Why Waite? INNOVATE!

Nurse, Potsdam Town Councilor, and activist, Toni Kennedy, joins the show to discuss why the issue of health care is so near and dear to her heart. We also discuss her advocacy for climate change and good governance, and how they impact the North Country and her constituents. Enjoy!

Antonette Knoedl, Director and Choreographer of The Rocky Horror Show, previews the October 25th and 26th (7:30 pm) performances at The Strand Center for the Arts, including a special midnight showing on Saturday the 26th. What better time to come celebrate Antonette’s 10th Anniversary of “Rocky” direction by singing and dancing to this fun cult classic with all of your friends at The Strand? Enjoy!

Educator, advocate, and humanitarian Mary Lou Leavitt and I discuss how she turned a love of language into an opportunity to communicate with and advocate for a marginalized populations. I hope you’re as inspired by her courage and compassion as I am. Enjoy!

Bonnie Black of BHSN joins the show to discuss her work as director of Employee Assistance Services where she provides organizational development and coaching to local businesses. Bonnie is also an avid volunteer, and Rotarian, where she received the Rotary International “Service Above Self” award. Enjoy!

Roan Yellowthorn is Jackie McLean. Supported by producer and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Strack, she delivers ethereal indie rock songs with a singer/songwriter heart. Please enjoy the interview, as well as two original songs; “Indigo” and “Factory Man”.

Singer, songwriter, performer, writer and multi-instrumentalist Justin Friello stopped by to talk about his musical roots, evolution, expansion and innovation into several mediums. Justin also plays a couple songs; a brand new original song: “Time out”, as well as a beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “How Will I know?” Enjoy!

Executive Director of Plattsburgh Housing Authority and Partner at Capatus, Mark Hamilton, joins the show to discuss his deal making skills, and how he’s worked to improve the North Country since returning from his Hollywood hiatus. Enjoy!

Joining the show today is Dr. Jessamyn Neuhaus PhD, Professor of US History and Popular Culture at SUNY Plattsburgh. A scholar of teaching and learning, 2013’s recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the author of 3 books: “Manly Meals and Mom’s Home Cooking: Cook Books and Gender in Modern America”, “Housework and Housewives in American Advertising: Married to the Mop” and “Geeky Pedagogy: A Guide for Intellectuals, Introverts, and Nerds Who Want to Be Effective Teachers.” Enjoy!

Dr. Craig Hurwitz, MD joins the show to talk about his practice, Northern Nephrology & Hypertension. We also talk about a great weekend of family fun at The Strand, as well as his North Volume music video series “Groovy Humans”. Enjoy!

Cooperative Housing specialist Sarah Martin joins the show to talk about her work organizing and empowering mobile home owners throughout New England, among other contemporary political struggles. Enjoy!

Life on Saturn founder Dom Monette and NAMI-CV peer counselor Audra Green join the show to discuss the importance of art as a healthy and creative outlet, as well as LoS’s epic multimedia variety show “Baldersdash”. Enjoy!

Executive Director of The Strand Center for the Arts Bob Garcia joins the show to discuss his storied history with Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden and how he’s applying his expertise of attracting world class talent to the North Country.

Ironman Triathlete, project specialist at SterRx, and co-owner of Empower fitness & yoga, Mary Duprey, joins the show to discuss how she overcame a number of obstacles to become a world-class triathlete, and world class person.

Dynamic and driven reporter Kelly O’Brien of WCAX joins the podcast to discuss her background in electronic journalism and how she applies her knowledge and experience with social media to research, promote and distribute the day’s top stories.

World Cup alpine skier, three-time Olympian and two-time medalist Andrew Weibrecht joins the show to discuss how intensity, determination and a strong support system helped him become a world class athlete. The recently retired Hall of Fame racer now brings those same qualities to the family business; The Mirror Lake Inn, as well as his own young family. Enjoy!

Metal band Executive Disorder joins the show to discuss their new album “Forever War” and the importance of history, art and storytelling in understanding our violent past and present. Singles include “Amendment XIX” and of course, “Forever War”. Enjoy!

Speaker, consultant, personal and executive coach, Tom J. Bull joins the show to discuss his transformation from “joker and jock” to magna cum laude honors at Syracuse University, as well as his new “Masterminds” collaboration with The Z Group, and forthcoming book “The Walking Stick”. Enjoy!

Transgender woman, disabled athlete and activist Amber Morgan Desjardins joins the show to discuss the motivations behind her transition, running career, and role as a vocal and visible proponent for the rights of LGBTQIA + community.

Insurance agent, podcast host and professional volunteer, Ryan Lee joins the show to discuss how his strong support system and gumption propelled him to success in a number of different fields. Enjoy!

Dynamic north country talent, Joshua Kretser joins the show to discuss how his love and appreciation for the arts took him around the world, and how he’s strived to bring world-class art and culture to the North Country through his own design company; podstudioNYC, his work with The Stand Center for the Arts, his work as city counselor, and now with The Z Group. Enjoy!

Local photographer, videographer and photojournalist Paul Frederick joins the show to discuss his 30 years of documenting the beauty and history of the North Country, which include 2 regional Emmy nominations. Enjoy!

Plattsburgh City Councilor and retired educator Rachelle Armstrong joins the show to discuss her smooth transition from the left coast to the Adirondack coast, lessons learned along the way, as well as her years of public service to the Lake City. Enjoy!

Carol joins the show to talk about her distinguished career as a journalist with ABC’s 20/20 and PBS’s The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. Her resume is highlighted by an Emmy award in 1994. We examine the media landscape; what works, and what worries us. Enjoy!

Vrinda joins the show to talk about the critical issue of mental health, including a few of the unique challenges facing international students. Vrinda “stresses” the importance of therapy and counseling, and utilizing a more holistic view of health and wellness. Enjoy!

Pastor Phil Richards joins the show to discuss his education, his faith, and how the two are inexorably tied to his ongoing work with the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church; Plattsbugh’s best kept secret. Much is discussed in this important and wide-ranging conversation on religion, community and the importance of conversation. Enjoy!

William and Stacia from Curaleaf Plattsburgh joined the show to discuss the innovative and expanding field of medical cannabis. Curaleaf offers safe, high-quality and affordable options to patients throughout New York State and beyond.

Champlain Valley Family Center’s Executive Director, Connie Willie and Prevention Services Director, Nichole Christiansen highlight their recent expansion of services, including their brand new Recovery Campus, as well as the critical importance of treatment and prevention in combating the opioid epidemic.

Sheriff Favro and Matthew discuss Dave’s accomplishments from 36 years in law enforcement, 16 years worth of innovation at the Clinton Country Sheriff’s department and his work with the SPARCC coalition.

Matthew sits down with community leaders and substance abuse advocates Fran Cornell, Patty Waldron and Ed Kirby to discuss how to cope with loss through education, advocacy and support groups, including Fran’s “Never Lose Hope, Learn to Cope.”

Former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey joins the series to highlight her years of public service, a few of the headwinds faced by trailblazing women in the workforce, as well as her work in state government to combat the opioid epidemic.

Northeast Group CEO, MHAB visionary and individual in active recovery, Michael Carpenter joins the show to discuss his personal story of addiction, his road to recovery, and all of the progress made through the SPARCC coalition; including, but not limited to steering committee member, chair of the employer subcommittee, his employer roundtable, the first annual “Live Well, Be Well” event at Macomb Park, and the innovative and groundbreaking MHAB life skills campus here in Plattsburgh.

Richelle Gregory, Director of Community Services for Clinton County Mental Health and Addiction Services, joins the mini-series to discuss the role of trauma on mental health and addiction, and how to lessen the stigma surrounding recovery and trauma.

Assemblyman Jones and I discuss his Chateaugay upbringing , his work in politics, the impact of substance abuse here in the North Country and his response.

Kinetic Running’s Jeremy Drowne joins the show to highlight the many benefits of running. This 3-time winner of the Plattsburgh half-marathon and US National Snowshoe team member explains why he’s investing his time and energy in the culture and community of a healthy and vibrant Plattsburgh. Enjoy!

The heart and soul of Adirondack Regional Theatre, Tom Lavin joins the show to highlight the almost 20 years of local theatre productions, from Godspell, to this weekend’s performance of Arthur Miller’s timeless classic “The Crucible” which will be running at the Strand Center for the Arts from Friday, February 8th through Sunday, February 10th, and starring North Volume Media’s Neil Battinelli as John Proctor. Enjoy!

Township 7 Brewing Company master brewers Nathan Drake and Kyle Henderson join the show to discuss how they turned their passions for craft beer into a business. Located in beautiful Dickinson Center, between Potsdam and Malone, Township 7 boasts a delicious variety of craft beer, including their mouthwatering Deerfly IPA. Cheers!

Scott Allen joins the show to highlight the innovate work of his Architecture, Engineering and Land Surveying Firm; AES Northeast.  For over 30 years, Scott and his team have worked to build and install vital infrastructure throughout the North Country, Adirondack Coast, as well as Northwestern Vermont.  Enjoy!

Why Waite Innovate kicks off season 2 and episode 46 by heading to the mountains; Mountain Spirit Distilling’s Dan Paquin and John Whiteman join the program to discuss their business, the process of turning grain into spirits, as well as what’s next for this dynamic duo.

It’s the end of Season 1 of Why Waite? Innovate! and it’s been one fantastic year! Matthew wants to thank everyone involved and talk about what’s in store for Season 2! Enjoy the holidays everyone and we’ll see you next year!

Jeremiah “Bullfrog” Benjamin and Matthew discuss faith, mental health and his new gig as account executive and promoter for local radio station 97.9 The Moose, 103.7 WPLB and 107.1 WPLA who are giving away $10,000 December 15th 2018 between 1-3pm at Clinton Community College.

Tenzin and Matthew discuss his youth in The Kingdom of Bhutan, his immigration to the US and his local restaurants; Himalaya and Cafe Himalaya.

Tracy and Matthew discuss her Midwestern upbringing, her playwriting Bona Fides and her small business; Chapter One Coffee + Tea located in The Plattsburgh Public Library.

Lindsay and Matthew discuss her North Country upbringing, realizing her life’s goal of becoming a realtor, now with The Z Group, as well as her beekeeping campaign to save the world.

Dena stops by Why Waite? Innovate to discuss her North Country roots, starting + expanding her business, Archer Bodyworks, and the importance of kindness, travel and manifesting positivity in order to achieve your goals.

Founder Damian Battinelli as well as producers Neil Battinelli and Jarred Vislocky join the show to discuss the new North Volume; new personnel, new shows, new mediums and soon to be, a new location.

Business owner and candidate for St. Lawrence County Legislature - District 11, Nance Arquiett joins the show to discuss 2 Mama Birds Custom Jewelry Boutique as well as her campaign for St. Lawrence County Legislature.

Kyle Dyer and Dean Jolly join the program to discuss their North Country roots, their rock n roll past and their current innovation; Sip tapas bar and restaurant located at 14 Margaret Street in downtown Plattsburgh.

Tom McNichols comes on Why Waite? Innovate to talk about his expertise in classical voice performance, carpentry and NYC real estate. No big deal! The wood lab in Keeseville was also highlighted in the premiere issue of North Volume Magazine.

Ashley Taylor joins Why Waite? Innovate to talk about her early move to the North Country, her history of food preparations and how that translated into Plattsburgh’s premier destination for breakfast sandwiches, The Bagel Pit.

Howard Jennings Jr comes in the studio to discuss his upbringing in Cliff Haven, his 40 years in special education and his world class photography.

Giovanina Bucci comes in the studio to discuss her band, Nina’s Brew and their incredible weekend of music by Lake Champlain, her recent art show “From The Earth” at Vesco Ridge Vineyards, as well as her journey to find herself.