Welcome to "Hot Topics, Cool Friends," the podcast where local business owners and musicians take center stage! Join hosts Wendy Gericke and Lori Colenzo as they delve into the lives and stories of their hard working, entrepreneurial friends from the community. With humor, curiosity, and a touch of wit, each episode features engaging conversations, probing questions, and the quest to uncover that one intriguing secret no one else knows about their guests. From tales of entrepreneurship to the rhythms of local music scenes, "Hot Topics, Cool Friends" celebrates the vibrant spirit and hidden gems of our communities. Tune in for...
Latest episodes
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From Roofs to Bourbon
We sit down with Jaime Wietrzykowski, longtime entrepreneur, roofing company owner, and now the force behind the Mail Pouch Restaurant and the new Hideout Cigar & Bourbon Bar. Jaim…
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Stationary Dreams & Soulful Strings
We’re super excited to welcome musician Chris Shutters to Hot Topics Cool Friends! Chris takes us from his early days hustling on stage to building a life and family around the mus…
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Psychic Confessions & Compatibility Checks Pt 2
We continue our conversation with Janet Amid. Psychic astrologer Janet Amid spills how she discovered her gift, why one famous couple may be doomed, and—yes—checks the cosmic compa…
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Psychic Confessions & Compatibility Checks
Psychic astrologer Janet Amid spills how she discovered her gift.
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Bandit on Main: The Story Behind Sylvania’s Newest Eatery
We’re chatting with Tracy Tober, the woman bringing new flavor and fresh energy to Main Street with Bandits Main Street Eats. She tells us how she went from idea to ownership, what…
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Whip, Dip and Flip
We continue our conversation with Trez Gregory, powerhouse vocalist and former backup singer, to talk about how she got her start, life on the road, and the term "Whip, Dip and Fli…
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From Back-Up to Center Stage: Trez Gregory’s Journey & Advice
We sit down with Trez Gregory, powerhouse vocalist and former backup singer for stars like Brooks & Dunn, to talk about how she got her start, life on the road, and her advice for…
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Brad Tober: Strange Generation & Stories from the Stage
On this episode of Hot Topics/Cool Friends, we sit down with Brad Tober, lead guitarist of Strange Generation. Brad takes us back to when he first started playing as a kid, talks a…
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Style, Success & Smart Advice with Sam Colbert
In this episode of Hot Topics/Cool Friends, we sit down with Sam Colbert, founder of Blue Layne Boutique. Sam shares her journey as a businesswoman, fashion lover, and entrepreneur…
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Nick Dallas of J&Gs & The Taproom
This week, we’re chatting with Nick Dallas about the legacy of J&Gs and their new Taproom expansion. Nick and his wife Melissa are the ultimate team behind it all — blending tradit…
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Dr. Tim Scott: Getting to the Root of Health
Dr. Tim Scott joins us to unpack what it really means to take charge of your health—from uncovering root causes to questioning the status quo. We dive into weight, wellness, and a…
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Boss Babe & Baby: Building a Business with a Baby on Your Hip
Today on Hot Topics/Cool Friends, we’re getting real about juggling business and baby bottles. Meet Sophie Gericke, owner of Astral Beauty Bar & Coffee Lounge, who’s not only growi…
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Toledo’s First Lady of Song: A Conversation with Jean Holden
Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Toledo jazz legend Jean Holden as she reflects on her six-decade career, the evolution of music in the city, and her passion for mentoring…
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Cockroaches of Entrepreneurship
Opening a business is hard enough, but try doing it during a global pandemic, surviving a flood, and now dealing with a giant construction zone outside your door. We’re basically t…
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Mic Check with VC the MC: Hilarious Tales from Ohio’s Favorite Emcee
Join us for a laugh-out-loud episode with Vince Croci, aka VC the MC, the go-to emcee bringing the party all over Ohio—sometimes in towns he’s never even heard of! From unexpected…
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Actor, Athlete, Developer: Nick Eyde’s Journey to Transform Toledo
From starring on screen to playing on the field, and now reshaping Toledo’s skyline, Nick Eyde’s story is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Hear how this former actor, Ita…
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The Bier Stube’s Legacy of Partnership, Passion, and Passing the Torch
What does it take to turn a small-town bar into a beloved community landmark? This week, we sit down with Jeff Bollin, owner of The Bier Stube, to hear his inspiring journey from h…
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The Genius Behind The Village Idiot
This week, we sit down with John Shafer, the mastermind behind The Village Idiot, Maumee’s legendary music haven. From hosting local celebrities like Crystal Bowersox and crowd fav…
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From Pasta to Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Conversation with Phil Barone
In this episode, we sit down with restaurateur and musician Phil Barone, the creative force behind Rosaria’s on Third and Rosie’s Italian Grille. Phil shares the rich history and i…
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From Beauty to Brews: The Business Journey of Jaime Stiriz
Join us as we chat with Jaime Stiriz, the multi-talented owner of Stilla Salon Med Spa and Boutique and Casual Grounds Coffee in Sylvania, Ohio. Jaime brings her humor, insight, an…