children and credits, dependent care, mutual funds, rentals, small businesses- and how an enrolled agent can reduce risk while finding legitimate savings. You’ll hear how referrals from other preparers and bankruptcy attorneys flow his way, what that says about reputation and results, and why small business owners benefit from clean books, consistent reporting, and smart timing on deductions and contributions.

Beyond the forms and notices, there’s a neighborly thread here: calm over panic, clarity over rumors, and a focus on durable strategies that hold up under scrutiny. If you’ve ever wondered when DIY is fine (single W-2) and when to call a pro (investments, rentals, credits, business), you’ll leave with a clear line. And if an IRS letter is staring at you from the kitchen table, you’ll know the first move: don’t panic- get help from someone authorized to speak for you.

If this conversation helped you rethink your tax game, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more neighbors find the right expert at the right time.

To learn more about Pallas Associates go to:

http://www.pallastax.com

Pallas Associates

(412) 453-8295

What makes Max Troiano with Independence Care a good neighbor?

Keep your parents at home, safe and supported, without guessing your way through the maze of options. We sit down with Independence Care’s Max Troiano for a candid, hopeful conversation about what real home care looks like when it’s done well: practical help in the kitchen and living room, reliable transfers and mobility support, and a concierge mindset that fills the gaps so elders keep their routines- and their dignity.

Max shares how he traded a corporate path for a mission-driven career, offering an insider’s view of the home care ecosystem. We unpack stubborn myths, including the widespread belief that family members can’t be paid to care for loved ones on Medicaid. You’ll hear how programs increasingly support family caregivers, why multi-generational living is a powerful, modern solution, and the very real constraints agencies face when reimbursement rates limit what they can pay the aides doing the hardest work. The result is a grounded framework families can use to plan: combine trained caregivers with family support, build a simple daily routine, and choose partners who value responsiveness over marketing hype.

We also dig into health habits that compound over decades- consistent exercise, sunlight, sleep, and real food- filtered through lessons learned in living rooms across the city. And Max opens up about Independence Care’s broader vision: projects that connect housing with behavioral health support and a commitment to serve homeless veterans with stability and respect. It’s a story about care as community infrastructure, built one reliable visit at a time.

If you’re navigating elder care, considering paid family caregiving, or exploring work as a home health aide, this conversation will give you clarity and next steps. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest question about staying independent at home.

To learn more about Independence Care go to:

https://www.independence-care.com/

Independence Care

(888) 538-5081

What makes Cacie Wrye with Wrye Wellness a good neighbor?

Forget the cold, clinical vibe- this conversation is all about care that feels human. We sit down with Dr. Cacie Wrye of Wrye Wellness to explore how a consent-first, trauma-informed approach can make chiropractic accessible, warm, and effective for people who’ve felt unseen or unsafe in traditional settings. From bright colors and plants to clear language and choices at every step, Dr. Cacie shows how environment and process shape outcomes as much as techniques do.

We get candid about the big myth that keeps people away: Do you really have to go forever? Dr. Cacie breaks down the difference between short-term relief and long-term stability, why both are valid, and how co-created plans keep you in the driver’s seat. We also unpack why Wrye Wellness moved beyond insurance and toward transparent packages- so care can follow needs, not billing codes. Expect honest talk about affordability, clear expectations, and what true patient-centered care looks like when consent is continuous, not a checkbox.

This story also highlights intentional inclusion. LGBTQ+ clients and trauma survivors often face dismissal or discomfort in healthcare; Wrye Wellness responds with tailored communication, careful positioning, and constant check-ins that honor boundaries. Along the way, we hear about golf’s humbling lessons, the joy of an aging rescue pup, and the everyday empathy that shapes a clinician who listens first and treats second. If you’ve been curious about chiropractic but wary of the vibes, this is your sign to rethink what care can feel like. Tap play, share with a friend who needs a gentler path to relief, and subscribe to stay close to conversations that put people before paperwork.

To learn more about Wrye Wellness go to:

https://www.wryewellness.com/

Wrye Wellness

(412)235-7103

What makes Jeff Pollock with Law & Mediation Office of Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock, Esquire a good neighbor?

What if hiring a lawyer felt less like bracing for a battle and more like getting a steady guide through tough decisions? That’s the promise veteran Pittsburgh attorney and mediator Jeff Pollock brings to the table- clarity, collaboration, and client-first care grounded in nearly four decades of practice.

We dig into Jeff’s path from Squirrel Hill to Penn and Pitt Law, and why he built a home-based law and mediation office long before remote work was cool. Jeff unpacks the core of his work- family law, collaborative law, mediation, landlord-tenant matters, wills and powers of attorney- and the mission statement he still hands every client. Expect practical insights on how to choose the right attorney, the red flags that lead to client complaints, and the two habits that fix most issues: communicate fast and involve clients in every decision. He explains why he sometimes earns less to deliver better outcomes, how Avvo reviews and word of mouth drive his practice, and when he refers complex matters to trusted colleagues instead of guessing on your dime.

You’ll also hear a lighter side: Jeff’s long-running role in Off the Record, a beloved one-night musical parody that has raised close to a million dollars for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. It’s a perfect mirror for his legal ethos- bring people together, use humor wisely, and leave your community stronger than you found it. Along the way, Jeff shares contact details, accessibility promises, and a memorable line to steer your search: “Verily, a man may be known by his attorney.”

If you care about practical legal advice, collaborative problem-solving, and choosing counsel who reflects your values, this conversation will give you tools, language, and confidence. Listen, share with a neighbor who needs a steady advocate, and if you enjoyed it, subscribe and leave a review so more Pittsburghers can find the show.

To learn more about Law & Mediation Office of Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock, Esquire go to:

http://www.jeffreypollocklaw.com/

Law & Mediation Office of Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock, Esquire

(412)421-2232

What makes Christopher Mcnally with Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library a good neighbor?

Ever stood inches from a page that redirected history? We sit down with director Christopher McNally inside a 101-year-old Pittsburgh church reborn as the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum—a quiet, free space where original documents from Columbus, Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great, Beethoven, Chopin, and even J.R.R. Tolkien are preserved and shared with anyone curious enough to look closely.

Christopher traces how a mathematician and real estate investor, the late Dr. David Karpeles, turned a collecting passion into a coast-to-coast museum network, and how his family now curates rotating exhibits that land big ideas in your hands. We walk through the current lineup- pre–Revolutionary Stamp Act artifacts, European monarchy materials, classical music manuscripts, and age-of-exploration logs- and preview a timely new exhibit on man’s inhumanity to man, including the Holocaust and the traumas written into North America’s past. Along the way, we talk about why primary sources cut through distortion, how handwriting itself encodes culture (from Cyrillic scripts to looping cursive), and why even a quick roadside stop can become a moment of reflection that lingers.

If you love history, music, literature, or simply the feeling of learning something real, this conversation maps out how to visit, what to look for, and how to read a manuscript for insight rather than trivia. You’ll also hear how locals, travelers, and former parishioners rediscover the space and find meaning in the quiet. Subscribe for more neighborhood stories, share this episode with a friend who loves museums, and leave a review to help others find the show- then tell us: which document would you want to see up close?

To learn more about Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library go to:

https://www.karpeles.com/visit/pittsburgh-pennsylvania/

Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library

(407) 376-7705

What makes Tim Gottus with Valent Wealth a good neighbor?

What happens when a wealth manager decides to break away from an industry filled with "salespeople disguised as advisors"? Tim Gottus of Valent Wealth joins the Good Neighbor Podcast to share his journey from financial instability in childhood to building a wealth management firm that truly puts clients first.

Growing up in what he calls a "financially instable household," Tim developed an early curiosity about money management that eventually led him to finance. But unlike many who enter the field, he took the harder path—building an independent practice where he wouldn't be tied to specific products or companies. "I wanted the ability to offer everything to my clients and not sitting at company X, that means I have to sell product X," he explains.

This philosophy forms the foundation of Valent Wealth, a firm composed of advisors with decades of experience who've deliberately chosen a more ethical approach to financial planning. Tim's passion for serving rather than selling comes through as he describes his "personal CFO" approach—sitting on the same side of the table with clients while coordinating with insurance agents, CPAs, business advisors, and other professionals to create truly comprehensive financial strategies.

Tim doesn't mince words about his industry's shortcomings, noting that "this game is stacked against most people." He highlights how unregulated financial advice proliferates on social media while fiduciary advisors face strict limitations on what they can claim. "Finance is one of the most intimate things in somebody's life," Tim reflects. "It can transcend into relationship issues, physical, mental issues, stress." This understanding drives Valent's holistic approach, recognizing that financial wellness affects every aspect of well-being.

Ready to experience a different kind of wealth management? Visit ValentWealth.com to learn more about their educational approach and relationship-first philosophy that's changing how clients view financial planning.

To learn more about Valent Wealth go to:

http://www.timgottus.com/

Valent Wealth

(412) 873-0450

What makes Dr. David Radziercz with Pittsburgh Upper Cervical Chiropractic a good neighbor?

What if your body could hold a chiropractic adjustment for weeks instead of days? That's the reality Dr. Dave Redzeris discovered when he first experienced upper cervical care—a revelation that transformed his approach to healing and eventually led him to co-found Pittsburgh Upper Cervical Chiropractic with his wife, Dr. Martina Carlini.

Dr. Dave's journey began while studying molecular and microbiology and working as a pharmacy technician. Seeing patients cycle through medications to treat symptoms rather than address root causes sparked his questioning of conventional approaches. When his own health improved dramatically through holistic methods, he found his calling. The most convincing evidence? After his first upper cervical adjustment, he maintained alignment for a full week—a stark contrast to the multiple weekly adjustments he previously needed.

This experience informs the core philosophy at Pittsburgh Upper Cervical Chiropractic: delivering lasting results through fewer, more specific adjustments. For over 17 years, they've helped thousands in the Pittsburgh community find relief from conditions like migraines, vertigo, and chronic pain without the twisting and cracking often associated with traditional chiropractic techniques. Their approach particularly resonates with women managing the physical demands of motherhood and career stress who seek natural solutions.

What truly distinguishes their practice is the personalized care. "When you come into our office, we don't treat you like a number," Dr. Dave explains. "We sit down, sometimes spending a little too much time just talking with you, getting to know you better." This commitment to understanding each patient's unique circumstances has built a reputation that extends beyond their treatment rooms—even helping potential patients find care elsewhere if their practice isn't the right fit.

Ready to experience the difference that specific, gentle upper cervical care can make? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Dave and Dr. Martina. Your spine—and your entire body—will thank you.

To learn more about Pittsburgh Upper Cervical Chiropractic go to:

https://www.pittsburghuppercervical.com/

Pittsburgh Upper Cervical Chiropractic

(412)766-0321

What makes Dr. Michael Savko with Animal Healing NOW a good neighbor?

Could your furry friend benefit from a different kind of healing? Dr. Michael Savko brings 25 years of experience in holistic animal therapy to this eye-opening conversation about the power of complementary veterinary care.

What sets Animal Healing Now apart isn't just their expertise in animal chiropractic and bodywork, but their unique collaborative approach. Working directly within four veterinary hospitals across the Pittsburgh area, Dr. Michael and his team bridge the gap between conventional medicine and holistic therapies. Rather than functioning as separate entities, they create a seamless experience where both approaches enhance each other.

The results speak for themselves. From limping legs to digestive issues, Animal Healing Now achieves positive outcomes in approximately 90% of cases. Dr. Michael dispels common misconceptions about animal chiropractic care, explaining how their gentle trigger point therapy differs from the adjustments people might imagine. This approach focuses on unlocking the body's natural healing potential, helping pets overcome issues that might otherwise require more invasive interventions.

What truly distinguishes this practice is their dedication to personalized care. When pet owners call, they speak directly with a doctor who takes time to understand their concerns and coordinate with their veterinarian. This extraordinary level of attention extends beyond business hours, with Dr. Michael sometimes fielding calls on weekends and holidays. "We care just as much as you do about your critters," he explains, and that compassion shines through every aspect of their service.

Ready to explore whether holistic therapy could help your pet? Visit animalhealingnow.com or call 724-261-7915 to speak directly with Dr. Michael or his team. Your animal companion deserves care that addresses not just their symptoms, but their whole being.

To learn more about Animal Healing NOW go to:

http://www.animalhealingnow.com/

Animal Healing NOW

(724) 261-7195