Episodes

  • The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe

    The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe
    May 29 2026
    The Faith Community Leader Series continues today with Perrysburg resident Mohammad Shalabe. He is the current President of the Islamic Center of Great Toledo (ICGT). Mohammad is originally from Palestine. He earned his medical degree in the Ukraine. He is an endocrinologist by training, and he is employed by Mercy Health in Sylvania, Ohio. When he moved to the Toledo area, Mohammad and his family connected with the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo. From the beginning, they found a welcoming and supportive community in Perrysburg. He and his wife have three children who attended the school at the ICGT. During our interview, you will hear about the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo as a place of worship and community gathering space in Perrysburg. People from different faith traditions often have more in common than they realize. Many of us want the same things: strong families, supportive communities, opportunities to serve others, and places where people feel welcomed and connected. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Islamic Center of Greater Toledo 25877 Scheider Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 https://icgt.org/ 419-874-3509 Terms You'll Hear in This Episode Imam - worship leaderIftar - meal Quran - holy scripturesMosque - place of worshipRamadan - holy month of fasting for Muslims Links and information for the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo (ICGT) Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, 419.874.3509, 25877 Scheider Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551ICGT website https://icgt.org/ ICGT Summer Camp Sign-Up https://icgt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Camp-registration-form-2026.pdf Islamic Food Bank https://islamicfoodbank.org/ Halim Clinic https://www.halimclinic.org/ Halim Clinic at PHCA phone number: (567) 318-4609Visitor's Guide for the ICGT https://icgt.org/visitors-members/#program-2 Email info@icgt.org ICGT on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ICGToledo ICGT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/icgtoledo/ ICGT on Twitter (X) https://x.com/icgtoledo ICGT on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@IslamicCenterofGreaterToledo Faith Community Leader Series (can be found on perrysburgpodcast.com) Episode 30: Places of Worship Episode 34: Interview with Pastor Mark Wentz (Lutheran Church of the Master) Episode 40: Interview with Pastor Dan Gildner (Grace Church Perrysburg) Episode 62: Interview with Pastor Melanie Forrey (Zoar Lutheran Church) Episode 79: Interview with Father Matt Wahlgren (St. Timothy's Episcopal Church) Episode 86: Interview with Amichai Stout (Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo) Episode 107: Interview with Bishop Neil Baird and Youth Leader Quinten Dworczyk (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Episode 136: Perrysburg's Christian Science Reading Room Episode 149 (today): The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe Other links for this episode Sign up for the weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.comFollow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcastEmail the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Pickleball Paul and the Rise of Pickleball in Perrysburg

    Pickleball Paul and the Rise of Pickleball in Perrysburg
    May 22 2026

    Today's episode is about pickleball in Perrysburg, and my guest is "Pickleball Paul," also known as Paul Smithers.

    During our conversation, you'll hear how pickleball became so popular locally, where to play, how beginners can get started, why the game has become such a social activity for people of all ages, and more.

    Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you already play regularly, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Perrysburg's fastest-growing recreational activities.

    Highlights from this episode

    🏓 the history of pickleball in Perrysburg

    🏓 where to play

    🏓 beginner tips

    🏓 some pickleball etiquette

    🏓 a reminder to stay active as you age

    🏓 and why pickleball is such a social sport

    Links from this episode

    • Perrysburg Pickleball Club Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2105884833042311/
    • Pickleheads App (Find a Player) https://www.pickleheads.com/
    • Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
    • Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast

    List of Pickleball Courts in Perrysburg, Ohio

    Outdoor Courts

    • Perrysburg Municipal Park
    • Rotary Community Park

    Indoor Courts

    • Fort Meigs YMCA
    • Zion Lutheran Church (beginner classes Wednesdays from 2-6 PM)
    • Grace Church (E. Boundary St.)
    • Not mentioned today, but also available: PHCA (Perrysburg Heights Community Center)

    Other Locations Mentioned - Outside Perrysburg

    • Bowling Green pickleball courts
    • Sylvania pickleball courts
    • Holland pickleball courts
    • Waterville pickleball courts
    • Toledo pickleball courts at Rossford/Toledo Pickleball Club area
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    59 mins
  • What is the Perrysburg Heights Community Association? Interview with PHCA Board Member Paul Belazis

    What is the Perrysburg Heights Community Association? Interview with PHCA Board Member Paul Belazis
    May 15 2026

    The Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA) is a nonprofit community organization in Perrysburg Township that helps children, adults, and families through education, wellness, food assistance, recreation, and community support programs.

    It started in 1991 as a response to concerns about children struggling academically in the Perrysburg Heights neighborhood. Over time, it grew from a small after-school tutoring effort in a construction trailer into a full community center offering:

    • after-school reading and enrichment programs
    • a summer camp
    • a food pantry
    • fitness and wellness activities
    • volunteer opportunities
    • GED support through partnerships
    • health screenings
    • a free primary care clinic for uninsured and underinsured patients

    A big part of PHCA's mission is helping people access opportunities, resources, and support while building a stronger sense of community connection. It also serves as a hub where schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, businesses, volunteers, and local organizations collaborate to help families in the Perrysburg area.

    Paul Belazis has been a member of the Perrysburg community since 1987. He served as a member of the Perrysburg Heights Community Association PHCA board of trustees at its inception in 1991. He is the immediate PHCA Past President.

    Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA)

    12282 Jefferson St. Perrysburg, OH 43551

    419-874-4529

    Website: https://www.phcaohio.org/

    Follow PHCA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/phccofficial/

    Community Partners Mentioned

    • Perrysburg Schools
    • Islamic Food Bank of Toledo
    • Halim Clinic
    • Halim Clinic at PHCA phone number: (567) 318-4609
    • Penta Career Center Adult Education
    • The Greater Toledo Community Foundation
    • United Way of Greater Toledo
    • Mercy Health Mobile Mammography

    Ways to Support PHCA

    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Become a reading mentor
    • Help with the food pantry
    • Schedule a tour
    • Spread awareness about PHCA services
    • Share this podcast episode

    Other Links

    • Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
    • Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
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    58 mins
  • A Mother's Day Reflection

    A Mother's Day Reflection
    May 8 2026

    This is a Mother's Day themed episode. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in Perrysburg and beyond! This episode publishes on Friday, May 8, 2026, and Mother's Day in the United States is on May 10.

    Note: Even though this episode celebrates Moms, Mother's Day can also feel complicated, painful, or bittersweet for some people. No matter what this holiday feels like for you, I hope there's something in this episode that resonates with you today.

    This episode has three parts:

    1. First: I peel back the curtain so you can get to know me better as a Mom
    2. Second, I celebrate all types of mothers
    3. Third, I share some of my personal favorite Mom-related things.

    Links and resources mentioned

    • Fort Meigs YMCA https://www.ymcatoledo.org/branch/fort-meigs/
    • Barney Google song on YouTube
    • Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
    • Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
    • The Parent Trap (movie)
    • Bad Moms (movie)
    • Forrest Gump (movie)
    • https://mamadoctorjones.com/ (women's health channel)
    • I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant episode (Mama Doctor Jones YouTube Channel)
    • Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
    • Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
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    42 mins
  • Fort Meigs Historic Site: What to See and Do with John Thompson

    Fort Meigs Historic Site: What to See and Do with John Thompson
    Apr 29 2026

    Today's episode is about the Fort Meigs Historic Site, and my guest is John Thompson. He's the Manager of Historic Programming and Head of Interpretation at Fort Meigs Historic Site.

    If you've ever driven past it and thought, I should check that out sometime, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn what to see and do at Fort Meigs, what not to miss inside the fort and museum, and how to experience it in a way that really brings history to life. We also talk about how the community uses the space and how to enjoy it while respecting its history.

    Fort Meigs Historic Site

    War of 1812 Museum and Reconstructed Wooden Walled Fort

    29100 West River Road

    Perrysburg, Ohio

    Links from this episode

    • Fort Meigs Historic Site https://fortmeigs.org/
    • Ohio History Connection https://www.ohiohistory.org/
    • War of 1812 Reenactment (Memorial Day Weekend – May 2026) https://fortmeigs.org/memorialday/
    • Independence Day Event (July) https://fortmeigs.org/independence/
    • American Revolution Event (August) https://fortmeigs.org/revolution/
    • Life in Early Ohio (September) https://fortmeigs.org/earlyohio/
    • The Foot of the Rapids Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foot-of-the-rapids/id1508380833
    • Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
    • Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast

    🤝 SUPPORT FORT MEIGS HISTORIC SITE - PERRYSBURG, OH

    • Volunteer https://fortmeigs.org/volunteer/
    • Donate https://fortmeigs.org/donate/
    • Membership information https://fortmeigs.org/membership/
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Bike trails in and around Perrysburg

    Bike trails in and around Perrysburg
    Apr 24 2026
    Today's episode is about bike trails in and around Perrysburg, OH. I love riding my bike. If you like biking, too, this episode's for you! Best wishes for a safe and fun 2026 bike season. Note: I use the terms bike trail, multi-use path, and multipurpose trail interchangeably in this episode. A list of trails and websites is below. Multipurpose Trails in Perrysburg Chessie Circle Trail at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve 29530 White Road, Perrysburg. To learn more, visit https://metroparkstoledo.com/trails/chessie-circle-trail/Multi-use path along the Maumee River from Hood Park to the backyard of Ft. Meigs Battlefield. Multi-use path that runs from the intersection of Hull Prairie and Roachton Roads to (1) Rivercrest Park, (2) Levis Commons, and (3) the City of Perrysburg Dept of Public Service. Multi-use path along West River Road. It starts at the Fort Meigs Historic Site. Riders can reach the Perrysburg-Maumee Bridge or the multi-use path along the river from this path. Perrysburg Slow Rollers Routes The Three Meadows RouteThe Locust Street RouteThe Bicentennial RouteTo learn more about the Perrysburg Slow Rollers, visit https://www.facebook.com/PerrysburgSlowRollers Listen to Episode 95 of The Perrysburg Podcast about the Slow Rollers https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/95 Bike Trails outside of Perrysburg Maumee Tow Path Trail to the Sidecut Metropark multi-use trailWabash Cannonball Bike Trail (North Fork or South Fork) https://www.wabashcannonballtrail.org University/Parks Trail https://metroparkstoledo.com/trails/universityparks-trail/Beach Ridge Singletrack Trail in Swanton https://metroparkstoledo.com/trails/beach-ridge-singletrack-trail/ Slippery Elm Bike Trail from Bowling Green to North Baltimore https://wcparks.orgNorth Coast Inland Trail between Elmore and Bellevue. https://www.lovemyparks.com/parks/north-coast-inland-trailTow Path Trail from Waterville to Grand Rapids. https://metroparkstoledo.com/trails/towpath-trail/Tow Path Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Akron, OH) and the "Bike Aboard Program" https://www.cvsr.org/explorer-program Bike Shops Wersell's Bike Shop in Toledo, OH https://wersellsbikeshop.com/Spoke Life Cycles in Maumee, OH https://spokelifecycles.com/Cyclewerks in Whitehouse, OH https://www.shopcyclewerks.com/ Parks Mentioned Bend View Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/Blue Creek Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Cannonball Prairie Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Fallen Timbers Battlefield Park https://metroparkstoledo.com/Fallen Timbers Monument Park https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Farnsworth Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Glass City Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Mary Jane Thurston State Park https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/mary-jane-thurston-state-park Maumee Bay State Park https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/maumee-bay-state-park Oak Openings Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Providence Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Roche de Bout Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Wildwood Metropark https://metroparkstoledo.com/ Other links from this episode If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff I Can Shine (formerly Lose the Training Wheels) https://icanshine.org/programs/camp-locations/ This program helps special needs riders around age 8.See where other Perrysburg residents ride: https://www.bikemap.net/en/l/5166516/Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.comSign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletterFollow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
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    38 mins
  • Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival

    Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival
    Apr 17 2026
    This episode is dedicated to the teens and tweens of Perrysburg and their families. It is my hope that this episode will inspire you to read, write, and/or draw AND attend this year's Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival. To read the FULL show notes, visit https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/143. The Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival is Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Toledo School for the Arts. To learn more about it, I sat down with Denise Phillips (Teen Book Festival Committee Member and Gathering Volumes Bookstore Owner) and 7 authors who will participate at the festival by giving talks and/or signing books. You can learn more about the festival and register online at https://nwoteenbookfest.com/. If you find this episode after the festival, or you live outside Northwest Ohio, I hope this episode still inspires you to read, learn, and create. See below for a list of books mentioned. There are 8 interviews in this episode. Denise Phillips kicks off the episode with general information about the Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival. Then, we have 7 author interviews. They're all around 12 minutes each. GUEST NAMES AND TIME STAMPS Denise Phillips 3:33Chelsea Bobulski 30:14Paul Coccia 42:25Mark Crilley 55:29Scoot McMahon 1:08:07Abbey Nash 1:19:44Natalie D. Richards 1:31:18Suja Sukumar 1:45:39 Links from this episode Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival website https://nwoteenbookfest.com/ Gathering Volumes Bookstore website https://gatheringvolumes.com/ Scoot McMahon on Instagram @scootcomics https://www.instagram.com/scootcomics/ Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.comSign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletterFollow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast Books mentioned in this episode Truthwitch by Susan DennardThe Luminaries (trilogy) by Susan DennardThe Executioners Three by Susan DennardHarry Potter Series by J.K. RowlingDon't Get Caught by Kurt DinanThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonRumble Fish by S.E. Hinton Dungeons and Drama by Kristy BoyceHow Girls Are Made by Mindy McGinnis Stuart Gibbs books (Spy School, Moon Base Alpha Series, and more) How to Tell a True Story by Trisha SpringstubbThe Keeper by Kelcey ErvickA Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea BobulskiThe Wood by Chelsea BobulskiRemember Me by Chelsea BobulskiAll I Want for Christmas (series) by Chelsea BobulskiLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottBerenstain Bears books Little Critter books by Mercer MayerThe Bear Fairy by Paul Coccia On the Line by Paul Coccia and Eric WaltersRecommended Reading by Paul CocciaLeon Levels Up (Middle grade VR video game book) by Paul CocciaWuthering Heights by Emily BronteThe Golden Compass series by Philip PullmanProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirThe Wizard of Oz by L. Frank BaumThe Shining by Stephen King Akiko by Mark Crilley The Comic Book Lesson: A Graphic Novel That Shows You How to Make Comics by Mark CrilleyThe Two Pencil Method by Mark Crilley The Drawing Lesson by Mark Crilley Ninja Kaiju by Scoot McMahonAgents of Slam by Scoot McMahonWrapped Up by Scoot McMahon Classic Comics: Archie and Jughead, Batman, The Fantastic Four, and X-MenBreathing Underwater by Abbey Nash Lifeline by Abbey Nash Little House on the Prairie (Series) Laura Ingalls WilderThe Chronicles of Narnia (Series) by C.S. Lewis49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards Goosebumps (Series) by R. L. Stine The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Other authors mentioned by Natalie D. Richards: Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Walt Whitman, Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, and Barbara Kingsolver.When Mimi Went Missing by Suja SukumarAuthors mentioned by Suja: Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie, and Nancy DrewHardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon
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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • Inside The 577 Foundation with Heather Gallant

    Inside The 577 Foundation with Heather Gallant
    Apr 10 2026

    In this episode of The Perrysburg Podcast, host Kim Newlove interviews Heather Gallant, Executive Director of The 577 Foundation. Located at 577 E. Front Street, this nonprofit arts and nature education center offers free access to its beautiful grounds, along with classes (for a fee), events, and opportunities to connect with others in the community.

    Heather shares the history of the property, what The 577 Foundation is, and why it's such a special place in Perrysburg. You'll also hear about popular classes, ways to get involved, and plans for a future pottery studio.

    Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, this episode will give you plenty of reasons to explore The 577 Foundation.

    Links for this episode

    • Website https://577foundation.org/
    • Linktree https://linktr.ee/577foundation
    • Facebook https://www.facebook.com/577Foundation/
    • Twitter (X) https://x.com/577Foundation
    • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/577foundation
    • YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@the577foundation4
    • LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/577foundation
    • Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com
    • Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
    • Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
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    1 hr and 11 mins