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Jill Christman is a 2020 NEA Prose Fellow and the author of If This Were Fiction: A Love Story in Essays and two memoirs, Darkroom: A Family Exposure and Borrowed Babies: Apprenticing for Motherhood, and The Heart Folds Early: A Memoir. In today's episode, Jill and Annmarie discuss healthcare, heartaches, and how to make it through when the thing we fear most comes true. Bookstore Spotlights: Barrett Bookstore – The oldest and largest independent bookstore in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Woman-founded in 1939 and woman-owned today, Barrett booksellers develop relationships with authors (hosting many events like our yearly Ladies of Summer panel), partnerships with local schools and libraries, and friendships with our loyal patrons. Visit Barrett in Darien, CT or at barrettbookstore.com. Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at newtonvillebooks.com. Titles by Jill Christman: If This Were Fiction: A Love Story in Essays Darkroom: A Family Exposure Borrowed Babies: Apprenticing for Motherhood The Heart Folds Early: A Memoir. Follow Jill Christman: Instagram: @jillchristmanwriter Bluesky: @jillchristman.bsky.social Substack: @riverteethjill jillchristman.com **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Regina Calderone didn't follow a blueprint. She followed her passion and it led her somewhere she never expected.In this episode, Hugs sits down with his friend Regina, founder of RCP Team, a full-service high-volume youth sports and school photography company based in Fairfield County, Connecticut. In just three years, Regina grew her business by over 300% and then grew it another 75% after that.But the numbers aren't what makes this story remarkable. It's everything she was carrying while building it. Regina opens up about leaving a marriage where she felt invisible, rediscovering herself at her very first photography conference, and how it took 18 months of hard inner work to become strong enough to walk away and start over — with two kids and a brand new business in tow.She also shares how she went from never having run a mile in her life to completing a half Iron Man in September 2024.This episode is for the women building quietly. For anyone who's been called selfish for putting themselves first. For every person who's said "I'm not ready yet" when really, the only thing left to do is show up.
Selling a home in Greenwich, Connecticut is not like selling anywhere else. The buyers are sophisticated, the stakes are high, and the margin for error is zero. In this episode of the CT Real Estate Edge Podcast, Rob Weinberg sits down with Jennifer Leahy, one of the most accomplished luxury real estate agents in the country, to talk about what it actually takes to move high-end properties in Fairfield County and beyond. Jennifer leads the Jennifer Leahy Team at Compass, consistently ranked the number one team in Connecticut by Real Trends. With over $1.25 billion in career sales and a client list that spans some of the most discerning buyers and sellers in the tri-state area, Jennifer offers a perspective on the luxury market that is rare, candid, and deeply practical. This conversation goes beyond the price tags. Jennifer and Rob dig into the psychology of the ultra-luxury transaction, the marketing strategies that actually move eight and nine-figure properties, and why selling at the top of the market demands a completely different playbook. If you are thinking about buying or selling at the upper end of the Connecticut market, this is the episode that will change how you think about the process. Connect with Jennifer on Instagram : @jenniferleahyhomes
Westfair Communications hosted its 2026 C-Suite Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains, NY. The evening celebrated outstanding senior executives and organizations across Fairfield and Westchester Counties, highlighting the visionary strategies and innovative initiatives driving the local economy. It brought together regional leaders and decision-makers to honor stories of resilience and leadership, emphasizing how individual business success helps elevate the entire community.Glen LeBlanc, Chief Lending Officer at Fairfield County Bank, shared his insights with host Joan Franzino during the celebration. Glen, who manages a team of lenders and administrative assistants to finance businesses and commercial real estate projects across Westchester and Connecticut, detailed his long career which uniquely included a 12-year stint as a "junk man" in his family's salvage yard business. He emphasized that his hands-on experience running a family business gave him a profound understanding of what business owners undergo to maintain operations, purchase inventory, and make payroll, allowing him to better serve his banking clients today.
The 20th annual Swim Across America - Fairfield County's open water swim is happening June 20, so we'll welcome back the event's director to prep you to be part of one of the largest open water events in the tri-state area, attracting hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and spectators to support the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.
Dave Hidalgo is the proud owner of DHS Home Improvement based in CT. He took a leap of faith 19 years ago leaving his native country, Costa Rica, and his loving family, to follow a dream and take his experience and creativity to a new level. With a work visa in hand, he left for new horizons and to chase a dream. In his interview, he illustrates his journey and shares that he first learned about furniture design and construction from his father who began teaching him when Dave was just 7 years old. He describes the first piece he created and that he still possesses, and how in a recent conversation on the phone with his mother she reminisced and recalled the many pieces of furniture he made for their family home over the years. For the last 11 years, he has been on his own, building his business with one referral to another. His reputation, one of honesty, integrity and impeccable attention to detail, makes him highly sought after in Fairfield County. He fondly remembers how his journey in the U.S. started and offers a respectful message of gratitude for having mentors helping him along the way. Dave offers excellent advice to new entrepreneurs and incorporates an important reminder about maintaining personal health while balancing the demands of business ownership. A true family man committed to his wife and two children, he shares that it can often be difficult to balance his business responsibilities with his desire to not miss the day-to-day school activities and memorable milestones. This conversation showcases a beautiful story of an immigrant with a dream to pursue his passion to create, bring joy into his customers homes, and to build a life and future for his family.
The 20th annual Swim Across America - Fairfield County's open water swim is happening June 20, so we'll welcome back the event's director to prep you to be part of one of the largest open water events in the tri-state area, attracting hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and spectators to support the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.Then, we'll celebrate the 40th Anniversary of New Horizons Village and its mission supporting a caring and independent lifestyle for hundreds of residents across its facilities. Hear from two of the organizations leaders about how New Horizons has always been ahead of its time when it comes to innovative programs and services.And we'll close with a focus on Pride Month, welcoming back a rep from the Bridgeport Pride Center which is hosting its 16th annual Greater Bridgeport Pride celebration later this month. Learn how you can be part of GBP's hallmark Pride March, which is expanding with a pre-march rally featuring elected officials and community speakers, plus some exciting entertainment.
This week we sit down with serial entrepreneur Dominick DiFilippo — Leader of the Empire Team with Keller Williams, Founder of AccountaBuddy, and Owner of Empire Sound. From real estate success in Hudson Valley, NY and Fairfield County, CT to building multiple businesses and Dominick shares the mindset and work ethic behind the hustle. Instagram: @Domdifilippo Website: https://www.empireteam.com/agents/Dominick-DiFilippo/8821367 Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here! https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/ https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast
Priya Parmar is the author of the novel, Vanessa and Her Sister, a New York Times Notable Book, and her latest novel, The Original, is out now. In today's episode, Annmarie and Priya discuss their shared obsession with movie star, Katharine Hepburn, gender norms in old Hollywood, and how to know when a book is really finished. Bookstore Spotlights: Barrett Bookstore – The oldest and largest independent bookstore in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Woman-founded in 1939 and woman-owned today, Barrett booksellers develop relationships with authors (hosting many events like our yearly Ladies of Summer panel), partnerships with local schools and libraries, and friendships with our loyal patrons. Visit Barrett in Darien, CT or at barrettbookstore.com. Newtonville Books – An independent bookstore located at 10 Langley Rd, in Newton, Massachusetts -- in the old stone building at the north corner of the triangle parking lot. Come for the books. Stay for the books. And learn more and shop online at newtonvillebooks.com. Titles by Priya Parmar: Exit the Actress Vanessa and Her Sister The Original Additional Titles Mentioned in This Episode: The Foursome, by Christina Baker Kline Desk Set The Philadelphia Story Adam's Rib Sylvia Scarlett Follow Priya Parmar: Facebook: @priyaparmar Instagram: @priyaparmarwriting Substack: Plum Bean Notes @priyaparmarwriting priyaparmar.net **Writing Workshops: If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing together, please consider the opportunities below. For women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For almost 40 years, Pacific House has been responding to the needs of men and young adults who struggle with homelessness in Fairfield County. CEO and President of the organization, Carmen Colon, sat down at the Elm Street Diner with Melissa as part of the WICC Brown Roofing Melissa In The Morning Diner Tour.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Julia Douglas, Community Relations Officer, Newtown Savings Bank, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Julie explained how the bank's mutual structure allows her to focus on long-term community investments rather than shareholder returns. She discussed her work in affordable housing, financial literacy, and the importance of hiring leaders who understand the non-profit sector.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Catniss Locati from 25 Van Zant spoke with host Joan Franzino. Catinissi shared her unique career path of solving real-world problems through fine art, including her work in medical pigment tattooing for cancer survivors. She also discussed her new venture into sustainable technology, specifically developing hydrogen-powered mini-grids for eco-friendly data centers.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Bobbi Brown, CEO, #100 GirlsLeadingInc, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Bobbi discussed the mission of her non-profit to provide "interactive mentorship" to girls in Bridgeport. She emphasized the importance of showing young women career opportunities in diverse fields like the trades, medical science, and entrepreneurship to help them build their own legacies.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Symphony Paris, anchor Fox 61-Hartford, Hartford spoke with host Joan Franzino. Symphony was there supporting her husband, Corey Paris, State Representative & Chief Impact Officer at Person to Person. She discussed her husband's dual commitment to legislative advocacy and grassroots social service. She highlighted his efforts to address food and housing insecurity through "Person to Person" and his legislative work regarding DCF reforms.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Taylor Benedict, Director of Operations, Coastal Connecticut Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, spoke with host Andrew Castellano. Taylor discussed her transition from a career in elementary education to healthcare leadership. She emphasized that her management style is rooted in building a supportive internal culture, noting that her success is defined by her team's ability to thrive.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Matthew Mandell, Executive Director, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Matthew described his work creating "Business-to-Consumer" platforms, such as the "Slice of Saugatuck" and the annual Dog Festival, to physically bring residents into local shops. He also touched upon his run for State Representative, focusing on the need for local control over development and infrastructure.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Paul Lutsky, Commercial Lender, Fairfield County Bank, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Paul recounted his 15-year career journey, starting as an intern at a single-branch bank where he learned the business from the ground up. He discussed the current regional boom in commercial and mixed-use real estate and the bank's role in supporting small business owners like landscapers and restaurateurs.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Karla Checo, Founder, KGC Consulting, spoke with host Joan Franzino, Karla spoke about launching her firm at the start of the 2020 pandemic to help small businesses navigate complex financial reporting and payroll. She highlighted her background in construction management and credited the local Chamber of Commerce for helping her grow from a solo operation into a thriving consultancy.
Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County's 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Deirdre Valinski, Director of Radiography, Sacred Heart University spoke with host Joan Franzino. Deirdre discussed moving from a decade of clinical work as an X-ray and CT technician into her role as an assistant professor and program director. She shared the challenges and rewards of balancing academia with her continued clinical practice as a Registered Radiologist Assistant.
Kyle breaks down one of the most overlooked real estate problems in the restaurant industry right now: the off-premise lease mismatch. Over 50% of restaurant revenue is now coming from delivery and takeout, but most leases are still written for a dining-room-first business model. That gap is costing operators real money in ways that never show up on a P&L. Questions this episode answers:Should I pay for a high-visibility corner location if most of my revenue is delivery and takeout?How does off-premise dining affect my restaurant lease strategy?What should I negotiate for in a lease if my concept is delivery and pickup-heavy?How do I use my DoorDash or Uber Eats data to pick my next restaurant location?What lease provisions should I ask for to support third-party delivery drivers?Is visibility still worth paying for if most of my customers are ordering online?Actionable TakeawaysPull your sales mix from your POS before your next lease negotiation. Know your dine-in vs. off-premise split down to the percentage.If you're 50%+ off-premise, your rent ask should reflect that visibility is worth less to your model.Negotiate for pickup staging and dedicated short-term parking for third-party drivers in your LOI, not as an afterthought. Look at your DoorDash and Uber Eats dashboards as a site selection heat map. Chapters00:00 — Client story: 60% takeout, main & main rent02:37 — What this episode is about05:38 — The off-premise lease mismatch07:12 — Why your lease was built for a business you no longer run11:30 — Kitchen layout as a real estate problem13:48 — The pickup experience: when the driver walks into your dining room15:17 — What to negotiate: staging, parking, and driver flow20:32 — Dedicated parking for third-party drivers — put it in your LOI21:24 — The flip side: where off-premise is actually a negotiating advantage25:32 — Your delivery data as a site selection tool28:38 — How to bring this into your next lease negotiation32:00 — The new lease checklist for off-premise operatorsWho This Episode Is ForAny restaurant operator or multi-unit owner with a lease coming up for renewal, a new site under consideration, or a delivery-heavy business model they haven't fully integrated into their real estate strategy. Restaurant Real Estate Profitability CalculatorRun the numbers on your next location before you commit:https://calculator-app-softmind-solutions-projects.vercel.app/Lease Reviewhttps://stan.store/KyleInserra/p/lease-reviewLOI / Pre-Signing Reviewhttps://stan.store/KyleInserra/p/presigning-site-loilease-review
St. Vincent's Medical Center Comprehensive Stroke Center just earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval, raising the bar in patient safety and quality of care in Fairfield County! Jon got a behind the scenes look!
The American Lung Association released its 27th annual “State of the Air” report, which finds that nearly half of the children in the U.S. are breathing unhealthy levels of air pollution, including more than 700,000 kids in Connecticut. We spoke with Ruth Canovy, Director of Advocacy of the American Lung Association, about the specific findings in our state and learned why Fairfield County is still getting a failing grade.For more information: State of the Air | American Lung Association
The sixth annual Fashionably Westport event showcases locally-owned retailers while raising money for a Westport-based non-profit, Homes for Hope.Helen, President and CEO of Homes for Hope, shared the mission of this organization addressing homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County. We also spoke with Annette, owner of Savvy + Grace, one of the stores being highlighted during the fashion show Saturday April 25th. For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashionably-westport-2026-tickets-1984196220308?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobileTo support Homes for Hope: https://www.hwhct.org/
Not Just a Chiropractor for Stamford, Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan
Are you tired of retreating to a dark room every time a migraine strikes? If you've tried standard chiropractic adjustments, dietary triggers, and dark-room isolation with no permanent relief, it's time to look at the "second brain."In this episode, Dr. Brian McKay of Core Health Darien dives deep into the emerging science of the gut-brain axis. Research now shows that nearly 70% of migraine sufferers also experience significant gastrointestinal issues. But this isn't just a coincidence—it's a biological link. We explore the role of Metabolic Endotoxemia and how a "leaky gut" allows toxins to enter your bloodstream, sensitizing the trigeminal nerve and triggering debilitating pain.Dr. McKay breaks down the Total Gut Restoration protocol, a three-step system designed to recondition, reinforce, and rebuild your gut barrier using MegaSporeBiotic, MegaPre, and MegaMucosa. Learn how addressing gut dysbiosis has been clinically shown to reduce migraine frequency by up to 45%.Whether you're in Darien, New Canaan, or anywhere in Fairfield County, this episode provides a roadmap to stop managing symptoms and start addressing the root cause of your headaches. Tune in to discover why fixing your gut might be the missing piece in your migraine puzzle. Core Health Darien551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820203-656-3636This podcast welcomes your feedback here are several ways to reach out to me. If you have a topic you would like to hear about send me a message. I appreciate your listening. Dr. Brian Mc Kayhttps://twitter.com/DarienChiro/https://www.facebook.com/ChiropractorBrianMckayhttps://chiropractor-darien-dr-brian-mckay.business.sitehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-just-chiropractor-for-stamford-darien-norwalk-new/id1503674397?uo=4Core Health Darien-Dr.Brian Mc Kay 551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820203-656-363641.0833695 -73.46652073GMP+87 Darien, Connecticuthttps://youtu.be/WpA__dDF0O041.0834196 -73.46423349999999https://darienchiropractor.comhttps://darienchiropractor.com/darien/darien-ct-understanding-pain/Find us on Social Mediahttps://chiropractor-darien-dr-brian-mckay.business.site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNHc0Hn85Iiet56oGUpX8rwhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nJ9wlvg2Tne8257paDkkIBEyIz-oZZYy/edit#gid=517721981https://goo.gl/maps/js6hGWvcwHKBGCZ88https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=Uhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darienchiropractorhttps://www.facebook.com/ChiropractorBrianMckayhttps://sites.google.com/view/corehealthdarien/https://sites.google.com/view/corehealthdarien/home
Not Just a Chiropractor for Stamford, Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan
Neuropathy@CoreHealthIn this episode, we dive deep into the reality of recovering from peripheral neuropathy and what it truly takes to see lasting results. While clinical treatments are essential, the real breakthrough happens when patients take ownership of their healing journey at home. We explain why your daily habits and "doing your part" are the missing pieces to optimizing your recovery.We also tackle a common misconception: the role of medication. For many, prescription drugs rarely provide the relief they promise; instead, they often mask symptoms while introducing a host of new issues and side effects.If you're looking for a different path, Neuropathy@CoreHealth is proud to be Fairfield County's leading provider of neuropathic relief. Discover how our Precision Nerve Reset Program, combined with your commitment at home, can help you regain your quality of life.Neuropathy@CoreHealthThis podcast welcomes your feedback here are several ways to reach out to me. If you have a topic you would like to hear about send me a message. I appreciate your listening. Dr. Brian Mc Kayhttps://twitter.com/DarienChiro/https://www.facebook.com/ChiropractorBrianMckayhttps://chiropractor-darien-dr-brian-mckay.business.sitehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-just-chiropractor-for-stamford-darien-norwalk-new/id1503674397?uo=4Core Health Darien-Dr.Brian Mc Kay 551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820203-656-363641.0833695 -73.46652073GMP+87 Darien, Connecticuthttps://youtu.be/WpA__dDF0O041.0834196 -73.46423349999999https://darienchiropractor.comhttps://darienchiropractor.com/darien/darien-ct-understanding-pain/Find us on Social Mediahttps://chiropractor-darien-dr-brian-mckay.business.site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNHc0Hn85Iiet56oGUpX8rwhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nJ9wlvg2Tne8257paDkkIBEyIz-oZZYy/edit#gid=517721981https://goo.gl/maps/js6hGWvcwHKBGCZ88https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=Uhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darienchiropractorhttps://www.facebook.com/ChiropractorBrianMckayhttps://sites.google.com/view/corehealthdarien/https://sites.google.com/view/corehealthdarien/home
On March 13th, members of the Greenwich Chamber Of Commerce started their morning with great conversation, fresh coffee, and valuable insights as the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast with Sean Scanlon, Comptroller of the State Of Connecticut. It was an engaging discussion held at the beautiful Greenwich Water Club. Comptroller Scanlon shared updates on Connecticut's finances, what current trends could mean for the legislative session, and highlights impactful programs from his office - including MyCTSavings, the state-facilitated retirement savings program for employers, and ArrayRx, a free digital prescription discount card.Fairfield County Talk Radio was on hand for this informative, community-focused conversation.In this episode, Bob Marrone speaks with Heather Keane, Owner of Visiting Angels, about the vital role Visiting Angels plays in supporting seniors and families within the Fairfield County community. Heather shares the personal story behind the business and explains how their non-medical home care services help seniors age safely and independently.
On March 13th, members of the Greenwich Chamber Of Commerce started their morning with great conversation, fresh coffee, and valuable insights as the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast with Sean Scanlon, Comptroller of the State Of Connecticut. It was an engaging discussion held at the beautiful Greenwich Water Club. Comptroller Scanlon shared updates on Connecticut's finances, what current trends could mean for the legislative session, and highlights impactful programs from his office - including MyCTSavings, the state-facilitated retirement savings program for employers, and ArrayRx, a free digital prescription discount card.Fairfield County Talk Radio was on hand for this informative, community-focused conversation.In this episode, Bob Marrone explores the world of residential flooring with Troy Heidenberg, Franchise Owner of Floor Coverings International. As a third-generation flooring professional, Troy shares his expertise on the most popular flooring trends in Fairfield County and explains how his business simplifies the renovation process for homeowners.
Edith Targonski arrived to the United States from Peru when she was 19 years old. Her sister had arrived a few years before and she was so happy about being reunited with her, but unhappy to speak English. She had visited the U.S. numerous times prior to her move but didn't know much English and lacked confidence in her speaking skills. She soon met a fellow immigrant from Poland, who arrived at 17 years old with his parents. They fell in love and got married. Edith and her husband created a beautiful family blending and honoring their individual cultures from South America and Poland, while building their own family traditions. They learned English and raised their children in an English speaking household but also exposed their children to Spanish and Polish for them to have the opportunity to communicate with their grandparents and broaden their horizons. Since arriving twenty seven years ago, Edith has been very motivated to learn, grow her career and serve the community. She earned a special education degree from Sacred Heart Univ, and was an effective classroom teacher for many years. Currently, she serves as a passionate advocate for families who have children with special needs. She is a business development consultant. She has been a dedicated volunteer to many organizations, giving credit to her father for her need to give back and learning this from watching him. She has graduated about 9 senior citizens who have achieved citizenship under her tutelage at the Stamford Senior Center. She currently serves in the role of Editor-in-Chief of Latincolors magazine, which is a bilingual magazine that is widely circulated throughout Fairfield County, CT. and Westchester County, NY. The mission of Latincolors is to bridge both geographical and cultural communities and celebrate the accomplishments and endeavors of the people, agencies, groups and organizations making a positive impact in the community. It is available in both English and Spanish and is a free publication and available online. Like many other guests on the podcast, she was enrolled in the PLTI (Parent Leadership Training Institute). She has been a facilitator for People Empowering People-PEP and currently serves on the Design Team. In addition, she serves on numerous other boards in the community, all of them serving the immigrant and Latin communities in different ways, while raising her 3 children to be passionate, giving and kind people.
Erin Somers discusses with Ivan six things which should be better known. Erin Somers is a reporter and news editor at Publishers Lunch. Her first novel, Stay Up with Hugo Best was a Vogue Best Book of the Year in 2019. Her writing has appeared in the New Yorker, Paris Review, New York Times Book Review, New Republic, New York Magazine, Atlantic, Esquire, GQ, Best American Short Stories and many other publications. She has been the recipient of an Emerging Writer Fellowship from the NYC Centre for Fiction, a fellowship from the Millay Colony, and was a 2020 finalist for a National Magazine Award. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley with her family. Her new novel is The Ten Year Affair, which is available at https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-ten-year-affair-erin-somers/7940888?ean=9781837264568&next=t. The record Entrance Music by Okonski https://okonski.bandcamp.com/album/entrance-music The author Max Apple https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/books/review/Hodgman-t.html The film 101 Reykjavik https://www.theguardian.com/film/News_Story/Critic_Review/Observer_review/0,,501343,00.html This recording of October in the Railroad Earth by Jack Kerouac and Stephen Allen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hjPZpaXNsw The Codex Seriphinianus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Seraphinianus Colony Pizza in Fairfield County, Connecticut https://colonygrill.com/ This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
It's about to get really cold in our region again this weekend. The latest in the saga over monopole construction in Fairfield County. A new measure expands NASA research on Long Island. Plus, breaking down the tech bills being discussed by Connecticut lawmakers.
Wendy Walker is the USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense novels. Her work has been translated into over twenty-three foreign languages and has been optioned for television and film. She is a former attorney and investment banker. When she was a teenager, she trained with Olympic coach Carlo Fassi at the Broadmoor training facility in Colorado Springs. Her experiences were part of the inspiration for BLADE, which Thomas & Mercer will publish 2/1/26. Wendy is the mother of three grown sons and lives in Fairfield County, CT.Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network#podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #wendywalker #audible #amazonpublishing
Wendy Walker is the USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense novels. Her work has been translated into over twenty-three foreign languages and has been optioned for television and film. She is a former attorney and investment banker. When she was a teenager, she trained with Olympic coach Carlo Fassi at the Broadmoor training facility in Colorado Springs. Her experiences were part of the inspiration for BLADE, which Thomas & Mercer will publish 2/1/26. Wendy is the mother of three grown sons and lives in Fairfield County, CT. Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #wendywalker #audible #amazonpublishing
Host Paul Pacelli spent most of Friday's "Connecticut Today" talking about U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon being "disinvited" from a Fairfield County elementary school (00:24). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso also dropped by with his weekly update (15:11)
We're continuing our look back at some of the most important For the People segments of 2025 and we'll start with: Preservation Connecticut - which turned 50 this year. Tune in and check out how they're going to continue sustaining and preserving critical buildings, sites, even social and cultural practices that helped shape the state we live in. Then we'll replay our visit with the Women's Mentoring Network. This nonprofit serving Fairfield County and beyond, is providing foundational skills for individuals to secure better employment options and encouraging individuals to seek educational opportunities as they look to become economically empowered. And we'll close replaying our introduction of Art Pharmacy - an organization becoming active in Connecticut enabling personalized social prescribing services with healthcare, university, corporate, and government partners to address the nation's most intractable health challenges.
When you solve one real problem brilliantly, it can unlock five more and add an entire category. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Shawn Nelson, Founder and CEO of LoveSac, who shares how a homemade “not-beanbag” snowballed into a NASDAQ-listed company with 300+ locations, a logistics moat, and the best-selling sectional platform in the U.S. He breaks down the invention mindset, LoveSac's sustainability-by-design philosophy, and why products must be designed for life to win long term. Key Takeaways: → Why logistics matter and how they can be used as your hidden superpower. → Building a product that can evolve allows it to stay relevant for decades. → Why sustainability and durability beat planned obsolescence. → Why building your own channel proves demand for your product. → If products last, growth must come from new rooms, categories, and features. Shawn Nelson is the founder and CEO of LoveSac, Inc. He graduated from the University of Utah and founded LoveSac in 1998, initially creating his first “not-bean bag” from shredded foam camp mattresses. Nelson quickly gained traction, securing an order for 12,000 Lovesacs from Limited Too, and later opening his first retail location in 2001. In 2003, he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Nelson also appeared on Richard Branson's The Rebel Billionaire in 2005, winning a $1 million investment, and spent three months as acting president of Virgin companies. Shawn expanded LoveSac's product line to include the world's only changeable sectional couch. He earned his master's degree in strategic design and management from Parsons in 2015, where he also became a part-time instructor. That same year, he appeared on Make Me a Millionaire Inventor and delivered the keynote at the 40 Under 40 awards for Fairfield County, Connecticut. In 2018, he took LoveSac public, with shares debuting on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LOVE.” Connect With Shawn: Website: https://www.lovesac.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac X: https://x.com/shawnoflovesac LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When you solve one real problem brilliantly, it can unlock five more and add an entire category. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Shawn Nelson, Founder and CEO of LoveSac, who shares how a homemade “not-beanbag” snowballed into a NASDAQ-listed company with 300+ locations, a logistics moat, and the best-selling sectional platform in the U.S. He breaks down the invention mindset, LoveSac's sustainability-by-design philosophy, and why products must be designed for life to win long term. Key Takeaways: → Why logistics matter and how they can be used as your hidden superpower. → Building a product that can evolve allows it to stay relevant for decades. → Why sustainability and durability beat planned obsolescence. → Why building your own channel proves demand for your product. → If products last, growth must come from new rooms, categories, and features. Shawn Nelson is the founder and CEO of LoveSac, Inc. He graduated from the University of Utah and founded LoveSac in 1998, initially creating his first “not-bean bag” from shredded foam camp mattresses. Nelson quickly gained traction, securing an order for 12,000 Lovesacs from Limited Too, and later opening his first retail location in 2001. In 2003, he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Nelson also appeared on Richard Branson's The Rebel Billionaire in 2005, winning a $1 million investment, and spent three months as acting president of Virgin companies. Shawn expanded LoveSac's product line to include the world's only changeable sectional couch. He earned his master's degree in strategic design and management from Parsons in 2015, where he also became a part-time instructor. That same year, he appeared on Make Me a Millionaire Inventor and delivered the keynote at the 40 Under 40 awards for Fairfield County, Connecticut. In 2018, he took LoveSac public, with shares debuting on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LOVE.” Connect With Shawn: Website: https://www.lovesac.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac X: https://x.com/shawnoflovesac LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Some people may need a hand, and we all have a hand to give.” That's the mission of the Shoulder Check initiative created through the HT40 Foundation. The nonprofit based in Fairfield County was made in honor of the late Hayden Thorsen and what started as a simple hockey showcase has caught the attention of even the NHL. We spoke with Rob Thorsen, Founder and Executive Director of Shoulder Check. For more information: https://www.shouldercheck.org/ Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff
One person is dead and nine are hospitalized after possible carbon monoxide poisoning in Central Ohio's Fairfield County; body found after Toledo house fire may be that of a missing woman; ODOT proposes a major project near Cleveland; additional details released in the termination of Ohio University's football coach.
There's a case of measles in Connecticut. The Department of Health confirmed the case involved an unvaccinated child in Fairfield County. It's the state's first in more than four years. We talked to Dr. Browne about measles, RSV, flu and covid cases on the rise in Connecticut. Image Courtesy of Griffin Health
Not Just a Chiropractor for Stamford, Darien, Norwalk and New Canaan
Ageless Athletic Knee Reset The Ageless Athlete Knee Reset (6 Weeks): Start 2026 Without Knee Pain “Do your knees hurt when you walk, go down stairs, stand up, play pickleball, golf, or even just get out of bed? If so, I want you to know something important: It's NOT aging. It's NOT inevitable. And it's absolutely NOT too late to fix.” “I'm Dr. Brian McKay from Core Health Darien. For over 35 years, I've helped hundreds of people in Fairfield County get out of knee pain without drugs, injections, or surgery. But the truth is—most knee treatments out there fail because they only mask symptoms.” “Maybe you've tried cortisone shots… gel shots… braces… rest… NSAIDs… even physical therapy. But you're still in pain. You're still avoiding stairs. You're still modifying your golf swing. You're still sitting on the sidelines.” “But what if you could feel 10–20 years younger in your knees… in just 6 weeks? What if you could start the New Year MOVING the way you want to — not the way your pain forces you to?” “I want to introduce you to the Ageless Athlete Knee Reset, a 6-week knee restoration program designed for active adults who refuse to slow down. This is NOT more injections. NOT more painkillers. And NOT another ‘wait and see' program.” 1. Knee on Trac Joint Decompression Opens compressed joints and reduces pressure. 2. Trigenics Neuromuscular Activation Reboots weak or inhibited muscles so the knee tracks properly. 3. ESWT Shockwave Therapy Breaks up scar tissue and stimulates natural healing. 4. Low-Level Laser Therapy Reduces inflammation and speeds cellular repair. 5. BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) Strength Training Builds stabilizing muscles safely, even when painful exercise isn't an option. “These therapies work together to restore youthful knee mechanics — the same mechanics you had long before arthritis, injuries, or years of wear and tear took over.” “If you want 2026 to be the year you move better, feel younger, and finally conquer your fitness goals — this is your moment. Schedule your $99 session. Start your comeback.” Darien — Ageless Athlete Ageless Athlete Knee Reset Program special offer $99 click the link in the description below (203) 656-3636Dr.Brian McKay Core Health Darien551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820 203-656-3636This podcast welcomes your feedback here are several ways to reach out to me. If you have a topic you would like to hear about send me a message. I appreciate your listening. Dr. Brian Mc Kayhttps://twitter.com/DarienChiro/https://www.facebook.com/ChiropractorBrianMckayhttps://chiropractor-darien-dr-brian-mckay.business.sitehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-just-chiropractor-for-stamford-darien-norwalk-new/id1503674397?uo=4Core Health Darien-Dr.Brian Mc Kay 551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820203-656-363641.0833695 -73.46652073GMP+87 Darien, Connecticuthttps://youtu.be/WpA__dDF0O041.0834196 -73.46423349999999https://darienchiropractor.comhttps://darienchiropractor.com/darien/darien-ct-understanding-pain/Find us on Social Mediahttps://chiropractor-darien-dr-brian-mckay.business.site https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNHc0Hn85Iiet56oGUpX8rwhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nJ9wlvg2Tne8257paDkkIBEyIz-oZZYy/edit#gid=517721981https://goo.gl/maps/js6hGWvcwHKBGCZ88https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=Uhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darienchiropractorhttps://www.facebook.com/ChiropractorBrianMckayhttps://sites.google.com/view/corehealthdarien/https://sites.google.com/view/corehealthdarien/home
One of the last things you need to worry about if you or a loved one needs expensive durable medical equipment or certain medical supplies is out of pocket costs. So, we want to introduce you to the founder of Wheel It Forward, an innovative Fairfield County nonprofit that provides a durable medical equipment lending service and more - all at no direct cost.
We're reconnecting with our community partners at Abilis, and celebrating the opening of the agency's first medical model residential home in Fairfield County for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. Tune in and hear about the journey toward completion of this fully accessible residence and why Connecticut will need a lot more of them in the near future.
One of the last things you need to worry about if you or a loved one needs expensive durable medical equipment or certain medical supplies is out of pocket costs. So to open the show today, we want to introduce you to the founder of Wheel It Forward, an innovative Fairfield County nonprofit that provides a durable medical equipment lending service and more - all at no direct cost. Then we'll reconnect with our community partners at Abilis, which is celebrating the opening of its first medical model residential home in Fairfield County for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. Tune in and hear about the journey toward completion of this fully accessible residence and more. And we'll close circling back as promised with the New England Rural Health Association. We'll recap their recent conference which was held here in Connecticut, and learn about how our state may benefit from the organization's recently announced Rural Health Transformation Program.
The saga over taller monopoles in Fairfield County continues. Brookhaven officials vote to close the controversial Holtsville Zoo. New research shows coastal flooding in our region could spell trouble for public health. Plus, a conversation with WSHU music host Lauren Rico.
A decision to keep taller monopoles out of Fairfield County will probably stay. Inside Governor Hochul's meeting with New York City's mayor-elect. Plus, the findings of an investigation into Connecticut's car towing businesses.
Send us a textThis week on Here's What We Know, we welcome voiceover artist and creative powerhouse Gina Scarpa. You may not recognize her face, but you've definitely heard her voice, from radio airwaves to major video games and promos for brands you know by heart.Gina opens up about her journey from hand-delivering cassette tapes to radio stations in Connecticut to becoming a full-time voice actor and respected coach. We'll explore the evolution of media, the realities of creative reinvention, and why finding your authentic voice, literally and figuratively, matters more than ever.In This Episode:The grit and heart behind building a voiceover career from scratchHow rejection can fuel resilience instead of fearWhy authenticity beats perfection every single timeThe parallels between gaming, storytelling, and self-discoveryThis episode is sponsored by:Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)Bio:Gina Scarpa is an accomplished professional voiceover artist and coach. She is currently available to appear as a guest on podcasts and can speak on a number of engaging topics. With a wide array of interests, Gina is a great podcast guest for a variety of programs.Gina has spent decades in radio broadcasting and voice acting. She is proud to have voiced national TV and radio commercials. Additionally, Gina has voiced video games and corporate content for some of the biggest brands in the country. Some of Gina's happy clients include VistaPrint, Burger King, Xfinity, L'Oreal, and Invesco. Gina also has a passion for both voicing and playing video games. She is a competitive gamer and is accomplished in Valorant, League of Legends, and other competitive games.Before taking her VO career full-time, Gina spent many years as an on-air radio DJ. She has also worked as a reality television journalist. As a potential podcast guest, she is able to speak on many topics that may grow your audience. With humor and warmth, she would be a good fit for your list of interested guests.Gina is also an award-winning teacher and director. She was named the 2019 ACE Educator of the Year by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County in CT. She is also the founder, owner, and Creative Director of Positive Voices Studio. This program provides coaching and educational programming for children, teens, and rising adult voice actors.Website: https://ginascarpa.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginascarpa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginascarpa/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!
Dr. Nupsie-flore Exantus moved from Haiti to the United States when she was in 6th grade at the age of 11. It was a cold Christmas Day when she arrived to join her two older sisters who were here prior to her arrival. The only English she knew was how to say was “Good Morning.” She was quickly enrolled into a new arrivals program at school and had many immigrant friends. She purposely immersed herself in learning English trying hard not to fall into speaking Creole thinking it would set her off track. She was connected to another Haitian student who was helpful and then met her mentor, Ms. Vialla, who she is still in contact with and impacted by to this day. She speaks openly and honestly about trying to find her way in a new place, often feeling lost. Dr. Exantus is a UCONN alum but didn't stay with her original plan of study to be an engineer. She felt it would be a difficult road as a black female and although her brother is an engineer and her 4 sisters are all nurses, she chose her own path focusing on social work. Now, as a doctor of Social Work, she is the Director of Middle School Programs at REACH Prep, a transformative educational program for high-achieving, yet underserved, children of color from 5th grade through college. She works diligently to transform their learning experience while providing essential support to the entire family. Additionally, she is the proud founder of Heart & Purpose, a nonprofit program that promotes education and economic empowerment for students from marginalized communities. Their focus is on young girls in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, as well as young females of color in lower Fairfield County and Westchester County, New York. Listening to her story while thinking about how her impact is affecting a new generation of young black females is nothing short of eye opening and breathtaking.
UI will not be allowed to put taller monopoles in Fairfield County. The governors of New York and Connecticut launch a public health alliance. New York AG Letitia James vows to defend herself over mortgage fraud allegations. Plus, the first ever Latina Rockette shares her story in a new book, and she speaks to WSHU.
Frank sits down with Graveyard from Distance Nerding to revisit the cult favorite Trick 'r Treat. They unpack the film's comic-book anthology structure, Michael Dougherty's direction, how lighting and practical effects sell the Halloween vibe, and why “respecting the rules” is the movie's secret engine. The conversation widens into horror's ebb-and-flow trends, gateway recommendations, and a peek at Graveyard's current indie film projects. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Intro and guest setup 00:10 First watch reactions and why this pick works 02:03 Two-minute plot challenge and interwoven stories overview 04:10 Rewatch factor and Halloween traditions 06:09 Nonlinear storytelling and comic-book anthology DNA 07:56 Michael Dougherty's vision, pacing, and writing credits 09:17 Warm candlelight, menace, and classic horror lighting tricks 10:04 Practical effects vs CGI, werewolf transforms, and Sam's design 12:11 Should Sam's mask ever come off and why he feels like the watcher 14:14 Favorite character: Principal Steven and the vampire misdirect 15:47 Mr. Kreeg, justice by “the rules,” and that doorbell payoff 18:35 Rhonda, lit pumpkins, and surviving by respecting tradition 19:41 Sam as the embodiment of Halloween and who can “see” him 21:21 Horror in the household and YA horror for younger fans 22:52 Family horror traditions, Halloween and IT 24:01 Horror as a time capsule for taboos and fears 24:40 Vampires vs zombies discourse and trend cycles 26:26 Walking Dead as drama and genre fatigue 27:12 Theme spotlight: respect the past and know the why behind traditions 28:23 From overlooked release to cult classic in a torture-porn era 29:02 New French Extremity, Scream waves, and subgenre swings 30:12 Prestige horror, supernatural return, and James Wan's run 31:20 Great directors who cut their teeth on horror 32:34 Daylight horror shoutout to Midsommar 33:47 What to watch next: Krampus, Creepshow, and hidden gem The Burning 36:16 Distance Nerding's The Build, Conversations in the Void, and Mostly Pod at Night Mostly 40:43 Indie projects: Fairfield County, Night Terrors, a werewolf short, and Decades of Horror 42:46 Wrap and how to connect Key Takeaways Trick 'r Treat works because the anthology threads actively interlock, rewarding attention without feeling like separate shorts. The “rules of Halloween” aren't window dressing. They're story fuel that decide who lives, who dies, and why. Lighting sells the tone shift. Warm, cozy frames flip to dread in an instant. Practical effects age better than quick-hit CGI, especially for werewolves and Sam. The movie's cult rise tracks with broader horror cycles moving from torture-focused trends to craft-first “prestige” horror. Horror often mirrors the fears and taboos of its moment, which is why the genre keeps evolving and resurfacing. Want more in this vein? Krampus keeps Dougherty's dark humor, while Creepshow nails the comic-panel anthology spirit. Quotes “He is the embodiment of Halloween. Sam.” — Graveyard “The nonlinear works great because it feels like a comic book adaptation.” — Graveyard “Respect the traditions of the past. If you don't know them, learn them.” — Graveyard “Walking Dead is a drama that happens to have some zombies on it.” — Graveyard “There are so many shots I'm looking for more than I would in a normal movie.” — Frank Call to Action Enjoyed the episode? Follow and rate the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, drop a short review, and share this one with a friend using #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Links and Resources GeekFreaksPodcast.com — our home base and the source of all news discussed during our podcast Distance Nerding shows mentioned: The Build, Mostly Pod at Night Mostly, Conversations in the Void Follow Us Instagram: @challengeacceptedlive TikTok: @challengeacceptedlive Twitter: @CAPodcastLive Email: challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com Listener Questions Send your questions, hot takes, or future topics to challengeacceptedgfx@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram or Twitter. We'll feature our favorites in upcoming episodes. Apple Podcast Tags: Trick r Treat, Michael Dougherty, Anthology Horror, Sam, Halloween, Practical Effects, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Brian Cox, Cult Classics, Horror Movie Discussion, Distance Nerding, Challenge Accepted Podcast
The transgender community has struggled to receive recognition and equality. In this episode, we explore the history of the transgender community over the last 100 years with Dr. Susan Stryker and the life of Dr. Alan L. Hart, a transgender medical doctor working on the forefront of an urgent public health crisis, tuberculosis, in Connecticut. Hart, Director of Connecticut's Office of TB Rehabilitation, is credited with saving countless lives. My guest is Dr. Susan Stryker, author of Transgender History, the Root of Today's Revolution, published in 2017. Transgender History, Third Edition: A Resource for Today's Struggle-and Tomorrow's will be published in Febuary, 2026. Dr. Susan Stryker holds a distinguished visiting appointment at Stanford's Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University, and is Professor Emerita of Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies at the University of Arizona, where she directed the Institute for LGBT Studies for many years. She is the author or editor of numerous articles, books and anthologies. A collection of previously published short works, When Monsters Speak: A Susan Stryker Reader, was published by Duke University Press in 2024. She is also an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker for Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria. In the documentary, you'll meet Dr. Stryker and some of the transgender women and drag queens who fought police harassment at Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco's Tenderloin in 1966 three years before the famous riot at Stonewall Inn bar in New York City. You'll find the documentary on Amazon Prime. To contact Dr. Stryker, visit her website at www.susanstryker.net/about For more information on Dr. Alan L. Hart, go to these resources: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trailblazing-transgender-doctor-saved-countless-lives/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12328259/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272831386_Manifesting_Manhood_Dr_Alan_Hart's_Transformation_and_the_Embodiment_of_Sex_in_Early_Twentieth-Century_Sexology https://college.lclark.edu/live/news/43320-from-the-archives-dr-alan-hart West Hartford Pride West Hartford Pride supports, celebrates, and uplifts the LGBTQAI+ Community by providing resources, events, education, and social justice initiatives. Find out more about visiting their website at westhartfordpride.org Preservatlon Connecticut LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Survey Preservation Connecticut, in partnership with scholars and activists, has embarked on documenting Connecticut's LGBTQ+ sites. Interwoven through these places are stories of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of equality that transcend the traditional boundaries of class, race, ethnicity, and religion. If you're interested in learning more or contributing to this survey project, please visit www.preservationct.org/lgbtq. Grating the Nutmeg Three-part LGBTQ+ Series 2025 Connecticut Explored magazine and our podcast, Grating the Nutmeg, have featured many of the heritage trails that mark the important histories and sites of Connecticut's people. Preservation Connecticut has undertaken a survey of LGBTQ+ heritage sites across the state. Now, Grating the Nutmeg and Preservation Connecticut have teamed up to bring you a three-episode podcast series that pairs new research on LGBTQ+ identity and activism with accounts of the Connecticut places where history was made. The episodes include a thriving vegetarian cafe-bookstore run by lesbian feminists in a working-class former factory town, Episode 212, a transgender medical researcher working on an urgent public health issue in the center of Connecticut politics, Episode 219, and a gay, Jewish, best-selling children's book author in affluent Fairfield County, Episode 215. Connecticut Humanites The 2025 LGBTQ+ Three-part series received grant support from CT Humanities, connecting people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and public programs. Visit our website to learn about our funding opportunities and capacity building grants. https://cthumanities.org/ ------------------------------------------ Like Grating the Nutmeg? Want to support it? Make a donation! 100% of the funds from your donation go directly to the production and promotion of the show. Go to ctexplored.org to send your donation now. secure.qgiv.com/for/gratingthenutmeg This episode of Grating the Nutmeg was produced by Mary Donohue and engineered by Patrick O'Sullivan at www.highwattagemedia.com/ Follow GTN on our socials-Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky. Follow executive producer Mary Donohue on Facebook and Instagram at West Hartford Town Historian. Join us in two weeks for our next episode of Grating the Nutmeg, the podcast of Connecticut history. Thank you for listening!