What makes Dana Ralutz with Ethical Esthetics a good neighbor?

Want healthier skin without the pressure to buy more and exfoliate harder? We sit down with Dana Ralutz, owner of Ethical Esthetics in Moon Township, to unpack a barrier-first approach that calms inflammation, protects the microbiome, and makes facial massage a powerful (and relaxing) tool for tone, circulation, and glow. Dana shares how her COVID-era shift from HR to Esthetics reshaped her philosophy: educate before selling, simplify routines, and match treatment cadence to the skin’s actual needs.

We talk about the myths that keep people stuck- like monthly dermaplaning as a rule- and why stripping oils and cells can backfire. Dana explains how hidden exfoliants in cleansers and toners stack up, how to set realistic timelines for correction versus maintenance, and when to stretch visits to every two or three months once balance returns. If your skin feels tight, red, or chronically “dehydrated yet oily,” her advice on rebuilding the acid mantle, adjusting actives, and prioritizing moisturizers will feel like a reset.

You’ll also hear why facial massage belongs in your toolkit. Think of it as strength training for the face: targeted moves support lymph flow, reduce puffiness, ease jaw and brow tension, and encourage a lifted look over time. Dana’s studio model includes a complimentary 10-minute consultation to align home care with results, and seasonal treatments- like a hot chocolate hydrofacial with a peppermint scalp massage- that deliver both science and comfort. Along the way, we touch on community, small business love, and finding joy in simple, consistent routines that let skin do what it’s built to do.

If you’re ready for skincare that favors trust over tactics and resilience over quick fixes, this conversation will help you pare back, focus on what works, and enjoy the process. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s overexfoliating, and leave a review to tell us the biggest skincare myth you’re letting go of.

To learn more about Ethical Esthetics go to:

https://www.ethicalpittsburgh.com/

Ethical Esthetics

(412) 716-4180

What makes Dr. Peter Paduzzi with American Back Centers a good neighbor?

Ever been told surgery is the only path out of back or neck pain? We sat down with Dr. Peter Paduzzi of American Back Centers to unpack a different roadmap: specialty chiropractic, targeted rehab, FDA-approved spinal decompression, and noninvasive weight-loss strategies that help real patients sidestep the scalpel. Dr. Paduzzi has led a legacy practice in Wexford for over two decades, focusing on tough cases like herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and even failed back or neck surgery.

Across our conversation, we separate myth from method. Chiropractic here isn’t a one-size-fits-all adjustment; it’s a structured plan that blends manual therapy with progressive stabilization, mobility training, and decompression protocols designed to relieve nerve pressure and restore function. We talk through how to know when conservative care is the smarter first step, the red flags that warrant referral, and why a clear second opinion can change the trajectory for people who’ve already cycled through injections and standard PT without lasting relief. Dr. Paduzzi also shares how targeted weight management and practical nutrition lower spinal load, reduce inflammation, and accelerate rehab gains.

You’ll hear candid guidance on who benefits most, how results are measured, and what early wins to watch for: better standing and walking tolerance, fewer night wakings, and easier daily movement. We also touch on patient education- short, accessible videos and radio segments that demystify terms like “stenosis” and “decompression”- so you can make informed choices with your care team. If you’re wrestling with persistent disc pain or considering surgery, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful path forward that prioritizes safety, function, and long-term outcomes.

If this helped you rethink your options, subscribe, share with someone who needs a second opinion, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

To learn more about American Back Centers go to:

https://www.americanbackcenters.com/

American Back Centers

(724) 220-6066

What makes Melissa Migliaro with Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists a good neighbor?

Looking for the invisible force that makes wellness programs land and events actually work? We sat down with consultant and event specialist Melissa Migliaro to unpack the relationship-first approach behind corporate wellness, nonprofit partnerships, and conferences that feel seamless for guests and meaningful for teams. Melissa blends strategy and curation, bringing registered dietitians, physical therapists, licensed counselors, and standout speakers to companies that want real outcomes, not just calendar filler.

Melissa’s path started in a concert hall. With undergrad and graduate degrees in French horn performance, she learned discipline, listening, and stagecraft-skills that now underpin her consulting. When a small business role led her into events, she discovered the joy of connecting people to outcomes and built a network of experts she trusts. Today, she supports HR leaders with wellness days and lunch and learns, amplifies nonprofits like Special Olympics Three Rivers and Cancer Bridges, and steps in as the behind-the-scenes coordinator who keeps plans coherent and human.

We dig into common myths about “event planners” versus “event coordinators,” explore the underrated power of follow-through and cadence, and talk about why curated wellness programming is more effective than one-off sessions. Melissa also shares how word-of-mouth referrals sustain her business, why she prefers to let clients take the spotlight, and what a future podcast could do to bring her expert network to a wider audience. Beyond work, she finds balance in running 35–40 miles a week, strength training with Allegheny Health Network’s sports performance team, and slowing down with yoga.

If you care about corporate wellness strategy, memorable events, or nonprofit impact, this conversation offers practical ideas you can use right away. Subscribe for more local business stories, share this with a colleague who runs HR or events, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

To learn more about Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists go to:

https://migliaroconsulting.com/

Migliaro Consulting and Event Specialists

(412)523-3547

What makes Shari Zatman of Perfectly Planned by Shari a good neighbor?

Want to know what really happens between the freight elevator and the first dance? We sit down with luxury wedding planner Shari Zatman of Perfectly Planned by Shari to pull back the curtain on the systems, timelines, and creative decisions that make celebrations feel effortless. From interior design roots to national consulting, Shari shows how design and logistics work together to deliver a smooth guest experience and a calm, confident couple.

Shari’s career started in nonprofit events and linen rentals, where she learned the mechanics of inventory, lead times, and vendor constraints. That foundation now powers high-end weddings, mitzvahs, galas, and corporate events with a focus on event design, budget clarity, and vendor management. She talks candidly about the biggest misconception in wedding planning- the idea that it’s all fun and flowers- and shares how her team handles the physical work, the 100+ -point timelines, and the critical handoffs that keep everything on schedule. If you’ve wondered how to choose vendors, sequence a wedding day timeline, or navigate contracts without losing your vision, you’ll find clear, practical insights here.

We also explore how virtual planning expands access. Shari maps priorities over Zoom, builds comprehensive plans, and when she isn’t onsite she orchestrates seamless handoffs to local day-of coordinators. As a monthly party expert on Pittsburgh Today Live and author of From Behind the Clipboard, she brings stories and strategies that translate into real-world solutions: contingency planning, guest flow, lighting choices, and the difference between a pretty space and a designed experience. You’ll hear how her love of Broadway and travel informs the narrative arc of each event, turning moments into a cohesive story.

If you’re planning a wedding or milestone event and want the calm that comes with experience, this conversation delivers a blueprint you can use. Subscribe for more smart conversations with local pros, share this episode with a friend who’s engaged, and leave a review to tell us what behind-the-scenes detail surprised you most.

To learn more about Perfectly Planned by Shari go to:

https://perfectlyplannedbyshari.com

Perfectly Planned by Shari

(412)901-0082

What makes Dr.Ian Bulow with Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic a good neighbor?

When doctors say “everything looks normal” yet you still feel dizzy, foggy, or in pain, it’s hard not to lose hope. We sat down with Dr. Ian Bulow of Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic to explore a precise, gentle approach to the upper neck that aims to change that story- no twisting, no cracking, and measurable results that matter in daily life.

Dr. Bulow breaks down the three pillars that set upper cervical care apart: objective testing to track real change, three-dimensional CT imaging to map alignment down to the millimeter, and a Blair-certified adjustment that avoids rotation while targeting the atlas and axis with accuracy. We dive into why this method helps people with vertigo, chronic dizziness, migraines, and post-concussion symptoms, and we talk about complex cases like trigeminal neuralgia where the pain is intense and traditional options feel limited. Rather than chase symptoms, the focus is restoring the brain–body connection through meticulous alignment of the upper neck.

We also clear up myths fueled by viral “neck crack” videos. Chiropractic is a broad field with many certifications, and high-risk patients- those with prior neck surgery, instability, or vascular concerns- still have options when methods are selected wisely. Dr. Bulow shares why he teaches the Blair procedure nationally, how his team prioritizes a world-class patient experience, and what “revive” truly means for people who want their lives back. Along the way, we touch on local community, small business roots, and that vital message of possibility: you can improve, and careful care can help you get there.

Curious whether upper cervical care is a fit? Search reviveUCC to learn more or call 724-772-7060 about their new patient special. If this conversation helped you think differently about dizziness, migraines, or chronic pain, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more neighbors find real options.

To learn more about Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic go to:

https://www.reviveucc.com/

Revive Upper Cervical Chiropractic

(724) 772-7060

What makes Laura Zervos with Laura Zervos Food and Nutritional Services a Good Neighbor?

Looking for nutrition advice that survives real life, not just a perfect week? We sit down with registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist Laura Zervos, whose culinary-school roots and private practice in Bethel Park bring flavor and science together. Laura works with clients in person and remotely to manage chronic conditions and weight through strategies that are simple, flexible, and built for busy schedules.

Laura shares the surprising bridge from restaurant kitchens to patient care, and how that experience shapes her approach to meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking techniques that make healthy food taste good. We unpack stubborn myths- like the idea that one session fixes everything, or that age, cost, and time make change impossible- and replace them with a step-by-step method that turns “I know what to do” into “I’m doing it every day.” You’ll hear how she tailors plans for clients from ages two to eighty-five, why many find her after a new diagnosis like prediabetes or fatty liver, and how consistent check-ins remove barriers before they become roadblocks.

We also dive into Mediterranean-style eating and why it adapts so well to local life. Laura lays out practical ways to bring more color, fiber, and satisfaction onto the plate without losing the joy of food: sheet-pan veggies, bean-forward soups, whole grains, olive oil, herbs, and smarter snacks that carry you through commutes, meetings, and social events. Her process is grounded in real routines- family meals, travel, book club brunches- and the honest adjustments that make healthy choices stick when life gets messy.

If you want evidence-based nutrition that fits your world, this conversation delivers. Listen, take one small step today, and build from there. Subscribe for more neighborhood stories with practical takeaways, share this with a friend who’s ready for change, and leave a review to tell us the habit you’ll try this week.

To learn more about Laura Zervos Food and Nutritional Services go to:

http://www.laurazervos.com/

Laura Zervos Food and Nutritional Services

(412) 287-5679

What makes Dr. Noelle DiGioia Guthrie with Renaissance Orthopaedics a good neighbor?

Mobility matters at every age. Dr. Noelle DiGioia Guthrie of Renaissance Orthopedics joins us to challenge common misconceptions about joint replacement surgery while sharing her unique journey from college lacrosse player to orthopedic surgeon.

As a Pittsburgh native who returned home after training in Philadelphia, Dr. Noelle brings specialized expertise in knee and hip replacements to her family's practice. She directly addresses the fears many patients have about painful recoveries, especially for knee replacements, explaining how modern pain management approaches and comprehensive patient education have transformed the experience. Perhaps most importantly, she debunks the myth that advanced age disqualifies someone from joint replacement, emphasizing that quality of life should drive these decisions.

What makes Renaissance Orthopedics truly special is its status as a thriving independent practice in an era of healthcare consolidation. This father-daughter practice maintains a personalized approach where patients remain at the center of care decisions. Dr. Noelle speaks candidly about the privilege of joining the practice her father built and continuing its legacy of patient-focused orthopedic care. The smaller practice setting allows for continuity of care that larger institutions often struggle to provide.

Beyond her surgical expertise, we get glimpses of Dr. Noelle's life outside the operating room—raising three young children, enjoying tennis (which draws on skills similar to her lacrosse background), and practicing yoga. Her genuine connection to the Pittsburgh community shines through as she expresses gratitude for being able to serve her hometown.

Ready to reconsider what you know about joint replacement? Connect with Renaissance Orthopedics through their website, social media, or by contacting Dr. Noelle directly at Dr.Noelle@pfcusa.org to learn how improved mobility might change your quality of life.

To learn more about Renaissance Orthopaedics go to:

https://www.pittsburghboneandjoint.com/

Renaissance Orthopaedics and The Bone and Joint Center of Magee Women's Hospital of UPMC

(412)683-7272

What makes Carin Fraioli with Gateway Rehab a good neighbor?

Breaking down the walls of addiction stigma requires understanding, compassion, and accessible resources. Carin Fraioli brings 25 years of frontline experience at Gateway Rehabilitation Center to our conversation, revealing how substance use disorders are legitimate medical conditions—not moral failings or character flaws.

"These are not bad people," Carin emphasizes, challenging the harmful misconceptions that prevent many from seeking help. "Some of the most intelligent and smart people I've ever met have been clients of ours." Her passionate advocacy stems from witnessing countless recovery journeys throughout her career, which began as an internship and evolved into a lifelong mission.

Gateway Rehab stands as a beacon of hope across Western Pennsylvania, operating as a nonprofit for 52 years. Their comprehensive services extend from Erie to Greene County and beyond through telehealth options, tailoring treatment approaches to each individual's specific needs. Carin explains how prolonged substance use chemically alters the brain, creating dependencies that require medical intervention—similar to how we approach other chronic conditions like diabetes.

The organization works through multiple channels to connect people with help, including family referrals, employee assistance programs, physician offices, and spiritual leaders. Their commitment to accessibility shines through their 24/7 support systems: a website with educational resources and live chat (gatewayrehab.org), a dedicated helpline (1-800-472-1177), and extensive community outreach programs.

Whether you're struggling personally with substance use or concerned about a loved one, Gateway Rehab offers judgment-free guidance, information, and pathways to recovery. Visit their website to access their educational podcasts covering topics from opioid treatment to family support strategies, or simply reach out when you're ready to take that first step toward healing.

To learn more about Gateway Rehab go to:

www.gatewayrehab.org

Gateway Rehab

(412)604-8900