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"America First doesn't mean America alone." Alona Matchenko, founder of Toledo Helps Ukraine, on why a Northwest Ohio nonprofit can help both. She came to Toledo ten years ago on a State Department exchange program, working as a nanny. She had eight years of teaching behind her in Ukraine, but she went to law school here instead, because "in order to learn this country, you better learn the law." She was a second-year student at UT Law in February 2022 when Russia launched the full-scale invasion. Toledo Helps Ukraine came out of that. It started with rallies, then aid she delivered herself to hospitals and military bases. Then came the relocation of 67 people in 18 families to Northwest Ohio. Now it runs a ten-day exchange that brings Ukrainian civic and government leaders to meet the mayor, city council and UT Law. It isn't a pathway to move here: "We don't want them to immigrate. We want them to go back and implement what they learn here." Guest host Angela Douglas talks with her about: Why international relationships can start at the community levelThe three public events on September 25, including a free session with the delegationDrones that carry medicine, not weaponsWhat they still need, including expired medical suppliesThe one thing she wants changed a year from now CHAPTERS0:00 Intro — Angela Douglas and Alona Matchenko0:26 "Toledo chose me" — nanny, teacher, law student2:14 Why Toledo Helps Ukraine exists4:20 Six Ukrainian leaders, ten days, this September6:02 "We don't want them to immigrate"7:24 "America First doesn't mean America alone"11:27 Event 1 — the free public session, September 2512:51 Event 2 — the "Grand Vision, Shared Legacy" gala14:39 Event 3 — the Sandpiper boat ride16:19 Who the delegates meet in Toledo17:08 How to help — "From Surplus to Survival"19:07 Drones that carry medicine, not weapons20:04 February 2022 — the day everything changed22:25 67 people, 18 families, and phase three24:51 Sponsor a meal for the delegation26:29 What they still need30:04 "I can never be as proud of Toledo"31:29 One year from now: end the war FIND TOLEDO HELPS UKRAINE Events, tickets and the donation list: https://4ua.orgSponsorships and large donations: [email protected] MORE FROM MAKE IT HAPPEN Watch every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbj7sGyUoAfQQaez8O0GXlFValt60huXUFollow the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeItHappen419 Recorded at House of Coffee in Toledo, Ohio. Make It Happen is a podcast by Mike Vanderpool, talking to cool people doing cool things.

Two guys with full-time jobs and houses eight doors apart write a newsletter that Northwest Ohio's business crowd opens within the hour. Neither one is a journalist. They had Trader Joe's and the Fallen Timbers redevelopment before the Blade and the TV stations did. Guest host Vince Croci talks with Kaden Kelly and Bill Laranga, the founders of Toledo Money, about how that actually happens. The short answer is that they don't chase logos — they know the people behind the deals. The longer answer is the phrase they keep coming back to: the sport of business. They don't arrive as reporters holding anyone's feet to the fire. They arrive wanting to talk shop, and by their own estimate they publish about 30% of what they hear. "We may hear a lot more than we publish." Kaden's case for why any of this matters starts with kids and professional athletes: you're inspired by the people whose stories you hear. "But adults are just big kids." Stop hearing about people building where you live, and you stop believing you can build there. The second half is an unusually candid business-of-media breakdown for a two-man operation: — Earned media vs. paid media, and where they draw the line— Why scarcity is the growth strategy— The real total addressable market math for Northwest Ohio— Why 70% of subscribers open within the first hour— The "Toledo Alumni" reading from Cleveland and Charlotte— The first client whose single ad turned into a million-dollar acquisition lead— A fast-casual Mediterranean chain they're 80% sure is coming to town, and the first two letters of its name Plus the mistakes they'd take back, why they can never be outright wrong, and the one resource they can't buy their way out of. Toledo Money publishes Friday mornings at 8 a.m., with a second edition every other week. CHAPTERS00:00 Intro — what Toledo Money is01:27 Two day jobs, no journalism background, and the thesis03:55 Breaking Trader Joe's and Fallen Timbers first05:15 The sport of business, and why sources trust them07:00 Scarcity as a growth strategy09:29 Earned media, paid media, and the guardrails11:29 Month nine: when the thesis got proven13:50 A business or an expensive hobby?15:22 Selling high impact, not low cost17:20 Sponsor break — Actual Reality Technologies18:27 Who reads it: the demographic and the data22:40 70% open in the first hour, and the "Toledo Alumni"24:51 The ads, and the first client's million-dollar lead27:43 "Rising tides," and why context matters30:52 No agenda, never outright wrong — plus a Mediterranean teaser35:21 Mistakes, and the one resource you can't buy37:26 Where to eat, and where to go for fun39:20 Wrap-up MORE FROM MAKE IT HAPPENWatch every episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbj7sGyUoAfQQaez8O0GXlFValt60huXUFollow the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeItHappen419 Recorded at Loft 419, a work share space in downtown Toledo.Sponsored by Actual Reality Technologies — AI consulting and implementation, built in and for Northwest Ohio. Make It Happen is a podcast by Mike Vanderpool — talking to cool people doing cool things.

"I'm finally getting back to the woman I was born to be." Diana Patton is a former civil-rights attorney turned coach, advocate, and founder of Rise Advocates Academy — and one of the most magnetic people in T-Town. In this episode, Michael opens with a question he's never asked anyone: "Why are you you?" What follows is an honest, funny, wide-open conversation about identity, healing, and showing up as your real self. Diana shares growing up mixed-race and homeless in Fostoria, the trauma that shaped her into a "stereotypically angry Black woman," and the moments that cracked everything open — her brother's actions, law school, motherhood, and a United Way speech where she told her story in public for the first time. She talks about trading revenge for real justice, building a daily practice of meditation and gratitude, mentoring University of Toledo athletes, and her 12-week Academy for executive women built around mindset, calling, and service. Plus a candid, myth-busting deep dive into perimenopause and menopause — why the research was never done, the tools that actually help, and why this can be the best chapter of a woman's life instead of the hardest. Learn more or apply at riseadvocatesacademy.com. The Make It Happen Podcast — cool people doing cool things in Northwest Ohio and beyond, hosted by Michael Vanderpool. As always — make it happen.

Doug Hinebaugh — better known as "Dougie Fresh" — is the conversational photographer whose lens has quietly become the face of everything good happening in Toledo. In this episode, Michael sits down with Doug to talk about leaving town in 2007 convinced anywhere was better, the hard-won sobriety that brought him home, and how a cell-phone car-show hobby turned into a full-time photography career. Doug shares why the photo is the small part — experiencing the event is the real work — his four years on the Toledo Streets editorial committee, his first solo gallery show "One City, Many Moments," and the line that sums him up: "Your enthusiasm is what makes my photos great. Not my camera." Plus, the big one: Techledo — the FREE electronic music festival Doug throws on Saturday, June 13 at Glass City Metropark as part of Watershed Weekend. Three stages, 16 DJs, headliner DJ Heather out of Chicago, glow performers, open till 11 p.m. — and every dollar raised funds Dean Davis's River Gallery Mural Project. Donate, volunteer, or just come dance. Details at wwtechledo.live. The Make It Happen Podcast is recorded at The Loft 419 in downtown Toledo, hosted by Michael Vanderpool. As always — make it happen.

Northwest Ohio filmmaker Anthony Wright joins Mike Vanderpool alongside actor Dillon Sickles to talk about his journey from making VHS Star Wars knockoffs as a kid to screening his feature "The Ride to Nowhere" at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Anthony shares what's next with his ambitious new project "The Moonshine Crew," why Toledo's film scene is more alive than people think, and the local spots he'd show off to anyone visiting from LA. A conversation about the grind, the labor of love, and making movies happen in a city that often gets overlooked. More about the movie here: https://themoonshinecrew.carrd.co/ Moonshine crew Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576228345294

Brandon Sehlhorst grew up in Toledo, left to study urban planning in Cincinnati, and came back with a mission — grow this city on purpose. Now serving as Toledo's first-ever Chief Growth Officer, he joins Vince Croci to talk about the mayor's goal of 300,000 residents by 2040, a $20 million shovel ready sites fund, the transformation of Southwyck Mall, and why Toledo's tech and innovation ecosystem needs a dedicated leader. From SimCity kid to the person reshaping Toledo's future — this is a conversation every Toledoan should hear. Guest: Brandon Sehlhorst, Chief Growth Officer, City of Toledo Topics: Toledo economic development, population growth strategy, Shovel Ready Sites Fund, Toledo Community Improvement Corporation, Glass City Riverwalk, Marina District, Southwyck Mall, Amazon delivery station, tech ecosystem, innovation district, three-legged stool framework The Make It Happen Podcast is created and produced by Mike Vanderpool. Special Projects Co-Host: Vince Croci. #makeithappen

What does it actually take to build something in Toledo? In this episode of the Make It Happen Podcast, Danny Dymarkowski shares a perspective rooted in action—not theory. From showing up consistently to building real relationships, this conversation breaks down what it means to create opportunity in a city that’s more open than people realize. Danny talks about the importance of being physically present, getting involved before you feel ready, and why energy and enthusiasm often matter more than raw intelligence. The episode also explores how different generations can work together—combining experience, capital, and new ideas—to move Toledo forward. If you’re looking to get involved, grow your network, or build something meaningful, this conversation is a reminder: Opportunity is there—but you have to show up.

What if the next generation isn’t lost… but leading us somewhere better? In this episode of the Make It Happen Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Kibbe to explore how Gen Z is reshaping the way we think about work, education, and opportunity. From prioritizing impact over income to rethinking how people enter the workforce, this conversation highlights a powerful shift already happening—and what it means for employers, educators, and communities. We also dive into the role of internships, mentorship, and intentional pathways in helping young people not just find jobs, but build meaningful careers. This isn’t about fixing the next generation.It’s about building better systems around them. Why Gen Z is focused on impact over incomeThe importance of intentional onboarding and career pathwaysHow internships create real opportunities and long-term retentionBridging the gap between education and the workforceBuilding stronger communities by investing in young talentThe Make It Happen Podcast highlights cool people doing cool things—focused on innovation, workforce development, and building stronger communities in Northwest Ohio and beyond. “It’s not about how much money can I make—it’s what kind of impact can I make.”“You can’t just pluck students into roles anymore—you have to think about the on-ramp.”“Young people won’t stay unless they have access to internships and jobs.”If you believe in creating better opportunities for the next generation, share this episode and join the conversation. Links Jennifer Kebea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkebea/Campus Philly: https://campusphilly.org/Young Smart & Local: https://youngsmartandlocal.com/

Public art isn’t just about murals—it’s about identity, purpose, and how a city tells its story. In this episode of the Make It Happen Podcast, Mike Vanderpool sits down with Dean Davis, one of Toledo’s most influential public artists, to talk about creativity, technology, and what it really takes to build a vibrant community. Dean shares his journey from growing up in Toledo to serving in the Navy, working on the railroad, and ultimately finding his way back to art. The conversation dives into the difference between public art and gallery art, why public art is a form of servant leadership, and how creativity can drive economic growth and cultural pride. They also tackle big topics like: Using AI as a creative tool without losing the human touch Why technology should support creativity, not replace it The vision behind the River Gallery Project and a citywide public art network How art helps people reconnect—to place, to each other, and to themselves This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, humanity, and why cities like Toledo don’t need to reinvent themselves—they need to believe in what they already have. 🎙️ Make It Happen Podcast — conversations with people who are doing the work and shaping what’s next in Northwest Ohio.

In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, host Vince Croci sits down with Darren Moore, a global logistics entrepreneur and "boomerang" resident who returned to Toledo in 2018. This conversation dives into the vision Darren recently shared in the Toledo Blade regarding where the city is and where it needs to go. Darren explores his perspective on Toledo’s "next phase," including: The "Soft Landing" and the Shot Clock: Why the city must move beyond past federal and local support to create a more competitive, performance-driven culture. Identifying the Gaps: The critical need for early-stage risk capital and venture capital to keep young talent from leaving for other markets. Defining the Players: Moving away from "groupthink" to find sophisticated individuals who can lead Toledo on a national and international stage. A New Investment Model: Darren's proposal for an early-stage venture fund and a "Toledo Community Fund" to ensure every resident has skin in the game as the city grows.

Why does school technology feel harder than it should? In this episode of the Make It Happen Podcast, we sit down with Tech My School to explore what really makes technology work in schools—and why so many well-intentioned efforts fall short. The conversation goes beyond tools and funding to focus on alignment, mindset, and change management. We talk about why some schools with very little make meaningful progress, while others with every advantage struggle to adapt. We also unpack the hidden cost of “free” technology and why buy-in, ownership, and partnership matter more than shiny new solutions. This episode is for educators, administrators, and anyone working in or around schools who wants technology to actually support teaching and learning—not add more complexity. Key themes include: Why misalignment—not lack of tools—is the real challenge How mindset impacts school-wide progress The importance of people, purpose, and process Using technology as part of a long-term strategy, not a quick fix This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about helping schools build systems that last. Find out more about Tech My School - https://techmyschool.org/ Subscribe to the Make It Happen newsletter - https://makeithappenpod.substack.com/

In this episode of Make It Happen, Mike Vanderpool sits down with Dalien Ahiekpor, Senior Technical Account Manager at AWS, for a wide-ranging conversation about careers in tech, cloud computing, and where AI is actually headed. Dalien shares his journey from growing up in Northwest Ohio—including a University of Toledo summer tech camp—to building Amazon fulfillment centers, and eventually moving into a customer-facing role helping enterprise organizations optimize cloud infrastructure, costs, and operations. This conversation goes beyond job titles and buzzwords to explore: Real, non-gatekept paths into tech careers What “the cloud” actually is (in plain English) Why AI agents, not just generative AI, are the next big shift How faster tools are changing who gets to build products Why curiosity, community, and lifelong learning matter more than ever Whether you’re early in your career, considering a pivot into tech, or just trying to understand where AI and cloud computing are going next, this episode offers grounded insights from someone working at the center of it all. 🎧 Tune in and keep making it happen.

Northwest Ohio just hosted the largest AI conference in the Midwest, and the momentum is real. In this episode, Mike Vanderpool sits down with Tom Bush — founder of Actual Reality Technologies and Empowered AI — to break down Great Lakes AI Week, the rise of AI-powered manufacturing, and how Toledo is becoming one of the most welcoming and activated startup communities in the country. We dive into: How 2,300+ people came together to level up their AI skillsWhy Toledo may be the #1 AI-activated region per capita in the U.S.The future of agentic AI and automation in real businessesHow AI is helping kids publish books and build confidenceThe push to launch 100–500 new startups in Northwest OhioWhat’s next for Great Lakes AI Week and the region’s innovation ecosystemA must-listen for anyone passionate about tech, community building, education, or the future of work in the Midwest.

In this episode, I sit down with Gary Thompson of the Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) to talk through one of the biggest emerging topics in Northwest Ohio: the rise of data centers and what they could mean for our region. We explore: What data centers actually bring to a community The long-term economic opportunities The real threats and challenges often overlooked How communities can prepare for both growth and disruption Why asking the right questions matters more than ever This is a conversation meant to inform—not divide.As data centers spark passionate debate across our region, my hope is that this discussion encourages thoughtful, civil, and informed dialogue focused on one shared goal: building a Northwest Ohio where our kids have every opportunity for a successful future.

In this episode, we break down a bold new vision for a full Esports ecosystem in Northwest Ohio—starting with a spring Invitational Tournament and scaling all the way to a regional semi-professional league. We explore how Esports can become a real career pathway by connecting colleges, high schools, and even middle-school players through coaching pipelines, regional training hubs, and year-round development programs. We dive into the phases of the model: launching the invitational showcase, using college athletes as assistant coaches, creating downtown Esports hubs, supporting youth programs, and ultimately building a semi-pro league that drives jobs in media production, event management, coaching, IT, and more. It’s a roadmap for growing talent, revitalizing communities, and turning Esports into an engine of opportunity for the entire region.