Now We're Talking Darien

A conversation with Jenn Montanaro and Bruce Ferguson from Darien Athletic Foundation about raising $10 million that was gifted to Darien.  We also talk about the founding of DAF Media live streaming network, which is a joint venture of DAF and the Darien Foundation.

In an age of increased focus on both health and social engagement, non-alcoholic beer may just have become cool.  Listen to Bill Shufelt, Darien native, Co-Founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Company, a rapidly growing beverage company talk about his product, inspiration and how he built such a successful business.

After sitting dormant for several years, it's exciting to sit down with the two men finally making this important Darien commercial real estate project a reality.  Meet Jon and Joe Vaccaro, a local father-son duo known professionally as the V20 Group (www.v20group.com).  In this hour-long conversation we cover the size and scope of the Heights Crossing project, located on the former site of the Noroton Heights Shopping Center.  We discuss their plans for the retail, residential and green spaces, parking, a new preschool, the projected impact to the local student population, community response, traffic, the V20 Group's other projects and much more.

Applying to college feels more complicated, more competitive and more stressful than ever before.  But is the competition for the “perfect” application real or only perceived? What do colleges really look for, and are we providing it here in Darien? How are Darien kids stacking up against others across America?  And, what can (or should) we be doing to keep our kids in contention? Independent college consultants Deena Maerowitz and Kristin White have over 30 years of combined experience helping our kids apply to colleges, universities and alternate post-graduate programs that yield the best fit and opportunity for each child. Their depth of knowledge and experience helps us understand today's college application process and how to best navigate it in an increasingly competitive world.  Learn more about Deena and Kristin by visiting their webpages at www.thebertramgroup.com/deena-maerowitz-jd-msw and www.darienacademicadvisors.com Also referenced in this episode is our local Facebook page “Darien/New Canaan College Admissions” started by our guest, Kristin White.

In the final episode of this series, Dr. Danielle Douglas talks about the role of nutrition in supporting our teens' mental health.

Two local clergy members (and one via email) address the role of faith in our teens' mental health.

Two local mental health professionals discuss the interviews heard in the first episode in this series, and the stresses placed on our teens in Darien today.

Three Darien teens bravely share their stories.

Listen to SE Cupp; TV personality, journalist, author and neighbor share her experiences (and challenges) with mental health, fame and identity in the media world.

Our first LIVE podcast... from the Darien Sidewalk Sales!  We covered it all - Great Island, October's “Chamber Jam,” Darien real estate, the local business landscape, politics and the Aug 9 primary, a new youth buddy program and more. Don't miss this one!

The script gets flipped... listen to Liz and Taylor get interviewed by CNN's SE Cupp at the Darien Community Association's Annual Meeting.

Darien's favorite band, the Spadtastics talks with us behind the scenes during a warm-up session.

Let's talk about NO development in Darien!  Listen to the Land Trust discuss how and why they preserve our Town's open spaces.

Hear Bob Gillon discuss his controversial new residential housing project at Parklands.  We talk local control, 8-30g, Planning & Zoning, appeals, overdevelopment... it's all happening here in Darien.  Tune in to learn more.

Dr. Rob Zembroski, cancer survivor, fitness guru and functional medicine specialist discusses ways to take control of your own health in a world dependent on pharmaceuticals.

What's unique about the Darien Foundation?  Ward (Chairman of the Board) and Sarah (Executive Director) explain their mission and describe some of the incredible projects their donors have funded in Darien.

Ben and Trudie explain how their passion for each other and the art of meditation inspire their nationally famous work.

Patrick McMahon (SVP, Development) and Stuart Biel (SVP, Leasing) tell us all about their Noroton Heights development project... with new tenant announcements and timeline updates.

Gina Blum (Executive Director) and Peter Sosnow (Board Member) explain how At Home in Darien helps seniors remain in their homes.

Dan Dolcetti, Craig Flaherty and Reese Hutchison talk to us about the founding of the infamous "Swap Shop" and other cutting-edge recycling efforts happening at the Darien Transfer Station.

Meet the Team behind Darien's flourishing business community!  Kesti Aysseh (Executive Director), Cheryl Williams (Chairman of the Board) and David Wagner (Chairman of the Chamber's Charitable Foundation) discuss their vision for the Chamber and how they inspire Darien to SHOP LOCAL!

Three members of the Thriving Youth Task Force summarize the results of their 2021 Student Survey of mental health and substance abuse habits among Darien teenagers.

Ken talks about his small-batch, handmade cheeses, proprietary olive oils and one-of-a-kind pocket knives, as well as the challenges facing small businesses today.

Dave Brown answers our questions about his candidacy for Board of Education. 

Monica McNally answers our questions about her candidacy for First Selectman. 

Marcy Minnick answers our questions about her candidacy for Selectman. 

Tara Wurm answers our questions about her candidacy for Board of Education. 

Jon Zagrodzky answers our questions about his candidacy for Selectman. 

Jim talks about bias in the media, transparency in government, the future of Metro-North and hot topics for this November's election.

We're 6 months in!  Time to reflect, revamp and revise... tune in to this short episode to hear about upcoming changes to our schedule, content and plans to interview political candidates for the upcoming election.

Marli discusses the YWCA's mission to empower women and eliminate racism, touching on hot topics including school curriculum, gender pronouns and Critical Race Theory.

Heather and Jennifer share stories about the Mather Family and Homestead, a fascinating piece of Darien history, and highlight the generosity of the individuals and community that brought this incredible asset to life.

On the eve of her retirement from The Depot, Janice discusses her more than 30 years of working with kids in Darien... sharing some laughs, tears, wisdom and invaluable advice for parents. 

Coach Forget talks philosophy, apple pie and his outlook for the 2021 season.

Bill talks about his LEGO Gold Store status, time spent in the oil business, and introduces the new Darien Monopoly game!

Amanda Craig, PhD/LMFT discusses the "big feelings" kids and families are facing as we return to another year of school with COVID still in the picture.

Jhonny discusses his professional career, why he started JA Elite and how he helps our kids cultivate their passion for soccer.

Griffin talks about his rise in the music world, life in Darien and finding peace with himself before performing some incredible songs for us, LIVE.

Erika Allen shares her incredible journey in life and business with us-- from knitting tutors to her "white lady dreadlocks," close personal friendships and "going deeper" in the face of adversity.

Joe and Ryan explain how this student-driven emergency response team got started and what their volunteers do for the Darien community.

Dr. Karen Sutton, nationally renowned physician in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Stamford, talks with us about the impact early sports specialization is having on young athletes.

Steve and Jordan explain how the Foundation and the Darien community support our 100% volunteer fire departments.

Tiere Hessert shares her personal story and explains why she started the MamaCollective.

Jeff Kelly and Barb Hazelton of Houlihan Lawrence give us an update on the local real estate market.

Chef Peter Crawford, Tim Stisser and Mark DiBenedetto tell us how the Darien Butcher Shop and their gourmet restaurant, The Charles, came to be.

Dr. Addley talks about the American Dream, leading a new district during COVID and what's to come for Darien's curriculum.

Jen Kuryla and Jim Book talk about the “secret sauce” that makes Darien Youth Lacrosse one of the largest and most successful programs in the nation.

Pastor Gary Morello of Noroton Presbyterian Church talks about his personal journey and helping his community here in Darien.

Chief Don Anderson and Captain Jeremiah Marron share stories and discuss what makes the DPD so successful.

Bob, Brian and Tony tell stories about the luncheonette's early days, Bob's big accident, their mustaches, and where they store all those decorations!

David talks everything from Spadtastics and how he got started, to new zoning legislation and his current project with PG Properties, The Corbin District-- revealing how much strength, collaboration and "Psychic Income" he derives from residents and business owners in Darien.