Pgh Dreamer's Pod

Dakota Seliy is a color analysis expert, hairstylist, and founder of Colors by Kota, located in Bellevue. Her personalized Color Analysis will help you understand which colors naturally illuminate you.IG, Facebook, and TikTok: @colorsbykota

Christalee Lema is the owner of 2 companies: Wild Child Fabrications Hair & Makeup Artistry, providing services for TV, film, bridal, and events; and Eeeek! Creative Company, a creative branding company specializing in events promoting the creative small businesses in our city and promoting community engagement.https://wildchild-makeup.comIG @wildchildfabricationshttps://www.eeeekcreative.comIG: @eeeek_creative

Lynn DeFabo is the co-owner of fdp studio+shop, a Pittsburgh-based studio and shop full of artisan home goods. Lynn and her husband Francis created the business based on a newfound love of handmade pottery and stocking the retail store with goods created by some of their favorite local makers.https://www.fdpstudioshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop7GRACHX57oESYIZZhx82-Fh-1hIRuZczcOeGsrBuJU9gpVyEjhttps://www.instagram.com/fdpstudioshophttps://www.instagram.com/fdpottery

Brittany Lizon (Pordash) is the owner of Beauty and Beast Studios, located in Cranberry, PA, north of the city of Pittsburgh. She specializes in all things color, blonding, and lived in extensions. Beauty & Beast is 3 years old, and Brittany loves bringing creativity and beauty into the community.https://beautybeaststudios.glossgenius.com@beautybeaststudios412

Joanna Abel is a nationally touring fusion belly dancer, choreography, and producer who conjures fantasy and magic through movement. She's the creator of Enchanted Creature Ball, fairytale dance concert Dragonfly Dawn, and Pittsburgh Belly Dance Fusion Faire. She weaves together story, music, and spectacle into unforgettable experiences. Most recently, she's danced on tour with Beats Antique, bringing her to even more stages across the country.www.joannaabel.com@jojoabel

Here are 5 ways to get you reading more books: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2026/02/09/a-lack-of-healthy-mental-stimulation-5-ways-to-read-more-books/

In this special episode, sisters Alicia Delmastro and Meghan Greenwood introduce their Support Sisters initiative, which is a generalized women's' support group in Southwestern PA.

Here is a list of 5 steps to overcoming your fear. See if it helps! https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2026/01/26/shaking-in-your-boots-5-steps-to-overcome-your-fear/

Rose Carozza is the owner of The Frame Dame, a mobile custom art framing business based in Pittsburgh. After she graduated college in 2012, she returned to her home town in Virginia working for and managing several frame shops in the area. In 2014, she decided to start her own business, the Frame Dame. In 2018, she moved to Pittsburgh and had to rebuild her business from the ground up for a second time. Today she is focusing on better establishing her business her in the 'Burgh as a woman-owned and operated small business.https://www.theframedame.comIG @theframedame

Here is a list of 5 ways to encourage movement while limiting screen time.Read the blog here

We had another incredible year of interviews with local women-owned businesses! Listen to this wrap-up to hear brief excerpts from the 20 women we spoke to in 2025.

5 tips for helping you prioritize what matters over the holiday season.Read: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/12/15/in-a-world-where-everything-seems-to-matter-question-20-how-do-you-prioritize-over-the-holidays/

Nicole Bukosky is the founder of Evergreen Stitched Goods, a crochet brand she launched in November 2022 with the philosophy that if a project isn't fun to make it, it doesn't make the cut. Her work blends cottagecore charm with cozy coastal grandma vibes - think soft textures, timeless palettes, and a whole lot of comfort. With a background in higher education and 2 degrees from IUP, Nicole brings an educator's heart to everything she does. She's passionate about building community, from helping lead a local book club at a small business to supporting fellow makers and entrepreneurs across the Greater Pittsburgh area, especially in her hometown of Indiana, PA. A mom, a wife, and an unapologetic lover of coffee and books, Nicole finds joy in the slow, meaningful rhythm of handmade life.IG: @everygreenstitchedgoods

This episode dives deeper into the benefits of spending time in nature and provides scientific evidence of how forest bathing boosts your immunity.Read this episode: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/11/24/the-best-reset-is-nature-question-19-why-does-being-outside-rejuvenate/

Lauren Zeznanski is a teacher, actress, singer, and the director of the Chestnut Ridge High School Drama Club. Lauren has always been a personal inspiration, and with her passion for the stage and a slew of invaluable mentors, she is using her creative outlets to motivate and put youth first as she directs the next generation of actors. https://www.facebook.com/ridgemusicalIG: crhs_drama_clubTiktok: cr.drama.club

If you're struggling to take rest, perhaps it's time to pause and think about why that may be. Take a listen to learn about some tips for reducing the feeling of guilt when it comes to rest.

Alecia Ott is the founder of The Auto Body Shop, a Pittsburgh based mobile mutual aid resource supporting bodily autonomy and community care. They provide free info and supplies and service info to support and empower folks to be the go-to friend for reproductive health, abortion care, and harm reduction in their community. They also provide barrier breaking support to access abortion care that is effective and physically/emotionally/spiritually safe.https://auto-body-shop.squarespace.comIG @the.auto.body.shop2nd Annual Extravanganza 

In this episode, we discuss mentors and how a wide variety of ages and backgrounds can be very beneficial for brainstorming challenges in your life.https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/10/20/mentors-should-span-a-wide-age-group-and-have-a-variety-of-backgrounds-question-17-how-can-i-get-help-making-a-tough-decision/

Erica Tamburo is an unapologetic, multi-passionate, and creative force. She's an international aware winning artist, speaker, woman in tech, and non-profit leader. Her passion is creating places we can all thrive!https://ericatamburogallery.com/aboutIG @ericatamburo

This episode touches on the psychology behind why we gravitate towards shows we've already seen.https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/10/06/finding-comfort-in-the-known-question-16-why-do-we-enjoy-rewatching-the-same-shows/

Marisa Quattrone is a pediatrician at Zest Pediatrics, the first network of direct care/concierge practices for children in the US! She is working to revolutionize pediatric medical care by focusing on relationships, access, and communication. The offices are comfortable with no waiting room, a play area, drinks, and snacks - or the doctor can come to your home.https://zestpeds.com/southhillsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZestPediatricNetwork/IG and TikTok: @zestpediatrics

A short list of practical tips for limiting your doomscrolling habit.

Laura Stewart, owner of Whole Rooted Wellness, is a certified holistic nutritionist, wellness consultant, and health coach based in Pittsburgh, PA. Through a holistic approach, Laura gives consideration to the whole person, addressing the root cause of illness. Simple meal planning, incorporation of wholesome nourishing foods, daily movement, meaningful connection, supplementation, and therapeutic grade essential oils are some of the ways she encourages the body's innate ability to naturally heal itself. https://wholerootedwellness.com/https://www.instagram.com/homerootedessencehttps://www.instagram.com/wholerootedwellness

Today we tackle how important it is to maintain and/or establish friendships and provide some tips on how to make friends as an adult. Read the blog: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/09/08/solid-relationships-are-important-as-we-age-question-14-how-do-you-make-friends-as-an-adult/

Our guest today is Kimberly Hairston-Neal, founder of The Modern Steward, a professional home organizing and move management firm dedicated to helping people navigate life’s biggest transitions with ease. Their services span pre-listing decluttering, packing and unpacking, and turnkey home organizing solutions for busy families and professionals. What sets The Modern Steward apart is their focus on both the logistical and emotional sides of moving—they bring clarity, calm, and proven systems that last well beyond moving day. At The Modern Steward, they believe that organized spaces create peace of mind, and their mission is to help clients not only move but truly land softly into their next chapter.https://www.themodernsteward.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/themodernsteward/IG @themodernsteward

Pretend you're back in grade school. Use some of your teachers' best tactics to get you to stay on track. Read the episode blog here: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/08/11/adults-who-want-to-do-the-things-but-just-cant-pretend-youre-in-grade-school-question-13-what-playful-incentives-will-motivate-you/

Genevieve Barbee-Turner, creator of Killerpancake Illustration, is a tarot card illustrator and two-dimensional artist based in Pittsburgh. She creates cursed occult wares including taro decks, stickers and stationery, fine art prints, and other decor inspired by horror stories, folklore, and ghost stories from across history and pop culture. Killerpancake blends contemporary Appalachia and queer/femme identity with a splash of gothic aesthetic. killerpancakeillustration.comIG: @killerpancake_illustrationTiktok: @killerpancake_tarot 

Assertiveness is confidence and decisiveness. Verbal assertiveness needs to be supported by action - and if that lends to you being called a 'bitch', don't let it rock your power.https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/07/28/showing-confidence-at-work-can-be-a-challenge-especially-if-youre-a-woman-question-12-how-can-i-be-assertive-without-being-called-a-bitch/

Shana Lohr is an NCEA Certified, licensed esthetician, a phlebotomist, a laser technician, and the owner of Inclusive Aesthetics. She began her career as a Pro Makeup Artist. Since then, she has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the beauty, medical, and wellness industry. Since obtaining her license, she continues to specialize in treatment of Transgender, BIPOC, and a variety of skin types/tones with facial treatments, laser, and advanced technology. She continues to train and loves working with individuals to look and feel their best. Not only does she explain your treatment plan, but she also helps you feel confident and empowered to be you!https://inclusiveaestheticsspa.com/Fbk: https://www.facebook.com/InclusiveAestheticsPGHIG: @inclusiveaesthetics

Self-improvement is a process, it's not black or white. We need to break the idea of all or nothing when it comes to bettering ourselves.

Heather Daerr is the owner of Lazy Dreamer Farm, a microgreen/wheatgrass grower and cold-pressed juice/coffee shop in Washington County, PA. With a focus on eating and drinking healthy foods to improve life, the Lazy Dreamer Farm functions with the slogan, "Eat well to live well". They also partner with other local vendors to bring in fresh homemade products from their neighbors - products people are looking for to enrich their lives and to support small business and local farmers.https://lazydreamerfarm.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LazyDreamerFarm/IG: @lazydreamerfarm

If you wait until the 'right time', you could be hurting your chances of happiness indefinitely.

Amanda LaValle is a serial entrepreneur, having owned and operated Boutique Tree, a boutique dropping shipping service since Jan 2020; currently operating Fully InkSpired Designs, a graphic apparel company; and current plans to launch a private practice telehealth speech and language therapy service called Speech Simplified. Speech Simplified: https://www.speechsimplified.comBoutique Tree: https://boutiquetree.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo4T921RT5_MfrrUv0YxTGTz0FaIWbtfEM6K9bLneHMlFXlmehe

Listen to hear how the Accountability Buddy sessions work - and be inspired by a success story!

Summer Rothrock is the founder and owner of Leo and Lynn Jewelry. She hand stamps and creates casual jewelry designs that celebrate the magic of every day. In addition to running her business, she keeps busy with parenting two tweens and enjoying family adventures around Pittsburgh.https://leolynnjewelry.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAuhL251pbpqzBP1gCS22rEyrxZFzo7JDivmgcnoAFS7gO58Blhttps://www.facebook.com/leoandlynnjewelryIG @leoandlynnjewlery

A balance is possible when you're thinking of a future workforce that wants to WFH yet the company is pushing for RTO.

Colleen Paulson is a career consultant and the founder of Ageless Careers. Colleen has made numerous shifts throughout her career, starting her career as an engineer, production manager, and pricing analyst for two Fortune 50 companies (Procter & Gamble and FedEx). Colleen launched her writing business in 2006 and has served a wide range of clients including The Motley Fool and Investopedia. She has written and reviewed thousands of resumes, LinkedIn profiles, executive bios, and cover letters during her work as a Certified Professional Resume Writer and specializes in helping Gen X and Baby Boomer job seekers to find great jobs faster.https://www.agelesscareers.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenmpaulson

Self-care doesn't mean luxurious or time isolated away from all responsibilities - at least not daily!

Nicole Trombley is an empowerment couch, spiritual teacher, speaker, and the creator and found of Marvel Ministry.https://www.instagram.com/nicoleimarvel

Check out our 2025 interviews thus far with amazing local women!https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/04/14/spring-break-our-path-recap/

We do and do and do and why? Especially when it comes to things we choose to do, instead of HAVE to do, it's important to identify our because. Read the blog: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/04/06/adults-do-a-lot-of-things-but-we-rarely-ask-why-question-7-what-is-your-real-because/

Sarah McDavis is the Founder & Creator of Wonder Creek Media. She enjoys doing a lot of things, which sometimes causes problems, but most times it keeps her the right amount of busy. She is an author and illustrator of books for kids, a kids yoga instructor, and an improv cast member with the kids' comedy experience Penny Arcade. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family and books in (almost) every room!https://wondercreekmedia.comhttps://sarahmcdavis.comIG: @wondercreekmedia

Where we are now doesn't dictate where we could be in the future. We can always (and maybe should always) be thinking about what we want to be when we grow up. Read the blog article

Stephanie Samolovitch, a Pittsburgh native who earned her Master's Degree in Social work in 2010, survived leukemia at the age of 20 in 2005. Determined to close the resource gap for young adult cancer survivors, Stephanie built a local community prior to launching Young Adult Survivors United (YASU) in March 2020. Stephanie is a passionate advocate who serves on the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center community advisory board and Servier Pharmaceuticals patient expert council, she was a 40 under 40 honoree in 2019, and was recently quoted in a Time magazine article on the unique challenges faced by young adults with cancer.https://yasurvivors.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YAsurvivorsIG @yasurvivorsu

Living somewhere else may seem like a dream idea. Try it out and let us know if reality is greener.Read the blog here: https://pghdreamerproductions.com/2025/03/10/adults-tend-to-think-the-grass-will-be-greener-elsewhere-question-5-where-would-you-like-to-live-for-a-while/

Stephanie Jurik is a mom and the owner of Organize by Nature. Located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Stephanie started her own organizing company after years of designing for family and friends. She has been running the business for almost 5 years, specializing in residential and concierge services.https://organizebynature.comFacebook & IG: @organizebynature

Ask yourself, if you stopped doing something, would the world fall apart? My guess is no.

Bethany Carolus, owner of Swift Shine Cleaning, is originally from Central Pennsylvania. After high school, Bethany obtained a business entrepreneurship certification for a community college in Maryland. Following this period, she joined the Air Force Reserves, which brought her to Pittsburgh in 2018. In 2019, she became a yoga instructor and started school for massage therapy. She cleaned houses on the side while in school to make money and really enjoyed the flexibility; thus, the inception of Swift Shine Cleaning!

If we had to choose a superpower, most likely it would reflect our frustrations with the current world. Ask yourself this question and understand yourself better.

Crystal Smith and Shelby Durbin are 2 busy moms who were looking for a fun way to workout - enter Twisted Fitness! Twisted Fitness is located in Charleroi, South of Pittsburgh on the Monongahela River. With their wide array of high-energy offerings, they strive to make fitness fun and provide an environment where everyone feels like family when they come through the doors! One of their flagship classes is Bungee Fitness. Check out their website and social media below: https://twistedfitness.godaddysites.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistedfitnessllc IG @twistedfitnessllc