Today we spoke with Jeanette the owner/operator of Little Bear Designs. She creates specialty crafted vinyl items for all your special occasions or adventures! She specializes in baby body suits for your upcoming “bundle of joy” to celebrate their first birthday, first Christmas or a silly saying or nickname. The possibilities are endless! She can also make specialty garments for us “older, more mature” folks as well as you’ll hear us discuss. Having a wine tour with the gals, is your spouse’s birthday “over the hill?” Whatever you can think of for that special occasions. Aside from the garments, she also makes beautiful framed signs with anything you’d like. “Bless this house” or “Dinner options: Take it, Leave it” or possibly in your kids bathroom, “Aim Carefully!” Anything you can think of! Check her out on social media @Facebook: Little Bear Designs, Instagram: littlebeardesigns_pa or her website www.littlebeardesignstore.com

For the season 2 opener we talk with Celesta Powell of the Central PA Tasting Trail! This is a group of local breweries, wineries, distilleries & cideries that have come together to help promote shopping local! There are currently 13 members and they are looking to add more. She discusses what it takes to become a member, but most importantly she describes their PASSPORT PROGRAM! This is for the public to get incentives and encourage people to patron all of the establishments on the trail! And if you fill up your passport in 1 year you get even more “swag!” It’s an absolute awesome way to enjoy some of the amazing local businesses that serve local products, hold numerous special events, support local music and are all family friendly! Get yourself a passport and get out and support local! Enjoy!

Today we talked with Kara and Holly from SignGypsies Happy Valley! If you don’t know this company…now is the time to change that! They sneak in like “ninjas” and put up decorations in your yard, living room, around your car, WHEREVER you can imagine for ANY occasion you are having! We had them set up a sign for Trapper’s birthday this year and I was blown away when I saw all they had set up! I was also amazed they did it without alerting our Mascot Muggsy! He barks at everything! It was also cool to learn they can do things indoors, like at your wedding, Christmas Party, New born baby, or even to surprise a first time home buyer when they unlock their door for the first time! The possibilities are absolutely endless and you can hear in this podcast that they are willing and able to go above and beyond to make your special day EPIC! They can even set up a “photo booth!” I could go on & on…. but listen for yourselves and you’ll fall in love with these two and this business…it’s such a great idea and I for one am thrilled to have them here in Happy Valley. Check out their website www.signgypsieshappyvalley.com And follow them on Facebook/Instagram at SignGypsies Happy Valley

Today we talked with Marc from Customer Follow Up, Inc. I was introduced to Marc a few years ago when I was invited to speak at www.tips-club.org. TIPS is one of the oldest Networking Clubs in State College, so if you’re in search of NUMEROUS local businesses from a wide array of areas, definitely start with this website! Marc’s business was started by himself and his lovely wife Tracy in 1997. CFU helps businesses provide the level of service that impels their customers to give them more work and refer others. It was very insightful to listen to his views ranging from “why you start a business” to “how to make the business grow.” And ALWAYS having the mentality of “Customer First.” We also discuss a charity bike ride that he and his daughter Ali started. It’s called BIKING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS MENTAL HEALTH. Marc will set out from Pittsburgh at the end of this Month annually and ride 150 Miles to Maryland, in 1 day on the Great Allegheny Passage. To learn more about this or to make a donation to this amazing cause visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/biking-for-first-responders-mental-health. Also check out Ali’s website http://Onthejobandoff.com She’s written books on this, there’s a blog, a podcast and multiple other resources all geared towards the Mental Health of the Brave Men and Women that put their lives on the line daily! She also travels the Country speaking to First Responder groups, so if you or someone you know is a First Responder, this is definitely worth checking out. Hearing Marc’s story of this ride is amazing and he hopes to make it grow annually, and possibly get more participants. On a personal note for myself: Marc and I met on a chance encounter here in Happy Valley, he is the absolute definition of the kind of folks you hope to meet in your lifetime. Then I’ve had the pleasure of meeting his Lovely wife Tracy and it made it even better! These two have been so nice to me and The Trapper in just the few conversations we’ve had when I’m in his neighborhood and stop by. Today was wonderful to get to chat a bit longer and to be able to share this conversation. And if I could ramble one more thing of praise to this wonderful family….if you’ve ever seen that big Star that is lit up high in the trees for the entire Valley to see…Marc hung that in a tree in his front yard! So check out his business, check out his daughters website, and click on the link to support this AMAZING fundraiser. I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did having it, such a pleasure.

Today we talked with Nhi, from Nhi Thai Photography! And we also had a special guest…her son Khai, from the podcast KHAI’S KID CORNER! If you have children or are an elementary school teacher, you should definitely check out their podcast. They are about 7-10 minutes long where they discuss a different animal each episode! It’s very cool, Trapper loves it! As far as Nhi’s photography, definitely check out her beautiful website at www.nhithaiphotography.com as well as follow her on Facebook/Instagram at Nhi Thai Photography. You can see examples of her amazing skills and some of the wonderful locations that she can introduce you to for your next photo session. She handles everything from weddings, families, engagements, baby photos and of course your new Graduate! She also has a wonderfully written blog on her website that she writes about some of her sessions and it’s clear to see that she really cares about her work and forming a relationship with her clients. It was an absolute joy to meet this wonderful family, enjoy!

Today we talked Mieke, the owner/operator of Pelvic Shanti. It was such a wonderful conversation because we were linked up through a mutual friend, so we had lots to talk about and it was absolutely wonderful learning! She runs her own Physical Therapy Business right here in State College. What I did find so endearing about Mieke is that she bases her entire business plan around forming “relationships” and not just clients! A majority of her clients are recent or expecting Mothers, however she can help with all your physical therapy needs. I believe she is “ahead of her time” with how she handles the insurance in the industry. She works with you, the patient and provides the best care that you require and need without being at “the mercy” of what your insurance will cover. She provides care for people who need it, not just for those “approved” for it. It was also beautiful to learn about her family, how much she loves the outdoors, and why they love Centre County so much. She is an absolute asset to the area and will definitely be getting calls from me to help me “keep mobile” and chasing Varmints! Check out the website www.pelvicshanti.com Contact her with any questions at 814-808-7232 or pelvicshanti@gmail.com And follow on Facebook/Instagram by searching PELVIC SHANTI And as always: “Pizza-French Fries-Pizza French Fries! (Listen to the episode, it’ll make sense)

If you’re looking for 1 podcast that has an awesome “feel good” story we all need right now...this is the one! Today we talked with Nancy and Susan from Roar for More, which is a branch of Susquehanna Service Dogs. They are a Nonprofit Organization that trains dogs to help pair with Partners who have Autism, PTSD, Hearing Loss, Heart Complications and the list goes on! Just talking to these two you can hear the passion they have for these animals, their raisers, their partners, and the “family” relationships that they form because of it. If you have Disney+ you can see the amazing things and heartwarming story of Lorelei and her dog Mandu who are ACTUAL SUPERHEROE’S! Absolutely beautiful! I could go on and on in this description of how wonderful this organization is, just listen to the episode, and check out their website at www.khs.org and look under the “assistance dogs” tab where you can learn more and even get a feed of “The Puppy Cam!” You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram at Roar For More as well as searching just “SSD” and NUMEROUS dogs have their own page! Who doesn’t like pictures and updates of amazing and adorable dogs? You can also get more info and find out where to make additional donations, monetary, dog supplies or even donate that old puppy crate your dog has outgrown by emailing ssdroarformore@psu.edu Such a wonderful chat, and an honor just to sit at the same table with these beautiful folks! Enjoy! (And have some tissues for tears of joy as you listen)

Today we sat down with Dr Cymbor and Marketing Manager Rachel from Nittany Eye Associates. They have been a staple for eye care here in the Center Region for a Quarter Century! It’s easy to tell in this conversation that, without a doubt, have a “patient first” mentality. You’ll also learn that they are FAR more than just eye exams with specialties ranging from Dry Eye Treatment, Glaucoma treatment, Vision Therapy and of course Laser Eye Surgery. They helped me with some of my silly “lasik surgery” fears, and Dr Cymbor promised not to cut my nose off with the laser if I flinch. Whew! They also offer free consultations for Laser Surgery to see if you’re a good candidate! We discuss that as well as the multiple insurance options and payment plans they offer! All jokes aside, they’ve also started The Fred H Carlin Community Vision Foundation was formed to provide quality vision services to underserved populations within the Central PA region through collaboration with local optometrist and volunteer organizations. In addition, the Fred H Carlin Community Vision Foundation will provide education on prominent vision conditions and community outreach to connect individuals with vision services withing their community. Lastly, this foundation will support and participate in industry leading optometric research initiatives. The foundation is named after one of our founding doctors, Dr. Fred Carlin, for his dedication to the community and he serves as one of the leading members. Nittany Eye Associates has 5 locations in the area, so they are easy to find. Check out their website at www.nittanyeye.com Also check them out on Facebook/Instagram at Nittany Eye Associates Such a wonderful and funny conversation, and it was an absolute pleasure! Enjoy!

Today we talked with Allison and Rachel who are decorators at Dolce Vita Desserts here in State College. They make just about anything you can dream up from wedding cakes to “pie calzones!” (Which is the goofus name I came up with, they call them “hand pies”) Along side their special order stuff, they have an absolutely huge location that you can swing in and grab a pre-made treat and a coffee or tea to go! They are located at 2490 Commercial Blvd with plenty of parking to sneak in quick for the dessert you “forgot” to order for that special occasion. Their website of www.dvdesserts.com is EXTREMELY user friendly for designing and ordering cakes or pastries with photos and NUMEROUS packages they offer to prepare for your next event! It’s very impressive and they have more options and deals coming all the time. These two were so much fun to chat with and when you check out the website you’ll see how talented they are. You should also give them a “follow” on Instagram and Facebook at DOLCE VITA DESSERTS Phone: 814-954-4960

Today we spoke with Tammy of Tammy Miller Auctions. I could have talked to her for hours because she’s such a wonderful person and so easy to chat with! Auctioneering is such an underrated skill and incredible asset, and you can tell by this conversation she excels at it! It’s awesome to hear some of her stories and learn how EXTREMELY beneficial her skill set can be if you’re selling a home, open land, having a fundraiser, or multiple applications! Honestly, her creativity of what her company can do for you or your organization is ASTOUNDING! This is definitely worth a listen and she is definitely worth a social media follow for her wonderful personality and creativity. My mind is already brainstorming! She got her Real Estate License and is an Official Appraiser to become an even more qualified Auctioneer! Sadly, you’re “beanie-baby” collection isn’t worth much, but knowing Tammy is! Such a great conversation, Enjoy! Phone: 814-360-4031 www.tammymillerauctions.com