I'm Working Here

Quick, what do you know about soap? Wow, that *was* quick. Want to know more? Meet Shanique, owner, operator, and maker of soaps and other treats at Aladin's Treasure. We picked the best day in the world to go and hang out in a bird sanctuary and talk about what makes cold processed soap a million times better than the stuff you get in little cardboard boxes at the supermarket. Fun times, lots to learn, and a great person to know.  https://www.instagram.com/aladinstreasure/  

We're all feeling the weight of being stuck inside, and it'll probably be a while before you're able to walk up to your favorite club, get a fancy wristband or hand stamp, and let the music blast the day's stress away. Fortunately, if it's Saturday night, you're in luck. For the past 7 weeks, Brendan Goldberg, aka GOLDBRG, has been putting on thrilling DJ sets complete with lights, dancing dinosaurs, and much much more planned for the future. It's all part of the fun going on at Zoom Memes for Self Quaranteens, a Facebook group for "Socially isolated college youth stuck doing online courses in closed universities". I think you'll love Brendan's approach to having fun and entertaining viewers, as well as his down-to-earth view of partying responsibly during these weird times. Make sure you follow him on the social medias, and look for his single, Feel This Good, coming out on June 5th.    Goldbrg Music - Facebook / Instagram  May 9th Set Zoom Memes for Self Quaranteens Aubrey Haddard's new video: Thin Line

Leo and Laura are always up to a challenge, whether it be working weddings, headshots, galas, or senior portraits. But with everything going on, or rather NOT going on, much has come to a standstill. To help bring a small amount of normalcy back to people's lives, the duo participated in the Front Steps Project, capturing family moments with a professional eye from a responsible distance. These short sessions were done at no cost, with a suggested donation to the New Paltz Community Foundation. In this episode, we hear all about their thoughts on photography, the area, and helpful tips for posing puppies. Leo Vatkin Photography Website: http://leonardovphotography.com/family/ Front Steps Photos: http://leonardovphotography.com/family/np-front-steps-project/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hudsonvalleyphotographybyleo/ New Paltz Community Foundation: https://www.newpaltzfoundation.org  

While the solid state transistor revolution lead to most electronic devices getting miniaturized and stuffed into plastic boxes, musicians and other people with ears noticed a that nothing hits the ear quite like a perfectly dialed-in amp powered and voiced by vacuum tubes. The mechanics behind why, and how a Fender differs from a Marshall... that's in the detail, and that's why I sat down, er, stood across the room from Paul Markwalter, owner of Beacon Tube Amps.  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeaconTubeAmps/

Everybody's life has been affected by COVID-19. My podcast has taken a bit of a back seat in terms of priority to everything else going on, but I wanted to take some quick time to acknowledge how two local individuals are making the best of it. Find out what a Science teacher is doing with a virtual classroom full of students, and how our friend Lana Heintjes is adapting to taking yoga clients over Zoom.    Lana's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/acrolana/?hl=en Vito's Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/357305318167664/ The Anchor (Takeout/Delivery) - https://theanchorkingston.com

Ilya runs Professor Cookie, a late-night service that brings fresh warm cookies directly to you, a friend, or anywhere within reason, really. Blossoming from a delivery-only service to a storefront some time in the hopefully very near future, you'll soon be able to scoop up a couple of Reese's Pieces, Cinnamon Sugar, or maybe even Oatmeal cookies while you're out making your way downtown. Hear how it all came together and how The Professor lost his legs. https://www.facebook.com/ProfCookie/ 

Stepping outside my own area of expertise here to talk hair with Francine Kolbinski, owner of Lux Hair Studio, which operates in Kingston and Saugerties. I was interested in hearing about seasonal hair care, being a good boss, and making customers feel appreciated... and that's exactly what we talked about. A really fun chat, I'm sure you'll quickly find Francine as great as all of her long-time clients and I do. 

What happens when one podcaster wants to interview another podcaster? Apparently the answer is a SWAPCAST! Like two waves out in the ocean smack into one another, forming a larger wave, Dan and I sat down for a nice long chat about music, work, life, and anything else that matters. In addition to hosting his own podcast, Daniel Marc's Musical Roundup Rodeo, he's also Tour Manager for Melvin Seals and JGB. It's a long one, low-key and fun. If you enjoy Daniel's stylings, make sure to give his podcast a listen as well. Daniel Marc's Musical Roundup Rodeo

Talking about graphics and design in an audio broadcast might not sound like a great time, but I think you're going to enjoy this one. Few better ways of spending a Tuesday evening than getting all philosophical about colors, Mad Men, and aspect ratios. If you're in the Hudson Valley area, you've seen Cody's work, now here's your chance to meet the man behind the menu, sign, logo or website. Throw on some good headphones, let the cat on your lap, and enjoy this interview with Cody Schatzle of QueryCreative.com https://querycreative.com 

Whether she's spinning up above a New Years crowd at BSP while Rubblebucket plays, doing handstands in New Paltz bars, or leading a class of people at Mohonk Mountain House, Lana Heintjes does it with a smile and an energy that just draws you in. If you've seen her perform or taken a class, here's a chance to find out what makes her tick. If this is your introduction, I highly recommend a multimedia experience... load up Instagram while you listen. Welcome to 2020!  Lana's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/acrolana Casey - https://www.instagram.com/caseymoonacro/ Hudson Valley Circus Arts - https://www.instagram.com/hudsonvalleycircusarts Vitality Yoga Flow - https://www.instagram.com/vitalityyogaflow/ Yebba - My Mind - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXwE1G7_U9M  

I ran into Upgrade the other night, while hanging out with a bunch of other Working Here Alumni, and the need to record this episode seemed exceedingly obvious. We cover it all here, from writing to touring, snacks to Spotify. Put on some soup and a big bowl of hot cocoa, Upgrade's got some great stories to tell.   www.Instagram.com/upgradehiphop www.twitter.com/upgradehiphop www.facebook.com/upgradehiphop   Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W0ED8thQX6pHgiMxxtmBB   Youtube:  www.youtube.com/upgradehiphop

In this episode, I talked with Samantha Jones about how she gets it all done. From playing a very memorable character in Red Dead Redemption 2 to running Hudson Valley Improv, I'm actually quite shocked she found the time for a podcast, but it's just one more media outlet for this busy performer. Hear it all, and then check out the Improv show, links below.    https://therealsamanthajones.com https://hudsonvalleyimprov.com  

Paul Heath is a creative force in all directions. Known for his artwork, his music, and excellent IPA recommendations, if you've made your way through Kingston, chances are you're already familiar, making this introduction a little unnecessary. All I can say is I'm so glad I had a chance to meet up with Paul at GalleryFifty5 and talk about everything he's working on.  GalleryFifty5 Website / Instagram Paul Heath / Dumb Won on Instagram Dead Unicorn Instagram / Bandcamp / Spotify

Writing, Playing, Producing, Engineering, Touring... Dan has dug his claws deep into the world of music and had some time in NY to stop by and tell a few tales. The Grimsland family continues to deliver top-notch guests who just never stop working and inspiring. Also, screw schedules, I'm just putting stuff out whenever I can.  Couple of links for you to check out:Daniel Grimsland on InstagramThe Grape and The Grain - on Boneshaker Records, no less3 - The Band "Three"Little Miss9 Theory 

This episode's guest is most definitely one of the standout stars of this year's O+ Festival in Kingston, NY, the one and only B.A. Miale. Thoroughly steeped in her craft, B.A. works with musicians to take their shows to the next level with exciting, hypnotic, and creative projections. Not limited to just live work, video creation and production is also within the wheelhouse of this amazing artist.  If time permits, I suggest checking out her sites before or while listening, just to get a better understanding for the work before/while you find out what goes into creating it. Spoiler alert... there's a Keytar involved. Youtube Instagram Twitter  

You're definitely getting your money's worth with this episode; an hour ten minutes and sixteen seconds of Vito Petroccitto. Maybe you've been fortunate enough to see him perform, take guitar lessons from him, or just get to talk to him at some point. Vito is a Hudson Valley fixture, performing all sorts of styles for all sorts of gigs. In this very special episode of I'm Working Here, I got to head over to his studio in Gardiner to talk about everything from getting started, guitar gear, band dynamics, reverb preferences, and calendar management.  You're in for an extra special treat at the end, a live performance of a Vito original, The Legend of Fiddler's Bridge Road. Show the man some love, links below. iamvito.com Instagram Facebook

It's been a minute, but I promise this one is worth the wait. Alex Bartholomew's infectious enthusiasm about everything really shines here. Every time we cross paths, I feel like I've learned something important, and this 40-minute conversation is no exception. This'll be a special treat for Hudson Valley folks, lots to go and visit before Winter hits. Enjoy!

Gotta keep moving, and few people keep moving more than Dylan Johanson. Actually, all things considered, I'm actually surprised I was able to get him to sit down for 38 minutes to talk about what he's up to. In this episode, we learn all about his professional Parkour career, as well as various musical and disc golf related side projects. Summer's coming to a close in the US, but that doesn't mean the activity has to stop. Hit up my man about some healthy activities, links below.  Also, first episode recorded in my own house. Let's hear it for the soundproofing. Innate Movement Parkour - http://www.innatemovementparkour.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pg/InnateMovementParkour Sveet - https://www.facebook.com/SveetYams/ The Pleasers - https://www.facebook.com/ThePleasers/

Outside of the movies and my daydreams, great bands don't just show up at places and go "Hey, mind if we play a few songs?". Getting your favorite acts lined up to perform takes a ton of research, creativity, and a whole lot of other skills that only come from experience. Mike Amari is the Talent Buyer at BSP in Kingston, NY, and what struck me about this conversation is just how much the role entails beyond just assigning a band to a date. Also worth noting that Mike is 1/2 of Shana Falana, creator of my wonderful theme song, and if you listen very carefully, you can actually hear Shana taking a small metal bowl solo about 2/3 of the way through. Thank you Mike and Shana, you are two of my favorite people for so many reasons.  BSP Kingston website / instagram / facebook / spotify  Amarchives (Mike's nostalgia-infused playlist) Shana Falana www / facebook / spotify

In a perfect world, everybody would have someone like Jess in their lives. Known for her cosplay and costume-making skills, Jess has been taking things to the next level lately with cel-shaded wigs, pickle rat costumes, and orange visors. Learn how she got started in cosplay, what a convention is *really* like, and how you fit a giant foam sword into a Mini Cooper on this all new episode of I'm Working Here.    ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessilynCupcake INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/jessilyncupcake/?hl=en TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JessilynCupcake  

Don't let Bryan's soft-spoken delivery fool you, the man is hugely passionate about bicycles. What I found super inspiring about Bryan is his ability to incorporate personal philosophies into the store. From the logo, to the weekly ride, to the bikes he creates and way he approaches customers, you can tell he's doing things the way he knows they should be done, and you've just got to admire that. Lots of topics covered in this one, also hooray episode 10! Utility Bicycle Works in Kingston, NY - Website / Instagram

Few people I've met get to blow off steam quite like Wayne, Lead Pyrotechnist for Legion Fireworks. Whether it's for a Hudson Valley Renegades game, a wedding ceremony, or a community day, we sure do love punctuating a good time with some explosions. It's not all fun and games, but Wayne does have a good time and has managed to be working professionally for 20+ years with all of his fingers intact. Kaboom.  http://www.legionfireworksinc.com http://www.pinballhistory.com  

Olivia Grimsland is building quite the name for herself in the Mid-Hudson Valley area with OG Yoga Studio, and has recently been stepping it up even further taking on the role of Head Coach and Co-Owner at Kingston Athletics. While she takes fitness very seriously, she was gracious enough to stop by and have a fun talk about what motivates her, how her business has grown, and what people can do to make good healthy choices in their lives.  No lawn mower this week, but eagle-eared listeners will notice a train halfway through... that's Kingston for you.  https://www.instagram.com/oliviagrimsland/ https://www.instagram.com/kingstonathletics/ https://www.og-yogastudio.com  

You've got to keep busy, and Cris is very good at staying busy. Between bartending, being an adjunct professor, repairing books, running a comic book business and occasionally hosting his own podcast, he found his way to the studio to talk about how it all fits into the day. Also, the I'm Working Here universe gets a little more connected, for those keeping track at home.  Audio Apologies: I did my best to clean up the sound of a lawnmower and a train (two trains, actually) during this recording, but ... they're still there. Hoping to have something a little more noise-resilient by the end of summer, but we'll see how that goes.  Important links! The Anchor - Kingston, NY : https://theanchorkingston.com World's End Comics : https://www.facebook.com/weckingston/ Rough Draft Bar & Books : https://www.roughdraftny.com Half Moon Books - Kingston, NY : https://halfmoonusedbooks.com  

Fresh off a busy weekend at Mountain Jam, MK is in the studio to talk about her job as a DJ and Music Director at Radio Woodstock, 100.1 WDST. We talk about how she got started, what kinds of stuff she does during her shift, and how new music finds its way into the rotation. All fascinating stuff, with some bonus weird background noises and a whole lot of music suggestions for you to check out afterwards.  Radio Woodstock - WDST : http://www.radiowoodstock.com Afternoons with MK : http://www.radiowoodstock.com/shows/afternoons-with-mk/ Uncledad: https://www.facebook.com/uncledadtheband/ Cold Flavor Repair: http://cfrband.com  

Our first roundtable interview, I got David, Jake and AJ, owners of Union Shave to stop by and talk about how they started their business, what they spend their business and non-business hours doing, and how they keep it fun and interesting. Definitely an eye-opening peek into the operations that keep a shop running successfully.  Apologies if the sound is a little weird in spots, I don't have four broadcast mics, so we rock the handhelds on this one.  http://www.unionshave.comIG - https://www.instagram.com/unionshave/?hl=en  

DJ Ali does weddings, but she does them her own way. She's got two turntables and a microphone... and some speakers, and a couple crates of records. If you find yourself at a DJ Ali gig, you'll hear motown, funk, and once the party really gets going, a good portion of the Trolls soundtrack. So how did Ali decide to zig when everyone else was busy zagging? How does this differentiation play out when booking gigs? What the heck is Kinderdisco? Find out all that and more on this episode of I'm Working Here.  DJ Ali Website - https://www.djalihudsonvalley.com IG - https://www.instagram.com/dj.ali.spins/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/DJ-Ali-200604249995413/?eid=ARBFLBfzOXGjwUMAVWuYLrOf4L2Ck402dPJb0Kcg5gaqdFAIQTKeNBMLAxXXXrC2dSLjb0UfbkHi6A_M KinderDisco Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/593331694350756/  

Merch is important, whether you're in a band, hosting an event, or just trying to drum up support for a good cause. That typically means shirts, and Steven Markota is the man for the job. For years, he's been cranking out memorable designs on high-quality materials that are a mainstay in the Mid-Hudson valley. In this episode, we get a peek into how Boneshaker got started, how it evolved into a record label, and what goes into turning an idea into a design. Steven is a master of screenprinting, and he's our guest on this episode of I'm Working Here.  http://boneshakermmxii.com https://www.instagram.com/boneshakermmxii/ https://www.facebook.com/boneshakermmxii/ https://www.facebook.com/BoneshakerRecordsNY/ https://antilogydesign.com  

Keeta is not a fan of standing still. Making the leap from banker to brewer (with a stopover in law school) isn't exactly a linear career path, but when you hear her explain, it'll all make perfect sense. Today, she's a brewer at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, in Elmsford, NY. On a typical day, she's hauling bags, boiling wort, and taking names. I couldn't be happier to introduce you to Keeta, brewer at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. 

Welcome to the very first episode of I'm Working Here, a podcast about people, jobs, and how they make it all work.   In this first episode, I sit down with Kevin of Live Leash, an independent dog-walking service. We talk about route selection, dog sizes, mysterious vans and shacks full of tacos.