Explore every episode of the podcast The F4 Hunger Awareness Show

Derek and John discuss how Catering With a Purpose came to be, and its impact.

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Douglas Burrell from Chartwell Law. Together they discuss the impact Chartwell has had on the Atlanta area, Douglas' journey in becoming an attorney through law school, and the importance of giving those who are struggling dignity and grace. They also talk about Chartwell's culture of caring and how they are partnering with F4 in their Chartwell Cares Initiative. Chartwell Law's website and LinkedIn: https://www.chartwelllaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/chartwelllaw/

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Tom Mallon from Mallon Insurance. Together they talk about serving and giving back to customers and the community, what it is that Mallon Insurance does and how they do it, as well as accepting the differences and diversity in people in order to best support one another both professionally and personally.

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Brian Ward from Whitford Insurance. Together they talk about giving to charitable causes and supporting their missions, as well as Brian's career history in the insurance industry. Most importantly, they discuss information on insurance in terms of saving money by bundling, educating individuals on "overinsuring" vs. "underinsuring," and discussing how different outside aspects can impact insurance decisions, such as worker's comp claims for business owners. Check out Whitford Insurance's website here! https://www.whitfordinsurance.com/

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Nicole Snyder from McKenna Snyder Law Firm! Together they discuss Nicole's journey becoming an attorney, the education system and how she helps students within it through her career, and her experience as a mother separating work life and home life.

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Pete Marziano, one of the musicians playing at this year's West Chester Chili Cook-Off! Together they talk about Pete's background and how he came to be a musician, how music can be an outlet for emotions, and the self-fulfillment that's often the driving passion behind an artist's music.

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Scott Zukin of Zukin Realty, one of the 2025 West Chester Chili Cook-Off's sponsors! Together they discuss Scott's career journey from cabinet making to the world of real estate, the importance of being able to rely on your community for support and serve the community in turn, setting a good example of generosity for those younger than you, and ultimately how being kind to others can bring out the best in all of us. Check out Zukin Realty's website and social pages! https://zukinrealtyinc.com/

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek sits down with Barry Pelagatti of RKL LLP, one of the sponsors of this year's West Chester Chili Cook-Off. Together they talk about Barry's career journey, RKL's history as an accounting firm, RKL's role in giving back to their community, and the value that human connection brings to a profession like accounting. They go into how companies must consider things beyond just the numbers and monetization, namely the treatment of employees, clients, and community alike. To quote directly from RKL's website: "Community engagement isn't just about checking a box."

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Kyle Ciarrocchi of the music collective Riko and Whaler Co. who will be playing live at 2025's West Chester Chili Cook-Off! Learn about Kyle's journey as a musician, finding your niche and scene within the artistic community, how embracing sincerity within your art can lead to unique pieces, as well as the solidarity between visual artists and musician supporting one another. Be sure to check out Riko and Whaler Collective's music on Spotify, iTunes, and Bandcamp, and take a look through their website and social media! https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mHAaNiVZT30vi1lhY4R0l https://www.rikoandwhalercollective.com/

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek sits down to talk about Hunger Action Month, which takes place every September. He shines a light on food insecurity in America by explaining the nationwide movement that is Hunger Action Month, being compassionate towards fellow people in your community, and what one can do to participate and assist. Whether you are interested in starting up a food drive within your organization, if you know of restaurants or caterers who could help with food recovery, or if you are interested in cooking meals for various shelters, we can help you get involved or connect you with those who can! Contact us through our website www.f4service.org to learn more, and help to create a World Without Hunger.

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Steve Liberace, a musician who will be playing once again at the 2025 West Chester Chili Cook-Off! Together they discuss how Steve got started in music, getting and giving inspiration, and the song-writing process. Be sure to check out his music at the links below! https://www.steveliberace.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0afvGMFvLw9jJ8u3Urjf5f

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Sean McGraw, a member of the band Just a Bit Outside, who will be performing at the 2025 West Chester Chili Cook-Off! Together they talk about Sean's passion for music, his history as a musician, as well as the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community using your personal strengths.

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In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Angel Gomez from Chartwell Law. Together they talk about Angel's journey in becoming a defense attorney, what his particular practice of law looks like, and the importance of Chartwell's commitments and values. They also talk about Chartwell's culture of caring and how they are partnering with F4 in their Chartwell Cares Holiday Food Drive Initiative. Chartwell Law's website and LinkedIn: https://www.chartwelllaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/chartwelllaw/

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Nikki Casey to talk about her new business, Styled Porch Co, and F4's upcoming event the West Chester Chili Cook-Off. Styled Porch and Co specializes in decorating porches but also shares in F4's values, offering a clean up service as well, where they take pumpkins to local shelters and farms as food, doing their part to reduce food waste. Learn more about how Nikki started her business, the passion for bringing joy and beauty to people's homes that drives it, and where she is going next in this episode of the F4 Hunger Awareness Show!

Check Out Nikki's Website Here!

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Get Tickets to the West Chester Chili Cook Off Here

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by James Cappello from Saloon 151, which was the first place winner in the restaurant division of last year’s West Chester Chili Cook-Off! Saloon 151 is a restaurant and whiskey bar in West Chester that is known for (in addition to its great food and atmosphere) serving and giving back to their community. Today, Derek and James discuss Saloon 151’s history and its sister locations, fighting food insecurity and the importance of giving back to others, the vibrant community of West Chester, and of course, chili. Saloon 151

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Station 142

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Marchwood Tavern

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In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by repeat guest Joseph Giandonato PhD, adjunct professor at Bryn Athyn College, as well as Mark Mulray, the very accomplished CEO and co-founder of Thrive by AI, a company that helps improve people’s physical health through the use of AI. Together they explore the many different accomplishments throughout Mark’s life and how he became the kind of person that could achieve his goals. They also discuss the importance of improving health through nutrition and consistent exercise. Learn how to make your life healthier in this episode of the F4 Hunger Awareness Show!

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek sits down again with Joseph Giandonato PhD, adjunct professor at Bryn Athyn College, who discusses the GLP-1 drugs that are taking off in popularity, with common brands you might have heard of such as Ozempic or Wegovy. Joe is committed to educating and is here to provide evidence based information on GLP-1s to help our listeners better understand this medication that is gaining prevalence. Learn how to get the most from your GLP-1s with diet and exercise in this episode of the F4 Hunger Awareness Show!

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek sits down with Christine Wesley from Stove and Co to talk about their many locations in and outside of West Chester like Stove & Tap in West Chester and Good, Bad & Ugly right underneath! Learn about their passion for feeding people and why they are supporting our cause to end hunger as key sponsors of our upcoming West Chester Chili Cook-Off. Check out the different locations we talk about at the links below and enjoy some of their lovingly crafted food!

Stove & Co Main Site

Stove & Tap West Chester: Facebook - Instagram

Good, Bad & Ugly: Facebook - Instagram

Stove & Tap Lansdale: Facebook - Instagram

Al Pastor Exton: Facebook - Instagram

Al Pastor Havertown: Facebook - Instagram

Joey Chops: Facebook - Instagram

Revival Pizza Pub: Facebook - Instagram

Rooster’s Glenside: Facebook - Instagram

In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek sits down with Joel Frank and Katie LaDow from Lamb McErlane to talk about what the West Chester community means to them and why they are supporting our cause to end hunger as key sponsors of our upcoming West Chester Chili Cook-Off. Learn about the experiences that led them to where they are today and learn more about Lamb McErlane in this episode of the F4 Hunger Awareness Show!

Is Vitamin D just for strong bones? Think again! In this episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek sits down with Joe Giandonato to explore Vitamin D’s surprising role as a hormone that supports brain health, heart function, immune defense, and more.

Discover how this powerful secosteroid hormone influences everything from inflammation and cholesterol to mental clarity and disease prevention. Joe breaks down the science of Vitamin D metabolism, its neurological and cardiovascular benefits, and how to optimize your intake through sun exposure, diet, and supplementation.

Whether you're an athlete, wellness enthusiast, or simply trying to improve your health, this episode is your ultimate guide to unlocking the full potential of Vitamin D.

✅ Topics Covered:

- The truth about Vitamin D as a hormone, not just a vitamin

- How Vitamin D impacts your heart, brain, and immune system

- Signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency

- The best sources of Vitamin D (food, sunlight, supplements)

- How to get tested and what your levels should be

- The connection between Vitamin D and chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension

📢 Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on how one simple nutrient can supercharge your body and mind.

🔔 Subscribe to The F4 Hunger Awareness Show for more expert-driven conversations on health, nutrition, and food security!

#VitaminD #HealthPodcast #HormoneHealth #ImmuneSupport #BrainHealth #HeartHealth #NutritionFacts #WellnessTips #Supplements #Sunlight #FoodAsMedicine #TheF4HungerAwarenessShow #JosephGiandonato #DerekFiorenza #FunctionalHealth #ChronicDiseasePrevention #Biohacking #FitnessPodcast #HealthOptimization #EndocrineHealth #FoodSecurity #PublicHealthAwareness

🎙️ In this inspiring episode of the F4 Hunger Awareness Show, we welcome a truly unique guest — professional musician, finance professor, and longtime community advocate, David Fiorenza.

🎶 Dave kicks things off with a live performance of his original song “Just By Chance”, a track that continues to reach listeners across the globe. But there's more to his story than music — from teaching economics at Villanova University to working with local municipalities and staying grounded in his Italian-American roots, Dave shares how his diverse career has been shaped by family, faith, and a passion for helping others.

🌍 Learn how Dave blends music, education, and public service — and why he believes one person can make a difference. This episode dives into the power of staying ethical in tough jobs, the importance of mentorship, and why community service through F4 remains close to his heart.

👉 Tune in for an episode full of wisdom, inspiration, and heart — and discover how creativity, compassion, and connection can combat hunger and build stronger communities.

Things are heating up in this fiery episode as we take you behind the scenes of the World Championship Chili Cook-off! Join us as we sit down with Mike McCloud to talk all things chili!

We’ll explore how this sizzling showdown has evolved over the years, what it takes to win the coveted title, and why chili continues to capture the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned chili connoisseur or just in it for the spice, you won’t want to miss this one.

In this episode, we're joined by Amanda Bartley and Michelle Greenberg from Chartwell Law. They share their professional journeys, introduce us to the mission and values of Chartwell Law, and discuss the vital role of community service in the legal profession. Tune in to hear how legal experts are making a difference beyond the courtroom!

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations.

#ChartwellLaw #CommunityService #LegalProfession #AmandaBartley #MichelleGreenberg #LawFirm #InspiringStories

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Isis Davidson from Chartwell Law. Together they talk about Isis' journey in becoming an attorney, the wide breadth of areas of law she has worked in over the course of her career, and what her current practice of law looks like at Chartwell. They also talk about Chartwell's culture of caring and how they are partnering with F4 in this initiative. Chartwell Law's website and LinkedIn: https://www.chartwelllaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/chartwelllaw/

In this episode, we're joined by Joseph Giandonato, PhD-c, MBA, MS, CSCS, who discusses the critical role of high-quality sleep and how exposure to blue light may be impacting it.

In this episode, we are joined by Catherine Ellis at CAPTRUST. Catherine shares about her background, homesteading, financial advising & retirement planning, and her love for running.

Catherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-ellis-356b3293/ CAPTRUST: https://www.captrust.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Julie Dietrich from West Chester University. Dr. Dietrich shares her background, her love for Philosophy, and why she helps serve the community.

In this episode, we are joined by Edward Bonett of Genova Burns LLC. Ed shares his baseball knowledge, his work as a lawyer, and his love for service and F4. 

In this episode, we are joined by Al Strohmetz of Vitalnetix and the F4 advisory board. Al shares his personal journey, his work with Vitalnetix, and what drives him to volunteer his time with F4. 

If you want to learn more, visit:

https://www.vitalnetix.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-strohmetz-077781/

In this episode, John opens up about his journey into real estate and the meaningful role it plays in his life. He also shares why the work F4 is doing matters to him—and how it’s making a real difference in the community.

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Petro of Triple Fresh as he shares his personal journey, what it’s like to run a family-owned grocery store, and why Triple Fresh stands out from the rest.

We are joined by Kathy Anderson-Martin from Midwest Food Bank. Kathy explains what "perspective" means to her and how it relates to what she does. 

https://midwestfoodbank.org/locations/pennsylvania

https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwestfoodbank/

https://www.facebook.com/@MidwestFoodBankOfficial

We are joined by Pamela Villagra from the Foxwynd Foundation. Pamela helps us share some big news about an upcoming event! Watch this episode to learn more.

We are joined by Ryan Conte from Propell Credit Union & the F4 Board. 

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Leslie Whitten from Chartwell Law. Together they talk about Leslie's path in pursuing law as a career, Italian food, and work she does as a lawyer and what that may look like. They also talk about Chartwell's culture of caring and how they are partnering with F4 in this initiative, as well as how supporting things like local foodbanks should be a year-long practice rather than only during the holidays. Chartwell Law's website and LinkedIn: https://www.chartwelllaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/chartwelllaw/ Check out Lowcountry Food Bank: https://lowcountryfoodbank.org/

We are joined by Maria Schaffner from Heritage's Dairy Stores. 

To learn more, visit: https://heritages.com/

We are joined by Jason Litman. Jason is F4's COO, a Senior Search Consultant at Capstone Search Advisors, and most importantly: Derek's best friend!

We are joined by Tom Mallon with Allstate Insurance in Springfield, PA. If you are interested in learning more, visit his facebook page or website: Facebook:   / mallongroup  

Website: https://agents.allstate.com/thomas-ma...

In this episode, we are joined by Lupe Diaz from Aids Care Group.

We are joined by Rob Necarsulmer from the West Chester Food Cupboard. Rob & the West Chester Food Cupboard work hard to serve those in need.

In this episode, we are joined by Mary Fuller of PACS.

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Turchi & Connie Kohler of Hope Rescue Mission in Reading, PA.

"Be the Light"

We would like to thank Annamarie Donahoe from CityTeam - Chester for joining us today. 

www.cityteam.org

www.cityteam.org/volunteer

Instagram: cityteam

Facebook: CityTeam Chester/Philadelphia Area

Joining us today are Jessica & Ruby from Safe Harbor of Chester County. 

We would like to thank Joe Giandonato for joining the podcast today and sharing a lot of valuable information with us.

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Barrett Albritton from Chartwell Law. Together they talk about Barrett's journey to becoming a lawyer, what his practice often entails, and what it takes to do what him and others do at Chartwell. They also talk about Chartwell's culture of caring and how they are partnering with F4 in this initiative.

Chartwell Law's website and LinkedIn:

https://www.chartwelllaw.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chartwelllaw/

Check out Friends of the Poor & Catherine McAuley Center:

https://fotpcmc.org/

Join Derek and Isabella as they share updates about F4 and discuss an article about the increasing homelessness rates in 2024.  

Here is a link to the article mentioned in the podcast: https://stocks.apple.com/A6RD4xtkpRi-CGIc67IUTVw

Welcome to The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, hosted by Derek Fiorenza. This episode provides a brief overview of what you can expect from future episodes. 

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Dr. Rita Patel, the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Social Impact at West Chester University. Together they talk about education and Rita's journey as both an educator and a learner, gardening, and most importantly, West Chester University's resources for students, volunteers, and community members alike. Check out WCU's Resource Pantry and find out how you can support it! https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/community-engagement-social-impact/pantry/

In today's episode of The F4 Hunger Awareness Show, Derek is joined by Chris Pavuk from Chartwell Law. Together they talk about Chris' career and educational history as a lawyer, what law school is really like, how to stay positive and let go of the negative in life, as well as Chartwell's culture of giving and how they are partnering with F4 in this regard.

Chartwell Law's website and LinkedIn: https://www.chartwelllaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/chartwelllaw/

Check out Friends of the Poor & Catherine McAuley Center: https://fotpcmc.org/