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The Catch Up is a podcast produced by The Daily Catch in conjunction with Radio Free Rhinecliff. The Daily Catch is the local newspaper for the towns of Rhinebeck and Red Hook in New York's Hudson Valley region. In the podcast we discuss recent stories that have appeared in The Daily Catch. We take listeners "inside the news" to help them understand how we report stories for our paper.
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Emily welcomes Betty Olson, 82, who shares what it means to become the sole caregiver for her husband of decades. Peter Olson, 84, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's — symptoms that came into sharp focus following a kidney transplant in July 2023. Betty traces the arc of their life together: meeting in a scuba class, their complementary strengths, building a home in Clinton. She describes the early signs of cognitive decline, the practical challenges of managing a household when familiar tools and simple directions become obstacles, and the emotional weight of watching someone you know completely change. The conversation includes moments of unexpected humor, honest fears about the cost of in-home care, and Betty's determination to hold onto her own identity through church, choir, volunteering, and an upcoming shoulder replacement.
This episode was Sponsored by Hudson Solar and Battery Solutions.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Emily Sachar of The Daily Catch hosts The Catchup, sponsored by Hudson Solar and Battery Solutions, and sits down with Bard Observer co-editors Luc Redgate and Mica Rajakumar, who have been leading student coverage of Bard College President Leon Botstein since DOJ documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein named him. The editors walk through their exclusive interview with Botstein and a Feb. 12 open house at his campus home that drew 60 to 80 people and grew tense, with some students pushing for his resignation. Botstein stayed composed but kept returning to the same points: he won't step down, calling that a decision for the board; he should have cut ties with Epstein in 2015; and he's proposed a $400,000 fund, drawn from Epstein-linked money, to address sexual violence.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Host Emily Sachar and Rhinebeck beat reporter Eloise Goldsmith dig into a brewing Democratic primary for town supervisor, one that got interesting fast after Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia announced she won't seek reelection and threw her support behind Deputy Supervisor Debbie Hecht. Hecht, a relative newcomer to the area and co-founder of Beck Hook Pride, says she came up through the work: attending meetings, handling communications, learning the town from the inside out. But she's got company. Attorney and former First Vice President of Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce Amanda Miller is running on a reform platform, term limits, a streamlined planning code, and a harder look at what she calls closed-door governance, pointing to the Six Senses lawsuit as Exhibit A. Town board members aren't taking the criticism lying down, pushing back on Miller's claims about proposed parking penalties and the Amtrak station project. Petitioning runs through April 2, with a June primary to follow.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Host Walter Mullen speaks with Rhinebeck reporter Eloise Goldsmith about Linwood, a 51-acre historic compound overlooking the Hudson River. Established as an estate in 1774 and later given to the Sisters of St. Ursula, the property is now for sale via a formal RFP process developed with the Town of Rhinebeck. The discussion covers the site's restrictive HP-20 zoning, the town's openness to variances for the right project, preservation requirements tied to the property's historic designations, and questions about transparency and public input. Proposals are due April 17, with a preferred buyer expected by June and a sale anticipated in July, though any development would likely take years.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Walter and Emily examine the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files and what they reveal about Bard College president Leon Botstein's connections to the disgraced financier. They look at Botstein's decades-long leadership of Bard, the achievements, the institution-building, the outsized reputation, and then at the uncomfortable details now coming to light, from fundraising ties to campus visits. What does this mean for Bard? How should colleges vet their donors?
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
In this episode of The Catch Up, Emily talks with reporter Maggie Baribault to examine the quiet transformation that occurs when memory loss enters a marriage. Through conversations with three couples navigating different stages of dementia and Alzheimer's, we witness how love adapts when the architecture of shared history begins to crumble. These intimate portraits reveal both the weight of caregiving and the surprising moments of connection that persist, small acts of creativity, flashes of recognition, the muscle memory of devotion. What emerges is not a clinical study but a deeply human exploration of what remains when remembering becomes impossible, and how couples forge new ways of being together even as the past slips away.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Walter Mullen, publisher of The Daily Catch, delves into the growing tension between the town and village of Rhinebeck over the cost and transparency of firefighting and EMS services. Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia raises concerns about the village's budget transparency and the town's annual contribution, totaling nearly $280,000. Village Mayor Gary Bassett argues that the town is getting excellent service at a competitive price. Beat reporter Eloise Goldsmith breaks down the situation, including the 2024 contract specifics and broader political tensions between local leaders.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Schools and education reporter Claire Greenberger joins editor Emily Sachar to talk about some major changes coming to Red Hook High School. The district just approved a slate of new courses for the 2026-27 school year that's getting people excited, including a three-course Race Car Program, an In-House Welding Pathway, AP Cybersecurity, and a new IB Literature and Performance option. These programs move beyond traditional classroom learning, giving students hands-on experience and real-world skills. Claire and Emily discuss what these courses mean for students and the broader community, including the costs, safety measures, and community backing needed to make them happen.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
On this episode of The Catch Up, host Emily Sachar sits down with all three Democratic candidates competing in the January 27th primary for Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees. Incumbent Eleanor Pupko reflects on her first term and what she hopes to accomplish next, while challengers Mimi Joh-Carnella and Jennifer Neufeld explain what's driving them to run and their priorities for the village. The conversation covers everything from environmental policy and village governance to community engagement and local development. Also: Walter and Emily remind everyone to fill out The Daily Catch's 2026 audience survey.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Welcome to the first episode of 'The Catch Up' for 2026! The main focus of this episode is the recent tensions in Rhinebeck between the town board and the Chamber of Commerce over a proposed 3% occupancy tax on short-term stays. Rhinebeck reporter Eloise Goldsmith provides give the background on the letters exchanged, the key figures involved, and the interpersonal conflicts between supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia and Chamber president Luciano Valdivia.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
In this special year-end episode, Walter and Emily reflect on the top three news stories of 2025, including the contentious takeover of the Red Hook Boat Club and the political dynamics in Red Hook and Rhinebeck. They announce, the first annual newsmaker of the Year, highlighting key figures that shaped the community's headlines.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Emily explores why more Red Hook High School students are choosing the International Baccalaureate program over traditional AP classes. Guest reporter Claire Greenberger brings perspectives from students and teachers on how IB's approach to learning shapes critical thinking and prepares students for college. They go over the program's origins, its educational philosophy, and what makes it different from the test-focused AP track. Plus: Emily and Walter talk holiday happenings around Rhinebeck and why small-town traditions matter. A look at how we teach, how we learn, and how we gather.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
he Catch Up welcomes beat reporter Eloise Goldsmith for a close look at Rhinebeck's winter season. Alongside publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sacker, Eloise reports on new parking laws and the debate over holiday symbol placement in the village. Local governance meets community tradition in these intertwined seasonal stories.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Walter and Emily explore the Wonderland of Lights at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds with Tammy Peters, founder of North Pole Productions. Peters discusses the behind-the-scenes work that brings this holiday light show to life, from its origins to the challenges of installation and this year's new features.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Reporter Claire Greenburger, who is producing a special series on AI in Red Hook and Rhinebeck schools, joins The Catch Up from The Daily Catch to discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT and Khanmigo are making their way into classrooms, what parents and educators think about it, and how the two districts are handling these new technologies differently. The episode also covers Thanksgiving food pantry efforts and The Daily Catch's expansion into Clinton. Brought to you by Edgewood Restaurant and Bar at Hutton Brickyards.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Daily Catch publisher Walter Mullen and editor Emily Sachar dive into the ongoing controversy surrounding the Boat Club. They discuss the planning board's review of new local laws, the implications of a Court’s decision from August, and the environmental impacts under scrutiny. They also share a personal dining experience at Edgewood Restaurant and highlight the importance of their current fundraising campaign.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Democrats flip Dutchess County Legislature for first time since 2008, Kara Gerry defeats incumbent judge creating all-female bench, and Dan Aymar-Blair wins comptroller race.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
In this episode of The Catch Up, hosts Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar dive into the upcoming election. The discussion covers the county judge race, highlighting candidates Jessica Segal and Edward McLoughlin (also known as "Ned" McLoughlin), and delves into their backgrounds and campaign issues, including the notable involvement in the Nikki Addimando case. The episode also explores the comptroller's race between Dan Aymar-Blair and Will Truitt, examining their differing visions for the role. Additionally, the hosts address the surprising write-in campaign for Rhinebeck supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia’s seat.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
Walter and Emily discuss details about a new Metro North train route between New York City and Albany, also stopping in Rhinecliff and Hudson. They share insights and updates on this development, including political pushes and fare caps. This episode also covers education stories with guest reporter Claire Greenburger, from free dual enrollment programs for Red Hook students to a new 'WIN' time initiative at Rhinebeck Elementary. Claire also hints at her upcoming investigations on the impact of AI in schools.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
In this episode of 'The Catch Up' from The Daily Catch, hosts Walter Mullen and Emily Sachar take you behind the scenes of the Center for Performing Arts' production of 'Sweeney Todd.' Special guest Peter Risafi, the director of the show, shares his journey, the complexities of staging such a dark and intense musical, and the unique challenges faced while casting and building the set. They also discuss the importance of balancing the show's comedic elements with its dark themes. Additionally, Walter and Emily explore how The Daily Catch is incorporating video storytelling into their news coverage.
Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio
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