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Shining a spotlight on the people, places, & events that make Central NY an amazing place to live ♥️
228 Episodes
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If you’ve ever walked, biked, or even just driven through Utica’s parks and parkways without realizing how special they are… this episode is about to blow your mind. 🧠💥 We sit down with historian and nonprofit founder Phil Bean, who left behind city gridlock and humid summers to return home and reignite a movement. As the co-founder of Olmsted City of Greater Utica, Phil’s passion for preserving and revitalizing Utica’s historic park system is not only contagious — it’s transformational. Phi...
In this episode, we sit down with Yarden Carroll, the force behind Crowned Creative, a brand strategy studio helping bold thinkers turn brilliance into bankable business. Yarden is a mother, creative powerhouse, systems thinker, and former engineer with four degrees (yes, four!) who brings heart, hustle, and a bit of rebellion to everything she touches. From navigating ADHD and rebuilding after personal setbacks to creating frameworks that help coaches, consultants, and creatives package the...
In this episode, we sit down with Anne Lansing, CEO of Safe Schools Mohawk Valley — an organization changing lives every day across Central New York. From advocating for students dealing with trauma, to building bridges between youth and first responders, Anne’s passion for creating a safer, more supportive school experience is palpable. Her journey has taken her from Lake Tahoe and San Francisco back home to Utica, where she now leads a team making a real difference in the lives of local you...
What is the Community Foundation and why should you care? In this episode, Scott and Kelly sit down with Nick Grimmer and Kayla Ellis to pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful—and surprisingly misunderstood—organizations in our area. From helping small nonprofits thrive, to facilitating multi-million-dollar giving days like Mohawk Valley Gives, this team is doing way more than you think behind the scenes… and they’re just getting started. You’ll hear how the Foundation has made g...
What if mindfulness wasn’t just a buzzword—but a lifeline? In this episode, we sit down with Mikelle Deck, founder of Aligned Minds Consulting, to talk about mental health, mindfulness, and why your phone might be stressing you out more than you think. From EFT tapping and yoga with teenagers to regulating cortisol and managing social media burnout, Mikelle’s approach to supporting young people is anything but cookie-cutter. Whether she’s working one-on-one with a student dealing with anxiety...
Meet Michael Flores — actor, filmmaker, and the creative force behind Dogs on the Sendero, an award-winning indie film that’s turning heads globally… and was filmed right here in Central New York. In this episode, Michael sits down with the team to talk about trading LA for Utica, building a film from scratch with a six-person crew, and how his dog Rosie (yes, the star of the film) was the MVP of the entire shoot. You’ll hear how a miscommunication nearly derailed the most important scene in...
If you think kids these days just sit around scrolling their phones… let us introduce you to Eli Pasquale. A senior at Mount Markham and living proof that hustle isn’t dead, Eli is a class president, three-sport athlete, junk removal business owner, sneaker reseller, and full-time go-getter. From flipping candy bars in middle school to running Quicks Junk Removal as a solo operation, Eli is stacking wins before he even gets his diploma. In this episode, we talk about how a sixth-grade side hu...
What’s it really like growing up in a family-run car dealership? In this episode, we sit down with sibling duo Carly Steet Mathias and Joe Steet Jr. at Steet Toyota to talk about legacy, leadership, and what it means to carry the torch for a business that’s been a community staple for decades. From early memories cleaning cars to navigating the evolving world of automotive sales, these two have seen it all — and they’re doing it their way. They share what makes the Steet culture so unique. We...
What happens when you mix golf, food, community spirit, inflatable party stations, and a whole lot of heart? You get the East Utica Classic—one of the wildest and most meaningful days of the year in Central New York. In this episode, Keith sits down with Joey Cracchiolo and Mike Peterson, two of the driving forces behind the 15-year tradition that’s become more than just a golf tournament—it’s an all-out celebration with real impact. From handing out surprise checks to local families in need,...
In this episode, we chat with Vanessa Colangelo, branding expert and owner of Life Well Branded, about helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise and create a brand that actually feels like them. From DIY Canva struggles to imposter syndrome, Vanessa breaks down why branding is so much more than a logo—and how she helps small business owners find their voice, their vision, and the confidence to show up online. We also dive into her leap from a stable corporate job (while 8 months pregnant!) ...
In this episode, we sit down with Jay Groah, a scientist, real estate entrepreneur, and the bold mind behind MyYenta—a tech company changing the way professionals connect with their clients. Jay shares how a chance encounter with a realtor sparked the idea for MyYenta and how he turned a personality-matching concept into a full-blown business (yes, complete with him dressing in drag at conferences to promote it—seriously, you’re going to want to hear this story). From behavioral science to bo...
In this episode, we step into the ring with Mike Skyros, a professional wrestler from Central NY who’s been grinding it out on the indie scene for over a decade. From dive bar shows with 14 people to selling out 1,000-seat arenas, Skyros shares the highs, lows, and body slams of life chasing the dream. He breaks down what it’s really like traveling town to town, wrestling in VFW halls, and why he keeps showing up—sometimes battered, but never broken. We talk about what makes a great wrestling...
It’s officially golf week! ⛳ In this special edition episode, the crew breaks down everything you need to know about Putts for a Purpose, happening Friday, June 27 at Pine Hills Golf Course. What started as a bold idea on a 90-day timeline turned into a massive community-powered charity golf outing. From the charities being supported to the sponsors who made it all possible, this episode is packed with shoutouts, laughs, and a serious dose of local love. Whether you’re golfing, sponsoring, vo...
In this episode, we join forces with Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca , the powerhouse duo behind Success Circle, a growing community for women solopreneurs in the Mohawk Valley who are ready to thrive—not just survive. What started as two coaches looking for office space has turned into a deeply supportive, action-focused movement for women building businesses, finding clarity, and rewriting the rules of success. If you’ve ever felt alone on your entrepreneurial journey or wished there was ...
🌟 Weekend Recap & Local Stops Newport Golf Club • Scenic and well-maintained course with a solid clubhouse and simulator. • Kelly's “best 9 holes ever” story… derailed 4 minutes later. Classic golf humility moment. Lunch at The Alamo (Herkimer) • Standout bar food: fish tacos, chicken & BBQ beef wrap, and top-tier comfort food. Rainy Day Plan: Turning Stone Casino • Family-friendly lunch at Upstate Tavern (Tavern Club sandwich = 10/10). • Driving range, simulator, and people-watchin...
In this episode, we sit down with David Ocasio Ross—a former teller turned Assistant VP at AmeriCU Credit Union—who shares how a denied car loan at 21 became the wake-up call that launched his career in finance. Now, he’s on a mission to help others level up their money game, understand credit, and navigate the homebuying process with confidence. But David’s story goes far beyond banking. He’s also a devoted girls basketball coach with a deep love for the game, using the court to teach life l...
Episode 212: 🌟 Local Eats Recap Golden’s (Genesee St.) • One-man-show Jeff Golden delivers a wild diner-style experience. • No takeout allowed. Homemade food, hilarious signs, massive burgers, garlic parm fries, and tomato soup with grilled cheese. One Genny (New Hartford) • Big menu, patio seating, great for group dining or drinks. • Highlights: steak sandwich, diverse cocktails, and family-friendly vibe. Brass Tack (Frankfort) • Canopy is up, Wednesday night live music has started (check...
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Palumbo—Central NY native, Ithaca College football champ, black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and co-founder of Kristin’s Fund—to talk about impact, leadership, and using football to change lives. Joe shares the heartbreaking story behind the creation of Kristin’s Fund, and how it’s grown into a powerful movement against domestic violence. Through his A Call to Men football camp, Joe’s helping young men across Central New York learn more than just how to r...
Episode 210: 🌟 Memorial Day Weekend Recap Coffee at Joe Putrello's (Utica)Switched from Utica Roasting due to long lines.Great vibe, hidden upstairs seating—ideal coffee meeting spot.Lunch at Roosters (Utica)Burger salad success + surprise jalapeño “special” from Javon.Always fire. Literally and figuratively.Dinner at Stone Soup (Herkimer)New upscale dining spot with a courtyard and great buzz.Standouts: flatbread, shrimp, and soup. Packed—reservations recommended!Road Trip EatsCrust (Rome) ...
In this episode, we chop it up with Jimmy Fellone—media strategist by day, food-and-film creative genius by night, and the man behind Takes and Plates. Jimmy’s built a unique platform that pairs recipes with movies and shows (yes, seriously), and he’s got the SEO strategy, chef collabs, and hilarious takes to back it all up. Whether he’s ranking #1 on Google for “hats and broccoli” (don’t ask—just listen), or filming with red headlamps in a Utica kitchen at 6 AM, Jimmy’s cooking up more than ...
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