And now the 419 with Gretchen DeBacker Matt Killum, And Kevin Mullan.

Welcome to the 419 powered by WGTE and presented by Whetro Wealth Management.

I'm Kevin mullan, Gretchen DeBacker.

And no, Matt.

Killum today.

He's doing official work.

So what that means is our show is going to be a little, less violent and a little less funny.

That's right.

But we're going to do the best we can.

We are, we are.

We've got an exciting show, jam packed today.

I'm so excited.

We've got some folks from, Saint John's High School going to be joining us talking about the musical How to Succeed in Business.

Coming up this weekend at the Valentine Theater.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

I think Sunday as well.

So excited about that.

And then it's the YWCA milestones.

Yes.

Coming up.

A week.

A week from today.

Yeah.

And so, Lisa McDuffie, will be joining us and then also one of the milestones awardees, Kathy Tucker.

So we are sort of partnering with the white and for for Women's History Month on the show.

We're going to have, I think all of them, over the next week or so.

Each of them will come on and talk about how amazing they are and about the milestones.

Lunch coming up.

We just give them a 60 minute, platform just to brag about how great they are.

That's right.

I assure you, all eight of these women will come on and not want to talk about themselves at all.

We're going to make them.

But we're going to work to put the screws to them, that's what.

Women's history Month, that is making women do things I don't want to do.

I don't think that's really what it is.

We need to come up with a different mission statement.

Okay.

You know what?

I'll let you come up with that, and I'll just go along with it.

Thank you.

Because that's that's my role.

Thank you.

It is our toledo.com community calendar driven by Tada.

Taken a look at the top five events in northwest Ohio.

Of course, courtesy of our friends at toledo.com.

And all of this driven by Tada Tada can get you to.

I think each and every one of the events that are happening, this weekend that we're promoting, including the Saint Johnson musical.

That's right.

That was right in sync.

We practice that.

All right.

What are the top five events?

Well, unlike, not unlike every other weekend we've talked about this.

I mean, when you're taking a look at this calendar every week in these top five events, there is something going on every single weekend, in and around Toledo.

And this weekend is no different.

So to wrap up this Thursday, March 19th through Saturday, March 21st are doing kind of a cool thing called Toledo Voices 2026, where they have asked playwrights that have been previously unpublished, regional, local playwrights to submit one act plays.

And this whole weekend they're doing a series of workshops, and ultimately will be performing stage readings of those plays.

So kind of a cool way to, to encourage young or emerging, playwrights to participate in that event at the rep this weekend.

And all information can be found on their website.

Friday night Toledo Walleye another theme night Star Wars.

See, it's this is throw me off that Star Wars is in March because it's supposed to be in May.

Why May the 4th, fourth, May the 4th be with you?

But I get it.

So Star Wars night.

The the walleye do such a good job with these theme nights.

Themed jerseys, themed player intros, themed graphics, I really do.

And the walleye fans are so dedicated that they will also be in costume.

I can assure you.

What costume would you guys.

I have never seen Star Wars.

Yeah.

So if you're a star.

That sounds like fun, though.

Enjoying the show today?

We're sorry.

Yeah.

I'm sorry.

Okay.

Instead of going to the Star Wars night, you can.

Kevin, have you signed up for the Toledo Mini Marathon, which is Saturday, March 21st?

I'm not allowed to run, so I will not be doing that.

I am not allowed to run either.

We don't get to claim that.

I have a cardiologist certification that says I can't run.

What's yours?

The community at large has asked me not this year.

They're tired of you winning, right?

All of the race.

They're like, please stop.

That's talking.

They also say, stop talking, but I'm not doing that.

Okay, so this is a half marathon and a ten K. All throughout, downtown, it basically finishes at the ribbon and the after party is at the ribbon.

One of the things they're highlighting about this race is you're gonna be able to see all of the developments, which we're at 50% of the development of the Glass City Riverwalk.

And the Metro Park and all of that.

So it's a cool way on foot to see, what that's about.

And that's this Saturday, March 21st, in and around, downtown Toledo.

Very cool.

One thing I'm very excited about is the new Kirst exhibition that's happening at the Toledo Museum of Art.

There's a preview party on Friday night for members, and then the exhibit opens on Saturday.

This is all about the ancient world Egypt, Rome, Greece.

And it's about sort of the magic and amulets and, figurines and other things that we're all about, that were used by the people that lived in the ancient world.

One of the things that I brought back from Egypt, for example, was a scarab.

And when you're there, they give them to you.

It's little like a it's a good luck charm.

It's supposed to help you.

And, it symbolizes rebirth.

They used to use it to passage into death.

So it's it's just a good luck item.

So it's going to be little trinkets and items like that.

They have stuff coming from, the loo from the British Museum, from the Met in New York.

So it should be a very cool exhibit running for a number of weeks.

We're going to have someone on the show later to talk much more intelligently about it than I just did, but that opens this Saturday at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Finally, the Lenses and Lines exhibition, which is happening at the River Gallery.

Dean Davis Run Gallery on Madison.

He's doing a collaborative canvas showcase that Saturday from, I believe, 8 to 5, a free event.

They are Dean Davis.

If you've been anywhere in Toledo, you've seen murals.

Likely his, And so, that should be a pretty cool exhibit.

Great opportunity for arts, entertainment, athletics, a little bit of everything, as always, is the case.

And, of course, each and every one of these events can get you.

That's right.

We appreciate toledo.com, John and the team there, for printing the top five events, and, of course, Tara, for helping us, get to each and one of these great events and all the great things happening across northwest Ohio.

It's our toledo.com community calendar driven by charter.

When we come back, we're talking with the Saint Johns Musical, How to Succeed in Business without really Trying.

We'll be right back on the 419.

Support for the 419 comes from Whetro Wealth Management, where we understand that your financial path is personal.

Advisory services are offered through capital investment advisory services LLC, securities offered through Capital Investment Group member Finra, SIPC.

More information at whetroadvisors.com The 419, powered by WGTE is made possible in part by supporters like you.

Thank you.

Welcome back to the 419 powered by GT.

We're talking about all the great events that are happening across northwest Ohio this weekend.

Of course it's our toledo.com community calendar driven by Tada.

And one of the events that didn't quite make the top five, but I think it should have should.

And we will have to take it up with John, I guess, who is also a Saint John's grad.

That's right.

So it's a real shame.

Maybe we didn't.

He thought it would be to favoritism.

You know, that's fair.

And also it's going to sell out anyway.

So but you got a chance to go out and see an incredible show.

How to Succeed in Business Without really Trying opens tonight, with Saint John's Jesuit.

We're joined by Damian Rogers and Stuart Poole.

Stuart, of course.

You've got a pretty big role in the show.

What?

What character are you playing?

I play Jay Pierpont Finch.

Okay.

And what is the musical story of Jay Pierpont Finch and this musical?

Well, the show opens with him being a window washer and holding a book called How to Succeed in Business Without really Trying.

And while reading the book, he decides that he is going to do exactly that.

So he slowly climbs the corporate ladder by doing just about everything that isn't his job and lies so much lying and creating a lot of hijinx that ensue from so many really interesting choices.

Okay, I like fake it till you make it is a real thing.

Yeah, that's that that that exists.

So that's what's happening in the show.

Damian, you've been the director for, a minute.

Yeah.

It depends on how you count if it's only between 30 and 35 years.

Oh, my goodness.

I mean, you were the director when I was in shows at Saint John's.

I had such, incredible memories.

Of those times.

Talk to me about the cast and about the show and and what you're seeing from the kids this year.

Yeah, well, the kids are fantastic.

It's why I've done what I've.

What I do for so long.

Stewart kind of captured it the way that I analogize the story for today is it's the office for the 1960s.

Right.

So it's set in, the 1960s corporate world, and it's about J. Pierpont Finch, the character that Stewart plays.

And, Kevin, your brother played in 2004 and our 2004, production.

And, he's really trying to become CEO, young guy, trying to become CEO, by literally doing nothing, nothing substantive.

So it is a lot of hijinx.

It is very funny.

Music's great, a lot of big production numbers, big energetic music, very funny.

So it's a lot of fun for two hours and 15 minutes.

How many students are in the show?

Yeah.

So this year, between about 30 and, I'm sorry, 35 and 40.

We do three shows a year in our season.

We start with our academy show, Middle School Musical.

Which auditions and of, August and then performs usually and the September.

And then we roll right into our fall production for the high sch And then a week after that finishes, we roll into our auditions for the spring musical.

So over those three, we we have probably 85 to 100, depending on the year, students who are our, program every year.

And the musical depending on the years, usually between, I'd say 35 and 60 students, all in show opens tonight.

Stuart, what are you most excited about is that that curtain opens for the first time.

I mean, nothing really specific.

I'm just excited to do it.

I love this show.

I love being able to perform and entertain and act and sing and dance and all the things that theater is it that.

That's just what I'm excited for.

Why is it important for schools?

And Kevin and I were involved in musical theater, so I think we know why.

It's why it's important.

Why is it important for schools and high schools to have this opportunity available for students?

Do you think?

I think that it is an amazing creative outlet and it helps you grow not just artistically, but much more in a social way that I feel like some art forms don't always, but it just also allows you to grow as a person and really look at who you are, because acting is just, I mean, kind of pretending to be someone that you're not, but you have to really understand who you are to differentiate those two.

Do you think it's something that you want to do, in your future life for fun?

Yeah.

There's like a not a career here, but yeah, David, I mean, of the lessons that you've, you know, sort of try to bestow on the students that have been in your shows.

What what are the life lessons you think people get out of musical theater?

Yeah, that's a great question.

You know, I often say if people think we're doing theater and they're, they're they're not quite getting it right.

Like everything we do at Saint John's, we're really working on the formation of of wonderful human beings who go out and do great things in the world.

It doesn't matter what we're doing, whether it's academics or theater or sports or robotics or whatever it is.

Right?

This is just the tools and the ways that we do it.

So, yeah, I'm a little a little partial, but I think we do great theater.

But what's more important, I think, is the growth experience that, Stuart talked about not only as artists but as human beings.

So all of those things that you think about that sports teachers, theater teachers, discipline, work ethic, goal setting, but it's also about service, right?

We are not there for us.

We are there for the audience.

We're there to serve them.

And that's really the the theme and the mission that we weave throughout the musical theater program.

And we just have we're blessed with terrific kids.

And it's been a real privilege to do it for a long as I've done it.

I had, so many incredible opportunities as a student at Saint John's to, to lead and grow and sort of find myself, some of the most defining moments, though, have been when things didn't go the way I thought they were going to.

We had, Phil Skelton on the podcast and talked about, you know, I wasn't chosen for, the Guatemala trip, but I, I really wanted it.

I remember junior year auditioning for a musical that I knew I was going to get the lead in.

It was music, man, and I was like, there has never been never been a better Henry Hill.

Harry.

Harry.

Harold.

Harold.

Harold.

I was like, that's that is going to be the role in me.

Yeah.

And then it was given to someone who had never done a musical before, and I was crushed.

But I remember talking to Damien, and I just, like.

I didn't fully understand what what he saw, and what he saw in me is an ability to play a character further from who I am.

Stuart, to your point about you got to know who you are to separate those two.

And I was Charlie Caswell, the bad guy.

Oh, no.

Anvil salesman.

And it was.

You could see you're evil.

He could see my words.

But you followed Austin, who got the lead, was phenomenal.

The show was so good.

And I was in the right place at the right time, and I, certainly trust trusted Damian at the time.

I still do, but I think those are the moments for me with theater.

It's like when theater goes wrong, that's when the lessons happen.

Yep.

And and so I one of the things I love about this and the opportunity, that you have, Stuart, what are some of the other shows that you've done, throughout your high school career?

I've done Legally Blind, Newsies and Llamas.

Those are some great shows.

If you could make a pitch to your director right now, you're a junior.

So what is the show that he should pick for next?

I know you haven't even done this year's show yet but what's the show.

He should pick for next year.

Well for next year.

Well he thinks this is such a great question.

Yeah.

Because this is don't worry about the show being tonight.

They're lobbying constantly I'm back here next year.

So this is a perfect question.

What do you think sir.

What do I think.

I was a pretty big supporter of this show.

Yeah.

So I'm very happy that we got to do this.

That's a good answer, but I'm going to need the air.

Okay, well, that's not one that I think about a lot or a question that I think about a lot.

What would be good.

So I know it's on the small musical list, but Sweeney wouldn't be horrible.

Yeah, I think that'd be good.

Sweeney is a great show.

Sweeney Todd is a great show.

Yeah, one of my favorites.

What do you mean, how?

How did you get into all of this?

I know, you know, further on to arena, was sort of the founder of of Campion Hall and this program at Saint John's.

What brought you into theater as a student?

Yeah.

So it's a long story, but I'll, I'll make it short.

It to me, it's a classic Saint John story.

You know, we have our, our kind of grad ed grad, which is the profile of our student at graduation.

And there are 4 or 5 characteristics there, one of which is being open to growth.

Father, to me and I came from Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland in 1985.

So I was a junior to start our, college counseling program.

And he'd also done their musical.

So he also started the musical when I was a junior.

I was a big athlete, football, hockey player.

Had really never done much theater at all, except for maybe a middle school play that some teacher put me in.

And one day, he sort of, tricked me into auditioning, because he must have seen something in me that that I didn't see in myself.

He did, I did it for a year, and then I went to college, play two year college football.

Got hurt, and there was a big void there.

Right.

And so, a couple of guys said, if I hear you're a theater guy.

And I said, well, I just done one show and, they said, well, you need to come down here.

And that really fill that void.

And I ended up as a political science and a theater major, went to law school, been in practice for over 30 years, but it gave me the opportunity and the training to come back and give back to an institution and students that I love.

Stuart, what is the same question to you?

When did you realize that you had a talent?

Were you singing as a little kid?

Did your parents?

Well so far, I still don't think I have a talent, but, I started doing theater last year.

My freshman year, I was like, doing sports, a lot of other stuff.

And then sophomore year, I decided, you know what?

Why not swap it up like, in between summer, I started running, and my best friend was like, you should do theater.

That would be cool, because he knew, like, I liked it, but I never openly shared about that.

But he was like, you should do it.

So then I was like, okay, I guess I'll do it.

And then I did two shows in one year, and it was really fun, and I decided to do it again and it's going even better.

That's great.

That's great.

And it's also cool interaction.

A lot of people may not realize, obviously, Saint John's and Saint Francis are all boys schools, and so the students from other schools, specifically centers on Notre Dame, come and participate in your musicals, correct?

That's right.

And so that must be a fun part of it as well.

Oh, yeah.

Very fun.

They're all such great and amazing people.

Very talented.

And then you go and do their musicals as well.

Cool.

Because you've done shows at Saint Ursula as well.

So two of those shows you talked about, I know lame is Lame is and Legally Blind.

I felt fairly confident.

Legally Blind was not a Saint John show, I don't know.

Oh, you never know.

It could happen.

It could happen.

It could.

I don't think you'd allow it, but it could happen.

What do you mean?

Talk to me about why somebody in the community who's, you know, watching or listening to this program, why should they come out and support the musical this weekend?

Yeah.

So first of all, it's just a lot of fun, right?

It's it's it's a great event to bring, family to, and I think secondly, just to support these great students who are doing really great things and growing and learning, and, I think that anyone who spends a couple of hours with us this weekend won't regret it.

Start.

Do you have a ritual or pre-show ritual that you're gonna you need to do?

Like tonight before?

I mean, you've been up early, so you might need to go and take a nap, but, like, do you anything you always eat.

Anything you always try to do on TV.

Just about a bowl of chicken noodle soup.

Okay.

And that's it.

That's all I do for pre-show ritual.

Says I think you should do something really dramatic.

Like go on vocal rest.

Like you can't tell anybody to do.

I know, but just to, like, I'm watching the director just panic.

You're like, you just told his lead to do something completely different.

Now he's like, please stop talking.

You know, actually, that was the speech I was giving last night.

Everyone needs to rest their voices.

Okay.

Yeah.

So thank you for reading for sure.

As you think about kind of this chapter of your high school career, you know, what are the, the memories?

What are the experiences that yo that you're most excited to kind of take from these experiences?

I mean, I don't again, I don't really have any specifics, but just generally of when I have done theater across my high school career so far is really what I'm going to remember and treasure.

Like this has meant a lot to me in the past two years of doing it.

It's really helped me like figure out who I am, what I like, and just what what I love it.

It's been very helpful and I'm always going to treasure that.

David, opening night is tonight.

Give me the the days and times of each of the performances this weekend.

Yep.

So tonight, tomorrow, Friday, Saturday, all at 7:00 and Sunday at 2:00 at the Valentine Theater.

And if they want tickets, they can get them at, SJ titans.org.

Awesome.

The show is at the Valley Theater.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Thank you.

I was going to say the wrong thing.

Yeah.

Break a leg.

It'll be a great show.

How to succeed in business without really trying.

Presented by Saint John's Jesuit High School at the Valentine Theater this weekend.

Thanks so much for being here.

Thanks for having me.

Thank you.

All right, when we come back, we'll talk, with, we did a conversation with Lisa McDuffie about the YWCA s milestones awards.

We'll play that interview for you on the other side of the break.

We'll be right back on the 419.

To me, community means connecting to others.

I'm Dani Miller and welcome to the Point.

I lost it yesterday.

We're a community committed to education.

Discover new ideas, dive into exciting subjects, and engage with the world around you.

I would send them personally a t shirt.

Crime doesn't pay in the old West End.

Pass it on.

That's how we cleaned up the neighborhood.

Vision loss for people is not the end.

It's the story.

It's the next chapter.

There we go.

Public media invites you to get out and play day.

Monday through Friday.

It's the 419 powered by W GT with Matt Gillum, Gretchen de Backer, I'm Kevin Mullen.

What can people expect on the show?

Give me an hour.

A reminder of why this is a great place to live, work and play.

Where you come to watch, listen and learn.

Welcome back into the 419.

The YWCA milestones Awards are coming up.

One week from today, we are joined now by Lisa McDuffie with the YWCA.

Lisa, thank you so much for joining us.

Thank you so much for having me.

Let's let's start with the why.

What is YWCA?

YWCA has been around for 156 years.

We look terrific.

Oh.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

It's, vitamins, right?

That's right.

A good multivitamin.

So at first, all, we really focus and center our work around women and families.

So anything that has to do with empowerment, that has to do with peace, justice, dignity and freedom.

The YWCA is right there.

How did how did this start?

Why was it important then?

And why is it important now?

You know, it's an interesting question because, oftentimes people don't really want to reflect on really the needs of women 156 years ago.

But oftentimes or now, right now, I see I wasn't going to really go get it right.

You know, the fact of the matter is, way back when women needed a place, for safety, they needed housing, which is really the oldest program of the YWCA.

And they needed, skill sets.

So way back when we taught, reading as a second language, we, taught women how to sew.

And then eventually, of course, how to really protect themselves as a result of, you know, way back when it wasn't called domestic violence, but intimate partner violence is really our kind of signature or hallmark of who we are.

You have a a great old building in downtown Toledo.

And under your leadership, there's been a good deal of investment being put in that building.

What's the status of, of the upgrades and the construction that's been going on there?

Yes.

Probably one of the most exciting things I can say, that we had the opportunity to, do is begin to renovate our 1954 year old building.

And, you know, everything needed an overhaul.

So we completed phase one of our project is about $11 million.

It brought us brand new domestic violence.

Rooms for families.

It also has some communal space, this beautiful children's area, and then some offices for some of our other programs and services.

We have one more phase to go.

We are awaiting our federal dollars to be released from HUD.

And, the plan is the moment we get the green light, we're going to start the next phase in an ideal state.

This wouldn't be necessary at all.

Right.

But at least if you don't mind a a sober, somber, question statistically speaking, where are we at as a culture and a society I think is important for people to know?

I know the show is light hearted, but we would be remiss not to talk to you about the fact that this is a real thing.

And it is pervasive.

It's getting worse.

But what would talk to us about the reality of this?

Yeah.

So let's start with the statistic.

One inch four women, one inch seven men have been victims of domestic violence in this, community.

Unlike many other communities around the United States, there's a sense of normalcy that, you know, happens in terms of of all types of domestic violence.

It can be physical.

You know, which is what many people think about in terms of, you know, cuts and bruises and, and physical force.

But there are many, many other forms of domestic violence that, you know, cut the same way.

So, many individuals come to us with emotional or psychological abuse.

There's also sexual abuse, even though a lot of folks say, well, wait, they're married.

Well guess what?

Even sexual abuse also is a thing.

Financial abuse.

Many people don't think about that.

Like so many of the individuals that come into our shelter, they may work, but they've never spent a paycheck themselves and someone takes it away from them, someone their size, how it gets spent.

And, if they came into a relationship where they had bills, guess what?

Their bills aren't getting paid.

So you just think about the complexity of what happens with a victim of domestic violence.

You know, bills get behind, evictions end up on their record, their credit score plummets.

And part of what the YWCA really is about is to try to help these individuals, one deal with, the crisis, but also get on a road to self-sufficiency.

I'm talking with Lisa McDuffie with the YWCA.

You are like it all.

My interaction with you.

You are such a positive person.

But in the in the light of the work that you do.

What what gives you that that that positivity.

Yeah.

So we don't really have time for it, but let me just give you the short, short version.

I'm a social worker by profession.

Have a master's in business and kind of really set out there and thought, okay, what do I really want to do?

And lots of things happened in life.

And eventually I stumbled at the YWCA on the first day, I really didn't think I was going to make it.

I got on the elevator.

There was a woman who was pregnant who had her eyes black and swollen, and her mouth was wide shut.

She had a broken jaw.

And I remember going in my office and and all of my eyes are going, oh my gosh, you know, this woman is pregnant.

And these things happened and, you know, that sort of thing.

Part of what I needed to do was get out and find out all of our programs and services all ended up going and, sitting and talking with staff.

And they said she had just had her baby.

She had got, you know, her wires removed.

She was able to speak a little bit, but pretty much she said, this shelter's saved my life.

And the the my child's play.

My child is now being born into a loving environment.

And all of a sudden the light bulb went off and I really recognize it was a calling for me.

It's like part of purpose had been there 31 years.

That's amazing.

So we're going to get to the milestones, event, which is coming up on March 26th, major fundraiser for the YWCA.

But before we get there, if someone's listening to this or seeing this and they're in a situation where they need help, can you talk about the practical?

You know what what practically the YWCA does for someone when they when you pick up that phone?

Absolutely.

So the first thing I would always say is always make sure you're safe.

And so the biggest, you know, obstacle is, you know, how do I do that?

Exactly.

Is not as easy as sitting right here.

So if you can get away, make a phone call to the YWCA.

We will help you with a safety plan.

That safety plan oftentimes is the lifesaver.

You know when is a good time to leave?

If that's what you're choosing to do.

Not every person chooses to leave and come to shelter, but you know, whatever the situation is.

So we can talk about the lethality of really what that person is experiencing.

And it may be immediately to call 911.

When you get an opportunity, it may be to call a friend and there's a password or something that's used where you know your friend is coming to you, or we may indeed make arrangements to bring them in ourselves.

If I may ask, I would think that a lot of people there's a myriad of complexity to this.

But when do you when should someone make the decision to reach out?

What is their what is the.

Well, I'm.

Things aren't that bad or, you know, people self-diagnose or things and is simple as I called it.

Didn't mean it.

But yeah.

Braxton what if and again, at the risk of putting you on the spot, when do you know the right time to call is or what is the threshold for looking for help?

So part of what we try to do is make sure the actual individual is making the decision, because otherwise, you know, you can describe something to me.

And immediate is like, oh my God, are you kidding me?

You know, I would do that it out of that.

Well, there's a lot of other things at stake.

And so it's important for us to listen.

It's important for us not to show, you know, any type of reaction that's going to make them feel like, you know, oh, my God, I'm the only one that's experiencing this.

But part of what we like to do when we put the safety plan in place is help them recognize.

So he only pushed you and shoved you?

Oh, okay.

Do you think something else worse could happen?

You know, are there weapons in the home?

Do you think he would ever use the weapons?

All this time, he did this to the children.

Okay.

You know, so we'll bring those things forward.

Hopefully where the individual is able to say I got to get out of here.

Yeah I deserve better.

We're so excited to be.

Thank you for all you do.

Yes.

Thank you.

Yeah.

You are a leader in our community.

We're lucky to have you.

We're so excited to be able to be basically partnering with the YWCA to bring forward over the next week.

Lisa, you're our first guest, but you don't look at the spreadsheet.

So we're going to have all of the milestone award winners on, over the next week and talk about the luncheon that's coming up on the 26th.

There are eight outstanding, leaders in our community that are getting awarded as part of the luncheon on on the 26th.

Can you tell us a little bit about a luncheon, how it starts, why people should come?

Absolutely.

Luncheon is March 26th.

The whole purpose behind it is to recognize really, the extraordinary things women are doing all across northwest Ohio.

I say it's important to come because it's important to know history.

There's a reason why we're doing this.

You know, way back when there was a whole part of really what was happening in the world that didn't get documented, that didn't get talked about.

We had a president, Jimmy Carter, who created, you know, the Women's History Month.

And as a result of it, you know, the YWCA has leaned into that.

You know, if you don't talk about the history, then you miss something.

And so when we start talking about the eight women that Gretchen just referenced, they are all doing some remarkable things here in our community.

And it's our opportunity to show that.

How long is milestones been around?

31 years.

Yes.

Yeah.

Did you start at your first year?

Actually, I did not.

I did not.

There was another group of individuals that came forward and, and, you know, followed another one that was here in Ohio.

And as a result of it, we've been doing it ever since then.

You know, people always say, oh my gosh, you know, another great year.

And it's like, yeah, we're going to be doing this.

Yeah.

There's plenty of women to pick from.

It's I mean, when we started our show, the most common thing that we heard from people is, oh, you're not going to be able to oh, you can do it every day.

You're not going to you're gonna run out of people.

You're not gonna have enough people to tell these stories.

And I got to believe folks are telling you the same thing, right?

Oh, you're not going to find eight incredible stories to tell every year.

And it's like, I got to believe one of the hardest challenge for us to say, well, how do we get all these great stories down to just right?

You're absolutely right.

What are the qualifications for winning?

This this award?

Yeah.

And they're pretty simple.

A woman, northwest Ohio, in her, role, you know, making some wonderful, wonderful things happen.

We love folks that really embrace the mission of empowering women and, working to promote peace, injustice, you know, amongst community and, quite frankly, just someone that's breaking a ceiling.

Yeah.

You know, who's the least deserving person who's ever gotten your credit back?

I'm just I'm just gonna say, you know what?

None of them have deserved to be on that stage.

But it's an interesting thing that I will tell you when I make the phone call to let them know that they've won.

I don't think I've ever had anyone say, oh, my God, it's about time.

I knew it was about time.

Yeah, I know it.

Instantly.

It's like, oh my gosh, me, are you kidding me?

I mean, they're so humble.

So may I ask you, you live and work amongst the mission.

And we ask this of a lot of our guests.

So I'm curious, how do you separate this from your personal life?

What is how do you decompress?

And maybe you're searching for that.

Even to this day, that's the only reasonable answer.

But.

Yeah, how do you what's downtime look like?

Or how do you keep this down?

So downtime for me is meditation.

It is being able really to fall back on my faith in, you know, deeply rooted and grounded in, you know, where my help comes from.

My family, my husband, my beautiful two daughters and me.

We love traveling with our girls.

Actually.

They're grown.

I call them like they're my babies, but my oldest is 31.

My youngest is 27.

Okay, but they still travel with mom and dad.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Now, where are they both?

They are both here in Toledo.

I wonder if one's the E.R.

nurse and the other one is a supervisor.

She's a social worker as well.

Yeah, she's.

She's got the bug, too.

She does?

Yeah.

She doesn't want to in the family.

I am.

Yes, ma'am.

What's the biggest trip you're looking forward to next?

It's.

I don't know, we just get back from Greece.

Oh, fine.

Those are my people.

Yeah.

Oh, really?

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, my gosh, we loved.

Yeah.

Loved it, loved it.

You know, I, I thought I was going to take off going to Africa, but, my youngest, the one that's a nurse, she's going to do a little mission trip, so she's going to Johannesburg.

And believe it or not, I just keep looking and like, oh my God, I want to tag along.

Yes.

I mean, if I don't do it, it's amazing.

Yeah.

What, other than Africa, is there a bucket list place or a surprising place that you didn't think you'd love?

And did?

Probably.

You know, it's so.

I don't know if I can say this on the show, so I'll just say it.

We ended up going to Paris.

Yeah.

And you know, people actually kind of warned us that people weren't friendly over there, and we found it the total opposite.

Yeah, I thought so, too.

I thought I was like, wait a minute, where did that come from?

I found that people that are jerks find people, other jerks all over the globe.

So maybe the two of you just foster this one relationship when you meet a lot of creeps and croissants.

How could you be mad at anyone and really ask the question?

Yeah.

Yeah.

What's your biggest goal?

What's the biggest thing that you're looking forward to for the Y?

Let's say in the next two years, actually to totally finish the building.

We have staff that are working remote, including myself.

To get us back in the building to recreate really that work family we once had.

We did or we walked away.

And honestly, to create an endowment to ensure the building never loo like it very good for the next hundred and 50.

Absolutely.

So thank you so much for being here.

We're so excited to have the milestones winners on the show for the next week.

Thank you for.

Thanks to Valerie Vetter for helping us get all of them, organized.

But we really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Absolutely.

Thank you all.

If people want more information on milestones or the YWCA, where do they find it?

On our website, WW, YWCA in w l.org.

Lisa McDuffie.

Thank you so much.

We'll be right back.

On the 419.

Support for the 419 comes from Whetro Wealth Management, where we understand that your financial path is personal.

Advisory services are offered through capital investment advisory services LLC, securities offered through Capital Investment Group member Finra, SIPC.

More information at whetroadvisors.com work.

Spring HR issues and employee well-being go hand in hand.

Work spring supports employers through compliance, training and wellness.

Because healthy workplaces don't happen by accidents.

Learn more at work.

Spring dawg.

Toledo Refining Company, a subsidiary of PDF energy.

Toledo Refining Company is a supplier of fuels that keep our region moving.

Located in Oregon, Ohio, the refinery processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products.

and Tada!

Celebrating its 55th year of connecting Northwest Ohioans to their community.

More information@tada.com.

Welcome back into the 419.

Just wrapped up a conversation with Lisa McDuffie from the YWCA about the milestone awards coming up a week from today.

And we're so proud to partner with this incredible organization, telling the stories of the great women that are leading our community and making a difference.

Today we're joined by one such awardee, Kathy Tucker.

Thank you so much for joining us.

Thank you guys.

Thank you for being here.

Congratulations on the award.

Thank you.

When, when you got the notice, who did the phone call come from?

And and what was your what was your reaction?

Lisa called me, and it was funny.

She left me a voicemail, and so I thought she was calling about our wine speakeasy to do something there.

So I just give her a call back, and then she starts talking about the award.

And then she stated that I had been awarded the woman on the rise, and I was a bit shocked because I wasn't expecting her to say that, but I was even more, excited.

One of my mentors, Patty wise, nominated me, and so I was just very grateful.

So of all the awardees at that, at that luncheon again, which happens on March 26th at the Glass City Center, I believe I should probably confirm that you are the most deserving.

Right.

That's what I think.

I heard you said.

No.

The woman.

That's true.

The woman on the right.

There's only one of you.

That is.

That is labeled or identified as woman on the rise.

And so I think it's generally just a younger person, but someone sort of in the mid range of their career is that the idea?

Yeah, I think so.

Someone who's rising within their profession, professional life maybe.

So what did you say when she, when she reached out?

It's obviously a huge event and a wonderful honor.

I just thanked her and I think the YWCA, you know, I, I've gone to the milestones for years, and I, as I, she was talking to me, I just remember thinking back 12, 13 years ago, I went and when I was driving home, I remember thinking, man, I hope that someday before I die, that I have done enough in my life to be able to share a stage with people, the women who have won those awards.

So it was very surreal for me because I didn't expect it until I was later in life.

So woman on the rise certainly describes, your your career path.

I mean, you've done so many incredible things.

I mean, you're academically accomplished, professionally accomplished, and now you're on this entrepreneurship journey.

Talk to us.

I know we had you on the podcast and talked a little bit, but for folks that are that are new to your story, talk me through this sort of academic, professional journey and then we'll talk about where you are now.

Yeah.

So I went back to school several years ago, and I decided to go back to law school.

Never was an academic, which is crazy, but I want it to be able to do some work in my community in a more substantial way.

So, went to law school, graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law.

I'm excited.

I teach part time now as well at Adrian College and at.

Oh, and so that's been amazing.

What are you teaching?

So at Adrian, I teach a course called What it Means to be a U.S.

citizen.

It's a civic course, an American democracy.

I absolutely.

So it's very short.

It feels that way full time.

And then I teach business law.

Oh, and.

Oh, cool.

Very cool.

Great.

So that's been amazing.

My professional career.

I've, you know, started in the banking industry.

I've done a little bit of nonprofit and then came back and my most recent role was working as, a team executive in the financial indus So I made a big leap and jumped into entrepreneurship, which I will tell you is not for the week.

No, it's not, but I have to say, it's been an amazing journey because my husband and I, angel, we've been working.

It's been almost four and a half years.

I can't believe that I so so the story is, as the story goes, Angel was, you know, sometimes our spouse, our partners, our spouses do crazy things in the basement that we don't, or the garage, which is where they should be.

We don't really know what they're doing.

We're like, what are you doing?

Why, why, what are you doing out there?

What's happening down there?

But Angel was making mine.

Yes, and friends started coming over and trying the wine, and then it started picking up steam.

And then.

And then what happened after that?

Well, Angel retired from law enforcement, and he was very happy to retire and make wine as a hobby.

And then, of course, me, I'm like, we we should be able to sell this.

People keep asking to buy it.

So we decided to go along this journey to actually create a winery.

We wanted to create something that Toledo could be known for, and I would love for Toledo to be known for some good wine.

And so we got all of our licenses.

It took a while and now we have like a full blown thing downtown Toledo.

And I love sharing this.

We are the first wine manufacturing facility in downtown Toledo since Pre-Prohibition.

So, you know, we had to bring the prohibition vibes, of course.

So our tasting rooms open as a real speakeasy.

That's so cool.

It's fun.

So what does that actually mean?

And it's open as a speakeasy, like, I'm I'm walking.

So you guys are off Huron Street.

I'm, I'm walking down the road.

Am I going to see it?

You will not see it.

So we do not have a sign.

We are off of an alley.

Sometimes in the night it feels like a sketchy alley.

That's good.

That plays up.

You kind of works.

You come to an unmarked door.

My favorite part is watching people wander on the cameras back and forth.

You knock on the door, you must have a password to get in.

We're not open to the public, so you have to find us.

And then you have to reserve.

But it's been.

And then when you come in.

Yeah, we're a wine speakeasy.

And so you get, an experience when you come in there.

It's a good time.

You are not only the only winery first winery in downtown Toledo, but one of maybe the first, if not very few African-American owned wine manufacturers in Ohio.

How does that I mean, to be an entrepreneur, in that lane, in that space, how does that how does that make you feel?

You know, I think it's wonderful, you know, when you're breaking into different industries and when you can be, you know, of a, of a small group that can sort of proliferate that selling, you know, it's an honor.

And so we're hoping that our, our story can inspire, you know, more people, you know, people of color, people you know, who are in different groups to just go for it.

No, it's not easy, but I hope that we're going to be one of many.

What is the tell us a little bit about the actual line.

First of all, we I don't think we've name the business which is Toledo shares.

Right.

Toledo share Toledo share wine.

Sorry.

Tell us a little bit about what the offering is.

What what types and styles of wine are available.

Yeah.

So we do traditional, I would say West Coast dry wines.

And so we are in Ohio.

So we do have a lot of sweet wines.

So we don't do sweet wines.

But we do have what I would consider high quality wines.

We do all the manufacturing in our facility downtown, but we get, you know, our grapes from most of our collection from the state of Washington.

So we offer usually 6 to 8 varietals at a time.

We are a boutique winery, so we want to make a few wines really good.

And so we offer our wine can be found in over 30 retail locations.

Yes.

So amazing.

Because I think the last time we talked it was not that number.

So that's great.

People keep taking it in and we're really excited about that.

What are some of the places Churchill's I know is one.

Yep.

Churchill's Joseph's beverage.

Monat you know, some of like my favorite restaurants like Hannon's block.

You can find it at toll House.

It's Lido Club.

So, recently we're at Beirut and I think the casino, so that's great.

That's amazing.

I love this story so much.

That Angel was so happy.

Yeah.

Just to have this hobby right?

Basement.

And he can make it, like, when he wanted to.

And then you were, like, pretty much.

You know what?

Capitalism is alive.

That's right.

I mean, it is America.

So how is your day to your overall day changed before you would go into the office, you would do banking stuff.

You would count money, piles of money probably.

And now obviously it's different.

What is your how does your day look differently now that you and Angela are running this business?

So my day is centered around usually my family.

So I get to take my kids to school in the morning.

I didn't get to do that for ten years.

I get to pick them up and in the meantime, I get to do stuff like this work on a lot of compliance.

And you know, the days are great.

I usually am at the speakeasy in the evenings.

And so it gives me an opportunity to leave all the kids with Angel.

Sometimes he's with me.

But that's kind of my opportunity to just.

Yeah I like it.

Get away and have fun and drink wine.

That's right.

And and host people trying to create an exceptional experience for them around our product.

So you and I are neighbors?

You have a beautiful family.

Thank you.

What do the what do the kids think about mom and dad's, new business?

Well, first of all, you know, it's Toledo, and the kids don't know really anything.

They think we're celebrities.

They think we're famous because of the wine.

Yeah, but they are inspired by it.

And one we we get to center our days around our family first.

Because even when I'm at the winery, it's family.

I'm there with my husband.

And so the kids think it's really cool.

I mean, they understand that it's wine, so limited involvement by them, but the spirit of entrepreneurship makes them want to kind of do their own thing and think differently.

So it's been amazing.

And our kids range in age from 15 to 4.

So, you know, a lot of a lot of time back.

Yeah.

That and that's an amazing it's amazing that you have now that time to to commit.

We're talking with Kathy Tucker, one of the awardees for the 2026 mile YWCA milestones Awards.

Woman on the rise.

Why is it important for people to support, the Milestone Awards to support YWCA?

You know, the YWCA is milestones.

Their mission in general is critical, for our community.

But I think about the first time I went to the milestones Award, Sharon Speier was, awarded.

And I walked away from that, a different person.

The impact it had on me, and it really inspired me to want to do more.

I think, you know, we go through a lot in life and to go to an event that is just absolutely incredible.

You know, it.

It goes to show what can happen, when to see this planet.

And on top of that is honoring women who have done a lot.

And, you know, as women, we keep our heads down.

We do the work because it's just the way that I think we're created.

And so to have an opportunity where women are actually recognized and honored for just doing the things that they've, they've done, I think is exceptional, absolutely.

Support.

And then, of course, you support because of the mission, what the YWCA, YWCA is doing in our community.

All of the tickets, the fundraising goes to to their mission.

All right, Kathy, it's now time for.

So, so man's not here.

So, Gretchen, I'm gonna need you to play along other.

It's now time for Gretchen's wacky quiz.

Gretchen hates this name.

They don't.

They will stop calling it that.

Wow.

But let's do it.

Let's do it.

I'm gonna ask you for rapid fire questions.

Gretchen is asking for your favorite thing in or about Toledo, and then she's gonna work with you to describe Toledo in exactly nine words.

Okay.

All right, here we go.

Question number one.

If you wrote a book, what would it be called?

American democracy.

Nice.

What's, if you could attend any celebrity wedding, whose would it be?

Justin Bieber.

What's your favorite seat on an airplane?

First class, of course.

Good answer.

Good.

See?

In my world, I'm going.

All right, well, it's a little window.

Middle aisle.

Right?

It's not middle.

It's definitely toilet seat.

Yeah.

That's right.

Which store do you shop at the most?

Costco.

Yeah, yeah.

What is your number one most favorite thing or what you consider to be the best thing about the city of Toledo?

Honestly, the big a big city, but it has a small town vibe.

I'm from Fostoria, Ohio, so I'm a small town rule gal, so I come here and it feels like big city lights.

But the community reminds me so much around being in my small town.

So I love the big small city vibe.

Love it.

Okay, nine words that you would use to describe, the city of Toledo.

So are they words or can I just give a phrase phrase?

Yep.

Toledo is a great place to raise a family.

Kathy Tucker.

Fantastic.

Thank you so much.

People want to support the YWCA or attend the milestones.

YWCA and w o.org.

The event is a week from today.

Next Thursday.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Such a thank you for being here.

Every year when I see the list of milestone awardees, two things pop into my mind.

One of them is just like.

I mean, it's just such an incredible, collection of some of the best women in our community.

And also, I am surprised by none of them on the list.

Right.

You're always like, of course.

Yeah.

They haven't gotten to yet.

That's right.

Yeah, that's exactly right.

So congratulations.

If if you're you know, your kids or, you know, somebody, the community is watching this and is going to take one lesson away from, from your life and what you've done.

So far.

Kathy, what do you hope somebody's learning from from watching you?

Never let fear hold you back.

The more afraid you are to step in to something that's authentic, to you, the more the quicker you should move towards it.

Just take that leap of faith and do the thing that you were created to do.

Kathy, thank you for amazing, I appreciate you being a friend of the show.

But she didn't bring any wine.

Interestingly continued.

It's a speakeasy.

Gretchen.

You have to be invited.

Yeah.

Congratulations, you guys.

Last time.

That's right.

She did.

You get the best of, the best of luck and success, with Toledo share.

And the speakeasy and everything you're doing.

And congratulations on the award.

Excited to see you there.

Next Thursday.

When we come back, we'll wrap up this Thursday edition of the 419.

Welcome back into the 419 as we wrap up a Thursday edition.

And took a look at our toledo.com community calendar driven by Tada!

So many great events happening this weekend and across the community.

Of course.

Our huge thanks to Lisa McDuffie and Kathy Tucker, from the YWCA.

And Milestone Awards for joining us on the program.

And, and great to hear from the folks in Saint John's as well.

Yes.

Nailed it.

You know what?

Where's mad when?

When we need it?

Yeah.

So.

Hey, Gretchen.

Great job.

Thanks for, everything you do.

Sure.

You so much.

I'm just here to help you and Saint John's Musical this weekend.

SJ titans.org to get your tickets to go see how to succeed in business without really trying.

Thanks to Damian Rogers and Stuart Poole from Saint John's for joining us.

And of course, Lisa McDuffie and Kathy Tucker from the YWCA.

Milestones.

Awards.

Check out all the best events in Northwest Ohio.

Toledo.com, our community calendar driven by.

Tada.

We'll see you back here tomorrow.

With my surprise guest.

I know I'm excited.

You want to give a hint?

Don't.

Okay.

But if they haven't won the Milestone's award, I'd be shocked.

They will.

It's the 419 powered by GT and presented by Retro Wealth Management.

The 419, powered by WGTE is made possible in part by supporters like you.

Thank you.