A little over 4 years ago Donnie Hart, a former collegiate football player and a promising Professional Wrestler found his once fairytale life spiraling out of control following the sudden tragic death of his brother, and eventually landed at rock bottom layin in a jail cell in New Jersey facing life in prison after losing it all, at the same time across the river in Philadelphias notorious Kensington section, Tim Kudgis, a once promising professional boxing play by play announcer had hit his own rock bottom, homeless, layin lifeless on the floor of an abandon building after his 4th drug overdose. But against all odds, rock bottom became the concrete launching pad for both of them to not just take their lives back, but to reach back down and help lift others out of their own rock bottom. Now every Wednesday from 7pm-8pm on Toxic radio they will host Hungry For Hope, where they share their Inspiring stories of how they turned tragedy into triumph, all while also tasting the best food the area has to offer during their Dining with Donnie Segments, touching on boxing, professional wrestling, everything Philadelphia and having guests share their stories of hope
This episode Donnie and Angela will be joined by Richard Jensen a national championship wrestler and currently nationally known inspirational speaker with an Emmy Award winning story on ESPN. We will also speak with Jim Raffone, founder of Jar of Hope, a nonprofit for raising awareness and research for DMD while his own young son fights this heartbreaking disease..
This episode Donnie and Angela will be joined by Glassboro's own Mark Eberle, the founder of Paws Healing heroes, a nonprofit that gets veterans with disabilities service dogs. We'll also have Brandi Pett, host of Yes I am a Veteran Podcast
This episode Donnie and Angela will be discussing Mental Health Awareness Month and how Angela's battle against stage 4 Lung Cancer is going, including her 7th round of chemotherapy she finished yesterday, plus they will be dropping endless HOPE.
Donnie and Angela Melchiorre are joined by Kelly Collins, who was a cast member on season 10 of Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel. During his time on the show he was dealing with a lot of ups and downs in life. He will share how he overcame obstacles in life, including doing 57 months in federal prison and tell us about his experience on the show.
This episode Donnie and Angela will be discussing how her battle against stage 4 Lung Cancer is going, including her 6th round of chemotherapy she finished yesterday, plus they will be dropping endless HOPE, see you all soon
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. This episode Donnie and Angela where joined by Susan Pastore, a mom and wife that was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and grew up with a soft spot in her heart for those in need . She love's people and and always try's to find the best in everyone, including her sons friends like Hungry 4 Hopes Donnie Hart who she reached out to while he was incarcerated and had recently suffered the loss of his brother and gave him HOPE. Her commitment to her church, family, friends and community is second to none.
Donnie and Angela Melchiorre where joined by a man who's never let any obstacles stop him from being a true role model to the youth and a leader in the community, South Jerseys own Scott Bozearth! Scott was born with cerebral palsy, but never let it hold him back, he is a championship basketball and football coach who's goal is to motivate and inspire kids while trying to keep them off the street and out of jail. Scott who lost his mother in 2014 to cancer, talked with cohost Angela about her own battle with stage 4 lung cancer, and how she's been able to inspire so many during her fight.
This episode Donnie and Angela are joined by Daniel Henderson, from Cincinnati, Ohio, who struggled with alcohol addiction and mental health conditions all through high school. After numerous psych units and treatment centers he was able to get sober in 2015. He also went back to treatment for primary mental health conditions sober and went to work in the addiction and mental health field. Shortly after he survived falling 200ft off a cliff. Through the advances in healthcare, good people, and hard work he was able to recover from that fall. Today he is 7yrs sober, run the nonprofit "RecoverWisely" and do business development for New Roads Behavioral Health. His mission in the behavioral health field is to make out patient services and treatment consulting effective and affordable.
Donnie and Angela where joined by former NHL player Brady Kramer, who discussed his rise from local Philadelphia area hockey player at The Haverford School, to the NHL, his current career as a coach/athletic director , the amazing work he does in the mental health community and more
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. Tonight's show Donnie and Angela Melchiorre will be joined by man who's never let any obstacles stop him from being a true role model to the youth and a leader in the community, South Jerseys own Scott Bozearth! This episode is dedicated to Evelyn Bozearth
Donnie was joined by Angela Melchiorre one of the most remarkable strongest people you'll ever meet, she will be starting her 4th round of chemotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer next week. Paulsboro football and wrestling Hall of Famer , former Rutgers two sport athlete and Glassboro High school 2021 teacher of the year Michael Allen Belh of Relentless Pursuit joined us too! #TeamAng #HerFightIsMyFight #relentlesspursuit
Donnie was joined by Angela Melchiorre. Angela is a 39 year old who was recently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, her 2nd battle with cancer and is currently fighting the hardest fight she has ever had to fight. She is a CrossFit athlete and coach, who has her masters in clinical counseling psychology and works in the mental health field where she runs five 24hr mental health group homes on the grounds of a psych hospital.
Donnie was joined by guest co host and traumatic Brain Injury survivor Janine Kirby, and their guest was Jeff Gould who is an Author, Speaker and Interventionist on his own recovery path for 19 years. Having suffered a head injury at a young age, Jeff left athletics before becoming lost in a mire of addiction, clandestine laboratories, and homelessness. the author of 'A Life Concussed', Jeff is now a veteran in the field of behavioral health having worked with hundreds of families with a loved one trapped in addiction. He spends a great deal of time implementing recovery plans for those with acquired brain injury.
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. Tonight's show Donnie was joined by Dr. Rob Bell, a author of 7 motivational books, who speaks & trains with sports teams, organizations, and coaches on mental toughness and has worked as a mental coach for Notre Dame, many Olympian's and professional athletes. Dr. bell, a husband and father of two wonderful kids also competes as a Ironman, endurance athlete, PGA Caddie
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. Tonight's show Donnie will be joined by Yianni the Greek
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. This episode Donnie was joined by Mallory Rambo who's father Rob Rambo is serving 43 years for murder, Mallory has made a petition for clemency and is fighting for her father's freedom, stating he shot the man who had just raped her mother, is remorseful, rehabilitated and since Virginia does not offer parole his only option is clemency from the Governor. We discussed the case, the passing of her mother from cancer two years after her dad was sent to prison and how's she been able to cope with these traumatic experiences in her young life, and her advice for others facing tough times including the incarceration of a loved one and/or the death of a loved one.
Hungry 4 Hope is a nonprofit and podcast based in New Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart and is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. On this weeks episode host Donnie Hart was joined by former professional hockey player Brady Leavold and traumatic brain injury survivor /advocate Janine Kirby, of Mind Your Brain Foundation, they discussed Mental health and brain injuries, the effect they have on professional athletes such as Antonio Brown and Brady shared his personnel experience as a pro athlete battling addiction mental health
We had Angelina Lozano and Jason “The Alaskan Avenger” Vukovich on the show, we discussed Jason's battle for justice and fight to help survivors of child sexual abuse. Jason is currently serving a 23-year sentence for assaulting 3 pedophiles, as a child he was sexually molested by his stepfather for years. The step father was eventually convicted of said molestation's, however did not serve one day in prison and was allowed to return to victimize Jason again for years. Jason who suffers PTSD from his abuse decided to get revenge on sex offenders by becoming a pedophile hunter known as the “Alaskan Avenger.”. Angelina also discussed her fight for her brother and now she has brought national attention to his cause.
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless. Tonight show Donnie will be interviewing Megan Cohen, who is over 2 years sober from drugs and alcohol, she will share her inspiring story including the amazing work she does helping others with the organization she founded The GRACE Project, helping others addicted and homeless as she once was.
We where joined by Angelina Lozano who shared her fight for justice for her brother Jason “The Alaskan Avenger” Vukovich,who's is serving a 23 year sentence for attacking 3 convicted sexual predators after he himself suffered years of sexual abuse by his stepfather, who was charged. Angelina told us about all she has done to support her brother with the #JusticeForJasonVukovich Campaign , which has help spread his story nationwide in and an attempt to get him the justice he deserves. We also Richard Jensen, who was the subject of an Emmy winning ESPN documentary about his journey from homeless drug addict to national champion wrestler, he weighed in on the effect on Jason's story and the effects his childhood trauma could of played in his crimes #freejasonvukovich #justiceforjasonvukovich
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless,this episode featured Donnie with Yianni the greek spreading inspiring and Hope!
Hungry 4 Hope is a non-profit and podcast based in South Jersey in memory of Jimmy Hart that is dedicated to inspiring people, helping the community and giving hope to the hopeless,this episode featured Donnie with Yianni the greek spreading inspiring and Hope!
Our guest was former professional hockey player Brady Leavold who shared his story of how he went from the brink of NHL stardom to severely addicted, homeless and 3 years behind bars. He took us down this journey detailing how it was playing with some of hockey's biggest names, and also how it was living in a tent in one of the worst areas in North America. He shares how after becoming honest with his past and dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse, he finally found his way and is one grateful man. He is the founder of The Puck Support Network and host of Hockey 2 Hell and Back
Hungry 4 Hope Nation had the pleasure of sitting down with Suzanne Harrison, founder of Kings Crusade. We had the opportunity to discuss her start in Kings Crusade, how to navigate getting a loved one in rehab, and her years of dealing with watching a loved one go through through the struggles of opioid addiction and the effects of losing a sibling. Another can't miss episode. Sit down, relax, and take your weekly "dosage of Hope"!
We where joined by successful restauranteur and pastor Barry Washington, Barry shared his story of how he was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to a prostitute and pimp, eventually dropping out of school in the 9th grade to live a life of drug dealing and drug addiction in the Philadelphia area which included nearly being killed after being stabbed 41 times but was able to turn his life around and eventually ended up in Louisville Kentucky. Clean and sober he used his love of food especially the Philly cheesesteak to open his own restaurant, Barry's Cheesesteaks and more that expanded to multiple locations in the Louisville area, and specializes in Philly cheesesteaks, giving job opportunities to former felon, helping the homeless and donating to the community. He shared with how he went from a life of crime and drug addiction to being the keynote speaker of a leadership course for the local police and politician's. It was clear from the interview that Barry never forgot where he came from and has used his new found positive platform to be a leader and help thousands of people in need.
On tonight's show we'll have Matt Davies and Yianni The Greek and we'll be discussing the Traumatic experiences in life, like Matt's adjustment to civilian life after the Navy, Yiannis adjustment t from a different country and culture as a child and Donnies sudden unexpected loss of his brother and how these events have altered our lives , and how traumatic life experiences is what led to the creation of Hungry 4 Hope
We where joined by Richard Jensen, who after 15 years of addiction, hopelessness and seven years in jail Richard got clean and sober and at 36 years old joined the Clackamas Community College wrestling team and went on a quest to become a wrestling national champion which he accomplished in 2016. His story was showcased on ESPN and won an Emmy Award in 2009. Today he talks in depth about the dangers of addiction and uses his personal story to encourage people to make positive choices by creating a vision, making attainable goals and staying on course. His message is that everyone can Be a Champion in Life
We where joined by Candace Gantt, founder of Mind Your Brain Foundation, a non profit that has partnered with Penn Medicine and is dedicated to helping traumatic brain injury survivors. Candace who was awarded the Philadelphia Magazine health heroes award in 2017 told us of her near fatal traumatic brain injury that left her a shell of her former self, and her crusade to not just help her self but help other survivors. It was a story a inspiration, Hope and the power of never giving up
After one of the crazier weeks of host Donnie's life helping out the victims of the Tornado that devastated his hometown the community could use some hope and our guests from Operation tattooing Freedom, a nonprofit that's help vets with mental health and other issues through therapeutic tattoo sessions, did just that, we had their outreach director Matt Davies, who told us that without the vets and this organization he would of been dead , also President Clipper Chris Jones fly into the studio from South Carolina and one of their veteran tattoo artist Soldier Mike flew in from Indiana , these guys are literally saving the most vulnerable veterans lives, what a honor having them on.
We had Army veteran Mark Eberle a Glassboro, NJ native who discussed how he was able to take his personal struggles as a Veteran suffering from PTSD to create his own nonprofit, Paws Healing Heroes, which has been featured nationwide including on the Rachel Ray show, their mission is to provide service dogs to Veterans in need. He discussed the success his program has had, including veterans thanking him for saving their lives, helping Mark succeed in his ultimate goal which is to combat the number of veterans who commit suicide everyday which is a average of 22.
Tonight, Hungry 4 Hope nation was joined by COO & President of Blue Link Wireless and 20 year cancer survivor Dave Fine. Dave spoke to us about his battle with stage 3 cancer, overcoming adversity and never giving up! He also spoke in detail about his mantra "One Team One Goal, Changing the World" as well as the impact Sylvester Stallone had on his recovery!! Make sure to tune in to here a great inspirational story, while getting your weekly dosage of Hope!!
On this episode we will be opening the phone lines and taking calls, the topic is brought to us by Raymond Merschen, “Tough Times don't Last Tough People do” and we will be discussing how some of this years guests have been able to make it through tough times in their lives and use them In a positive way to help others
Hungry 4 Hope Nation had the opportunity to talk to Gloucester Catholic Alumni & ROH Professional Wrestler, Gabe Alessi! Gabe discussed living his childhood dream when he became a pro wrestler. We also discussed his dedication to raising awareness for Overdose Prevention, in memory of his Older brother Christian. Tune in right now for your weekly dosage of Hope!!
We are excited to have live in the studio as our guest this week host of Hands Off on RVNTV, Rhett Hackett
Hungry 4 Hope Nation had the pleasure of sitting down with former World Title Challenger, current trainer, and Humanitarian, "Iceman" John Scully. All while he was in a sky box at Fenway park!! We had the opportunity to discuss his start in boxing, his future book, and his humanitarian work he does for retired boxers in need! Another can't miss episode. Sit down, relax, and take your weekly "dosage of Hope"!
We where joined in studio by Elizabeth Starr, who shared her story of how she went from a obese young lady to chasing her dream of competing in bodybuilding physique competitions. She took us through the years long dedication and hard work it took to lose 100lbs while proving all the naysayers wrong, using determination and hard work. We also had Jillian Cannan of a Buffalo New York on the show, she found herself in national news headlines this week after receiving 100's of packages that she never ordered from Amazon. Unable to find the sender or intended destination she teamed up with Amazon to make care packages using some of the supplies in the boxes she received, and donated them to the local children's hospital through her company loadedlumber.com
Stephan "The Golden Voice" Benson joined the Hungry 4 Hope team to discuss several topics! He spoke on his journey to becoming a pro wrestling announcer. From Announcing in the parking lot of WWE events to announcing on Professional Wrestling shows. He also discuss his journey to win 1 million dollars by beating AJ Styles to win the WWE 2K19 tournament at WrestleMania 35!! Tune in to hear Stephan share his story of Hope!!
We had Philadelphia Flyer great and Olympian medal winner Chris Therien live in the studio. Chris shared his story of how he went from a young kid growing up in Canada loving hockey to a fan favorite in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers. He took us on a behind the scenes tour of how it was spending over a decade in the NHL, including how the life of a professional hockey player led many teammates and opponents down a road of alcohol and drug addiction. Bundy, as he was affectionately known, shared his own personal battle with alcohol, and how after the sudden death of his sister he sought treatment for his addiction. While juggling a new career off the ice as the Flyers Broadcaster, raising 4 kids with his wife he eventually he was able to overcome his demons and recently celebrated 10 yrs of sobriety. His life mission now is to help those who are also struggling with addiction, this has led him to be a owner in Limitless recovery, a outpatient addiction treatment facility in Philadelphia
Floyd "Kid Austin" Schofield joined Hungry 4 Hope nation. He shared his comeback story from being homeless w/ his father to an undefeated pro boxer!! Make sure to tune in and hear this story of inspiration mixed with some boxing talk!! Tune in for your weekly dosage of Hope!!
This episode of Hungry 4 Hope featured, former Professional Bull Rider & Traumatic Brain Injury survivor, Curtis Anderson! Curtis shared the story of his bull riding accident that almost ended his life and caused the traumatic brain injury. He also detailed his come back story, which included how he helps others while doing Motivational Speaking!! Tune in for Curtis' unique story and original poetry. Make sure to get your weekly dosage of Hope!!
The guys where joined by Motivator Mae, a former hustler who turned his life around and is a singer, songwriter, pastor, motivational speaker and founder of Jewel of Jessie LLC. He spoke on how he went from a good upbringing with a pastor for a father, to a life on the street and jail, and how he was able to turn it around, all in his late mother’s honor. We talked about how in his new life he has become great friends with Philadelphia 76ers General manager Elton Brand and how that friendship has effected his life in a positive way. He stressed the fact that regardless of where you’re from, what color you are or anything else we are in this thing called life together and must come together and help each other
On this episode of Hungry 4 Hope, Donnie & Tim answered more questions from Yianni. They also dove into the the recent and tragic death of former, University of Hawaii stand out, Colt Brennan. Janine Kirby called in with her insight on Colt Brennan as well as other traumatic brain injury topics! Make sure to tune in for your weekly dosage of Hope!!
Tonight on Hungry 4 Hope, Yianni "The Greek" will sit down with Hungry 4 Hope Non-Profit's own Donnie Hart & Tim Kudgis! Listeners can definitely expect some fireworks!! Also Hungry 4 Hope's first ever in-studio guest Bill "El Wingadour" Simmons stops by to have a conversation with the Hungry 4 Hope family!!
Tonight on the show, we sat down with Joshua Santiago and his cousins James Terranova to discuss how Joshua is changing the world 1 haircut at a time Joshua was born into a broken home with a mother struggling with drug addiction, growing up up in the worst crime infested section of Philadelphia, Josh like most others in his neighborhood found himself in Prison, but after being released decided he was tired of being a product of his environment and came out with a purpose to help those in need, which led to his nonprofit Empowering cuts Joshua has an amazing story. He goes to prison and comes back determined to help change people's lives for the better. Listen in while Joshua breaks down what he does with "Empowering Cuts'" as well as what it means to him & his clients!
We where joined by Janine Kirby, who is a survivor in every sense of the word, she explains to us how she survived a traumatic brain injury that left her having to relearn how to walk and talk, overcame a drug and alcohol addiction and will celebrate 12 years sober in June. But Kirby’s most significant source of pride is her involvement with the Mind Your Brain Foundation. MYB is a nonprofit that helps bridge the gap from acute brain injury rehab to everyday life!
This weeks guest on the show is Glassboro’s own Mark Eberle founder of Paws Healing Heroes.
The guys are feeling under the weather this week, but in the spirit of their guest they fight through to put on a great show with Dwayne fletcher, founder of gunzdown glovezup. Dwayne talks about his non profit work with phillys youth and shares some of his experiences, including a heroic story of courage that led to saving a young girls life